The Words in My Head....

Hmmm...

2012-02-09T22:56:00.000-05:00

It has been a while since I've written anything here...

And even longer since I have written about my latest food attempt.

Since the last time I've been here, my two favorite characters have not let me forget that they have made a home in my heart and mind. I'm either thinking about how to make my second book better or how to humanize them even more. Or is that even possible?

Tonight, I decided to try making a spinach lasagna with a cream sauce. On and off for the past few months, I have been craving it. As usual, I cheated a little when I used carrot matchsticks instead of shredded. Then accidentally forgot a layer of lasagna noodles. All in all though? It turned out great and I'll be making this again.

Now to finish the week!

Tyranny is No Match for Liberty

2012-01-24T23:13:00.000-05:00

As I watched the President Obama's State of the Union Speech tonight, I kept getting chills for several reasons. I mean, the speech was amazing. The entire speech seemed as though he was talking to the public, the common people who are now thinking about whether or not he is still serious about the job. From what I saw and heard, he is. He wants to hold the banks and lenders responsible for their actions, hold the auto industry to a higher standard since the bailout years ago and remind the American people as well as the rest of the world that this country is still strong.

I love that he touched on a lot of the major issues that are and will probably always be on the minds of the American people. Education, jobs, JOBS, government spending, Jobs and energy. He wants it to be mandatory for students to remain in school until they graduate or reach 18, for teachers to be rewarded for their work, for universities to be held accountable for their raising tuition rates that are making it hard for students to continue their education. For community colleges to be in a better position to train and educate people as they retrain for new careers. Each point would lead into the job market and growth. Keeping jobs in the States and rewarding companies who bring jobs back or to the States.

How energy needs to be another big concern...

Now that this "war on terrorism" is over, let's spend that money on repaying the debt... That would be nice. Maybe when that's done, it could free up funds for research for alternative energy sources, education and other possibilities.

I loved that he called out everyone...not just Republicans or Democrats, but everyone. Even people on his team. In order to do what needs to be done, the party lines need to be forgotten. He told the Republicans that they may not like what he's doing and that he could still get the job done. That it would just be easier with their help. In layman terms, "I really don't need you." (ha!)

One of my favorite lines was said towards the end when he says, "No one built this country on their own. This Nation is great because we built it together."

Were there flaws in his speech? Probably, but he answered the People's many questions. Yeah, he pointed fingers, but he also made it a point to include himself in that as well as suggest possible solutions.

This country still has a long way to go, but maybe, just maybe, he could be the right person to get us there.

Even the Little People Matter...

2012-01-13T21:03:00.000-05:00

I tend to forget the different opinions of the President. Maybe its because most of the friends and family are like me and see him as a breath of fresh air since he is so normal, I guess. Some people don't and that's okay. That's how this country was founded and I love that. I was reminded of what made me a fan when I saw this picture. I think you'll agree no matter your political views.

Have a great weekend!

First Weekend Thoughts of 2012

2012-01-08T00:48:00.000-05:00

As the first week of 2012 comes to a close, I finally got a chance to think about my goals, not resolutions, for 2012. There are a few things that I would really love to do that I have more or less slacked on in the past.

Put myself first and consider re-evaluating my list of "friends". If that means making cuts, then so be it. I just don't understand why I should be the one putting in the effort to hold the so called friendship together when they aren't. Also, knowing when to say no to obligations when I'm not feeling 100% with my friends and family or need some 'me time'.
I said this last year, but I need to put more effort into my writing and so far, I feel that I have. Right now, I am sitting on 2 books, a short story and a desire to do what needs to be done. I feel like if a former coworker can write a book and have it published, so can I! Once this is done, I feel like MAYBE the people closest to me will take my love for writing a little more seriously. (You know who you are.)
Become the person that the people that I care about can be proud of. Last year, my moods were all over the place. I think part of it was because for a third of last year was so unstable and for the rest of year, I didn't know where I stood with with the people around me.

So far, I have gotten my second book where I want it and am not patiently waiting to hear back about my first book. (I gotta admit, I wish I had been able to submit the second book. I liked the first book, but love the second.) I've rewritten the ending and am still pacing back and forth about whether or not I should keep it. KT Mac probably thinks I'm crazy with my rambling emails, but that's okay!

I'm sure you're thinking that I'm being selfish with my goals, but I feel like its necessary. I love the people that I have around me, but I feel like if I'm going to stay sane and achieve my goals, it has to happen and will later benefit the people around me.

To 2012:

BRING IT!

Last thoughts of 2011...

2011-12-31T11:34:00.000-05:00

As I was waking up this morning, thinking about the events of last night, it finally hit me that after tonight, this year is over. That we will be welcoming 2012. Maybe it's just me, but that's kind of crazy.

Anyway, I got to thinking about how this year changed my perspective on life and the world around me.

A year ago, I was mourning the loss of a great job and would soon find out what it meant to unemployed. How my amazing family and friends refused to let me get discouraged when I thought that I would never find a job. I have an even deeper love and appreciation for each and every one of them.
How, in those four and half months, I was able to finish writing the first draft of my second book. (And haven't stopped writing.)
After saying over and over that I would never work for a government entity again, but did when I got a job with Meridian Township and somehow finding a new quirky work "family".
Being able to go on two trips when many people couldn't afford to take one.
Being healthy

As we welcome in the new year, don't forget about all the lessons, rises and falls of 2011 and remember how those moments have changed your life for the better.

Carrying with you the good....

As I get ready for my day, I leave you with the words of William Arthur Ward:

Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

Have a Safe and Happy New Year!

Saturday Musing Part 2

2011-12-18T01:16:00.002-05:00

Assuming people really are reading this, here is part 2 of my random musings. As always, let me know what you think or if I've gone off the deep end with this. No pun intended!

On Christmas morning a week later, Miles was on his way to pick Devyn’s so that they could head over to him parent’s for Christmas dinner. Only after being reminded by his mom a dozen times while he was getting ready this morning. In the months since they became partners, they had become inseparable and his family had claimed her as one of their own. His sister, Keisha, looked up to her as an older sister that she never had and went to Devyn when she needed some advice, almost making him feel a little jealous. Being that his partner had no family to call her own, he was more than okay with being jealous than her having no one, he thought as he pulled his car to a stop in front of her building and walked up to her door to ring the doorbell.

Moments later, he was climbing up the stairs to her loft, where the door was already unlocked. “Hey, Devyn! You need to stop doing this,” he yelled as he locked the door behind him and walked toward the kitchen, where he could hear her rustling around.

“It’s not like I didn’t know you were coming up. Grab that towel,” she replied as she covered up a pan of cheesecake.

Tossing one over to her, he spied a semi empty bowl of mix on the counter next to him. Snagging a bit with his finger, he could already see her glaring at him. “That’s beside the point.”

A hand on her hip was added to the glare.

“What?”

“Finish covering these up so I can change before we leave,” she ordered as she wiped her hands off, tossing the towel back at him and walked out of the kitchen. Before he could cut into the pie that she intended on leaving here, Devyn poked her head back into the room and said, “Don’t even think about it, Miles Jackson!”

Damn, he thought as he began getting ready to load the pans into his car. Twenty minutes later, they were on their way to his parents house in the suburbs of Chicago.

“What time is everyone else supposed to be there?” she asked as he drove.

“Mom told them four o’clock, but she wants to exchange gifts with the immediate family before everyone gets there.”

“I really could have driven there myself so that you could have some time alone with your family.”

“She made it a point to make sure you were there early and Sandra Jackson…” he started before she interrupted.

“Doesn't take no for an answer,” she finished with a smile and shook her head.

“You’re starting to catch on,” he joked as he maneuvered around the car in front of them.

“I just figured I could talk you out of it after my unsuccessful attempts with her this morning.”

He snorted. “If that had happened, let’s just say that you would have to look for you a new partner, because she would have killed me!”

“And I don’t doubt it.”

The partners made small talk for the rest of the trip. A short while later, he pulled into the driveway and parked behind his sister’s Civic and started carrying stuff into the house. As soon as their arms free, they were passed around for hugs. ‘Merry Christmas’ wishes flooded the front room and from that moment on, he was home. As the family made themselves comfortable in the living room where the tree was, he looked over at Devyn, who was sitting next to him, and couldn’t believe how happy she looked. His mom handed the three of them their gifts and sat down next to his dad as they watched them tear through the wrapping paper.

Inside all three were medium sized boxes which held framed photographs of the three of them together, various gift cards with additional gifts that were unique to each of them. They said their thanks before continuing the gift exchange.

By the time dinner had ended, the last of the wine had been drank, stories had been told and guests had said their goodbyes, Devyn and the Jackson family retired to the living room, where the fireplace was going. Miles fell asleep in front of the fire with Keisha lying a short distance away watching The Christmas Story with heavy lids, as their parents watched over them from their seats on the couch. Curled up in a nearby chair, wrapped up in a blanket, a warm feeling swept over her as she looked around the room. A room that was filled with her best friend and his family that had welcomed her with open arms. The warm feeling was not from the roaring fire or the blanket around her, but the feeling that she had finally found something she had been looking for since the loss of her parents.

At last, she had found where she belonged and was home.

Are you still with me?

Saturday Musing

2011-12-18T01:07:00.002-05:00

I love that inspiration for a new idea, no matter what it is, can strike at any moment, whether you're ready or not. Today being no different. As I was getting ready for an appointment, for which I was already running late for, this afternoon, an idea hit me. What if I took a scene that I only hinted at in my second book and elaborate on it, using somewhat of a Christmas theme. I wonder if the idea of doing this started when I was at dinner with a friend of mine last night while she and I were talking about my second book and whether I had posted any chapters on here.

Anyways, in a scene, a friend of the duo thought about a case when the partners jumped into the icy waters of Lake Michigan to pull a victim to safety as well as a lifeless body. So what if I used this to show the importance of family and belonging around the holidays? Let's just say getting some of the ideas on paper before I left my apartment was so worth being late for my appointment was so worth it. Here is part 1. Tell me what you think of it...

Seeing Melisa Vandorn, the victim, trying to keep herself above the tireless waves, Devyn tore off her holster and badge and tossed her phone along with other items in her pockets on to the ground, telling Miles and the paramedics to stand by. Pausing only to catch her breath at the edge, Devyn jumped in feet first. As soon as the freezing water washed over her, her mind went blank. Nothing in the world could have prepared her for the icy teeth that clung to her clothing and exposed skin. Before long, Melisa’s screams for help cut through the numbness and she remembered why she was there. Swimming over to her, Devyn tried to grab her sweatshirt to drag her to the edge and have her pulled up. To her surprise, the young woman grabbed Devyn’s head and dragged them both under the freezing tide. What felt like hours later, Devyn wrestled her way to the surface and took a deep breath while coughing up water as she kept a death grip on Melisa’s arm to keep her close. Her head was swimming and had missed Miles, Jackson, her partner, jump into the water behind her.

“Devyn!” he yelled, not quite getting her attention. After tugging the sleeve of her jacket and calling her name a few more times, she finally looked over to him.

Teeth chattering, she ordered, “Get her out of here and I’ll grab the other body.” Before he could argue, she pushed the woman toward him and swam to where she had last seen the body. Finding it moments later, she dragged it behind her as she made her way to the cement edge where Trey and a paramedic struggled to pull her out of the water after the body, before pulling Miles up.

She watched as the victim was loaded into the first ambulance and rushed to the nearest hospital as the other set of paramedics attempted to warm up the partners before taking them to the hospital. Through her hazy state, Devyn had heard Trey say that he would take of the scene. Before she knew it, the ambulance doors were being thrown open, gibberish being recited and lights shining in her eyes as she was rolled into the building. Finally her body gave into the fatigue and closed her eyes, falling into somewhat of a peaceful sleep.

When she came to, the beeping noise from the surrounding machines echoed in her ears and every inch of her hurt. A moan in somewhere in the room cut through the beeping, forcing her to open her eyes to see Trey and Renee sitting on either side of her bed. Closing her eyes again, she could hear two additional distinct but familiar voices in the room as well that belonged to Malcolm and Sandra Jackson, which meant her partner was lying in the other bed across the room. The blankets rubbed her sensitive skin, causing her to groan and squeeze her eyes shut in pain.

“She’s awake,” she heard Renee say. “How are you feeling?”

“Cold, tired and regretting that I jumped in that water,” Devyn finally replied and opened her eyes again to look around the room. “How is Melisa?”

“She’s fine. The nurse said she was asking about you when she woke up,” Trey told her as he moved closer. “Do you remember anything?”

“Yeah, I do,” she replied. “What are the doctors saying?”

“You and your stubborn partner have mild hypothermia and need to stick around here for another day or so for observation,” Renee explained. “I swear you two need to calm down with these daredevil stunts.”

“I couldn’t agree more, Renee,” Sandra said from her seat.

“Hey, that was all her this time,” Miles grumbled.

“Yeah, but you followed her,” his dad argued before the room fell silent again.

“Where’s dinner going to be, Mrs. Jackson?” Renee finally asked after a while.

“Our house and if you aren’t going to visit your folks, then you’re all more than welcome,” the older woman replied. “Devyn, you’re required to be there.”

A small smile appeared as she replied, “Yes, ma’am.”

“Good,” was his dad’s reply. “For now, you both need to get better.”

“We hear ya,” Miles said. Devyn didn’t have to see him to know that he was flashing his parents a grin.

Two days later, they were released from the hospital, with a warning that if they didn’t feel right to come back.

Part 2 will be up momentarily....

Have I totally lost my mind? Thoughts?????

Remember This Everyday...

2011-12-12T22:14:00.001-05:00

I had to borrow this from my sister's page...Thanks, Hill!

An Honest Moment

2011-12-02T23:02:00.006-05:00

***Look, I am going to be so honest right now. A tad bit more than I ever have and if you're not ready for it, then keep on moving. If not, keep reading.***

On my first Friday night at home in a while, I got a chance to watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, one of those shows that requires a box of Kleenex to get through it. Each episode tells a family's story and sometimes, it's one that anyone can relate to. Tonight's episode was one of those. This episode was one where a young boy committed suicide after being pushed over the edge by bullying. He was 11 years old...his life hadn't even started.

Instead of focusing solely on the lose of her son, his mother has traveled all over Massachusetts and to Washington DC to fight against bullying. Her oldest daughter is following in her footsteps, even as she starts her freshman year of college. Her sister battles depression from losing her nephew. I can't even imagine how they feel or what they're going through, but I spent the entire episode in tears.

Everyone that was on the show had been bullied at one point or another and I'm pretty sure you were.

I was.

The guests on this show included the Kardashian Sisters and Demi Lovato, a newer artist. Khloe tells the family that because she looked different, thicker and taller than her sisters, she was bullied while she was growing up. The sisters took the college freshman on a shopping spree...yeah, it was Sears, but it was the idea that they took care of her. Then they helped the show organize an event with Demi, who was also bullied, to promote anti-bullying.

