Quotes

"How could a Christian have such fear and trembling at going to his eternal peace"

"Death was no more than the gateway to new birth"

Mists of Avalon

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt"

Abraham Lincoln

"See your trials thru your own eyes. Don't compare it to others"

Unknown

"So here it is truth is always trumped by lies, friendship may be shattered with words,
gossip destroys everyone involved, silent tears stain the cheeks of the heartbroken"

Melanie Slayton

"I do not take a single newspaper, nor read one a month, and I feel myself infinitely the happier for it."

Thomas Jefferson

Pot and Kettle

My mom and I took my grandmother out to shop today. We were hungry, so we stopped and purchased ourselves some food. My father doesn't allow my mom to spend money she earns unless it's on him. So he called and asked her to go buy him some food even though she was only allotted 20 bucks today. He wanted Chinese from a place that doesn't take debit card and she had no cash, so he threw a tantrum and said forget it!

We got home and my mom made my brother and father food before she sat down and ate. 99 percent of the time I would have called the house and offered to buy food for everyone, but since my father doesn't feel the need to speak to me, I DON'T FEEL THE NEED TO BUY HIM ANYTHING!

He just told my mother, "I'm trying to fight her selfishness and you come home with food only for yourselves", well since he thinks I'm the selfish one I'm calling bullshit on this statement!
I'm listing just a few examples of HIS selfishness, so that you can see the pot calling the kettle black!


1. He is known to get hungry, go to the taco truck, eat and come home...like nothing happened while the rest of us are sitting here eating peanut butter out of the jar.

2. He is known to make himself lavish meals...breakfast and/or lunch not making anything else he doesn't eat most of the food he piles on his plate and he leaves the dishes for someone else to wash.

3. He is known to try to raise rent because he doesn't know how to pay his bills on time.

4. He is known to go buy beer when he could buy groceries.

5. He is known to do nothing, not going to the market or trying to make dinner when he knows there is absolutely no food in the house.

6. He is known to tell people they can't label the food they pay for, then he hides food in his room so he won't have to share...and on top of that he eat your food too.

7. He is known to treat people like crap then wants to get upset when no one wants him around or when, dare I say it, they treat him the same way.

8. He is known to be ungrateful, uncaring and unforgiving, but expects everyone to kiss his feet as he walks by!

Those are just some of the reason why I have lost all respect for the man who calls himself my father. He thinks that I am selfish, well he needs to look in the mirror!

He held up his fingers

We were in the drive thru at In n Out the other night having a grand ole time waiting to order. When I looked up to see the guy ordering in front of us suddenly hold up a two (with his fingers)! First he held his hand up toward the speaker, then toward the menu, I guess he thought there was a camera there reading the amount of food he wanted. It was quite funny and my mom and I had a great laugh.
He held up a two....classic!

Redesigned and it feels so good...

Yesterday while I was starting the new blog, I discovered some options I could use to customize this blog. I didn't do anything big, but I did change the template and I'm really enjoying it!

There are tons of things I can do to this page...I can change the fonts, colors, backgrounds whatever I want. I've just gotten started on this task and don't want to change it too much (cause I'm really digging it) but I'm going to have fun with it.

What do you think about it? Until Next Time...

What I've decided....

Hi there,

Well, since I have bought my 35 mm, I haven't really been out there trying to use it like I should, so I've decided to step up my game and just take it with me and snap away. The pictures may not be good and most may end up being a waste, but it'll be a learning experience that I can look back on and say that I did!

I have decided to start a 2nd blog that will be completely devoted to my photography experiences. I will share these experiences in words and pictures. So go on over there to see the progress I'm making (I will share the good, the bad and the UGLY). I will point out my favorites and tell you the inspirations behind the pictures I've take. I can say that there won't be a daily update (since I'm dealing with film, not digital) on this blog, but I hope for weeklies.

The name of the blog is My Journey in Photography and you can find it at: http://mrslay26photos.blogspot.com/ or go to my full profile and at the bottom you can find the link!

Alright, so head on over and take a look at my stuff. Feel free to tell me what you think about them. But don't be mean!

Back to Work, got to sleep

I've spent the last two days at Amber's house in the Air Conditioning. And I'm back home in the heat. I sleep well last night, except that at about 1 am the dogs decided to start barking at air! After that, I woke up every 3 hours (my 6:30 wake up call was to let the dogs out to pee). I was out of bed by 9 am both yesterday and today, so even though I wasn't in the heat, I also didn't get to sleep in in the A/C.

