In the first two weeks since the election, President-elect Barack Obama has broken with a tradition established over the past eight years through his controversial use of complete sentences, political observers say.
read more | digg story
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Monday, November 03, 2008
A knock at the door
The household was winding down for the night. The dishes were washed, dinner was put away and I was relaxing watching an evening news program.
Then came a knock at the door that sent my heart into my stomach. I went to the door and looked out to see a police car sitting in front of my home.
The nice officer proceeded to tell me that he saw a small boy climbing out of my front window. The officer described what my youngest son was wearing and I stood there in shock.
Apparently, my youngest has been using his bedroom window to let our cat in the evening. He stopped using our front door because whenever it's opened a chime rings in the house.
It goes without saying I was none to pleased. I was more scared than upset and decided to sleep on it before speaking with my son.
This morning we had a talk and I think I got my point across. The look on his face as I explained how dangerous his antics were let me know he understood.
Then came a knock at the door that sent my heart into my stomach. I went to the door and looked out to see a police car sitting in front of my home.
The nice officer proceeded to tell me that he saw a small boy climbing out of my front window. The officer described what my youngest son was wearing and I stood there in shock.
Apparently, my youngest has been using his bedroom window to let our cat in the evening. He stopped using our front door because whenever it's opened a chime rings in the house.
It goes without saying I was none to pleased. I was more scared than upset and decided to sleep on it before speaking with my son.
This morning we had a talk and I think I got my point across. The look on his face as I explained how dangerous his antics were let me know he understood.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Olbermann to Palin: Are You Smarter than a 3rd Grader???
Keith Olbermann's special comment to Sarah Palin, who still has no clue what the Vice President does.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Monday, October 20, 2008
End of the First Grading Period
On Thursday my boys will learn the fate of their beloved PSP's, Gamecube and Playstation. Parent teacher conference are being held and although I'm hopeful, I am prepared to be slightly disappointed. The only thing that matters is that they give their best.
On a completely different note, I picked up Maya Angelou's latest novel, Letter To My Daughter. She is one of my favorite authors and I'm excited to read her newest work. I'll give an update once I've finished. Have a great week!
On a completely different note, I picked up Maya Angelou's latest novel, Letter To My Daughter. She is one of my favorite authors and I'm excited to read her newest work. I'll give an update once I've finished. Have a great week!
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Progress reports
Friday was D-day for every student in the South Bend Community School Corporation. Mine were no exception.
Question for the teachers out there. If you have a student who is either failing or in danger of failing your class, do you contact parents or do you just send out progress reports and wait for the phone lines to jam with the many phone calls you will receive come Monday morning?
Both of my boys attend the same intermediate center within S.B.C.S.C. I was caught off guard with the grades they received in a few classes. Since Monday, I have spoken with five different teachers from their school.
All students are provided with a planner to write down assignments in an effort to help with organization, but this should not replace contact from the teacher if a child is missing an assignment(s).
To make a long story short, the boy's room is now Xbox free, Playstation free and PSP free until further notice. I most certainly hold them accountable for the academic success, but I also am frustrated with the attitude of some teachers as well.
Question for the teachers out there. If you have a student who is either failing or in danger of failing your class, do you contact parents or do you just send out progress reports and wait for the phone lines to jam with the many phone calls you will receive come Monday morning?
Both of my boys attend the same intermediate center within S.B.C.S.C. I was caught off guard with the grades they received in a few classes. Since Monday, I have spoken with five different teachers from their school.
All students are provided with a planner to write down assignments in an effort to help with organization, but this should not replace contact from the teacher if a child is missing an assignment(s).
To make a long story short, the boy's room is now Xbox free, Playstation free and PSP free until further notice. I most certainly hold them accountable for the academic success, but I also am frustrated with the attitude of some teachers as well.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
My daughter the Debutante
A rite of passage for young Black women in our community is the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Scholarship Cotillion. It's held every two years and young ladies who are juniors and seniors in high school are invited to participate.
There are invitations, applications and interviews. Community service activities, workshops and rehearsals. Let's not forget escort's and father's learning minuets and waltzes.