I'm not going to lie and say that it didn't help shape me into becoming the person that I am, because it did. All for not being in the popular crowd and for being quiet or looking like everyone else. Unlike this poor child, I didn't give up and I'm fairly certain had they known, that my family and friends wouldn't have let me give up.

My point??

Bullying is a real problem....a deadly problem that is affecting the children around us. What's ridiculous is that it's usually over something as minor as looks, race, opinions, jealousy, anything. So let's think about how this affected us at one time and consider joining the fight against bullying.

I leave you with these words:

Some people won't be happy until they've pushed you to the ground. What you have to do is have the courage to stand your ground and not give them the time of day. Hold on to your power and never give it away.”
― Donna Schoenrock

Thursday Thought

2011-12-01T18:22:00.000-05:00

"Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together.

~ Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

As I was leaving Beaners, or should I say, Bigby, earlier this evening, an older woman who was with her daughter made it a point to hold the door open for me. Something as simple as this stuck with me for one simple reason. Not because some people are just like that, which I can understand, but because of the season we have officially entered into. Twenty days from now is Christmas.

I'm sure you're thinking "And....you're point being?"

I'm getting there.

This is the time of year when people are a little more patient with perfect strangers. It's the little things like holding the door open, that smile or nod hello, being a little extra generous with our change when we see the bell ringers outside of the stores. The list goes on, but I think you get my point. I have always wondered why we do this as adults. Is it because deep down inside, there is still a part of us that feels that maybe one of those deeds will make you look better in the eyes of others, like we did as children when we believed Santa was watching to make sure we were good. That the better we were, the better our gifts. In a way, it would make sense.

Or could it be that this is how we would like to be the other eleven months out of the year and that it is just a little more convenient or accepted during this time of year?

Regardless of the reason, I wish that this attitude would continue all 365 days of the year, rather than just the month of December.

Slight Dilemma

2011-11-29T19:51:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I have decided to FINALLY cut my hair. I mean, all but a few inches of it. Over the years, I have killed it with my horrible habits, so now its time to chop it off and start all over. So, here is the problem: I don't know what to do with it! I've found a few that could work, but I'm going to need an opinion or seven. Here is what I've found so far... (Ignore the faces)

Thoughts or suggestions?

My Chat With Sidney Poitier

2011-11-29T14:03:00.001-05:00

During my trip to Chicago a couple weeks ago, I found a copy of Sidney Poitier's 'The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Biography" tucked away in a corner. Considering everything I had heard and read about him, I knew this book would be worth my time. Within the first 20 pages, I felt that it should be called more than just a spiritual biography because as I read each page, I felt like he was sitting down at the table across from me, telling me his story; how he paved the way for oh, so many black actors and actresses that would later grace the stages and screens. More often than not, I found myself nodding, replying to his questions and agreeing with his various comments and statements.

Each chapter had parts in it that made me think and consider re-evaluating my life. Made me think about how truly blessed I was to live in the time that I do. I love that every time that he was told that he couldn't do something because of the color of his skin or his lack of experience, he gracefully proved the naysayers wrong. He would go down as the first black to win an Academy Award for a starring role.

His story proves that your past doesn't determine where you're going or who you are. It's your attitude and how you handle each situation. This man could have given up when the theater manager told him that he knew nothing about acting, when he was homeless and broke or when things got rough, but he didn't. Towards the end, he said that he didn't understand why prostate cancer took the life of his old friend in the 1990's, while his life was spared. He said this just after he said there were aspects of theater that he still had yet to do. As I read this, I think he was spared because he still had so much to do. He still had books to write, experience to share with the next generations and a life to finish living.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. It wasn't just a book of race, but one of determination and hope. Two qualities that everyone needs.

If I'm remembered for having done a few good things and if my presence here has sparked some good energies, that's plenty.

– Sidney Poitier

Tonight's Attempt

2011-10-26T20:59:00.001-04:00

Okay, I know it has been a while since I have posted a new recipe attempt on here. There was nothing stopping me other than the fact that I have been avoiding anything that included cooking with more than three ingredients or cereal...pure laziness. So I decided this week, I would make up for that. As I eat my newest attempt, I figured I may as well talk about it.

Fettuccine with Black Olive Pesto and Scallions

Okay, so first off, I was more than a little iffy about this one. So much that I made Alfredo sauce as a plan b. Shockingly, I didn't need it. Before this, I usually stayed away from jalapenos, but this is what added the kick that made an already good dish better. It also helps that it is one that doesn't take too long to make. The pesto consists of black olives and juice, thyme, chopped onion, parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar and, yes, olive oil. I cheated a little bit and used dried thyme, but I think it worked out. The only thing that I really skipped was the scallions...forgot to pick some up. Oops!

At the end of the day, this was has been added to my list of dishes to make again and believe me, that's saying something. Next time, the plan is to try it with a tomato mozzarella salad with vinaigrette dressing.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely!

I have long believed that good food, good eating is all about risk. Whether we’re talking about unpasteurized Stilton, raw oysters or working for organized crime ‘associates,’ food, for me, has always been an adventure.—–Anthony Bourdain

Functionally Dysfunctional

2011-10-17T19:16:00.001-04:00

Of all the posts that I started, but didn't post, this is the one that has been nagging at me the most. Maybe it's the fact that its a semi feel good post and sometimes, I just have to post one of these.

A week or two ago, one of my coworkers said to me one morning, "If you don't like the people that you work with, then maybe it's time for you to find another job. You will spend more time with them than anyone else, including your significant other."

Wow! He couldn't be more right. We spend about 45 hours a week at work, whether we like it or not and in order to get through the week, we have to deal with each other. These are the people who often see almost every side of you and at the end of the day, become like a family. You may fight it with all your might, but it's true. I speak my first words of the day to them, vent my frustrations, swap shortened versions of stories, laugh with them. These people have seen me knocked out in the break room when I am so tired that I can't keep my eyes open during lunch. They are the ones who have to deal with me BEFORE I have any food or caffeine in my system. Brave souls, I say.

In the six months that I have been with this place, I have come to like most, if not all, of my coworkers for various reasons. I wonder if the main reason is the fact that it is not overrun with drama, being that most of the people that I work with are men or insanely cool women. That if there is an issue, they call each other out on their crap, talk it out and move on. Or could it be that they just genuinely like each other. When I started, it's like I was accepted into the fold without question once I made it clear that I would let them do their jobs, be there for support and not add any unnecessary drama. Like any family, they want to find out what the have in common and see what they can include you in. Kickball, gun range, dinner and drinks after work, possible movie nights, debates, lunch, coffee runs...etc.

Last week, I found myself defending "my people" when someone from another division made a crack at them. Silly, but that's when I realized that I had claimed them as my own. I have no idea when that happened, but I really don't see the point in fighting it.

Of course, each person has their quirks that drive the other people crazy. Lack of communication, forcing others to pick up the slack when they decide not to do the work or show up, moodiness. These things happen, but what family doesn't have to deal with this?

At the end of the day, it's what brings them closer.

At the end of the day, they have each other's backs.

It's what makes them a functionally dysfunctional family and I consider myself lucky to be included.

Monday Randoms

2011-10-17T18:35:00.000-04:00

In the past week or two, I have started a few different blog posts, thinking that I would post them later. As you can see none of them have made it on here unfortunately. So here is a quick update on the life of Shareece:

Decided to visit Chicago next month during the long weekend, thanks to Veterans Day
Read an article about men pole dancing for sport. Yes, you read that right....pole dancing! These guys now have their own competitions now. Like most people, I find this just a little disturbing.
I'm thinking that my mini writing break may be over. After Thanksgiving, I'm thinking about taking a weekend, closing myself up in a room and work on my second book. We'll see how that goes.
I have totally slacked off on trying a new dish every week or so. Hell, I've slacked off on my no meat during the week rule for myself. Last week, I was terrible and now, it's time to get back on track
Slowly but surely, I've been taking more time for myself and I think that it's beginning to show with the people who call me impatient and find it hard to deal with me.

Out of all the blog posts that I started, but didn't pos

Hometown Rivalry

2011-10-13T09:51:00.000-04:00

While I was checking Facebook this morning, this caught my eye:

Working in an office near MSU full of UM fans, let's just say that I will not be passing this one around.

It just amazes me how far some people will take this rivalry. It's almost like a war. Homes are divided until the last second of the game. Feelings will be hurt. All over a freaking football game? To some, this may seem crazy, but to a sports fan, UM and MSU fans, its just how things go. A way of life.

With that said, I say:

GO STATE!

Diverse Upbringing

2011-10-03T19:42:00.000-04:00

Great achievements are not born from a single vision but from the combination of many distinctive viewpoints. Diversity challenges assumptions, opens minds, and unlocks our potential to solve any problems we may face. -- Unknown

Last weekend, my family and I went to the Apple Festival at Wolcott Cider Mill and Winery. We have gone almost every year since we moved back to Michigan in the early '90's. Over the years, it has really expanded (the winery was added in the last few years) and the crowds have gotten larger. For my family, it has become a yearly tradition that we have all come to enjoy.

While we were sitting in the barn area eating donuts and got to talking about how more often than not, we would visit museums and aquarium's when traveling or in the cities around us and go to festivals like this one. It was just how Mom and Dad raised us, despite the fact that they weren't. When we were little, they would just put us in a car and they would find things to do just because they wanted to and now that all of us are older, its like second nature. We never felt like it was forced upon us, but how things are supposed to go. Maybe this is why we are all as tolerant of different cultures and people.

A good example of this is during the conversation, a country song came on that I knew and had recently downloaded and I started singing along with it, while still listening to the conversation. Jay stopped the conversation and asked, "Are you seriously singing this song?" They all know that I will listen to anything if it sounds good. Mom just said that it's just like what we are talking about, how you have to be open to anything. Music included.

In today's world, I feel like is it an advantage to have a diverse upbringing where almost anything is tolerated and is almost necessary. Even more so as a minority, whether it be racial, gender, whatever. As I look back, I love that I was raised this way and know that if I ever had a family, I would continue this way of thinking and set the same example that my parents did.

2011-09-30T21:10:00.000-04:00

A little while ago, I submitted my book for the second time since I started this blog. As soon as I hit submit, I've got to say, I was anything but relieved. Self doubt had poked it horrid little head as I watched the the confirmation page pop up.

What if they hate it and say no?

What if they say yes?

What do I do then?

Wait...STOP! This means that I have taken a huge step in the writing process.

Did I know that there would be moments of self doubt along the way? Of course I did and that's all this is.

Now, I feel like this is just a step in the right direction. Now, the search is on for me to look for other publishers who are accepting work from new writers. It's time! Marie Curie seems to put it the best:

“We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something. ”

Now that that's done, at least for the next week or so, I need to get back to my attempt to cut out meat and trying different dishes.

Earlier this week, I did make 4 cheese baked ziti and have decided to make it again soon. I think what I really liked about this was how easy it was and being that I am barely ever home, this is perfect for my type of lifestyle. I'll admit that I did cheat. The recipe asked for few different white cheeses, but I used an Italian mix, which had all three mixed in. I think it worked out well. I am not entirely sure I would use half and half that it called for again, mainly because of the loud milky smell that I could almost do without. I did like the kick that the red pepper added though.

Thumbs up in my book!

Have a great weekend!

What is wrong with me?!

2011-09-19T19:02:00.000-04:00

Last year, I said that my goal for 2011 was to resubmit my first book. Guess who has yet to do so? Yeah, that would be me. Last night, or should I say this morning, I couldn't sleep, so I started going through to see who I could send my work to and came across one of the publishers who I had looked into earlier. They only accept manuscripts 3 times a year. Yes, you read that right. September is the last time they will accept anything until next year. Being that it is September 19th, I need to get my act together and get that out before next Friday!

I just can't believe that I forgot something as important as that. Time to get back to work!

Enjoy the rest of your dreary Monday.

Same Words, Different Voice

2011-09-19T14:16:00.001-04:00

While I was getting ready for work this morning, the article about MI's new governor pushing for a healthier Michigan popped in my head and like I had when I read the article last week, I shook my head. Careful not to drop the scorching hot curling iron on myself, mind you. I shake my head at everything and everyone, but this was a little different. This was a "Are you freaking kidding me?" kind of head shake. People who know me know which one I'm talking about.

Let me just say this: I hate politics because most of these people in office are really in it for the name recognition and perks, rather than representing the people who elected them or to make the changes that they claimed that they would fight for when they were elected. Mind you, I said "most" not all, because there are some who really do want to make a difference and those are the ones who I have some serious respect for. I mean, I worked for one for over five years.

Back to the point here.

So, in this article, Governor Snyder was speaking at an event in Grand Rapids last week about making it so that Michigan was healthier and how the state needs to pay more attention to what we are feeding the children. How Michigan is the 8th in the nation as far as obesity problems. Then he turns around and announces to the crowd that he needs to lose a few pounds himself since he is considered overweight.

Raising hand

If I remember correctly, Governor Granholm, his predecessor, tried to push the same thing while she was in office. She tried to lead by example by biking to work, running across the Mackinac Bridge with the citizens of this state every year, promoting a healthier lifestyle, but yet, this was ignored. Oh, but let this new governor say the same thing and it's okay. It is accepted. I guess I don't quite understand the difference.

Could it be that it is easier for people to listen to the same message a second time by a different voice or by someone who will be going through the same struggles as the public?

Where Did The Time Go?

2011-09-16T13:30:00.000-04:00

Wow...it's almost Fall. Oh my goodness, it's almost FALL!!! Why am I so excited about this you ask? Well, it mean a couple things. Time for donuts and cider as well as Fall season premiere's. It seems like just last week, we were watching Castle scrambling to knock Beckett out of the way before she was shot and telling her that he was in love with her as she was fading. That Bones told Booth that she was pregnant with their child. That JJ came back to the BAU on Criminal Minds after being shown the door at the beginning of the season. That H and Natalia were nearly killed in the season finale on CSI:Miami.

I mean, I could go on, but I won't. Can you tell I am super excited about these shows? Well, until I get to the fact that Bones doesn't come back on until November 3rd, but even that could be worse.

The only thing that I am a little antsy about is the NBA season. This time of year, we, the fans, should be watching as the teams get ready for the preseason, finalize the rosters and so on. Instead, we are watching as the players union and the owners battle back and forth about money. Whatever happened to playing for the love of the game while being paid in the 5,6 figures? This way of thinking has been the cause of a lot of issues in this league and is now starting to trickle into the NCAA. I understand that playing professionally can be stressful and take a toll on their bodies, but come on! Stop playing around, get the work done so that there is a season!

With the cool weather coming up, it means staying closer to home or near the fireplace at the library...meaning that I will be catching up on some writing. Not just keeping up with this, but some serious, "work on my book" writing.

Stay warm, friends!

Where were you?

