Kwanzaa (Cooperative Economics)

Today we celebrate the fourth day of Kwanzaa as Ujamaa. That means cooperative economics.  The headlines are flooded with "fiscal cliff" conversations. This term is dubbed from a speech Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke delivered before Congress earlier this year. Simply put the 2% tax break that we all felt in our pay checks will disappear. The government will cut spending on key programs that affect the elderly and working poor.  With this in mind, we can make great use of the money we do have access to.  I see many advertisements on television that suggest we don't get rich off saving money. But it sure does help to have a few dollars for any unforeseen expenses. I am not the best at saving myself. What I will do is if I have additional money from my check, I will put 20 more dollars on a small bill to get a tiny step ahead.



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Another thought is, support black businesses when we see them. I often get items from other ethnic groups such as beauty supplies and household cleaning items. However, if I see a black store, I will make my purchase from them. The main reason their prices are higher is because new black owned stores don't have “the connects” that the experienced merchants have. It amazes me how we stand in line for sneakers that are marked up 400 percent, and we know were created with child labor in harsh conditions. Yet, we complain about giving a black store owner 3 more dollars for a tab. Our priorities need to be re-evaluated. 

Kwanzaa (A sense of purpose)

 

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The fifth day of Kwanzaa is calledNia. That is to have a sense of purpose. What is your purpose? The word"calling" can substitute purpose.  This purpose can be on many levels as wetypically wear more than one hat.  Areyou a caregiver in your family? Are you a leader on your job?  Do you have responsibilities in your religionthat you follow reverently? Are you active in your community?  Who looks to you for advice?  Who always needs favors from you? Whatchildren are in your life? What seniors are in your life?  Many questions can be directed inward when itcomes to purpose. None of the questions to ask ourselves involve titles becauseour sense of purpose comes from within.  Itis not made by men. We all matter to ourselves, to our creator, and to thosewho need us most.  This can be a startingplace for our purpose.  The environmentis a great way to extend our purpose.  Doyou litter? Do you clean your yard?  Doyou recycle? Again, the purpose of this blog is to help you recognize that youhave purpose and you matter to the community. Take a great purpose into thecoming year with you.

Kwanzaa ( Collective Work and Responsibility)

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Today is the third day of Kwanzaa which is celebrated as Ujima. That is collective work and responsibility. We all know the talk shows where the paternity test is given and the host states who is the father of a child. We watch the mothers run off in disbelief. This makes entertainment for some people. However, are we helping these men and mothers take responsibility for their actions?  It takes a village to raise a child. These couples have fun creating a child, but they need to have the same amount of fun when they raise the child. Educators, caregivers, and religious leaders alike have an influence on a child's upbringing.  The church needs to be a reliable safe haven for youth in other areas outside of traditional ministry and church services. Our great collective responsibility is to do the very best we can to band together to develop our young men and women.

Kwanzaa (Self-Determination)

The second day of Kwanzaa is Kujichagulia. That is self-determination.  In this age where the computers do everything for us, we need some motivation to stop being lazy.  We need patience. Self-determination could serve as a great backdrop to get things done.  I can think of some things that I am determined to complete with excellence. This mindset is good because we all get discouraged. Think about someone in your life who is determined. What are some of their character traits? Are they always punctual? Are they detail oriented? Do the follow through with tasks to fruition? This self- determination thing is contagious. Surround yourself with like minded people. We can do as Angela Davis says "lift as we climb".

Kwanzaa (Unity)

      Today is the first day of Kwanzaa which is Umoja. That is unity. Some African American Protestants have an issue with celebrating Kwanzaa as they see it is a replacement to the extremely commercialized Christmas. I question the lack of understanding of this week long celebration. This celebration is not based off religion. Therefore, it should not replace any religious practices.  On the surface it could be confused as a pro-black thing. However, this is a movement by one of the fine African American men that can serve as an example to our dying generation-Dr. Maulana Karenga. This light skinned trendy looking gentleman has come up with a positive holiday. This holiday is not built around door busters, nor does it conflict with the fiscal cliff. It is one of reflection. The concept doesn't suggest we act like ancient Africans for a week. Rather, it lends itself to the basic principles of any human. If we unite, we can accomplish things on a grand level that the evils of government cannot fight against. Happy Kwanzaa!

National Rifle Association N.R.A. Press Conference

A week and a half after the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, I still see flags flying at half staff in my own small town. This makes me reflect each time about the tiny faces we will never see again in this life. Wayne LaPierre, the N.R.A. vice president, said at a media event following the shooting, “The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” To an extent, that is true. We can't bring a knife to a shoot-out. However, the thought of going to college to teach and then have to train to kill in the gun range makes me uneasy. The idea of a strapped kindergarten teacher will never sit right with me. At this rate, the teachers would have to at best have an assault weapon because a simple hand gun would not be powerful enough to counteract the machine guns that these intruders carry to complete a deadly massacre.  Sadly enough, we see that courageous teachers who tried to trick the intruder still lost their lives.

