Maybe Change Would Be A Good Idea

Over the past two weeks, I've talked to two of my closest friends who know me better than almost anyone.  Sometimes even better than myself.  Friends that I often feel blessed to have because they are often the ones to push me out of my comfort zone.  


In the last month or so, I've gotten to the point where my job may not be the best place for me.  That I am, more or less, paying work there and that's kind of defeating the purpose.  So, one night, I spoke to my parents and suggested that maybe it would be a good time to maybe look for a new job and really focus on my writing...like looking into the new publishing program that Amazon now has. Shockingly, they were insanely supportive, throwing me off guard.  It made me realize that maybe I had underestimated their feelings toward my desire to write.  What an amazing feeling!


Back to my point...


Last week, I had a chance to have lunch with Amy and her little one and I brought this up.  Not only did she agree with me on my decision to move on from this job, but also really consider a change of scenery, which has been an idea that I have been toying with for the past few years.  When I came back from lunch and talked to Katie, another of my closest friends, she agreed wholeheartedly.  


Being a few hundred miles apart, they still managed to tell me the same thing.  If I could step out of my comfort zone in little ways, why not finish the year off with a new job in a new city and state, living for me?  


How is it that the next day, my brother and I were having the same conversation?  He had been feeling like now was the best time to change things up and really branch out on his own.  Coming from a strong and supportive family, we both have realized that if we are to stand on our own two feet, that it was time to leave. Even if it means moving in the opposite directions.


How is that something as minor as a single conversation becomes something so drastic and exciting?  Something as big as possibly leaving everything that I have ever known for a city that I have only been to for days at a time.  


So, here's my idea:
By the end of August, I want to out of Lansing and into an apartment with a new job in the Chicago area.


Am I terrified of this big leap?  Hell yes, but that means that you're about to do something great.

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

– Victor Frankl

Have a great weekend!  

Hmmm...

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

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...

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

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...

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!

Remember This Everyday...

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

An Honest Moment

***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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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?!

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

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?

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!