2011-09-11T21:20:00.003-04:00

On my way home a few nights, I was thinking about the fact that 9/11 was only a few days away. I think that day will always hold some type of place in my heart, as well as others, due to the blow that was dealt when those planes were hijacked and slammed into the twin towers, the Pentagon building and a field in Pennsylvania. The United States was not prepared for this type of attack, but did its best to bounce back. Hundreds were killed, while hundreds more are still waiting to be identified. This day reminded our young nation that we were not invincible.

This day also did two things: It brought the people together while alienating and discriminating the Arab American population for being who they were. It forced us to open our eyes in one area and step back in how we treated each other in another. Is that fair? Absolutely not, especially when Arab Americans were victims like anyone else that day.

I remember when it happened, I was getting ready to walk into my third hour class during my senior year of high school, almost every teacher had their televisions turned onto the news to watch replays of the planes crashing into the Twin Towers and hearing students talk about how they had a loved one who worked one of the towers that were shown collapsing on the screen. Not knowing anyone in either tower, and later the Pentagon and Pennsylvania, my prayers still went out to the people who were there and the families who would never see their loved ones again, due to this tragedy.

A few years ago, I was in Washington DC visiting KT Mac and we went to the Pentagon's 9/11 Memorial and I couldn't help by get a little choked up when I saw where the building had been rebuilt after that day. Seeing the memorial made things a little more real to me, maybe because to see it on television and the news was one thing, but to see it in person was totally different. Seeing the names and ages throughout the memorial was something that no one should ever have to see, but I have to admit that it was so beautifully done.

Ten years ago, this nation was attacked out of hatred, pulled into an unnecessary war and lashed out at its own citizens who just happened to look like their attackers. At the same time, our beautiful nation came together and supported those families who lost (or nearly lost) a loved one, gave props to the heroes (policemen, firemen, and common folk who thought about more than themselves) that day and continues to try to move on, never forgetting.

Before I call it quits, I am going to leave you with a beautiful poem that Billy Collins wrote in memory of this tragic day called "The Names".

Yesterday, I lay awake in the palm of the night.
A soft rain stole in, unhelped by any breeze,
And when I saw the silver glaze on the windows,
I started with A, with Ackerman, as it happened,
Then Baxter and Calabro,
Davis and Eberling, names falling into place
As droplets fell through the dark.
Names printed on the ceiling of the night.
Names slipping around a watery bend.
Twenty-six willows on the banks of a stream.
In the morning, I walked out barefoot
Among thousands of flowers
Heavy with dew like the eyes of tears,
And each had a name --
Fiori inscribed on a yellow petal
Then Gonzalez and Han, Ishikawa and Jenkins.
Names written in the air
And stitched into the cloth of the day.
A name under a photograph taped to a mailbox.
Monogram on a torn shirt,
I see you spelled out on storefront windows
And on the bright unfurled awnings of this city.
I say the syllables as I turn a corner --
Kelly and Lee,
Medina, Nardella, and O'Connor.
When I peer into the woods,
I see a thick tangle where letters are hidden
As in a puzzle concocted for children.
Parker and Quigley in the twigs of an ash,
Rizzo, Schubert, Torres, and Upton,
Secrets in the boughs of an ancient maple.
Names written in the pale sky.
Names rising in the updraft amid buildings.
Names silent in stone
Or cried out behind a door.
Names blown over the earth and out to sea.
In the evening -- weakening light, the last swallows.
A boy on a lake lifts his oars.
A woman by a window puts a match to a candle,
And the names are outlined on the rose clouds --
Vanacore and Wallace,
(let X stand, if it can, for the ones unfound)
Then Young and Ziminsky, the final jolt of Z.
Names etched on the head of a pin.
One name spanning a bridge, another undergoing a tunnel.
A blue name needled into the skin.
Names of citizens, workers, mothers and fathers,
The bright-eyed daughter, the quick son.
Alphabet of names in a green field.
Names in the small tracks of birds.
Names lifted from a hat
Or balanced on the tip of the tongue.
Names wheeled into the dim warehouse of memory.
So many names, there is barely room on the walls of the heart.

So I ask this: Where were you on this tragic day?

On a sidenote: I have no idea why the first paragraph is highlighted. Have a great week!

A Friendly Thought

2011-09-01T18:43:00.001-04:00

You know, there was a time when I thought mixing friends from different circles was something that you just shouldn't do, mainly because you just never know if they will get along or not. After a few attempts at mixing these groups over the past few years have been somewhat of a success mainly because most of the people that I am friends with are similar to me in some way or another.

Last night, I met up for dinner and drinks with Randelle and Amy, to celebrate my birthday and had a blast. Let me give you a little background on these two. I have known Randelle since middle school and for the most part, we are pretty similar, including brothers who were the same age and similar family dynamics. I met Amy while working in the Governor's Office in 2005, but didn't become friends with her until Summer of 2006 when we found out that the glares were really 'I can't hear you's. Since then, she and I have become really good friends.

Back to the point...

Well, last night, talking to them was almost like talking to two other versions of myself and the fact that they got along as though they known each other forever was awesome. Maybe I feel this way because of the fact that these are two of the three friends that I would go to when I need a second, third or fourth opinion and who I can count on to call me out on my crap when I need it. I am a believer in the fact that your friends are a reflection of yourself because all I have to do is look at the people that I keep around me.

When we were getting ready to leave, Amy said, "I hate that not everyone showed up tonight." In response to this, I said, "Not really. The people that I really wanted to be here were here." Now that I think about it, we were missing one person: KT Mac.

After things finally quieted down last night, I realized that some people would consider them crazy to be friends with me, since I am not always the easiest person to get along with. I don't agree. I consider myself blessed to have them in my life, because, other than my family, they make me a better person.

Goodbye 26!

2011-08-30T23:48:00.000-04:00

“Maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had, and what you've learned from them, and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.” ~Unknown

In the final hours of 26, I can't help but wonder where the time went. It's like it was just yesterday I was back in the Appointments hoping to avoid telling my earliest birthday moment with my work family surrounding me in Jim's Office. I remember thinking how incredibly sad it was that this would be the last birthday memory with many of those people.

Is it possible that it has been eight months since I stood outside of the Romney Building with Amy and Jessica, saying our final goodbyes to the office? How I managed to finish writing my second book during those insanely long 4 1/2 months of unemployment or starting another job the day after Easter outside of the Governor's Office.

I have to admit that this year was a little different for me, but I find that maybe different and pushed a little out of my element is what I needed. Not all of it has been great or something that I would wish on someone else, but situations that will now make me think twice. Like driving after it has taken me more than an hour to scrape the snow and ice off my car after a horrible snow storm or watching what I say to the people around me, when I know for a fact that they won't take my jokes as jokes, but disrespect.

In the next year, I would like to make a few changes. Not really changing who I am, because that will never happen, but change how I do things. Like eating better, know when to keep my comments to myself or working on my patience with people even when all I want to do is tell them to go somewhere. Or putting a little more effort in my writing and posting on this more often.

I remember telling KT Mac that I wanted to stay 26 another year, but now that I think about it, I don't know what I was thinking. Well, other than the fact that 27 is another year closer to 30. Now, I think that I should consider 27 as year of new beginnings, a clean slate.

So, to my family, who put up with me day after day, good or bad, you are saints in my eyes. To my friends, there are days when I don't know what I would do without you and consider you a blessing.

Here's to 27!

Late Night Final Thoughts

2011-08-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

Tried my hand at felafel burgers tonight and goodness, let's just say that that attempt was a messy, slightly frustrating failure. My kitchen was a mess, with flour and mashed chickpeas all over the counter, but whatever. At the end of the day though, I'm okay with this. I tried it and may try again another time and do things a little differently, but for now, I will leave that one to the professionals. Ha!

I knew the basics of cooking before I started this whole thing, but this has been a serious test of skill and patience. This has also taught me to branch out a bit and try different recipes that I wouldn't normally.

Can I just say that I have never used as much olive oil as I have since I started this? I know its good for you and a better substitute than most, but wow!

Racial Tolerance

2011-08-29T22:20:00.001-04:00

Last week, I had dinner with a friend who I have known for...well, forever, and we got to talking about racial ignorance, a topic that I feel like we've talked about on and off for years. Coming from areas where various races are known to date and marry outside of their races, we have accepted the fact that judging a person by their appearance is unacceptable nowadays. Not that it ever should have been acceptable, but I guess that's some serious water under the bridge.

The reason why I bring this up is that we were talking about a former acquaintance of ours who was just plain ignorant and even more so when it came to race. She made a comment on how she would never date, much less marry, outside of her race, especially a white guy. Interesting. Someone at the table called her out on this, which I hate that I missed. Another incidence was shortly after the president was elected into office. She commented on how his victory was one that should only be celebrated by blacks, not whites or any other race. To this day, I disagree with every fiber of my being, because that is so far from the truth. I had gotten so fed up with her "white/black" comments at that point that I tore my attention from the NBA game that had been on at the time and told her, "The election was not about white and black, but about people wanting a change from what we had been dealing with for the past 8 years. That this was not just a victory for blacks, but for everyone, no matter the race or party." More had been said, but either way, as soon as I had finished talking, I turned back to the game in progress, leaving her shocked beyond belief that someone had called her out on her inappropriate and even inaccurate comments. By the way, she was also the same person who had not even voted in that election. So does that mean that she really had no right to celebrate this victory?

The point that I am trying to make is that for this world, country, state, city and even our families to survive is to realize that just because a person doesn't look like us, doesn't mean that they may not be going through the same things we are. That our intolerance for other cultures and races will hurt us more than help. I know that we have a long way to go and its not going to happen over night, but it's something to think about. I think Dr. King had it right.

Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Two Interesting Attempts

2011-08-26T23:48:00.000-04:00

Tonight, I tried the cucumber sandwich, which was a little different, but I am all for anything with avocado. This was the first time I dealt with pepperoncini and it is definitely an acquired taste. I have found that you will either love it or hate it, and I am on the "hate it" side. Even the smell even stays in your nose long after you close the jar or move the uneaten portion of the sandwich away. The cucumbers and lettuce added that needed crunch that this sandwich needed.

If you try this, I will make a couple suggestions.

Make sure you like pepperoncini. If so, good...if not, maybe substitute them with banana peppers.
The cream cheese may be a little much especially with the mashed avocado...I would consider leaving it out.

As with any recipe, tweek it to your liking. I think if I try this again, I would skip the wheat bread and try it in a pita because it can get a little messy.

Recommendation: Try it...it's a different taste and is actually kind of filling, not to mention healthy for you.

The second thing that I tried was olive oil, tomato, and basil pasta. This was pretty quick and easy dish, or should I say side dish, to throw together in the summer. I would suggest that if you try this to add a few more tomatoes that suggested and even a few more veggies, such as broccoli, cucumbers or whatever you might want. With just the tomatoes and basil, it wasn't too bad, but it wasn't quite enough. It tastes better cold, so this could be something that could be thrown together the night before and eaten for lunch the next day with, let's say, a cucumber sandwich.

Recommendation: It was okay, but I don't see why it came highly recommended in my recipe search. This is definitely one where winging it is a better way to go, rather than following the recipe.

Note: If you haven't already noticed, olive oil is a huge ingredient in both items, so....I really hope you like olive oil. It is better than using butter and if used in moderation, it is really good for you.

Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
Helps reduce blood pressure
Has shown beneficial effects on ulcers and gastritis
Eases or prevents diabetes
Lessens the severity of asthma or arthritis
Can possibly help in the prevention of colon cancer
Moisturizes skin and slows the aging process

Interesting, right?

Since I've started this, I have found that the most challenging part is sharing a meal with other people who don't think twice about eating meat. I am still looking for ways to share a meal with them without slipping back into my old habits now that I know that going back and forth like that isn't great for the stomach. (At least, not mine.)

Have a great weekend!

Let's Try Something New

2011-08-25T19:20:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, I decided to take, what some would consider, an almost drastic step and try out a semi vegetarian lifestyle. I wrote about this when I started, but deleted it because I was a little unsure about it. After a few weeks of trying out different things and seeing how I feel about it, I thought now would be a better time to write about it.

What made me decide to do this? Each year, my family participates in the church fast during the first 40 days of every year and usually the one thing that I give up is meat. After the 40 days are up, I usually cut down on the amount of meat (especially red meat) that I eat and usually don't miss it. I mean, yes, there are days when I am seriously craving a steak or something, but that's anyone who is raised with the idea that most meals are not complete with some kind of meat.

Like a lot of people who consider this lifestyle, I have done and am still doing plenty of research on this, trying to do it the right way. Am I giving up meat entirely? Absolutely not, but I am cutting down on my intake. In the time I have started, I have noticed that I don't crave meat the way I used to and when I do eat it, it's almost a treat. I have also noticed that if I overdo it, I have gotten sick. Who would have ever thought that something that most families were raised on could do this?

When I first told my parents that I was leaning toward trying this, the first thing they asked was how did I plan on getting my necessary nutrients, like protein. (This is after they asked if I was dieting.) Please know that this was one of the first few questions that I asked when I first started and have found that if you really pay attention to what you eat everyday, you can find it quite a few items, some that you really like, are good sources of it. And its not like you have to stick with just salads and vegetables, although, this is not a bad thing. There are various meat substitutes that are almost as good as the real thing and a lot of recipes that are geared toward people who want to branch out.

So far I have learned two things. Being a semi vegetarian has forced me to consider food that I wouldn't normally and have found that it's not so bad. Meat substitutes, such as Boca burgers and "chicken" sandwiches, which are soy products and a great source of protein, are almost as good as their meat counterparts. The different veggie companies have even shocked me with their combinations and their ability to make people, like me, want to try their products. The second thing being that, unlike a lot vegetarians, I cannot give up dairy or eggs. I get that they are animal products, but I'm giving up meat...isn't that enough?

There was a third thing that I have learned, but I have decided that it is soooo inappropriate for this blog and I'm sure you would think less of me.

As I start this, I have decided to share what I learn and the different recipes that I try on here, hoping that someone else can learn from any mistakes that I may make along the way or even try out the dishes that I may. Or even offer some words of advice.

So, here we go!

A Shift in the Music Universe

2011-08-21T00:05:00.001-04:00

Last week, while I was flipping through the channels, I caught a few minutes of a country music rocks concert thing on ABC while Jason Aldean was singing/rapping the "Dirt Road Anthem". A country singer trying to rap?! Or should I say a country singer trying to cross genres? Is that even allowed? 15 years ago, the rap and country communities would have had a fit, as would their listeners and they would almost be correct. But what about today?

I went on line to see if this was, in fact, a real song and found that he had went a step further and remade the song with rapper/actor, Ludacris, aka Chris Bridges, and had performed the song at the CMT Music Awards earlier this year. Has country music become a genre to which rap and r&b is now okay to collaborate with?

When "Over and Over" featuring Tim McGraw was released in 2004 on Nelly's "Suit" album, quite a few of Nelly's followers were shocked that he would even collaborate with a popular country singer. Was he abandoning his roots? No, he was just trying something different that really worked out for him. On YouTube, this video alone has almost 12 million hits and was #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart! Not bad, I say!