      LaPierre was also correct about the violent video games and media. This is what has been raising 80's babies and their off-spring. Suspense and action packed movies that show machine guns and people's heads getting blown off are always top sellers. These socially immature, cognitively bright young people think these images are cool. This plays in the background of their mind. This breeds insensitivity to gun violence amongst young people. Everyone who was affected in any way directly or indirectly by the shooting at Sandy Hook has my deepest sympathy as we try to make sense of this matter

Gotta Have a Plan B

      One motto taught to growing teens is always have a plan b. This statement is true for the high-schools around the nation that are beginning to give teenage girls access to the drug. This drug will be administered without the consent or knowledge of the parents or guardians. This is a double sided issue. What is more troubling? That our teens need the morning after pill or that our parents have teens what are pregnant and they have no knowledge of the outcome? This pill is the equivalent of taking the entire pack of birth-control pills at once. There is no long term empirical data about the effects of the pills. Our young girls need self discipline over their emotions and their horny bodies. Let's get our teens. Pay attention to what they are not saying. Let's teach our own teens about what is healthy for them to do! The school nurse doesn't live under our roof. Why should she have the final say on our youth?

Please

Thinking of a baby name can be hard at times. This exciting task can involve family members, friends, or colleagues. I like to Google the popular baby names for 2011 and 2012. The new names like Apple, Siri, and Hashtag to name a few are signs of the times. I still consider good old fashion names like Noah or Sophia for a great name for a newborn. Modern spellings or antiquated spellings can give the name a different flare. However, it is not wise to name your child something that goes against modern Phonics because it can cause more confusion than what it is worth amongst adults, let alone children. I chose one baby name for a boy and one for a girl. I am debating even disclosing what those names are because it seems as if someone is always willing to steal your baby name. Technically they would be simply using your "research". I consider it stealing all the same. Now that my names are set, if my friends ask, I will say please don't think I am disclosing it because I will reveal it when the baby arrives.

Momma's Boy Part 1

 

Do you know a guy that will do anything and everything for his mother?  What about the mother who practically injects herself into everything the man is doing especially his relationship with you?  This has got to be an experience to regret.  The relationship with the momma's boy is a relationship with the mother first, and then you.  He will never be responsible for anything until she dies.  By then, he will find someone else to blame for every downfall because she is no longer alive to over compensate for him.  Momma's boys will never mature.  Bad enough being a man has its setbacks.  All we can do is take every moment for what it’s worth.  Pray hard and keep peace because the situation will drive you up a wall!

Advice

      Have you ever told a friend about a horrible situation in your relationship? Has the answer ever seemed harsh? Many women give each other advice. It's interesting that women tend to be so quick to give out instruction that they are not following. This is why you should listen with caution. Analyze the information. Chew the meat and spit out the bones. Reacting quickly based off a third party is not wise. Two people are in a relationship, not three. Friends should encourage, correct, support, and listen of friends. They shouldn't bash each others mates. Words can be hurtful. Keep this in mind when you give advice to your friend.





Vote or Shut Up

It amazes me how we will beat someone in the head for a big ticket item on black friday, but we complain about a line for voting. Where are our priorities? Think about the two separate fights for voting. One for blacks in general and one for women. Both of these fights together enabled me to stand in line and cast my ballot. When I vote, I do it for my brother who can't because of legal reasons, I do it for my unborn child who needs a brighter future, and lastly I do it for me. The one time my opinion matters i will voice it.

Español is the new Ingles

Do you know only one language? If you said yes, you are not prepared for the working world. The melting pot known as America is simmering some bilingual brew. Guess what? The bilingual aliens, immigrants, migrants, and citizens are valuable players in this economy. They can speak to the thousands of Latinos and Latinas who are buying goods and services. Their buying power is just as good as their work ethic. The idea that if you want to live in America you have to speak the English language is antiquated. Every product we purchase has the directions, ingredients, and warranties in Spanish as well as English. Learning a working knowledge of this language will help you tremendously.

Amen !

A word that means it is so and so be it. This word is said after we pray as to show a sign of approval. It seals the prayer. How many people actually apply the literal meaning of the word to their situation in a positive manner? Fix your minds on true, pure, thoughts for your destiny. That destiny could be a peaceful life. That destiny can be a long awaited job. "It is so" is a great stamp on everything you want delivered to you and for everything you need to be delivered from. God has spoken and we say amen!