It's a throwback from way back and I'm tickled pink that my only daughter has decided to participate. To be honest, I thought there would be a lot of eye-rolling and teeth gnashing, but to my surprise there was none of that. I think she wants to do it as much as I want her to participate.
Back story: My deceased mother was an AKA Soror and this was one of the few things she would have insisted that my daughter participate in. Please understand, it would not have taken much prodding. My daughter loves her grandmother to pieces and I do believe this is the reason she has been so accommodating, to pay tribute to her Nana.
There are invitations, applications and interviews. Community service activities, workshops and rehearsals. Let's not forget escort's and father's learning minuets and waltzes.
It's a throwback from way back and I'm tickled pink that my only daughter has decided to participate. To be honest, I thought there would be a lot of eye-rolling and teeth gnashing, but to my surprise there was none of that. I think she wants to do it as much as I want her to participate.
Back story: My deceased mother was an AKA Soror and this was one of the few things she would have insisted that my daughter participate in. Please understand, it would not have taken much prodding. My daughter loves her grandmother to pieces and I do believe this is the reason she has been so accommodating, to pay tribute to her Nana.
Friday, September 19, 2008
WSJ Editorial Board Hits McCain For Cox Threat:
The conservative Wall Street Journal editorial board excoriates John McCain for saying he would fire Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Chris Cox:
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Friday, August 29, 2008
Words Cannot Express...
what millions of us witnessed last night--HISTORY!!! When Sen. Obama stepped out on that stage and accepted the nomination for President of the United States, I immediately choked up. I'm tearing up even as I write this. It's simply incredible! If you for some reason did not or were not able to see it, go to www.jackandjillpolitics.com to see this unforgettable moment.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
So Hard to Let Go
My boys are ages 13 & 11. For the last few weeks their sister has been summering in Chicago. The boys have been busy with camp and swimming lessons. Due to my work schedule, I had to come to grips with the fact that I need to give them more responsibility. This past week they have travelled to and back home from their swimming lessons solo!
For those of you who don't have children may not understand the significance of this event, let's just say it's huge! Up until this week, anywhere my children needed to go, they were either driven by yours truly or transported by another friend or family member.
At this time, I do not own a vehicle. I take public transportation to and from work each day and any other place I need to go. I am blessed to have people in my life that offer rides to and from the grocery store, but with the current price of gas, I make those requests few and far between.
I am very fortunate that my boys are really good kids. They have followed my instructions to the tee and come straight home without detouring. I cannot take all the credit, but I am grateful and proud.
As hard as this past week has been for me, it was necessary for their growth and development. They are building confidence and self esteem in their ability to function without me. It's gut wrenching for parents, but imperative for their level of maturation.
I'm sure my own mother is looking down on me and laughing; enjoying watching me go through the paces with her grandchildren. I was the most stubborn and independent child and if what they say is true about your own children, I'm in for one hell of a ride! Pray for me.
For those of you who don't have children may not understand the significance of this event, let's just say it's huge! Up until this week, anywhere my children needed to go, they were either driven by yours truly or transported by another friend or family member.
At this time, I do not own a vehicle. I take public transportation to and from work each day and any other place I need to go. I am blessed to have people in my life that offer rides to and from the grocery store, but with the current price of gas, I make those requests few and far between.
I am very fortunate that my boys are really good kids. They have followed my instructions to the tee and come straight home without detouring. I cannot take all the credit, but I am grateful and proud.
As hard as this past week has been for me, it was necessary for their growth and development. They are building confidence and self esteem in their ability to function without me. It's gut wrenching for parents, but imperative for their level of maturation.
I'm sure my own mother is looking down on me and laughing; enjoying watching me go through the paces with her grandchildren. I was the most stubborn and independent child and if what they say is true about your own children, I'm in for one hell of a ride! Pray for me.
Friday, June 27, 2008
They almost got me...
I have been on the receiving end of some mysterious phone calls for the last two or three days. Today I was at home when this one came in.
I can't speak for other cities, but our local news stations constantly do PBA's for consumers warning them selves about phising. The practice of someone calling an individual, pretending to be a legitimate business associated with their bank.
Well, lo and behold, it happened to me. As I mentioned, I've been receiving calls from a strange number that I did not recognize. The call originated from Quebec or so my caller i.d. has identified.