Taylor Swift and T-Pain...

Snoop and Willie Nelson...

Jamie Foxx and Rascal Flatts...

Just to name a few.

Collaborations like these forces listeners to give country (or even rap or r&b) music a second chance. That maybe, a least for me, country music isn't so bad and check out their other songs. Yeah, I know that this would probably go against everything that you have been taught, but maybe its time to rock the boat a little and listen to other genres of music. You may find a few artists or groups that become new favorites.

I guess my point is that as times change, so do music tastes. Now, it is becoming almost acceptable for country and rap stars to share the stage without being forced, bringing along their listeners and showing the world that these collaborations not only work, but are just the beginning.

No 2011-2012 NBA Season?!

2011-08-20T22:52:00.001-04:00

Since the end of the NBA Finals, basketball has been the last thing on my mind. I'm starting to think that may make me a terrible NBA fan. I mean, I really should be worried about how my Detroit Pistons will do this year in yet another rebuilding year or if the Mavs can pull a repeat. Can Kobe win a championship without the Zen master/ one of the greatest coaches the game has ever seen? Personally, I don't think so, but don't tell Jay I said that!

In the two months since the season ended and the final draft picks were announced, the NBA became a distant memory. The lockout went into effect on July 1st and as of a few days ago, the president of the players association and even the league president have announced that there may not even be an NBA season because the negotiations aren't going as well as most would hope. A year without NBA basketball?!

Once I recovered, I considered this: the same thing was said during the lockout in 1998, but fortunately for everyone involved, the season wasn't totally lost. Yeah, there were only 40, 45 games, but let me tell ya, that's better than nada.

So I'm wondering, are the presidents correct, the season being cancelled or will it be like the 1998-1999 season and a deal be made at the last second a month and half into the season? Could it be like the NFL lockout that came to an agreement just as the NBA lockout began and make the necessary agreements before the season is to begin? I would LOVE the last option, but you know how things go. So for now, I am preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.

Also, on a side note, no Bones until freaking November! I mean, yeah, the spin off will be on in place of THE SHOW in the mean time, but I was really hoping to see a pregnant Brennan, with a cheesing Booth next month. Maybe Castle, Criminal Minds will hold me over with a little CSI Miami, NY and Blue Bloods sprinkled in there in the meantime. *Sigh*

Happy Friendship Day!

2011-08-07T23:56:00.000-04:00

To my real friends,

You are true saints in my eyes for dealing with me and I am blessed to have you in my life!

“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”

~Anonymous

Sunday Night Picture

2011-08-07T23:01:00.000-04:00

I like to believe that it's the little things that go a long way.

Have a great week!

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

2011-07-25T23:24:00.000-04:00

If you had told me three weeks ago that I would actually be writing this, I would give you a classic Tiffany look and call you crazy without saying a word. Then today, I would eat my words and hate you for being right.

Less than an hour ago, I finished reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. Before I give my two cents on this book, I feel that I need to point something out about the author that I thought was morbidly interesting. Just before he passed away in 2004, Larsson finished this trilogy without any intention of having them published and one of the main characters in his books is based on young woman he witnessed being gang raped when he was 15. Reading a little blurb about him, I've got to say that I can relate to him mainly because he started writing for one of the main reasons I did: as a way to unwind each day. Also, it is said that he left an unfinished fourth book, and the beginnings to a fifth and sixth book. Crazy!

So, I have to say, the first 200, 300 pages were almost painfully boring and made me consider putting this book down and continue reading The Divine Comedy. I have found that most books that start out this way usually picked up half way through the book and the reader usually has to hold on for dear life for the rest of the book and that was definitely the case. The story was insanely written, despite the fact that this was originally written in Swedish. It is a murder mystery about an old man who turns to a journalist who has just been burned to find out what happened to his niece thirty years ago. This one kept me guessing until the very end. Who I thought could be the crazy person wasn't who it turned out to be. What I loved about this book is that it leads right into the next book, The Girl Who Played With Fire, which I will be reading as soon as I can get my hands on it.

I really don't want to say too much about the story because I want more people to read this. Unlike some of the book series that are out there, I would actually recommend this one for two reasons...well, three actually.

It is well written
It takes you on one hell of a ride and keeps you wanting to know what happens next
Because in a way, Larsson wrote about situations that happen all the time that can and have been swept under the rug. (You'll know what I mean when you read the book.)

Read it and let me know what you think!

Question of the Day

2011-07-25T18:29:00.000-04:00

Out of all the conversations that could have stuck with me, it was this: Can a place really change who you are and where you will end up?

Yesterday, at lunch, Mom and Dad were talking about moving back to Lansing in the next year or two since after Jazmone graduates from high school, there will really be nothing to keep them in Grand Blanc and in a way, they are right. Dad commented that he kind of hated that they left Lansing in the first place. Jay and Hillary joined the conversation, saying that it was Grand Blanc that help shape them as people. Jazmone came later and adapted just as quickly as the other two. Me, not so much. Yes, Grand Blanc provided a few more opportunities that Waverly (Lansing) could have and allowed me to meet some interesting people, but to me, home was in Lansing. (I'm sure my parent's would see this as a whiny post, but I'm okay with that. This is my blog, so who cares.)

So, I ask this: Is it possible for something so simple as moving to change how a person turns out even if the original place is still well to do? If so, could it be that it forces the person to see what they need to work toward to fit in? If this is this the case, I feel like this would force a person to conform to what society thinks is "right", losing that person that you really are?

Or are you?

Making a Difference

2011-07-22T19:27:00.000-04:00

Today, KT Mac sent me a link to a page that listed 101 situations that made this person stop and think. Situations that, I’m pretty sure, we have all faced, whether it be a death of a loved one, love, thankfulness for what you have or whatever. This list had it all. As I was reading through this and silently cursing her for sending me this list that made me tear up, I couldn’t help but think, “Despite everything, I really should be a lot more thankful for what I have.” There were a few stories that included children having more faith and seeing the world in a different way than the adults around them. Or the poor person who was offered part of a sandwich, but told the person offering that they could share. This was one of my favorites:

Today, after a 72 hour shift at the fire station, a woman ran up to me at the grocery store and gave me a hug. When I tensed up, she realized I didn’t recognize her. She let go with tears of joy in her eyes and the most sincere smile and said, “On 9-11-2001, you carried me out of the World Trade Center.” MMT

I think in our haste to get through the day, we tend to forget that we only have that moment and aren’t promised the next. Or that there are people worse off when we get upset over little things, such as the eyeglass place not getting my order right the first time and taking forever to ship the correct pair. I wonder if we have forgotten that no matter what, somethings are out of our control and getting angry about it just isn't worth your time and energy.

Keep that in mind as you start your weekend!

Let's Start the Week Off Right

2011-07-17T19:47:00.000-04:00

Something to think about for the week

Detroit, Detroit

2011-07-08T17:14:00.000-04:00

Remember those days when the end of a trip was damn near dreaded? When did that change? I find it more than a little amusing considering the fact that just last week, I was counting down the hours until vacation began. Now, I'm can't wait until I can sleep in my own bed, not worry about how long I take in the shower or worry about whether or not I am going to oversleep this weekend. Call me crazy, but you and I both know its true.

I will, though, miss some of the Florida sights, like....

The view from my bedroom window

Hard Rock Cafe in Miami

Miami Skyline

And one of my fave's!

It was on the wall in the lobby, rather than the bathroom this time

Time to get back in to the usual routines and back to work on Monday.

Did I have fun? Sure...just wish it hadn't rained so much. I do want to go back and spend somemore time in Key West, since it was pretty much amazing. Somewhere new next year!

Time to get on this plane...See you in Detroit in a few hours!

Rained out

2011-07-07T16:26:00.001-04:00

So, friends, I got a chance to check out the Everglades this morning and due to the weather conditions, it was not what I expected. A little bit of background for you on the Everglades.

That area hasn't gotten a really good rain in about ten months
Normally to get into the air boats, people would have to step up into them, but we had to do the opposite and step down into them.
The water right now is several feet below the normal level

Today, like the last few days, it was raining. So much so that we had to run out and get ponchos on our way to Miami since we were going to be outside today. See? We were a little prepared. We were a good chunk of the way into our air boat tour when it started pouring and our driver made us turn back. I didn't have a problem with this for a few reasons.

The mosquitoes were a mess and I got bit up
The rain was cold
It was raining...is there any other reason needed?

A mama alligator and her babies. I thought they looked fake since none of them moved the whole time.

We ended up in the restaurant and the rest of the family tried some alligator bites... um, not me! Our tour bus driver told us that one of the security guys at this park owned 10 Nile crocodiles. Yes, you read that right! Insane right?

From what I hear, we are heading back to Miami for dinner. Since it's my turned to pay, I'm picking the place...I think it's only fair.

Hard Rock Cafe, here we come!

Random fact: This is the only Hard Rock Cafe in the world that doesn't have an electric guitar on the roof, thanks to Hurricane Lola in 2005. (See? Mom and Dad, I was listening to all of those tour guides!)

Can Miami come out to play?

2011-07-07T01:28:00.001-04:00

When it rains in ~~Miami~~ Florida, its like the world is crying. I say this mainly because when I think of Miami, I think of sun and extremely high temps, not gloomy and barely 80*. I mean, Michigan and Chicago had better weather than they did.

Other than getting bit up by mosquitoes, we went on a tour of Miami and checked out the Viscayne house and gardens. Personally, I could care less about the gardens, but the house was a historical hot spot, so that got my attention. Unfortunately, they wouldn't let us take pictures inside (and they were serious about that with security guards at every turn), so I grabbed a few outside.

This looks like the entrance way to Wonderland

After that, we got back on the bus to listen to the rest of the tour. While we were riding through Little Havana, all I could think about was how much I really wanted to try the Cuban coffee that I had heard about. Its a very strong coffee that is usually served in a dixie cup. They say that this small cup is equivalent to 5,6 cups of normal coffee and there is only one McDonald's that actually serves this. Any other time, you'll have to go to one of the stands in Little Havana, but we didn't get a chance to do so.

Anyways, the rest of the tour also consisted of a ride through Coral Gables, a beautiful area with amazing homes and the Venetian Pool, a few more areas that weren't as interesting.

Our poor tour guide was given a 'Tiffany look' when he tried to get on me about not laughing at his lame jokes. I really wanted to tell him that I was seriously considering the idea of giving him and the driver a tip, but he totally messed that up by calling me out over the mic. I was nice though, and only settled for a glare, which forced him to continue with his tour.

Weird thing about Florida is that it gets dark around 7ish, rather than 9:30, 10:00 like it does in Michigan. (There really is a point to this little fact, I promise.)

We went on another tour that went through the Millionaire Row, showing houses where Usher threw an MTV after party, Diddy, Shaq, Gloria Estefan and many others live or lived. Another favorite was the house where Scarface was shot and where Al Capone lived for 20 years. There was one where the owner had his backyard air conditioned. (Slightly out of control, but okay.) My favorite part about this cruise was seeing the Miami skyline from the water.

Was tempted to pitch this one, but I think it totally fits the city

Dinner was, yet another, disappointment. We checked the Bubba Gumps restaurant and I've got to say that the food wasn't that good and it was seriously overpriced, but the service was great.

So, it looks like I'll be checking out the Everglades and spending another day in Miami. Maybe tomorrow, the sun will actually come out.

Man vs. Food Bust

2011-07-06T00:37:00.001-04:00

Sunday night, we decided to check out one of the restaurants that had been featured on Man vs. Food called Sarussi, which is supposed to have a great Cuban sandwich. During the weeks before this trip, we had hyped ourselves up, expecting something great.

When they brought the sandwiches out, we were all drooling. (Don't judge!)

After the initial bites, we all came to the conclusion that maybe this sandwich had been hyped up more than it should have and wasn't as great as we expected since this is almost something we could make at home, minus the secret sauce.

Can I just say that it was a total disappointment? So thanks to this place, we were kind of forced to skip the other restaurant that had been picked out.

Key West

2011-07-06T00:27:00.002-04:00

Today, we went on a day trip to Key West and the drive down from Miami was absolutely beautiful...well, the parts that I was awake for. Any pictures that I could have taken wouldn't have done it justice or should I say, would have been a total insult, so I really didn't even try. (Sorry, KT Mac!)

We ended up jumping on trolley that took us around the island, allowing us to get on and off when we wanted. We were able to get a chance to see where Ernest Hemmingway lived while he was there, the southern most house in the US as well as the southern most point, which also notes that it is also 90 miles from Key West to Cuba.

Please explain to me why there was a line for people to take a picture with this. Then guess who said, "There is no way I'm standing in that line."

Also, to the left of this was a house that a woman had built as the southern most house to beat out the "other one" by 19 feet, if I remember correctly. Of course, I found this to be somewhat amusing.

One of the weirdest things that I saw here was the fact that there are no squirrels running around. Instead, there are chickens, roosters and chicks running around. Apparently, cockfighting was not only a big thing around there at one point, but legal. It was later banned and the chickens and roosters were allowed to roam around the city. I don't know about you, but I found this a little interesting.

Mama and the babies with the rooster somewhere in the area

So, Key West is known for a couple food items: Conch and Key Lime Pie. Both were tasted and neither were tastes that I would miss if I never had them again. At least I tried them and I think that was the whole point of the trip. (Right?)

Key West had this simple feel to it that I really enjoyed. There, you didn't necessarily need a car to get around this small island. A scooter, smart car, bike as well as your own two feet could get you wherever you needed to go just fine. Besides, a car would be too much of a hassle since space is extremely limited. Another thing was how this small place looked for any and every reason to celebrate. They even still celebrate their momentary independence from the United States and from what one of our tour guides told us, they pull out all of the stops for it. Also, its just so relaxed, for the most part. No one has a real need to get anywhere and everyone knows each other. This just makes tourists feel even more comfortable.

Could I see myself living there one day? Eh, maybe not until I'm in my 50's, but I could see myself going back to visit...spending more than a few hours there. Key West has definitely been added to my "I need to go back" list.

(Sorry about the lack of pictures.)

Miami Observation

2011-07-05T23:25:00.002-04:00

While we were waiting for our tour bus to arrive this morning at Bayside Marketplace this morning in downtown Miami, I got a chance to see something that we tend to miss out in the smaller cities. I got a chance to watch Miami wake up. It was like watching someone who wasn't a morning person slowly, but surely, wake up. From watching the sun finish rising, the almost nonexistent traffic pick up, the cleaning people come through sweeping up the streets and sidewalks while others washed the windows and store/restaurant employees coming in and getting ready for their customers.

In a big city, its sights like these that remind a person that even the big cities have their vulnerable moments, if it should even be called that. It allowed me the opportunity to give the city another chance, since as we drove in this morning, all I could think about was how much I really wished we could get out of Miami as soon as possible. Maybe, its not so bad.

Miami is like a non morning person....slow to wake up, but once they are, good luck keeping up with them. A beautiful sight, I must say.