Friday Forecast (Weather the Storm)

In the aftermath of category 1 hurricane sandy, the east coast in particular New Jersey and New York are still without power and resources. Seeing people on the news saying they feel the government has forgotten about them makes me remember Katrina. People said that Bush didn't care about black people. However, now it's white people on television in despair. My sentiments are the government is not prepared for natural catastrophes in certain areas. So that means that we have to care for each other! Find out how you can help the Red Cross for New York and New Jersey. After all, it's only but by grace that we were not consumed from this storm.

Misunderstood

Have you ever said something to someone and they took it all wrong? In this age of computer technology, we have forgotten the value of an old fashioned face to face disagreement. Two sides can express their feelings. Come to a resolution: win,loose, or draw. Move forward. At a symposium i visited on bullying, the speaker said something profound. Women take things personally based off the games they played as children which normally include a personified doll or bear. While men can move on because they played games that were competitive and had a winner. What are we saying? Conversations can bring about conflicting views. But, don't let a situation get you off your square. Just communicate clearly and move on. Some people will never be satisfied no matter what you do. More over, life goes on.

Fly Girl

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On Columbus Day Misa (P Diddy's ex) was on a radio show. She has a fashion school in New York. She said she doesn't like to say what is hot. This is because everyone looks great in different things. Proclaiming only trendy items will pressure avid followers to ascribe to those limited styles. I agree. We all flock to trends and the next year, we have to purchase more clothes.  I go for timeless pieces.  I mix and match and create my own version of something I seen on the street.  I love to watch people for their style.  However, I know what I can pull off and what I can't.  Wear what fits and feels good.  After all, you make the clothes, the clothes don't make you fly girl. 

Golden Rule Days

It's October and over a month of secondary education has passed us by.  Where does the time go?  Whether your little one started in August or September, a cold front has moved in on the east coast and school is in full throttle.  Everyone begins with an A.  It is up to them to keep the A.  Nowadays it is common for an elementary school teachers to send home a packet of work to be completed by Friday.  She will go over the concepts during the week. 
On the other hand, in high school, the work is assigned nightly.  Might I say, these children get way more work than I did when I was in school.  Or was it that I didn't complete the work?  Either way, if your little one is having a little difficulty now with the work, get help.  Sometimes it can be as simple as asking if the child can stay after school for an hour.  This will allow for the one on one time that the child may need to boost their studies.  Now is the time to call the schools and the nearest community centers and see what can be done to keep our little ones on track before it's too late. 

Prayer !

Prayer works! The power of prayer is great when we believe. We must believe God is one who will reward those who diligently seek Him.  The issue is we often let life situations discourage us.  We count our blessings out before God adds them in.  This puts us at a disadvantage because then we have completed Satan's job for him.  Is that what we want to do?  Help our enemy?  God forbid!  Let's gird up our loins with truth and do what we know to work.  A hymn says "O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer." Let's talk to God like we talk to our bff or our lover.  As oft as time allows and watch Him work.  Oh what a show.

The Help !

Everything that you go through in life is not soley for you. It is sometimes a testament for someone else that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Every heart ache, every disappointment, every time you have fallen short can help someone in the future. Think. Tere is someone waiting on you to get your life together so that you can inspire them. Ask God to direct you. Don't be ashamed of your testimony. For, the Bible says we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our testimony. That passage was in the book of Revelation referring to those around the throne. However, we can apply that to our own lives as well. Lastly, when you help someone else, God will meet your needs.

Understanding !

The Bible says in all thy getting, get an understanding. Understanding is associated with knowledge and wisdom. Think of them as the treacherous three. Once the forces connect, an enlightenment begins. We do not have to know everything about everything! We need to know that God is at the forefront of all of our dealings. He will direct us. Sometimes this process is blind to us just like our forefather Abraham. We are God's creation. Let's be open to His will even if we do not know all the logistics. Let's understand God will see us through.  Be blessed.

R.E.M

No one over the age of 18 months falls asleep. If a man tells you he neglected to do something because he fell asleep, more than likely he meant he went to sleep. That means he went to sleep knowing that you two had discussed something and did not want to complete the task. Simple. Let's keep it to a workable level. We believe things because it makes us feel good. However, as long as we know the truth that is all that matters. So next time we don't want to do something a guy asks us to do, we should fall asleep. We should fall asleep and forget to come through, forget to call, neglect to come home, and see what the guy's reply is.

Grateful !

We have access to the World at our finger tips. If you are reading this, you have access to technology. We take so much for granted in our lives. Please be grateful. It is unrealistic to ask you not to complain. When you are complaining however, make sure u know that it could always be worse. You could always be working with less. And for that, we are grateful!

Voter Law

     In Pennsylvania there has been a new voter law that passed which requires voters to have proper identification prior to voting. Some consider this an act of oppression. I agree to an extent. However, why is it an issue when it is time go get proper identification. People who are complaining about identification are the same ones not complaining about the price of Nikes or Timberland boots that don't keep your feet warm in the winter. Women don't complain about the Africans charging 180 for hair styles. We need our priorities in order. Get your id. November 11,2012 is all that matters.