Since I have to go to work tomorrow and face the world, I need to go to bed and try to sleep through this heat!

Hope you all are fairing well in this summer heat!

Until Next Time

You spit mighty swords because you think they will work to your advantage.
You cause the problems then blame them on others
You think the you are superior and try your best to bring everyone else down.

There is a burning in your soul, that your loneliness ignites
I cannot and will not be a party to your terror.
We see things differently because I don't trust you words

The hate you spread is damaging
You twist you voice so that you are believed
The truth is ultimate and to be striven for

Games are played and I don't care if I lose
Because I refused to play a game you've created to your advantage
You win and feel fulfilled, but no one congratulates the victor

I am sad for you
You are lost, so, in the grips of pity
Unable to find the light out

Maybe one day we will see eye to eye
Maybe one day you will forgive yourself
Maybe one day you will stop blaming others for your faults

You have scars but do not own them
You are exactly what you accuse others of being
And when they throw your words back at you you run and cry that they are mean.

I don't like you now that I know you
Before you were a friend, but now you are nothing to me
With every step we take closer to the end I feel less and less emotion in your regard!

Goodbye from my life
You are no longer welcome
I will see you in the shades of distance memories that I shall push to the back corners of my mind.

The Bible

I was looking at pictures on the Internet today and came across the bible verse Phil 4:3...well, in trying to look up that verse to read it. I found a website where I could read the whole bible if I wanted to. So,after I read Phil 4:13 I decided to look through the books and stop anywhere that I thought would be an interesting read in the short amount of time I had.

I came across lamentations and thought' "I wonder who wrote this and could it possibly be real laments?"...well of course it is, but my brain was just not moving fast enough. I still don't know who wrote it, but I opened it up and started to read from the first verse.

As I read, I started to think about Psalms, Proverbs and Song of Songs (Solomon, depending on the type of bible you have), how they are great works of poetry...David, of course, being one of the greatest poets of all wrote with abandon and never held anything back wrote the Psalms. You can go through his life story in the Psalms....his ups, downs, joys, pain, anger and happiness it's all there laid out for us. I don't think it's only there for us to read, but I think it's also there as an example. As humans there are things we just can't understand about God. We get impatient, we're worrisome and we just don't know how to handle ourselves sometimes. We get angry at each other, but also at God. I'm not saying it's right or wrong, but if you are honest it's true.

If David, the man after God's own heart, has showed us anything, it's that the flawed can do their best to be "cured" and that with God's forgiveness and faith we can thrive. There are times when he is HIGHLY upset with God, but then he turns it around because he realizes that it's not really God's problem, it's his. God hasn't changed and the Psalms can remind us that even when we "overreact" to a situation He is still there waiting for us and all we have to do is reach out our hands in worship and praise him. We will always forgive us, but what David shows us is that we have to put ourselves aside.

Sorry I totally started ranting and got taken off topic, but I'm coming back!

Jesus said that he was sent here to be our example. He came down so that he could experience the daily pressures of our lives in all their forms. In his weakest state he allowed Satan to tempt him in all manners of sin, but he never caved. But Jesus isn't our only example. The bible is littered with them, for men, women and children. And untimely (I've finally understood what I'm about to say), the bible itself is our example and guide. Whatever we may be feeling, we can find a representative of it in the bible. If you read deeply, Lamentations is about Israel being rejected by God and given into the hands of it's enemies...it's God's people crying out to him...shoot, just crying out but it can also be laments for us in our darkest most depressed moments of life! Song of Songs is about two lovers...which again if you look deeply is about God's love for the church and vice versa, but if you are just reading it for fun...it's about the perfect love between two people and isn't that what we are all looking for? The new testament is about God's promise fulfilled and how we are supposed to handle the responsibility Christ left to us.

Some people take the bible literally, while some believe there are grey areas that should be adapted according to the times in which we live. Whatever you're beliefs on the subject the message of the bible and it's intend are clear...it's a guide, a comfort and a great read!

MySpace, Your Space, Our Space.....Peace Out!

I'm closing my MYSPACE account on August 1 and will be doing the same with my Facebook account short by the end of summer. It's time to cut some the none stuff stuff out of my life and focus on what I want to do....besides, it's kind of a waste.

I'm keeping my blog, because I do enjoy it. So hopefully I'll see you here!


Until Next Time...

I work with an ASSHOLE!