Random Story

2011-07-04T11:28:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, we went to the Lion Country Safari, and saw the coolest thing. One of the chimps had a used bottle in his hand, walks over to the water surrounding the area he was in and dips the bottle in to refill his bottle. It was something like you would see a human do, which was kind of cool.

So this picture doesn't really do the story justice, but you catch my drift!

Random Pics of the Day

2011-07-02T11:03:00.001-04:00

Here are a couple pics that I've taken of the trip so far and I promise there'll be more.

So bad for you, but sooooooo worth it!

Our dying house guest

Airplane Thoughts

2011-07-02T10:56:00.001-04:00

As I’m sitting here on a flight to Fort Lauderdale to start my highly anticipated vacation, I can’t help but look around me, as I always do when I travel, and wonder where each person is going and where they are really coming from. Yeah, we all flew out of Detroit, but could that have just been as a stop in their travels or their final destination, much like mine? Are they traveling for business or pleasure? Could they be trying to leave a situation for a change of scenery?

What has driven this person to pick their final travel spot if it were for vacation? Could it be a girls/boys weekend or family trip? I have always wondered this. I guess it goes along with trying to figure out what makes a person tick. Or the fact that I have to determine how to deal with a person when they come to my counter at work.

A.D.D. moment coming up!

Then leave it to me to be even more distracted by how amazing the view of the earth from ten thousand feet. It reminds me of why I love to travel. I was once told that some people see traveling as a waste of time and money. No offense, but I find this way of thinking almost appalling because it just shows how closed minded they really are. These people have no idea what they are missing. They are missing sights like this and the opportunity to deal with other cultures that aren’t always available at home. I mean, just being able to look out of the window at the clouds below the wings of the plane. It’s like looking at the world through a crystal ball that can’t be used to predict the future. I guess I’ll never understand that way of thinking, but maybe that’s okay.

Back to our scheduled program.

(Flying in the middle of a cloud as I write this.)

Random facts for you:

Somehow, I made it over two months at the new gig. Yes, Ms. Pyscho Hypochondriac is driving me crazy, but I am not going to let her get to me. I was told yesterday by someone I worked with that they hoped that I didn’t get sick of her crap, pack up and leave like so many have before me. Since I actually don’t mind what I do and like the people I work with day in and day out, there is no way I am going to allow her to scare me off. I’ve dealt with worse, so bring it on!
Watching Matt Damon’s "new" movie and I’ve got to say, it reminds me of all the Jason Bourne movies. I really want to say, ‘Guy, pick a new role…Bourne is getting old!’ but I can’t.
Where did the year go?
Took a break from writing for a while, but it looks like my break is over since Miles and Devyn have been on my mind a lot lately. I’m still wondering if it would work out if they actually got together because of what they do.

Giveaways and TV Shows...A Normal Saturday

2011-06-25T17:41:00.000-04:00

Before I tell you what's going on, let me make a cool announcement!

Katie and I in Chicago last year

My friend, KT Mac, who I met when I started working in the G's office years ago and like me, loves to travel, went to Scotland recently (lucky!) and has decided to share her trip with two lucky people who stop by her page. So go check out her pictures and let her know which one is your favorite. Who knows....you might be one of the two lucky winners!

The other night, I was thinking about the Bones Season finale for some reason when it hit me that Booth's coma dream/ Bones' book has almost come true. At the end of the dream, Brennan tells Booth that she is pregnant. At the end of the finale, she tells him that she is pregnant with his child. In both scenes, Booth gives her a very excited Boothy smile that makes us all smile. I mean, how could you not?

The only thing that they have yet to do now is get married. That would be really cute, but I don't think it'll happen and no, that is not me being pessimistic. Just realistic. I mean, it would be nice, but with the way things have gone, its almost doubtful.

In other news, Castle's finale was also amazing. Captain Montgomery is...gone and that was a low blow, because I thought he was pretty awesome. Then Beckett gets shot and Castle admits that he loves her. Whoa, wait what? Why couldn't he have said that before? Like when she ditched the other cop or before he decided to get back with his ex wife? I mean, there were plenty of chances, but whatever. Its out there now. What does this mean for them now? We'll see what happens in a couple months.

Done with my TV talk for now. In less than 6 days from now, I will be in Pompano Beach on vacation in 90* weather. Who wouldn't be happy about that?

Enjoy the rest of this beautiful Saturday!

Lives Erased

2011-06-20T19:54:00.000-04:00

While I was eating lunch this afternoon, I read this article about the Tulsa race riots of 1921 where about 300 African Americans were killed and 8,000 more were left homeless. The article says that like many other incidences during this era, this all started because a black man was accused of assaulting a white woman. After this riot, the charges were dropped. What's funny is that this never made it into the history books, much less the newspapers. It was as if those lives didn't matter, don't count. After failed lawsuits to compensate the survivors or to even recognize them, the Tulsa Public Schools will be adding this to their curriculum next year. The memorial that was started for this may be forced to shut down due to their lack of funding.

After reading this article, I couldn't help but wonder how the hell was this able to covered up for so long? The oldest survivor is 108 and there are maybe 40 of them left. So, what was the plan...wait for them to die, taking this tragic event with them? I know that this isn't the only tragedy or racial "incident" that has been covered up in history, but come on! Even people of power turned their heads to the incident after pointing their fingers at the black community for starting the whole thing. What's crazy is that about three quarters of the Tulsa residents knew about this incident.

Maybe, I'm making a bigger deal out of this than necessary, but this just shocked me a little bit.

Adapting...

2011-06-14T15:34:00.000-04:00

While I was out for drinks with a couple of the guys that I work with Friday night, it dawned on me that I really haven't given these people here a fair shake. I started out with this assumption that they would never compare to people I worked with at the Governor's Office and I wasn't wrong in that thought, but I didn't take into account that no two places will ever be the same.

Now that I have gotten comfortable with them and they with me, I have come to this conclusion that these people aren't so bad. They will never replace my EO peeps and that's okay, because they were never meant to. I like coming to work, knowing that some of them will get my sarcastic humor and not get offended, the fact that I can always count on a nerdy remark and a smile from at least one of the people around here or one of the ladies smart aleck comments on a phone call or a person that came to the counter. What I think I like even more is that I was accepted by most of the people here without question. That right there may be enough to put any other doubts that I may have to rest.

So, yes, my time with my EO family is done, but a new chapter in my life with the Township is just beginning. And that not a bad feeling at all.

A Little Patience Is Needed

2011-05-25T19:51:00.003-04:00

I was reminded that I hadn't posted any of the insane stories from the new job and I think I need to change that REAL quick! First off, let me begin by apologizing to everyone, including my poor mother, who has to listen to me vent almost daily. You are saint in this respect!

Look, I am a nerd and am extremely comfortable with this, but here, I am surrounded by people who are nerdier than I! More often than not, I find that I am okay with this although, there are a lot of times when I just look at them like they're crazy. One asked me if I had heard the one about the 'Skeleton who goes into the bar and asks for a drink and a rag.' I couldn't help, but look at him, shake my head and kinda laugh because the guy meant well, despite his lame attempt at a joke.

Okay, I am officially convinced that the smaller the city, the crazier the people! My second or third week there, I was in the middle of helping someone at the counter when another man came up and started talking to the other secretary. As far as I knew, he was just another upset person until he commented on wanting a man to help him instead of a woman. Hmmm, not today. He said to the other lady, "I don't like when the police come to my house. I don't understand why they pull out their guns when I pull out my machete!" Um, hi! Common sense here, guy! They consider you a threat and are going to protect themselves.

After 20, 30 minutes, he apparently got what he needed and left. The woman helping him came over to where the lady who is in the middle of training me and I were sitting and says, "He told me that the reason why he was so calm is that he was on his meds today." Excuse me, that guy who was an asshole to the women in the office was calm?! So, silly me asks, "How does he normally act?" Again, silly me for asking. The four women standing up there go on to tell me that this guy usually has a temper, has gone into a bank with an ax and didn't see why it was a problem, has been escorted off the premises plenty of times by the township police and only the week before was on the floor below with a large stick! Apparently there are plenty of crazies like him roaming around that come into the office. And to think, I thought the oddest thing out there was the guy with the dog and flag that walks up and down Marsh Road most of the year.

I have found that one of the ladies who works in the next division usually has the best stories and craziest visitors. Just this week, a man came in who got busted for some kind of violation and proceeded to scream at her, saying that she made him sick and how he hated this township, blah, blah, blah. The whole time, she managed to stay calm and when he finally leaves for the second time, she turns to me and another secretary and says, "Well, apparently, I make him sick," shrugs her shoulders and walks away. Me, I find this amusing and count this as my entertainment for the hour.

Out of everything, I have noticed that most of the people like each other and are more than willing to welcome the newcomer (me) with open arms. Even people who aren't training me, are always finding opportunities to show me different aspects of the office, which I am all for. The past few days, with my trainer out on sick leave, I thought people would forget about me and that has not been the case. I have noticed that that isn't an option and I love that.

So, this isn't everything, but you get the picture.

What If There's No Hell?

2011-04-22T18:11:00.000-04:00

This was the main story on the cover of Time from a couple weeks ago that was sitting on my parents coffee table. Last week, our pastor talked about this and I didn't realize that he was talking about anyone in particular until I saw this. It's about a pastor named Rob Bell from Michigan who wrote a book, Love Wins, saying that there is no Hell, which is stirring up chaos in the Christian community.

In this article, he says that there is no way greats like Ghandi could go to Hell after all of the work he had done while he was alive. In the Bible, Hell is mentioned or described 623 times. My question is how can someone who was raised in the church and knows the word deny this why Jesus himself said it was real? Most religions and even pagan cultures have written about its existence, so I don't understand how he could try to teach something different. Apparently, Christian pastors around the country are protesting this and want him out of their fold and who can blame them?

I guess I was just a little shocked by this article, even though I really feel like I really shouldn't be since there are millions of people out there who feel the same way. I'm not overly religious or anything, but I just don't like the fact that he is teaching people this and that greats like Billy Graham and TD Jakes are lying when they say a person will go to hell when they die if they don't repent and turn to God. Wow...

Nagging Thought

2011-04-21T19:37:00.002-04:00

What would happen if my main characters, Devyn and Miles, got together and would it work out? I like the idea of it, but I don't want to 'romanticize' the story too much. (Ps. That last sentence sounded so much better in my head, so not a word!) They have may given it a chance at one point, but the job may have gotten in the way.

Thoughts?

Memory Lane...

2011-04-19T21:55:00.002-04:00

When I started this blog almost two years ago, I was just beginning to tell people that I had written a book. Even now, I still get the occasional "Stop telling people because they don't really care" or "Maybe you should be doing something a little more productive with your time." Sometimes it sounds like a broken record, but that's fine, because its something that I like to do.

Today, I spent the afternoon with Amy and her little one and she gave me back a copy of my first book that I gave her a couple years ago to read. I just flipped through it and was amazed by how much the story had changed in that time. The ending has been rewritten, I came to hate the mini villains even more and root for my main characters just a tad bit louder.

Maybe its a good thing she held onto it for a while. It is a reminder of how much work I still had to do at the time.

Soooo...

2011-04-08T22:40:00.002-04:00

After five and half months of writing, I have finally finished my second book! That's a little crazy if you ask me! Especially since it took years to finish the first one.

Now that its done, the plan is to read it over before I put it away for a while so that I can focus on my other book and submit it next month to a publisher...eeks!

Untitled

2011-03-23T19:07:00.000-04:00

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.~ Saint Augstine

Jumbled Thoughts

2011-03-23T18:53:00.000-04:00

Today has been one of those days when I have not been able to focus on anything. Well, maybe that's a lie. I have been thinking about my book and the next scene that I need to write. I'm just trying to get other things done before sitting down to write later this evening. Right now, I think I have maybe two days at most to write before this book is done, so can you blame me for being excited?

The most random thing that has happened this week has been the fact that I dreamed about my characters the other night! No joke! I think maybe they have taken over my life!

I think I may like this one better than the first. Is it bad to pick favorites? Or maybe that's just how I feel until I started editing it. Not sure yet.

Wednesday Randoms

2011-03-16T21:34:00.002-04:00

When did this become my life?

I love that it took me several years to finish my first book, but less than a year before I feel like I might be almost done with the second one.

As I'm getting close to the end, I think I might throw one more twist in there. I mean, it would make the ending, which I love, worth it.

I really didn't plan on introducing a new character this far in, but I think it only makes sense.

How does "The Past" sound as a title? (Miles' past is called into question by an old "friend".)

Book Ramblings

2011-03-11T02:58:00.002-05:00

There was a time when I would post something on a regular basis, but not recently...I have really slacked off. Right now, my life consists of vacation research, writing and deciding if I really want to deal with real people. Okay, maybe not the last one.

~ I really do feel bad for putting my characters in the situations that I do, but it usually makes for a really good story.

~ The villain in my first book was hard to write, but this new one is even harder. This guy is someone that I would never want to piss off and later run into by myself in a dark alley.

~ I jumped ahead and wrote the ending. I like it, but I think something might be missing. How do you think it should end?

~ This villain is insane! (I had this sudden urge to mention that again)

~ These characters are so exhausting!

~ The research for this book has been insane and I'm pretty sure looking up different types of bombs is probably frowned upon or what types of injuries a person can suffer from. You should have seen the look on my parents face when I asked about the injuries. Lol

~ Skipping a day of writing is almost not even allowed. It's like these characters want their story told, no matter the cost.

~ I think I may need a new writing spot or at least a second option.

I know this is a lot of rambling, but this is nothing compared to the thoughts swirling around my head!

A New Reason to Hate Mondays?

2011-02-07T17:24:00.000-05:00

After a week of writing almost everyday and getting a lot of work done, I think I have hit that god awful brick wall again. Is it possible to write too much? I'm starting to think it is. Now that I'm home, I thought I would make it a point to head to the library and get a little writing done and after less than 3 pages, I found myself just sitting here with the pen floating over the page.

Hmm...maybe now would be a good time to double check a few facts and get a few chapters typed up before I head home for the night.

This is what my life has become! LOL

Friday Night Game

2011-02-04T21:04:00.000-05:00

Earlier this evening, I went to a freshman girls basketball game (Arthur Hill High School vs. Flint Northwestern Prep Academy) in Flint with my cousin, Jazmone, to see her sister, Ravonna, who plays for Arthur Hill (A.H.). You know, to be the supportive family members since she was not too far from Grand Blanc.

First of all, $5 to get into a girls basketball game is slightly out of control when less than 50 people are in attendance, but whatever. To have to go through a metal detector and have a couple cops from the Flint Police Department kind of threw me, but again, we were there to support Ravonna.

When we finally got to the gym, it was half time, which more or less consisted of random kids running around on the court and people trying to shoot the ball. Okay, let me just say that at any other game, this wouldn't have happened. People have a serious lack of respect when it comes to girls basketball and it's a crying shame. Had it been a boys basketball game, people would have been thrown out for that crap!