Bump It

     Bump by Sensationnel provides a great alternative to 27 piece hair by Harlem 125. This hair comes with a slight bend at the end. This hair is great for styles that the client desires to wear down but not touching their neck at all. Bump can be worn right out the pack if need be. This hair can be re-curled and is versatile. This hair can create the Tony Braxton nineties look or the Osborne mom look. Either way, one pack will suffice for a great full sewin. Overall, the hair is a good quality for the economical price.

Inspired !

One thing we can attest to is that God is able to surpass out finite thinking according to the power that works within us. As women we often give out so much at home, work, and in our respective place in ministry and worship. Today's message is simple. Let's be proactive and anticipate the move of God in our lives the same way we expect Him to work in others lives. Its is not that we cannot pray for others. However, today we must prepare our hearts and minds to receive something that is new to us from God. How do we prepare? We must gear our hearts altruistically to the Spirit. Just like getting ready for a date. We have to make sure we can send up a sweet savory smell to our God. It may be easy, it may be hard. Just think of the the end result of blessing and delight of the Lord and everything will come together.

Keep it a 100

                                                                   How many times have we depended on our hair stylist to give us a functional pretty hair-do? What troubles me is stylists who will put any color, any style, any length hair in the client's head. Everything doesn't look good on everyone. Be honest, really dark people need to watch which hues they wear. Fat round faces should wear styles that elongate the face. People who need to exercise shouldn't get glued weaves. Just as someone who sports ponytails shouldn't have semi short hair. Their style should be long enough to pull off their face. We could go on and on.

     It is good integrity on the part of the stylist to inform a client if the style probably won't fit their face or life. Consults are still important even it it isn't natural hair. No matter what, t'a the job of a hair stylist to keep it a hundred with the client.

A Husband, a Boyfriend, and a Boothang

The song "No Lie" has 2 Chainz rappin about having one wife, a mistress, and a girlfriend. This roll call is the favorite line of many men who consider themselves in the mix. I want to imagine for a minute. What would life be like if I wanted a husband, a boyfriend, and a boothang? Could i make a song and not be called a hoe. It never ceases to amaze me that when men are requesting adding fun to things that seem dull and routine, its always a few women. The concept of a male concubine seems delightful to me. In fact, if I was a rapper, I would grab my crotch with many attractive men gawking over me. Not to mention I would smoke a cigar and throw cash around. The nicest guys I would smack their face with the cash and let them count it for me with their private parts showing. Only men will never put themselves out there like that.

My Boys Peter and Paul

     The phrase rob Peter to pay Paul sticks out in my mind. Paul was one of the most influential preachers and missionaries in Christendom. While Peter walked with the Jesus that Paul saw in a glorious vision. They were on the same team!
     I digress. You know your poor when you are taking $20 from each bill to free up funds for an unforeseen emergency. You know you are poor when you mark all paydays. As a matter of fact you are excited to see months with three pays!(biweekly pay) You know you don't have any money when you find a debit card with $1 on it so you can get gas now and deposit the money before the charge posts. You know funds are tight when you are either selling or purchasing food stamps. We have all done it! Lastly, if you feel that none of this is applicable we have something for you. Unofficial members of the bourgeoisie will search for a high priced dress that wasi worn once to return for the cash. In the end, we all have been strapped for cash. How we handle it is our business as long as it resolves our matters.

If Women Sold Drugs

     We all heard men who have been incarcerated say "I been to jail and I ain't goin' back". The amazing thing about the statement is they never set out to get locked up from the beginning. Who really goes out just to get picked up by the police? I suppose the person who continually does the activity that granted them jail time from the beginning.
     Consider the show "Weeds" which 8 have never seen. A woman sells marajuana. I wonder would the worrld be different if mainly women sold drugs? Would our men sit home while we use their car to "take care of business?" Would our men stash our illegal drugs or weapons? Would our men even believe we sold drugs all night when we returned home countless mornings with nothing to show for? Would our men make the home accessible for our girls and our vulgar talk? Would men buy us packs and help us re-up when we didn't have the money? Lastly, would men come see us and accept our prison phone calls when everything has gone awry? I could go on and on, but inquiring minds want to know.

No One Has All of the Answers

I am a regular Black female with regular issues.  I don't have all the answers.  Life experience edits all my opinions about issues I thought I had figured out.  This blog will be a conversation between me and you.  I  don't have many friends, so you are my friend.  I will respect your opinion.  So please respect my thoughts on this page in the same like manner.  This blog will be controversial at times.  Then at other times, we will have to be on the straight and narrow.  That's what I like the most about you anyway.  You can hang girl!  Keep in mind I love you, and God loves you too.