You know those people at work who just don't fit in with the rest, they are moody or rude or selfish or lazy or just plain mean...and then there are those who are all of these! Well I work with one of those people...


Before I lay into him, I have to admit that I too can have all of the above attributes with the exception of mean. I do not intentionally try to be mean and/or hurt peoples feelings and if I feel like I have I will go to them and apologize. I'm not saying that I'm perfect, but I have become so frustrated with this person that I just have to voice my opinion on the matter. Now I know that calling someone a name, especially ASSHOLE, is harsh, but there's just no other way to say how I feel!


I have been working here since October and in that time 4 people have been hired and 4 have left (one fired). And I can confidently predict that the newest person, here less than a month, will be leaving as soon as he finds a new job. People leave jobs because of a number of reasons, but the primary reason at my work place is due to one person! No one can stand him, he is lazy...rude...pushy...and mostly mean. He thinks that he is funny but the things that come out of his mouth aren't funny because, most are spit out to hurt someone.


And over all these things he's needy....if he's in the room he HAS to be the center of attention, so much so that he will interrupt a perfectly good conversation (without saying excuse me and most times, for no good reason) just so that everyone in the room has to focus on what he's saying. And if you don't focus on him he will throw a tantrum, completely over react and just start causing problems for everyone in the room.


He does or says things that make you not want to be around him and when you distance yourself, he runs to the boss saying that nobody likes him and everyone is mean to him (no he's not 5 years old! but he sure does act like it). The sad part is that she backs him up so everyone is stuck in his sad little whirlwind and we can't get out of it.


You never know what a day with him is going to be like, is he going to spit craziness at you, is he going to ignore you cause he's mad at you for something (and only God knows what it is) or is he just going to be blah! I was finally honest with him and told him that I don't like the way he talks to people or to me and that most times I just want to punch him in the face. He wanted the truth and I gave it to him.


You see in his mind nothing is his fault! He doesn't think that he's mean or that what he says effects people. He truly believes that we are all out to get him and that no one likes him and everyone is trying to ruin him. Frankly, he puts too much stock in himself to think that we are all sitting around thinking of ways to bring him down, when ultimately he is causing all the damage by himself. Even writing this is giving him too much power, but today I watched (mostly listened cause I was working) to him act stupid because he couldn't do what he wanted. See most of the time he sits on the computer looking up dogs or useless items for his house (even though we aren't supposed to be on the net) and because I was on the computer actually working, he couldn't get on it and "pretend" to work! The longer I was there the more childish he got, until finally he had given the boss too much attitude and she pulled him out of the room to talk to him.

Ultimately he is completely disrespectful of his co-workers and despite all else, if he would respect us, people wouldn't dislike him so much!

Had a Concert, it went pretty well...

Hi All,

As I previously posted I had a concert as part of the Songs for Sudan series at my church to help raise money for our Sudanese project. Well I have to say I think it went pretty well!...Well, at least that's what I keep hearing.

I'm always my harshest critic, so it was completely up to my opinion I would say it was okay. But I've heard from a few people (personally) and I'm pretty sure that my mom interrogated every single person there! And all the reviews are good the whole thing was very received!

I did 8 songs, the names of which i will post below. They were all different genres and I had some cool guys backing me up. Reuben K, Jeff and Charles J. and Anthony M. played with me and I'm so glad they did! I couldn't have pulled it off without them and all their help and support.

The whole crowd seemed to enjoy the show while it was going on, and I was even able to get them up to dance and sing with me.

So all in all a good show. I had fun, the guys had fun and from what I hear everyone there had fun too and isn't that all you want from a concert!

Well Until Next Time....


Oops, here's the set list!

Syrup and Honey by Duffy
Flat on the Floor by Carrie Underwood
Blackbird by Third Day
Indescribable By Chris Tomlin
Sunday Bloody Sunday By U2
Melt My Heart To Stone By Adele
Undignified By David Crowder Band
Nothing Compares to You By Sinead O'Connor

Songs for Sudan

Hey Everyone,

I've mentioned before that my concert is very active in the country of Sudan. Well we've been putting on a series of concerts to raise money towards our efforts and well, it's my turn to step up and use my God given talents to help out with this cause.

I am putting on a concert at Marina Christian Fellowship in Culver City, Ca on July 18, 2009.
The tickets are $15 dollars and they are available online at the follwing links.

www.vocalstylings.com/schedule.htm

www.marinachristian.org/songsforsudan

I hope to see you there!