When the game finally started, Jazmone and I were a little surprised by the lack of energy by Rae's team. Northwestern was damn near ready to fight at one point and one girl had to be pulled away from the other team. Seriously?! My cousin got kicked in the back after being pushed onto the floor on one play, but I think that's just something that happens....right? This was A.H. first run in with trash talk and for that, I feel sorry for them. After the game, I told Rae that that is going to happen and all the opponent is trying to do is mess with your head and throw you off your game. In this case it worked. Although, I will never completely understand why the girls from the other team were spitting, but whatever.

Rae's team ended up beating Northwestern on their turf, 50-42, which made me proud. There were times that I wanted to be that awesome cousin who cheered loudly, but I really didn't feel like getting my ass kicked since that it was their school and I was the "visitor" who accidentally sat on the home side. Despite the lack of aggressiveness, I really do think this young team will go on to do well.

Bones

2011-01-28T00:48:00.000-05:00

Tonight's episode has warranted a blog post. There has been a few decent Bones episodes this season, but tonight may have been the best. No, it wasn't because Hannah didn't make an appearance, although that was kind of nice.

Storyline:

The Gravedigger is up for appeal and is on her way to the courthouse with Sweets. While they were in the truck, she used this precious psychology against him and made him question his ability to do his job. (Yeah, he's a baby to me, but I still like him and don't think he deserved that.) Shortly after she got out of the truck, Taffet was shot down...her head exploded!!! I have to admit that I jumped in my seat. Don't tell me didn't!

Our team of crime fighters take on this case, despite how badly this woman/monster traumatized them over the years. Hodgins is happy she's dead and Max is considered a suspect by Booth and Ms. Julian, who I love in this episode. The Shooter is a sniper that Booth knows and we ended the episode a little unfinished in terms of the story.

Now for the Booth and Bones moments...I mean, isn't that the real reason we watch the show?

I love that Max asked Angela, or Angel as he called her, if Booth and Bones were finally together. Sorry, Max, but your retarded daughter messed that one up....didn't she tell you?

The bathtub with a body and filled with lye...wow! Talk about gross!

My favorite scene with them is the end where Booth is telling Max, Bones and Ms. Julian about his dealing with a sniper that he thought was responsible for killing the Gravedigger. I have got to say that I really did miss their silent conversations. When Bones was outside talking to her dad, Booth was still inside the diner looking out at her with the 'I'm in love with my partner' look that we originally saw in the second season.

Ps. That is sooooooooo not a guy hug!

Anyways, this episode kind of renewed my 'faith' in this show and reminded me of why I started watching in the first place.

Next weeks episode looks amazingly great! Check it out!

So my questions is: Does Booth love Brennan or Hannah? We'll find out soon enough, I guess.

Very excited!!!

Disturbing

2011-01-27T00:38:00.000-05:00

**Warning, please know that what you're about to read is just my crazed opinion and should not be taken too seriously!**

So Mom and I were talking about the family trip coming up this summer and the price of airline tickets. Now, last fall I remember people talking about the new changes in security screening protocols, but of course, I never really paid any attention because I wasn't flying anytime soon. I do remember people flipping out about it shortly before I hopped on a train to Chicago.

This is all besides the point...back to my conversation with Mom. So, while we were talking, I googled the changes and oh my freaking goodness! I guess I didn't realize first of all, that there were two options or that they were so intrusive! So pretty much, in order to fly, you have two choices:

Risk sexual assault with a pat down or;
Have some creep check you out practically naked via X-ray machine

Hmmm, is none of the above an option?

I, personally, think this is out of control because you and I both know that there is going to be that one creeper who is going to take it too far.

Am I a little late with this? Um, yes!

Am I excited to have to deal with this in a few months? Are you kidding me?!

*Shudder* Just thinking about it creeps me out!

I'm pretty sure I'll have a few things to say about this after my trip with the fam over the summer! ;o)

What if?

2011-01-21T01:13:00.001-05:00

So I am working on Book #2 and loving every minute of it! My mom suggested that I throw in a little twist to shake things up. I have never been a huge sap, but I have always wondered this: What if my two strong-willed characters got together?

Would it work out or would they find that their job would make things too difficult? Would they keep this little secret to themselves or would it slip? And would this play a part in the story? (Last one, I promise!)

So yeah, I've really considered this possibility and am not hating it yet. Maybe Mom had a point...this could actually be a good idea. What do you think?

Ps. I still have yet to name this one...Thoughts?

The End of an Era

2010-12-30T20:18:00.001-05:00

Five and half years ago, I remember standing outside of a large room trying to decide if I had made the right decision and if I should walk in or turn around and go back home to Grand Blanc. Just give into the fear that I wasn't good enough for an internship with the Governor's Office. Instead, I shocked myself and walked into the room to take on my next challenge. This turned out to be the best thing I could have ever done. In that time, I met some amazing people, did things I never thought I would and learned so much about myself.

In a way, I feel like I grew up there and changed for the better. I became a more vocal person without forgetting who I was. I learned to finally stand up for myself, for the most part. Working in that office, I learned that the people (the general public) that we work for had a voice and all we had to do was listen. It made me appreciate things a lot more than I ever had before.

I had the chance to work for Michigan's first, and certainly not the last, women governor. When I worked in Scheduling, I often worked 9, 10 hour days and hated getting up the next morning. Then I would think of how the governor had probably been up hours before I had and was still going. It made me rethink a lot of things and pushed me to work a lot harder. While I worked here, I would often think, 'How many people do you know actually got a chance to say that they ran into the governor in the halls of their building?' Not that many people. In my time here, I learned a lot about the ins and outs of state government and saw things the general public didn't know about. How the governor had to fight with the senate for the people that she represented and protect them. How the news never talked about the positive things that she achieved, only the negative.

When my boss said goodbye for the last time yesterday afternoon, the dam broke and I couldn't help but cry. Despite everything that was ever said, he meant well and was a good boss who would go to bat for his team. To me, that says a lot about a person. Other than my internship supervisor in Legal, he will be the one that I remember the most.

It was here that I met some of my closest friends. It was with Katie that I would IM all day as an intern despite the fact that she was in the next cubicle and laugh. It took Amy and I a year to realize that neither of us could hear the other and became good friends. It was Jessica who made working in Scheduling tolerable with our weekly Beaners run and sarcasm. The "family" lunches weren't as awkward. It was Adair and Allison that I was glad to have join our group over the summer. It was my last round of interns that kept me on my toes all summer long. I honestly could go on forever, but I don't think it's necessary. Before we left for the last time, we promised to stay in touch and get together as much as possible.

It was almost like after graduation in a way. The one difference is that these people changed my life and for that, I am grateful. They didn't look at where I was from, the color of my skin or anything like other people I had dealt with before. Instead, they made it a point to get to know me and became like a family to me. They knew before anyone else when I had a lot on my mind and just needed someone to listen or needed to be called out. They were the people that I didn't feel like I had to explain myself, almost like my real family.

Five and half years later, I walked out of the Romney building for the last time remembering all of the memories that I now had and know that no matter what, I was blessed to even get the chance to work there. To meet the people that I did, who changed my life for the better. To become a person who now has this insane amount of experience and can go anywhere, do anything. There were days that I hated my job, but in the back of my mind, I knew that wasn't true. Any job that I take after this may never measure up to this, but that's okay.

To the end of an era!

My gift to you....

2010-12-24T22:38:00.000-05:00

So I was trying to figure what I should give my "dedicated" followers for Christmas when it hit me. A small intro to a rough version of my second book. When I was writing this, I loved it because a part of this is from my last trip to Chicago when I visited my friend, Katie. Please know that the scene in the metro car really happened.

Jumping on the metro to meet up his partner for dinner at a Thai restaurant in Lincoln Park on their day off, Miles Jackson, a young African American homicide detective with the Chicago Area Police department, settled in a seat by the window and watched as the world around him passed by. Chicago during the summer was probably his favorite time of year. With all of the festivals, art shows and tourists, there was never a dull moment and that’s what kept him here. Other than serving in the military, he had never lived outside of the Chicago area in all of his thirty four years. In his mind, he wondered why anyone would ever leave when everything they could ever want was here. If you were tired of one area of town, all one had to do was move on to another neighborhood. No reason to leave the city, he thought to himself.

Once the metro car he was in went underground, he turned to look around the car that he was in at the other passengers as the music from his ipod served as a soundtrack to the ride. The little girl with an older woman was squirming in her seat trying to get the woman to pay attention to her. A group of teen-aged girls were in the seats by the doors gathered around a digital camera giggling before taking another picture of themselves. A young man trying to start a conversation with a young woman around his age in a conversation to see what her favorite vegetables were and about the vegetarian lifestyle. From what Miles could see, she had no interest in the topic and wished he would stop talking. The older man sitting in front of him wearing tattered clothing and a bag matching his attire in the seat next to him was engaged in a heated conversation with himself.

Miles stood up to go stand by the doors to get off. Once the doors opened, he pushed his way through the crowd of incoming passengers and ran down the stairs to walk that last few blocks to the restaurant. He was a few doors away from his destination when he saw Devyn Williams, his work partner for the past year and half, coming from the other direction and waved. When she saw him, she smiled and waved back. A few moments, he opened the door for her and walked in after her.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-24T22:13:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I have been on here and for that, I apologize for that. I've been working on finding a new job and working on my second book, which by the way, is going great! Its a continuation of my first and I'll admit that I am not the nicest to them. So far, a rough sketch of the ending is done, so its nice it have that part done. I really HATE the villain and am having an issue writing from their point of view.

Anyways, that is not why we're here!

Tomorrow, we are having Christmas tomorrow afternoon at my parents house and as I'm writing this, my family is all sitting in the kitchen getting the food and treats together. I've got to say that it's kind of nice not having any wrapping to do tonight like I have in the previous years.

I haven't really gotten into the Christmas spirit and didn't put up my Christmas tree. It just didn't seem like Christmas. I think we've seem to have forgotten the real reason for the season. Every time I think about that it, I think of this season from the Charlie Brown Christmas.

So, enjoy your time with your family tomorrow and have a very Merry Christmas!

Saturday Random....

2010-11-20T11:14:00.001-05:00

So, I am a total slacker and have not watched this weeks episode of Bones yet...I will before the end of the day! I was reading a Bones fanfic, when I thought of one of my favorite scenes in the show.

Not sure how anyone could hate this show after seeing scenes like this with our favorite non-couple!

Enjoy your Saturday!

Dilemma

2010-11-15T23:45:00.002-05:00

Okay, I know that I haven't resubmitted my book yet, but I got an idea for a second book. The first book was about Devyn Williams past and the betrayal by someone close to her. For the second book, I'm thinking that this will be more about her partner, Miles Jackson. The opening scene will start with Miles making his way through the city. What I do like about this chapter is that a lot of this is based on my last trip to Chicago.

So here is my dilemma: How should the first (and maybe only) victim die? I was talking to my mom about it earlier and she couldn't believe that I would even ask her this. "Because, Mom! I'm going to ask you about it anyway!" Right now, I know that it's going to be messy and very gross. Do you know what she recommended? (And I love her for this one!) "Think about the torture scene from 'Law Abiding Citizen'. That was a real torture scene!" Yes it was and even now, its one of the hardest scenes I've ever seen to watch. (Ps. if you have a weak stomach or don't like blood, PLEASE don't watch that scene!)

Let's just say I get what she's saying, but I can't do that. Looks like I will be pulling out my encyclopedia on criminals out this week. Yikes!

In my head, I know how it's going to end and have mapped out most of the characters, except the murderer. Its that one part that is going to bug me!

Any ideas?

Ps. I have no idea where these crazy ideas come from and I can already see more than a few sleepless nights in my future.

Random....

2010-11-08T19:07:00.001-05:00

As I was adding "It was as if Miles had anticipated how the journal would end", when an idea hit me. What if I made it so that Carson Maddox was more or less the fall guy and Miles was the real mastermind behind all of the murders? Terry and Brian would have just been collateral damage.

A small part of me kinda likes this idea. It would make for one hell of a twist.

The other part is screaming, "NOOOOOOO!!!" Devyn needs a stable partner who is really dedicated to his job and is a genuinely good person. Besides, Miles is too awesome of a character to be a villain. Don't you think?

Just a thought....

Feel Good Quote

2010-11-06T00:03:00.000-04:00

Found this after I submitted my last blog post. I feel like we all have our days when we feel that we have hit rock bottom and need to be reminded of awesome we really are.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”~ Marianne Williamson

Have an awesome weekend, my dear readers!

“FEAR is an acronym in the English language for "False Evidence Appearing Real"”

2010-11-05T23:53:00.000-04:00

This week has been kind of dragged despite the fact that it was a four day work week and so is next week. To calm my nerves this week, I've been getting a lot of writing done. I was reminded of how much I hated my rogue characters and despite how stressful my main characters, Devyn and Miles, are, I totally love them. I hate all of the things that I put these two through, but in the end, it is soooo worth it.

It has been almost a year and half since I started this blog and posted that my work had been accepted by a publisher, which I later turned down because I was ready to take that step and I wanted to go in a different direction. Well, today, I found a publishing company that accepts manuscripts four months out of the year and the next round is in January of next year. So, I am thinking while I am looking for a new job, I can make the changes that I think needs to be made and can submit my book.

Am I nervous? No...I'm terrified.

A few months ago, I commented on here saying that the idea of submitting my book to another publisher and KT Mac said this:

"....fear is the indication that you're about to do something worthwhile. It might not turn out the way you hope, but it definitely will make your life more interesting and better for it! Now, face that fear and go for it!"

Maybe so.

So I'm thinking that it's time to do what I'm afraid to do and continue to submit my book.

Mary Manin Morrissey once said “You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.”

I think she said it perfectly!

What Am I Missing?

2010-11-01T19:25:00.000-04:00

A little over a year ago, I took this extremely scary step and submitted my book to a publisher, which I also turned down, before rewriting about 75% of my book. (And I'm pretty sure you're wondering why I would even submit if I wasn't ready. If you don't already know the answer, then don't ask!) Since then, I have been adding more to each character so that they seem more realistic. Like people that you could actually see yourself having coffee or lunch with. Or someone that you would want to knock that crap out of if you ever met them in person.

I noted about a year ago where a couple of my characters came from and how much I really hated them. Terry is more or less a just jerk; all talk really. Brian is the one that hurt me the most to write. He is the one that makes me physically sick because he is so smug and believes that women are on this earth to serve and are less than men.

I bring this up because I am adding to a scene that will change things a little in my book. It was in the original version, but has changed quite a bit. When I was writing this scene, it was already hard because the main character is injured and although I wrote it, I still cringe. In my head though, there was still something missing. I just didn't know what it was.

In my head and on paper, Devyn, my main character, is telling what she saw, but I forgot to tell it so that the reader could feel how she felt, saw and heard at that moment. How the sweat was rolling down her back and how that sick feeling crept into the pit of her stomach. I had forgotten to describe the look in the persons eyes looking back at her or how.....