The young man on the other end of the phone asked for me by first and last name. He then introduced himself (not his real name, I'm sure). He gave me the name of the "company" and asked me if I banked with "X" institutuion.
It struck me as strange that he new where I conducted my banking business. He went on to explain that my account protection was about to expire and in order to extend it I would need to make two payments. This is where my gut kicked in. I asked questions and informed him that I never received any information from my bank about this service.
The next thing I know I was listening to a dial tone. So as a warning to anyone out there. Ask a lot of questions if you receive a call from someone you are not familiar with.
FYI, the phone mumber I received the call from was 514-481-9183. When I attempted to call the number it simply rang. Never went to voice mail or answering machine. Beware people and stay on your toes. If this can happen to a single mom with very little money; it can happen to you too.
I can't speak for other cities, but our local news stations constantly do PBA's for consumers warning them selves about phising. The practice of someone calling an individual, pretending to be a legitimate business associated with their bank.
Well, lo and behold, it happened to me. As I mentioned, I've been receiving calls from a strange number that I did not recognize. The call originated from Quebec or so my caller i.d. has identified.
The young man on the other end of the phone asked for me by first and last name. He then introduced himself (not his real name, I'm sure). He gave me the name of the "company" and asked me if I banked with "X" institutuion.
It struck me as strange that he new where I conducted my banking business. He went on to explain that my account protection was about to expire and in order to extend it I would need to make two payments. This is where my gut kicked in. I asked questions and informed him that I never received any information from my bank about this service.
The next thing I know I was listening to a dial tone. So as a warning to anyone out there. Ask a lot of questions if you receive a call from someone you are not familiar with.
FYI, the phone mumber I received the call from was 514-481-9183. When I attempted to call the number it simply rang. Never went to voice mail or answering machine. Beware people and stay on your toes. If this can happen to a single mom with very little money; it can happen to you too.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
What a weekend!
I need to express my utter contempt for our local gas company. If I barely had the $131.00 per month on the "budget" program; why would they think I now have $901.59 to pay in one month?! I am not the only one in this situation. Many others who participate in the gas company's budget plan during the winter, are now being extorted out of hundreds of dollars too.
While trying to plan how to best deal with my latest household crisis, I learned that Tim Russert passed away. I was so shocked to hear this sad news. It took me back to the passing of my own mother, very suddenly at the age of 57. I can only pray for Mr. Russert's family. God bless them.
It's Father's Day weekend and there's not a child in sight. They're spending the weekend w/dad! What's a single mom to do? I suppose studying for my upcoming LSAT on Monday might be a good idea. Honestly, it's hard to concentrate knowing I will be unable to bathe, cook or wash clothes the day after my test.
While trying to plan how to best deal with my latest household crisis, I learned that Tim Russert passed away. I was so shocked to hear this sad news. It took me back to the passing of my own mother, very suddenly at the age of 57. I can only pray for Mr. Russert's family. God bless them.
It's Father's Day weekend and there's not a child in sight. They're spending the weekend w/dad! What's a single mom to do? I suppose studying for my upcoming LSAT on Monday might be a good idea. Honestly, it's hard to concentrate knowing I will be unable to bathe, cook or wash clothes the day after my test.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Food for thought (that you can actually afford)
I was blessed to discover a wonderful organization that helps struggling families stretch their food dollar. http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ is "the funky hook-up"!
They are in many states nationwide. Each month the menu changes. You wiill spend a minimum of $30 and a max of $90, depending on how many specials you add to your base order. Visit the website and see for yourself.
A snipet of a recent conversation with my sister.
"...I'd better get my stakes in the marinade, so I can have dinner ready before boy 1's baseball game."
"Steaks, where in the shell did you get money for steaks?"
"I've been meaning to tell you about the funky hook up! Go to this website http://www.anglefoodministries.com/ and check it out."
My sister placed her first order two days ago. Oh, I should mention, she resides in Illinois and I am in Indiana. Don't take my word for it, see for yourself. You and your wallet will thank me!
They are in many states nationwide. Each month the menu changes. You wiill spend a minimum of $30 and a max of $90, depending on how many specials you add to your base order. Visit the website and see for yourself.