Sunday

Like two ships passing in the night you never think that the other is leaving you in the misty night. Foolish in thinking that life is perfect the rugs of reality are swept and you are thrown into a fountain of emotion and circumstance.
There is nothing to be done but to live. The pain of uncertainty will begin to fade and the ache of the heart will give way to a strength you've never before processed. Weightless you will glide through your life with strong legs, shoulders and a heart that will not fear but will continue to love without abandon.

But now, let the tears run, let the pain sweep you up in the emotions you feel...they are truth and they will guide you...keep you feet on the ground in front of you and in clearing them from your eyes you will see the light at the end of the tunnel.
This is not the end, but the beginning, whatever the outcome. You will learn who YOU really are, you will find your true self, wants, desires, loves...then you will be unstoppable! And when that day comes, you will look back on this without regret, for your decisions did not start this process, but I believe you will finish it. To whatever end!

Sometimes people are AMAZING

I think I've spoken about the English family I babysit for sometime. Well they are great I love them! They are the MacDonald's and they live in San Marino. I've known them for almost 5 years (I worked with Bradley, the youngest, in Kinder care). Well over the years I think I've established a cool bond with them and we've had some fun times, even going to D-LAND together. I've also got to know Laura's (the mom) parents on their yearly trips to visit.
They know that I truly love English culture and I always have some off the wall questions to ask them...I love their tabloids and their celebrities...footballers and W.A.G.S. and music. So I always get some fun mags to read when they come back from visiting. Well yesterday I got a real treat.
The last time I saw Laura's parents was in June or July, we were talking about England and their upcoming elections. I happened to mention that Wayne (a footballer) and Colleen (his fiance) had gotten married over the weekend, they told me they knew it was coming but didn't know when and if they could get the magazines with the exclusive wedding pics they'd save them and send them to me at Christmas.
So cut to yesterday, my brother handed me a bag with not 1, but all 3 OK magazines featuring all the details from Wayne and Colleen's wedding. There was also a copy of the new Girls Aloud CD and her dad recorded and burned a Girls Aloud TV special that aired over there and a letter from Laura. I haven't seen her or the kids since October, but she's been holding on the the mags. They are going through a hard time right now and she's been really busy so she kept them safe and sent them with my brother when she had the chance. BTW, if you don't know who GA is then you don't know anything!
I was so touched that not only did they remember the magazines, but they also went out of their way to send me something they knew I couldn't possibly get here. In our day to day lives, we get beaten down and hung up on the small things and personally the last week has been very hard, so to know that there are some folks thousands of miles away who thought about me (even if it was months ago) and thought to do something nice for me, is really nice and makes me feel things about myself that I don't usually feel.
This isn't the first time Laura's dad has done something for me either! I asked if he could find me the last (previous) GA CD for me, and when he didn't find it at the first store he went to he ended up going to several different stores to look for it (which for a man his age is embarrassing , I guess ) and when he found it he sent it over to me.
Kindness and generosity warms the heart!

Thank You!

San Diego

So a couple of weeks ago Amber and I went down to San Diego to see No Doubt in concert. We planned an overnight trip going down on Friday for the show and coming home on Saturday. But since it was the long weekend we turned it into a weekend trip. Now, since we were going to stay longer we decided to go on a city tour and take our cameras so that we can get some cool shots of the area. We also decided to change hotels (thanks to Paul), and move from the first hotel, which was in Chula Vista close to the concert venue, to a hotel in San Diego close to the Gaslamp district, cause that's where Amber wanted to go hang out on Saturday night.

So we drove down on Friday and stayed at Best Western. Then on Saturday we drove from Chula Vista to San Diego and checked into the Westgate Hotel (pictures above). This hotel was very nice, we got a free upgrade and had a step-out balcony with a view of the harbor and mall. We decided not to go on the city tour...partly because we asked the concierge about it and she told us it sucked and suggested a different one, partly because we just didn't want to leave the room.

We did, however, go across the street to the mall and look for a movie to watch (cause the price for a movie at the hotel was 12.99), but we couldn't find the movie we wanted, so we walked around the mall for a while and then around the block and we stopped to get lunch. On our way up to our room the elevator stopped at a ballroom full of wine and champagne (seriously). When we got off to our floor we decided to take some pictures and as we where doing so a couple got off the lift with a dolly full of boxes of wine. Well they happened to be our room neighbors and Amber made a comment about having a party and they gave us some of their wine. Not only that but they came back and asked if we would want Champagne too, then went to go get it and brought it back to us. We drank and lounged most of the afternoon, deciding to do a different city tour that would pick us up by the mall the next day.