And I need to stop.

I'm in the library right now, and I have to say that I got chills while feeling sick having to put myself in Brian's shoes (yes, I know that I gave away a detail, but it was necessary here!). It was needed to make sure the reader got the full effect and I have to say it terrifies me to know that there are actually people out there like him!

Yes, I rambled quite a bit tonight, but I remember warning you that I would do this sometimes when I started this blog over a year ago.

Am I going crazy for nothing? I really hope not.

A Painful Loss

2010-10-24T20:44:00.000-04:00

Before Friday, I haven't been to a Pistons game since right before Thanksgiving in 2008
Yeah, the Pistons lost at the last second, but the way I see it, it was a preseason game and that's not what really matters.
The team chemistry is wayyyyy better than what it was last season!
Was a little disappointed that I wasn't able to see Will Bynum and Jonas Jerebko play. *sigh*
Went to the game with Dad

Gotta give it to Austin Daye, a second year player who reminds me of Tayshaun "The Palace" Prince. He scored a game high 22 points. Not bad, kid!
The final score was 106-103

Change of Scenery

2010-10-21T23:13:00.001-04:00

Last weekend, I went to Chicago to visit my friend Katie. Until last Friday, I had never taken the train anywhere. Yeah, it took about the same amount of time as it would to drive, but the people watching is priceless. On the way there, I sat next to this guy who was reading a book about UFO's and housed oselots and snow leopards. Odd and a part of me wanted to call him an idiot, but I didn't. It's just not something I would do. I had never been able to walk around Chicago without a plan and to me, that was wayyyyyyy more fun! I was able to enjoy views like this!

Friday was mainly spent walking around Lincoln Park and catching up on gossip, which is ALWAYS fun! Got a chance to check out the zoo, which was really cool!

Saturday, after having breakfast with her bf, Katie and I saw the movie, Red, which was really good and I would totally recommend it. After that, we got a chance to check out Millennium Park....another place I had never gotten a chance to check out before.

Yes, you could say that I was a total tourist and I would totally agree with you. Is there something wrong with that? ;o)

Fast forwarding a little bit. Later that night, we decided to check out this Blues joint not too far from her place and it was packed, so we got seats by the door. Some people would complain about this, but I have to say, these were the best seats in the house. Perfect place to people watch, especially when they don't realize that you're sitting there when they do something crazy. The band playing was amazing!

As usual, there were a few weirdos in the bunch. A couple that we still laugh about today. One was a blues brother wanna be who offered to buy us drinks, but seemed to drop it when we turned him down. Another was some wanna be who was extremely drunk and wouldn't go away. We'll call him Curly. I honestly couldn't tell you what this clown was talking about, but even when we would turn to someone else and start talking, Curly was still going. This old man topped the cake though! He and his son, who was a spitting image of him, were extremely drunk. He was a creeper to the utmost. Every time one of us would look up, he would be looking in our direction. At one point, Katie and I had to switch seats to see if that would help. After a few rounds of drinks, she and I looked at each other and said we were done for the night!

After enough creepers tried to talk to us, this older lady who we had been talking to the whole night leaned over and said, "You two are NOT walking home by yourselves. My husband and I are walking you home." (A small side note: Her husband joined the band on stage to sing and as a harmonica player. This guy killed it!) We finally left right after we ran into the old creepy guy while we were waiting to use the restrooms. So, yes, this couple walked us home. We walked into her apartment laughing our butts off. I woke up the next morning with almost no voice, but it was soooooo worth it!

There is no way we could make up a story like that!

A few more randoms for you.

And I did!

Will I go back to visit again? What a crazy question!

Bones Chat

2010-10-12T10:22:00.000-04:00

Dear Bones people,

We need to chat asap! Compared to the previous five season, this season is only mediocre at best. We knew Brennan lost her mind when she turned Booth down and understood when he said that he moved on last season. What we didn't realize is that Brennan's god awful mistake would have a hand in destroying this season. Because of her need to find herself, she went to Indonesia and he went to Afghanistan and met the new love of his life. Yeah, Hannah seems nice and all and under difference circumstances, she and Brennan could be BFF's without it being awkward.

We lost the post case drinks, cute looks between our favorite non couple and gained awkward moments, an extremely sappy Booth and an out of place Brennan. Have they forgotten about Jasper, Ripley and Brainy Smurf? Sigh

This season has been the hardest to watch. Most of last weeks episode was muted because of the fact that I am not a fan of all the ridiculousness. I'm not saying that the show should go back to how things were, but it should go back to how things were with the idea of moving forward.

Good bye Hannah....

Good bye awkwardness....

Hello Booth and Brennan! (Maybe....please?!)

From a slightly disappointed fan

Not Impressed

2010-10-06T14:19:00.000-04:00

I never thought I would ever admit this, but this season of Bones...not impressed! The season opener was only mediocre and last weeks episode where Booth's new girlfriend, Hannah, was officially introduced to the show, wasn't too much better. I think our non-couple may be the problem. Last month, I was super excited to see how this season would go, but now that excitement has come to a screeching halt! After years of watching this show, that has NEVER happened.

Booth is supposedly "head over heels" in love with Hannah. I feel like that may not really be the case. I mean, think about it. When Bones turned him down last season, Booth turned around and dated someone just like her. When that didn't work, he turned around and went back to what he knew: a woman who were the opposite of Bones and blonde. Whatever! I know they say that she won't last either and there is a chance that these two will come to their senses, but gah! He's happy, fine. He needs to stop trying his hardest to push Bones into that direction when she is more than content in being alone. (Okay, that was the frustration talking.)

Bones. Well, she is just pissing me off! Two episodes into the season and I want to reach through the TV and shake her! Okay, yes, last week, she admitted that she dreamed of the possibility of she and Booth together to Sweets and Booth. Maybe if this had happened LAST season, Hannah wouldn't be the one in bed with Booth last week. SHE WOULD! She has gotten so used to being alone and I guess I understand that, but come on! This time that is kind of her fault. I don't know. Maybe, it's good that Hannah is around for Booth, since Bones is being a total idiot.

Another issue that I have with this show is that the guests this week are from the Jersey Show, which I have to say is a waste of airtime if you ask me. They are bringing a classless show to Bones. That sentence alone makes me wants to throw up, but once again, we have to trust the writers, right?

Of all the season openers, I am going to have to say that CSI: Miami was better than most. Maybe because it tugged slightly at the heartstrings with the death of a semi new character, a sigh of relief when one of the fan favorites didn't leave the show, and a sense of family at the end when the characters came together to support the others. A little bit of action and Horatio Caine's one liners didn't hurt either.

Will this feeling of disgust for my show go away? I hope so.

Lions and Tigers and Bears...Oh My!

2010-10-04T00:26:00.000-04:00

Last night, I thought it would be kind of cool to check out the old movies that Celebration Cinema was showing this week. Casablanca, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Dracula...movies like that. This week, they were showing the Wizard of Oz, a total classic! Yeah, I've seen this movie at least a thousand times and know most of the words by heart. How cool would it be to see this movie on the big screen?

Anyway, to see this movie on the big screen for the first time was amazing. I got a chance to see things that I had always missed while watching it on TV. While Dorothy and the Scarecrow are talking to the Tinman in the forest, I noticed that there were these huge birds in the background. There were a ton more things, but there is no real point in going into that, I guess.

Watching this movie today reminded me of how ahead of their time this movie was. It was released in 1939 in color and other "special effects" that weren't usually seen in movies at that time. The fact that this movie can still fill a theater with people between the ages of one and 80 is amazing. There aren't too many old movies out there that can do that. Other than just being a great movie, there is a great lesson that viewers learn. No matter what happens in your life, anything you could possibly need is already around you. If it's not, then you never needed it to begin with. A family who is there no matter what (no matter how much they seem to drive you crazy) and great friends who will be there when times get rough.

When we all walked out of the theater, Mom told me that this was a great idea. Finding something that the whole family seemed to enjoy makes it all worth it.

Have a great week!

Bones Season 6 Premiere

2010-09-24T15:20:00.001-04:00

For four months and two days, I waited patiently to see how the new season of Bones would start hoping like hell that I wouldn't be disappointed. After spending the last 13 hours thinking about it, I'm still not sure how I feel about it.

Story: While Booth is Afghanistan doing his thing and Brennan in Indonesia, Cam is back in D.C. fighting with the media about a case regarding a missing boy. The media assumes that the small body in her morgue is that of the missing boy, but she isn't certain and is very open about this. When her job is threatened, Cam turns to Ms. Julian who calls up Booth, Bones, Hodgins and Angela (who were in Paris for the last seven months) to come home and help. Turns out the body in the morgue was not the missing child, but a child who had died from accidentally swallowing a screw from his crib. The mother and grandfather tried to revive the little boy, but when they failed, they buried him and didn't report the death to the authorities. In North Korea, the authorities were feared and the two of them brought this fear to the States. (Thanks to Ms. Julian, they were not charged for the death of the little boy.) As for the missing boy, Booth and Bones found out that the father had an uncle take him...he was returned to his mother.

To the more important part of the Show!

First off, let me start by saying that Ms. Julian is awesome! She brought this team back together in order to save one of their own and wouldn't take no for an answer. Under that tough exterior is a big heart.

Cam: Her intentions were good when she told the media that she said that she couldn't positively ID the child's body on the table, because she couldn't. Her team that she has come to depend on for these things for the past five plus years, were in other countries. The 'replacement team' that she put together wasn't HER team. "They weren't you guys" was the line she used in the show. In my eyes, Cam was always the one to keep things running smoothly and was kind of this force of nature. After seven months, she was still not afraid to call Bones out on her crap. At the beginning, Cam corners her and tells her that her selfish act of going to Indonesia is what broke this team apart! Wow! After the case is solved, she thanked each and everyone of them for coming back and saving her job.

Angela and Hodgins: I love them together! Since Booth and Bones can't seem to get their acts together, we need at least one happy couple and these two seem to be it. Angela and Hodgins got married toward the end of last season and went to Paris for their honeymoon since they didn't want to work with another forensic anthropologist or FBI agent. Angela came back pregnant....A Show BABY!!!!

Sweets and Daisy: A Booth and Bones wannabe that has failed like our non-couple. Daisy told Sweets that she needed to put her career first and go to Indonesia with Bones at the end of last season. When she came back, she expected to pick up where they left off and Sweets wasn't having it. I say, "Go Sweets!" He couldn't just be her friend and that it was good bye after Booth told him to move on. Poor baby duck! Now that they aren't together, Daisy will leave the Show? Only time will tell. One good thing about the time away is that our dear Sweets finally has facial hair and doesn't look like a 12 year old!

Now onto the real reason we all watch the Show! (Okay, not really.)

When Season five ended, we all hoped, but didn't hold our breath, that Bones would come to her senses and realize that she was in love with Booth. That they should give the whole relationship thing a chance. That maybe this love thing was real. When they met up at the reflective pool on the mall by the coffee cart, it was like she expected things remain the same. Unfortunately for her, Booth was serious last season when he told her that "things had to change" and that he "had to move on". He went and fell in love with a reporter who is the total opposite of our favorite forensic anthropologist. When he showed her the picture of "Hannah", I just shook my head. She kinda reminds me of all the women, minus the marine biologist and Cam, that he has dated since the beginning of the show.

Bones, you are an idiot! I have yet to stop shaking my head.

There were moments where I wanted to shake Booth. Booth, I don't blame you for moving on when you can't get what you want, but waving it in her face, not necessary. I also am not sure how I feel about the advice he gave to Sweets. Sweets and Daisy's relationship is different than he and Bones. The young couple were actually in love and planned to be married. Bones...still had yet to admit that she was in love with Booth. Bones was running and Daisy was just following her mentor. Daisy apologized, Bones didn't. I don't think Sweets, for once, should have listened to the advice.

Bones, maybe now you can get your act together.

One More Day....

2010-09-22T09:46:00.002-04:00

After I saw the season finale of Bones on May 20th, I felt like someone had sucker punched me! Booth and Bones were going their separate ways for a year to move on and possibly find themselves. I, along with other Bones fans, would have to wait four months to see if Brennan came to her senses about how she feels about a certain FBI agent and if Booth would be willing to wait for our crazed forensic anthropologist. In the spoilers and promos, it seems as though neither of these happened. Regardless of all of this, we Bones fans still wonder if it will it happen this season? Will Hart Hanson stop teasing us and make this duo hook up without hurting the show?

Will there be more of this?

Will we finally see this outside of a dream?

Come on, Show! We've waited patiently for SIX long years!

Anyways, in less than 36 hours, the Bones Season 6 Premiere starts and please know that I will be sitting in front of that TV at 7:59 pm waiting for that episode to start! Will you?

New Season...

2010-09-17T14:12:00.001-04:00

Last week, I stopped in Target to grab a couple little things and saw that they had set up their Halloween section. This only means one thing: Fall is almost here! Yes, it means that the weather is going to get a little cooler (What am I saying? It's going to get down right cold!), but it also means a lot of great things are about to start!

First thing being the NBA season! The Detroit Pistons play their first preseason game on October 5 against the new Miami Heat. After such a disappointing season last year, they are supposed to come back as a healthy team ready to prove to the league that they aren't the same team that we saw go 27-55. I honestly can't wait to see how they do this season. Will they make the playoffs this year? That would be awesome! Will they make the Conference Finals for the first time since 2006? We'll have to see about that.

Another thing that we have to be excited about are the apple festivals and Halloween. Just last week, Bigby Coffee started serving apple cider. Apple cider ==> Fall ==> Apple Festivals ==> Halloween! (If you got that, you are awesome!)

Last but definitely not least, most of the new seasons of our beloved shows start next week. Yes, I am talking about Bones, CSI: Miami, CSI: New York, Brothers & Sisters, NCIS and so many others. Bones is the one that I extremely excited about. Booth and Bones come back together after being in separate countries while Hodgins and Angela are coming back from their honeymoon in Paris. How could anyone NOT be excited about this? Yeah, I hear Booth is bringing someone back with him, but I have also heard that it's not gonna last! Will this be the season where Bones comes to her senses and gets with Booth? Maybe, maybe not! In the season premiere for CSI: Miami, we'll see who survived the attack on the crime lab and if Eric and Calliegh's relationship will last. I could really go on and on about these shows and why I am so excited about the upcoming seasons. I am not sure how I feel about the new show, Law and Order: Los Angeles and I don't like that CSI: New York was moved to Fridays.

Yeah, I know that summer is ending, but think of everything that we are gaining during Fall!

To The Parents at the Library....

2010-09-16T23:54:00.001-04:00

We need to talk! Over the past year, I have made it a point to get as much of my writing done at the public library as possible. Whether its to update my blog, write down a few thoughts or work on my book. I come here because its quiet or at least its supposed to be. While I'm here, I always have to listen to your children screaming at the top of their lungs. This is on top of my music that is not exactly on the lowest setting.