A snipet of a recent conversation with my sister.
"...I'd better get my stakes in the marinade, so I can have dinner ready before boy 1's baseball game."
"Steaks, where in the shell did you get money for steaks?"
"I've been meaning to tell you about the funky hook up! Go to this website http://www.anglefoodministries.com/ and check it out."
My sister placed her first order two days ago. Oh, I should mention, she resides in Illinois and I am in Indiana. Don't take my word for it, see for yourself. You and your wallet will thank me!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Bombarded by the holidays
Since my last entry, I hosted Thanksgiving dinner for approximately sixteen. What a workout! I surprise myself each holiday. I had a wonderful teacher in my mother. It's amazing how much you absorb, even when you're not really listening.
I don't know how anyone, myself inculded, deals with constant drama. The night before Thanksgiving, a good friend called to inform me that her significant other had physically assaulted her. I was livid! Surprisingly, he was arrested and taken to jail. Not due to the actions of my friend, but because of the actions of a third party. After such a horrific ordeal, I insisted she and her children join us for Thanksgiving. She accepted the invitation and cried most of the time she was there. Although she expressed her desire to move on, I decided that I was done with drama. Hers, mine, anyone's. I'm with Mary J. Blige--"No more drama".
Christmas was wonderful! Just me and the kids, my step-dad, and the man who made the day even more special for my babies--#1 baby daddy. To bring you up to speed, there are two. Number 1 has for many years been a source of insecurity for the men in my life, including and especially number 2. It was the reason for many disagreements/arguments. I digress. I'll go into detail at a later time.
New Year's was quiet. Well if you consider gunshots ringing feet/yards from your doorstep quiet. I should clarify. No wild parties, just watching Dick Clark and the ever blinding crystal ball drop in Times Square.
Now, a holiday I have dreaded for many years is upon me. This year I do not have the same feelings of despair. I look forward to it. Spending nine months in prison tends to give you a different set of glasses to see the world through.
I currently occupy my time working part-time at a local community college. I have found a project, that is near and dear to my heart, to persue; and I have registered for the June 2008 LSAT . Yes folks, that's right. I'm going to law school.
Law school has been a dream of mine for some time. I have taken the LSAT twice before. The first time I cancelled my score after leaving in tears. I gave it another try. My score was awful and that was as for as it went. This time I'm going after my dream understanding the other side of the law in ways I never dreamed. I've always like helping others, but this time it's personal.
I don't know how anyone, myself inculded, deals with constant drama. The night before Thanksgiving, a good friend called to inform me that her significant other had physically assaulted her. I was livid! Surprisingly, he was arrested and taken to jail. Not due to the actions of my friend, but because of the actions of a third party. After such a horrific ordeal, I insisted she and her children join us for Thanksgiving. She accepted the invitation and cried most of the time she was there. Although she expressed her desire to move on, I decided that I was done with drama. Hers, mine, anyone's. I'm with Mary J. Blige--"No more drama".
Christmas was wonderful! Just me and the kids, my step-dad, and the man who made the day even more special for my babies--#1 baby daddy. To bring you up to speed, there are two. Number 1 has for many years been a source of insecurity for the men in my life, including and especially number 2. It was the reason for many disagreements/arguments. I digress. I'll go into detail at a later time.
New Year's was quiet. Well if you consider gunshots ringing feet/yards from your doorstep quiet. I should clarify. No wild parties, just watching Dick Clark and the ever blinding crystal ball drop in Times Square.
Now, a holiday I have dreaded for many years is upon me. This year I do not have the same feelings of despair. I look forward to it. Spending nine months in prison tends to give you a different set of glasses to see the world through.
I currently occupy my time working part-time at a local community college. I have found a project, that is near and dear to my heart, to persue; and I have registered for the June 2008 LSAT . Yes folks, that's right. I'm going to law school.
Law school has been a dream of mine for some time. I have taken the LSAT twice before. The first time I cancelled my score after leaving in tears. I gave it another try. My score was awful and that was as for as it went. This time I'm going after my dream understanding the other side of the law in ways I never dreamed. I've always like helping others, but this time it's personal.
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