We went out to the Gaslamp and walked around ate and did a little shopping, the next morning instead of getting up we lounged some more (neither one of us wanting to get out of bed) we didn't actually talk until the movie we were watching was almost over. When it did end we got up and sadly checked out. Went and got coffee and hit the road again.

That drive was unexciting except I did think I got on the wrong freeway for a minute. We stopped at DAIRY QUEEN in Mission Viejo for lunch and got back into LA about 3pm. I dropped of Amber and went home to sleep.

All in all I had a great weekend, even though we didn't do what we set out to do, it turned out to be pretty perfect!

Interesting Photos

well he's my first "Interesting Photos" post. These three are all from work...the first is a nice little hamburger joint called Happy Cow...if you want a peaceful lunch this is where you go...best hamburgers for the price in Downtown (that I've found so far).

The second is a bird that landed right outside the office window. It sat there looking down at traffic for 20 mins. I had to take a photo...it never came back!

The last is a tree that's outside the building by a little fountain/pond. There was something about the tree that I found cool, so I snap a pic.

Enjoy

I'm back!

Have you ever witnessed something...a bird landing really close to your foot, someone singing rather loudly in the Supermarket (in my case, it's usually me doing the singing) or just some random beauty in a place where you don't expect it...but you're alone and can't comment about it, or the one person you know who will really "get it" is too far away to even try to communicate with? Well I have, and I've decided to start doing something about that. I will start taking photos of these things I experience with my camera phone and I will upload them (everyday hopefully) and share the circumstance surrounding the photos with you all, so that you can experience just a little bit of what I see throughout my day.

Not all of them will be big adventurous things, most will be small and quiet, but they are just interesting...interesting enough for me to want to share them with you. So I hope you enjoy them and maybe begin to look for those little things around you too.

Oh Well, that's all I have to talk about right now...My next post will include some interesting photos I've taken in the past few days and I'll talk about the No Doubt concert and trip to San Diego!

Until Next Time!

No Doubt in Concert!!!

Tomorrow at this time I will be driving down to San Diego with Amber to see No Doubt at the Cricket Wireless Amphitheater. We will be spending the whole weekend down there taking in the sights and sounds of the city!

I'm so excited not only for the concert but also because I don't have to go to work tomorrow! I think it'll be good!

Have a great weekend everyone.

Google Someone

anyone (well someone you know, but not well)...a classmate or co-worker...and see what comes up. We have to remember that anything we do this is remotely connected to the Internet will find it's way to anyone through google searches. I just found some interesting stuff about someone!
Going to bed now!

Adele...

I could only wish I sounded this good! Makes me want to cry!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y34we6OP30

Lazy Days

This weekend was uneventful and some what lazy, but it was also pretty perfect. Saturday was lounging then off the get my hair done and today was more lounging (this time at Amber's in the Air Conditioning), washing the car and watching the Laker game with my god-dogs (yes, god dogs). Next weekend will be very eventful, hopefully not as hot, but I'll talk about that more later in the week. Tomorrow is back to work, which I'm not looking forward to, but hey we all have to do it. At least, I am only working 4 days this week, with a four day weekend and another 4 day week. Sweet! I'm excited for what's in store!

I hope you had a great weekend....Have a great week!

m

They're Back!!!

Okay so my last post was about the protesting teachers getting arrested outside of the LAUSD building by my job. I mentioned that originally the teachers intended to stage a "sick out" today but were compelled to go to work. Well after the school bell rang, to signify the end of the day, the teacher's association donned their red shirts (these are they official protest shirts) and came out to strike in front of the building again.

Now I can't be sure that these are the same teachers that got arrested earlier, but according to the news those individuals should be out of jail by now and could very well be back outside protesting. I can't see them (they are on the other side of the building) but I can hear them and I can see the traffic being caused by the street closures.

They have a point to make and they will be heard. Unfortunately I don't think it's going to make a difference.


UPDATE: According to the news the teacher arrested this morning were all off track....they did not intend to block the street and were peacefully picketing on the sidewalk across from the building when riot police arrived. When they saw the extremes LAPD resorted to, they then decided to sit in the street. And finally one of the first to be put in the "patty-wagon" was the teacher's association president.