I should NOT be able to hear your kid over my music!
I should NOT have to look up to see you standing next to your child while he/she is pretending that they aren't able to stand on their own because they are tired, hungry or just plain bored.
I should not see you with this "I don't know why they are acting like that" look while whispering 'please don't embarrass Mommy at the library'.
I should not see your kids playing tag in the adult reading and work section! (I swear one day, I'm just going to get fed up and trip one of those kids and walk away! Okay maybe I won't, but you get what I'm saying.)

I know I am not the only one who feels like this when a child is screaming nonstop and the parent isn't doing anything to stop them. While I was at the library on Wednesday working on blog post that I was super excited about, a child started making this awful screeching sound every couple minutes. I was there for less than an hour because of the fact that it was getting ridiculous. People were getting up and moving as far from the noise as possible. Finally I got fed up and left. On my way out, I passed the child with it's mom and she acted like this kid hadn't been making all of that noise! REALLY?!

Look, before you tell me that I am being insensitive and that it's a public place; to get used to it, let me just say one thing. Yes, it is a public library, BUT a library is often a place for people to study, get work done or to relax. Here, people expect the distractions to be kept to a minimum. Your kid screaming...a distraction. I am not saying that you parents should not take your kids to the library, because I believe that a child should know that a library is a magical place. What I am saying is that if your child is out of control, take them outside or home.

Thanks for listening,

The Innocence of a Child

2010-09-06T23:44:00.001-04:00

Today, I went to my parents house in Grand Blanc to celebrate the "holiday" with them and just spend some time with the family. Jazmone was talking about wanting to watch Mother Goose Rock N' Rhyme, a movie that we all pretty much grew up watching and is still one of my favorite movies. Anyway, I sat down and started watching it on my laptop. Kania, who is five, sat down and watched it with me until it was time to eat dinner. Let me just say, anyone who deals with kids knows that for them to sit over an hour and some to watch a movie is a big deal. There were parts where I would catch her humming along with the songs and tapping her fingers on the armrest.

After dinner, while Mom was braiding her hair, she asked to watch it again! She made it most of the way through before jumping up to see what everyone was doing. Before I took them home, she wanted to see a few more parts and started singing along with the movie. The whole way to Saginaw, she was singing different songs from the movie and reciting nursery songs.

I guess the reason why this kind of stopped me in my tracks was that in a time where kids her age have lost their innocence and their appreciation for kids movies, she is still holding on. This is one thing that I absolutely love!

Random Weekend moment

2010-09-01T13:27:00.000-04:00

So on Saturday, before I went to my uncles wedding, I stopped at Wal-Mart (don't judge!) to get the oil changed for my car. Knowing that I would be walking around the store while I was waiting so I decided to leave the book I am reading in the car. About fifteen minutes into the wait, one of the mechanics came into the room where I was and asked if I was really reading The Divine Comedy. (Um yeah....) "Have you read The Inferno?" Yeah... "It was crazy." And I had to agree...reading it for the first time in years, I was shocked at how "real" it was.

More or less, I was amused by the fact that this mechanic got super excited over a book written over six hundred years ago and reminded me that I am not the only not the only nerd out there!

Wedding as the Sun Sets Along Lake Michigan

2010-08-29T16:17:00.001-04:00

Last night, my Uncle Tim and his girlfriend, Nikia, got married along Lake Michigan around 8:00 while the sun set over the water...definitely a beautiful image, but I, unfortunately, was not able to get a good picture.
It's been a while since I've been to that side of the state and as we were driving past the signs for the state parks, I was already planning a mini trip to the lake for a day trip.
It was nice to see the whole family together and reunite with the neighborhood friends. Let me just tell you that the stories were hilarious!
The reception was at this club in the Muskegon. The room started out a little divided, but by the end of the night, the two families came together on the dance floor. When we walked out, my younger cousin had everyone in the place in tears from laughing so hard while he was dancing with the brides mom!
It was definitely worth losing my voice for!
Mom's friend decided to start calling me "Little Ann" after my mom, but I think he should have been calling Hillary that.
Hillary's cupcakes were a HIT! I hear that they were better than the wedding cake that was professionally made!

Almost looks too good to eat! ;o)

Note: I tried to post pics from my camera phone, but they wouldn't upload correctly. Sigh

Wednesday Thoughts

2010-08-25T19:47:00.000-04:00

Who knew catching up on blogposts would make me feel better? The last couple weeks have been so crazy with moving, family and work that all of these thoughts swirled in my head and wouldn't leave me alone. So here they are!

I am not sure what made me think that moving would be a good idea! It's extremely stressful and there is so many T's to cross and I's to dot and my lack of patience makes things worse.
So far, the apartment is looking quite nice and I am so glad that the ratty futon is FINALLY out of there....almost five years later! I ended up getting a leather chaise lounge to replace it.
It was kinda wierd celebrating my birthday with the fam two weeks before the actual day, but whatever. It was fun and the cupcakes that Hillary made were DELISH!
Despite all of the negative press that Flint has gotten and will continue to get, it was amazing to see the city come together for the Back To The Bricks car cruise this past weekend. Over a period of four days, a few hundred thousand people came out! What a beautiful sight to see and the cars were AWESOME!
Can you believe the month is just about over?!
NBA season is almost here!!
Bones season 6 starts in 29 days!
My nerd moment of the week: I picked up a copy of the Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri and am in the middle of the Inferno. I remembered why I loved reading it in high school. The style of writing is amazing! And to think that this book was written in the 13th century...wow! I honestly could write a separate post about this, but I'll spare you.
We're over half way through the week...that should make anyone happy!
Off to a wedding this weekend...my uncle is getting married. sniff, sniff

Back To The Bricks

2010-08-25T19:16:00.003-04:00

Saturday, I went with Dad and the little’s to Back to the Bricks, a classic car show in downtown Flint. This is something of a tradition that started several years back with Dad, Jay and I, but Jay’s schedule has made it so that he usually misses the show. I already know what you’re thinking. A car show in the middle of downtown Flint? Um no! All I say is hear me out on this and then you can say what you want.

Years ago, Flint was a thriving city thanks to General Motors, but when GM left the area leaving a few spots open, they took the jobs with them. Flint, along with Detroit and other spots in Michigan, was hit extremely hard and is slowly coming back. When most people hear about Flint, it’s usually nothing positive and to me it’s not fair. Due to the crime rate, lack of jobs and an overall negative image, this city has been forgotten about over the years.

As the four of us were walking through the streets looking at all of the cars that people brought out to show off, Dad and I were amazed by how many people came out and how the show has grown over the years. Almost everywhere we turned, there was a vendor or two promoting their business and this was not the case even last year. To me, it seemed like the city of Flint pulled out all the stops for this. There were now more restaurants and stores open, which was beautiful to me. What got me was the amount of people that come out for this show. To this city and surrounding areas, this show isn’t just a show, but The Show. Almost a way of life. This city, no matter the race or background, comes together for a classic car show to support this area and each other.

While we were telling Mom about it over dinner, Hillary said, “You know, I usually don’t like cars, but going to this show is always fun.” And she’s right. One may not necessarily like cars and even the idea of going to a car show puts them to sleep, but this car show has something for everyone. It may be the cars, the music, seeing what the different vendors have or just walking around the downtown area to see the new changes. I feel like if Flint put together more events like this that encouraged the city to come together, more people would see how far the city has come and maybe change their attitude toward this area.

If Saturday hadn’t been the last day of the show, I would have encouraged anyone reading this to check it out to not only to see the cars (although that is the best part), but to see how beautiful the downtown area really is. Despite this little tidbit, I would still recommend checking out the area. Plenty of restaurants, shops, the University of Michigan Flint and museums are definitely worth checking out.

Who would win....

2010-08-25T19:06:00.000-04:00

Last, a guy that I work with walked into my office (yes, people...my office!) and said, "I have two questions for you." The first was "Do you think that the Miami Heat will beat the Chicago Bulls record of 72-10?" The second was "If these two teams ever played each other, who would win?" Yes, I think that the new Miami Heat team is extremely talented, but I don't think this team should be compared to the 90's Bulls with Jordan, Pippen, Rodman and Co. This is a team that set the standards for all future teams. Everything about them was great...the defense, 3 point shoots, a solid body in the paint, everything! They almost seemed like a crazy questions to ask, but it made me think.

For all of you sports fans, what do you think?

August 13th

2010-08-14T00:24:00.000-04:00

Meg, Andie and Jill

Today I said goodbye to my interns who called themselves my kids and they called me Mom or Mama Tiff. The past interns that I have worked with, I have rarely thought about them again unless we were telling stories, but these three were different. Andie and Jill wormed their way into my life before I had a say with their crazy stories and random moments. When Meg, the youngest started about a month after them, she followed in their footsteps and began calling me Mama Tiff.

Today was hard for me because these kids kept me on my toes and I became so used to them always being around. I looked out for them the way a parent would look out for their kids and hated when they were forgotten about by others. I found that with these three, there was never a dull moment. Whether it was decorating my new office last month, hearing about Andie's day from hell, Jill's terrible roommates for the summer or laughing over how excited Meg was over Shark Week.

Their parting gift

Allison, Meg, me, Jess, Jill, Andie and Adair

When Jill and Andie first started in our office, I noticed that the word that they used to describe everything was RUDE! Of course, when Meg started in the office, she started using this word as well. Now when I hear or say this word, I will always think of them.

Appointments had a lunch for them to thank them for all of their help yesterday and it's already hard enough for me to think of something to write in a card other than, "Thank you and good luck," but when it was even harder for me because I actually liked them. When I finished the last card, I actually had to walk away hoping like hell that I wouldn't cry! (Yes, I'm human and I do cry sometimes!) Amy and I asked a couple times if they really had to leave today and unfortunately, the answer was yes. Sigh

To my kids,

Thank you for a crazy summer! You will definitely be missed, but I'm sure you already know that! Jill, please hold it down in DC and I'm sure I'll be visiting! Andie, please stay away for the bikers and keep the random stories coming! Meg, what can I say? You definitely changed my opinion of high schoolers with your maturity and sass. I know that you all will do well in the upcoming semester. When you are tempted to do something crazy, please stop and think of what look I would be giving you at that moment if I were there. Hopefully, that will make you rethink your choices. Take care of yourselves!

Mama Tiff

Meg, Andie, Jill and I

The Family Tree

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same. ~Flavia Weedn, Forever, © Flavia.com

Ruler

2010-08-09T18:30:00.000-04:00

Today was one of those Monday's that could have gone somewhere! (And that's putting it nicely.) This afternoon, I needed a ruler, one of those many things that are everywhere until you need one. After searching all over the place, I finally asked Amy if she had one and she did...yay. She asked me why I didn't have one and I told her that it's best that I didn't have one because I would be tempted to use it as a weapon when people started to irritate the living hell out of me and walked away. I am pretty sure she thought I was kidding! By the end of the day, I'm sure she agreed with me.

In an hour and half, I was this close to using it on a few people and when she walked into my office just before five o'clock, I had just about had it with people and their stupidity!

So, as a note, I should never have anything that can be used as a weapon when I am dealing with really frustrating people!

Kthanxbai!

Ps. I really do hate that someone stole my seat at the library and two other people have decided to sit in my area! Go sit somewhere else! And dude, close your freaking legs!

Monday Ramblings

2010-08-09T12:40:00.000-04:00

Yes, children, today is definitely a Monday! I figured I would say a few things while I was waiting for the apartment people, who are already at least 30 minutes late, to show up and check out my apartment.

It's got to be the day, the weather and the mini move that has really killed my patience. Right before I spilled hot water on myself, I glared at anyone who tried to talk to me! Maybe I should wear a sign that says, "Please don't talk to me until AFTER I get some caffeine in my system!" Still, I don't think it would work....people would ask why, like a 3 year old until you give them an answer that would satisfy their curiosity.

I found out that my youngest uncle is getting married at the end of the month....which is kind of exciting!

What is stopping me from taking the rest of the afternoon off and sleeping?

I really do think my apartment complex forgot about this appointment.

Am I selfish for not wanting to share my birthday celebration with other family members?

Speaking of birthdays, what should I do for it this year?

Song of the Day

2010-08-08T01:23:00.000-04:00

This guy has serious potential compared to the other crap that's out right now! What do you think?

Setting the Record Straight

2010-08-04T19:23:00.000-04:00

Since I got back from my trip, I have been thinking about everything that I posted while I was on vacation and how negative a lot of it was. Please know that my time in Puerto Rico was anything but negative. If anything, my time there was definitely eye opening.

It made me realize how truly blessed I am to be able to even take a trip like that. At a time when most people, young and old, are trying to make ends meet, I was able to take time off and stay in a beach house for nearly a week there. A few of us were out the first or second day we were there and met a local man while he was walking by and during the conversation, he pointed to the house that we were staying in and said that's where the rich people stayed. This man didn't know that we were staying there and we didn't tell him, but it really made us feel good.

Coming from Michigan, one would say that Puerto Rico is a very poor "country", but I would have to disagree. Yes, their buildings may not tall and glorious looking like the ones found here, but they seem to be way more sturdier than many of the ones that are found here. I found that Puerto Ricans have so much pride in their small country and more often than not, this made up for everything else.

Coming from a place where we are in such a hurry to get place to place, I feel like sometimes we don't really enjoy the trip or destination. There, though, they drive like crazy people, but once they get to their destination, they seem to relax and enjoy themselves.

There, if you don't speak the language, then you are S.O.L.! Every time we asked if the person helping us spoke English, the person would laugh at us, turn to the person standing next to them and speak in Spanish and turn back to us to say that they would find someone to help. This experience definitely humbled me. When you think about it, we do the same thing. We talk down to the non-English speaker when we really shouldn't.
Another thing that amazed me was that this country would rather build on top of other existing non historical buildings instead of cutting down a ton of trees. Everywhere were went weren't buildings, like we see here. Some would argue that that just can't be done here, but I would have to disagree. Unused buildings could be reused or torn down to be used for something else. That's just my opinion!
Do you remember the mom and pop stores that used to be around? They are still around there! Wal-Mart has not been allowed to take over and I commend Puerto Rico for that. To me, those small stores add something that these huge superstores can't.

Could we learn from this tiny territory? Yeah, they have everything that we do, but the way of life is a little different, slower. Well, as long as they aren't driving! Could that simplistic lifestyle be what we really need in our society where our status is determined on what we have, rather than who we are? Maybe.... Yes, there were a lot of "Did that really just happen?" moments on that trip, but I have to say that I would definitely go back.

Wednesday Random

2010-08-04T18:40:00.000-04:00

Today, I asked one of my kids (interns, but they call me Mama Tiff), Meg, if she wanted to leave a little early instead of starting a project that I asked her to work on. MOST people would have said heck yeah without hesitation. Instead, she decided to stay until five. She goes on to say, "I don't have much going on tonight. My night consists of pizza and Shark Week!" Wow...she is a total nerd! ;o)