DRAMA at LAUSD

So, I work in Downtown LA across the freeway and cat-a-corner to the Los Angeles Unified School District Headquarters. Well if you don't know, LAUSD is the largest district in the country and is currently going through the process of canning thousands of teachers and staff, because due to several reasons (including the poor economy) there's not enough money to pay them. Well the teachers are upset and have been pretty much camped out protesting the school board for weeks. I've gotten used to seeing picketers out marching in front of the building and every now and then (usually the same day as a big decision) there is a large gathering and march.

Well today is a little different. Earlier this week it was reported that the teachers were going to stage a "sick out", thousands were going to call in sick and leave the schools completely crippled without their presence. However, the superintendent found some law that he used to compel the teachers union to make all the teacher's actually attend work. I believe they might have come in an hour late, but all should have reported. So, I thought there would be no real problems here, just the usual small group. Well I was wrong...

I've done my best to take a picture of the may lay down below, but only having my camera phone and being 31 floors above the action, my shots are not coming out well. A slightly larger (50 to 75) group of people have stage a "sit-in" in the middle of the street, completely blocking traffic. Although they are peaceful they are breaking the law, which has cause the LAPD to send out about as many police in RIOT GEAR....yes helmets, shields the whole nine yards. There is a helicopter hovering and about 30 mins ago (11:30am), a patty-wagon arrived! It's like a movie, honestly.

My aunt, who works for LAUSD, is in that building and she sent me an email letting me know that her building is in "lock down" until further notice. So basically she's stuck! I called her a short time ago and asked if she was okay, she's fine, but said she doesn't know how she's going to get home, seeing as there is another protest scheduled to start at about 1:30pm. And apparently there was some kind of ruckus down there as well.

This is just some craziness that I thought I'd never see in my life. People staging "sit-ins" the next thing you know they'll try to actually take over the building....I guess that's why it's locked down.!!! Well it seems like all the protesters have been put into the patty-wagon and are on there way to jail. The police are starting to leave but the news vans are still here, so watch the news tonight and you'll see it in great detail (or whatever story the news decides to put of there!)

Bye!

Mrs. Obama

I have watched and read how the world has been captivated by the first couple, but primarily with the First Lady. I have to admit that I too am captivated by her.


In my youth I remember two First Ladies...Nancy Regan and Hilary Clinton. I remember Mrs. Regan because of the "Say No to Drugs Campaign" which the public schools forced down our throats as children (and for some reason I always picture her in red). Mrs. Clinton I remember as being very homely looking and young. Well she was younger the her recent predecessors. I also remember alot of talk about her putting her career on the back-burner so that her husband could thrive. Now, I know that between these two women was another Barbara Bush, but because my parents are stanch Democrats and I don't really remember her doing much, I don't ever think about her.


In the last 8 years (give of take a few months) we had Laura Bush who, in my opinion, didn't do very much either. Which leads to Michelle. Now, I'm not saying all this because she's black, I'm going to say what I am saying because this is what I feel...black, white or purple!


I believe that our country needed some new blood, a new spirit in the white house. We needed youth, energy, culture and modernity! I believe that when the President and Mrs. Obama moved into the White House we finally got it. I am awed by the example she is setting not only in this country but in the world. I am proud that this country has stood up and embraced this woman...and as the world has done the same, I am proud that I can say I live in the country that put her on the world stage and I'm proud to be a woman and have a role model to look up too and yes I'm proud that she's African-American...but wait...there's more!


If she was a Caucasian, Asian or Indian woman bringing this type of poise and brightness to the world I would be just as proud. You see my pride isn't just in her color, it is in her. If Jed Bartlett and Dr. Bartlett (West Wing reference )had been real I would feel that same amount of pride. In her first 100 days she set out to show the country what kind of First Lady she wanted to be and in the middle of that she showed the world that the U.S. could be so much more than it currently is.


She hasn't hidden away in the White House, she's gone out gotten her hands dirty in the garden, volunteered for vets, gone to visit schools and more remarkably went to every major D.C. office and thanked the staffs personally shaking hands and letting them know that the First Family and nation appreciates what they do.

I could talk about her fashion, her hair and make up or the way her husband and children look at her, but I'm more interested in how the world and the country see her. If they look through my eyes they'd a strong woman, who knows who she is, knows who her husband is and knows what kind of mother, wife, first lady, daughter and role model she wants to be. I and many others aspire the know those things about myself some day and I'm glad that there's a woman on the forefront to show us that!

Why Not Me?

It's a lament I frequently cry out to God...but I'm starting to get the feeling he's not listening!

Star Trek

Yesterday was Mother's Day in two countries (Mexico and the U.S.), so my family celebrated by taking my mom to see Star Trek in IMAX! And because this is one of the movies on my list I will review it for you here...
First and foremost, this review is based on IMAX...so I suggest that you see it in IMAX, but it will only be there for 2 weeks (at least that's what the guy said as he was introducing it). So go get your tickets now (well read this first).
If you know nothing about Star Trek don't worry, J.J. Abrams and the writers did a great job of giving the fans and non-fans alike a great film to watch. If you pay attention you shouldn't get confused.
I loved the casting, they all make appearances and no one disappoints and (for those who know the show) they all say there catch phrase's...you have to wait, but they're in there. Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto do excellent jobs as Kurt and Spock! I for one started to forget about Mr. Nimoy and started to fully realize Quinto as the love able Vulcan. Checov, Sulu, Bones, Uhura and Scotty all play their parts and make this ride even more fun.
If you like action there's plenty of it, lots of fist fights (including one between Kurt and Spock) and lots lasers! The whole movie center's around Eric Bana's Nero seeking revenge...and although his ship was impressive Bana didn't do anything for me or the movie...in fact, to tell the truth, the whole movie was really about the crew. The story was good, it made sense with the Canon and was wrapped up in the end.
Besides Bana's brooding there's nothing bad to say about this movie. So I encourage you all to go see it (in IMAX) as soon as you can.


Live long and....

Sad...makes me want to cry.

I was reading an article this morning about a solider stationed in Iraq who killed 5 and injured 3 other military personnel. The more of the story I read the sadder I got. The incident took place at a stress clinic in Camp Liberty. I can only assume that the solider was there seeking some kind of treatment to whatever may be ailing him.

I'm not going to preach that he is not at fault for his/her actions, what I will say is...if this person is already showing signs of stress, so much so, that he's seeking help then why does that person have access to a weapon?

Although this shooting is painful and sad the information I gathered from the rest of the article broke my heart. This type of shooting (officer on officer) although more prevalent during Vietnam, has happened before in Iraq, as recently as September 08. And more soldiers have died of non-hostile incidents then have in combat. Most of these incidents stemming from PTD related suicides...and 5 SOLDIERS ATTEMPT SUICIDE EVERY SINGLE DAY IN IRAQ.

5 EVERYDAY!

I think that, for no other reason than this, we need to bring our people home and get them ALL the help and love they need and deserve. My heart goes out to all...the living and the unfortunate dead...lies took them there...hopefully hope will bring them home!


Below is a link to the article I read, if I got any facts wrong I'm sorry.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/11/baghdad-us-soldier-dead

These are a few photos I've taken so far this year, I thought I'd share them....What do you think? Is it still Tuesday?

It's Only Tuesday!

I've had such a long week and I realized halfway through the day that it's only Tuesday! I already wish this week was over so that I can get on to the next. I'm sure tomorrow will be worse.

Hope your week is better!

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Tomorrow is my mom's Birthday! She's celebrating by making everyone go to church with her. It should be a fun day full of high speed, reckless driving, panic and my dad being angry at everyone. I'm sure I'll write about it soon.

Happy Birthday Momma!

Pirates, Chicken Alfredo and Housesitting...

I'm at Paul and Amber's house again this weekend (just for the day and overnight). They went up to Pismo and didn't take Shelby (the dog) so she and I have had a laid back day of movies, food and car washing. Speaking of car washing, the worst part of washing your car is after it's all said and done...and you come back to it later and a bird has already defaced it (....several times!).
Today was a great day, I made brownies, watched the American President and the Notebook (for the first time) cooked for myself, washed my car and some clothes and now I'm wrapping up the night with a little Pirates of the Caribbean. I've also cleaned the kitchen (they thought the cleaning lady was going to come before I got here, but she called and cancelled at the last minute, so if I wanted to cook, I had to clean...) it wasn't that bad, just plates and glasses, they ate out last night so I didn't have to worry about pots and pans.
Anyway, work this week was okay. I'm not looking forward to this up coming week, but this month starts my summer swing off right...next week Star Trek beams into theaters and I don't know about you but Zach Quinto looks hot with Vulcan ears! It would only be better if Lt. Commander Data was in it, but since this is a movie only involving the o.g. characters I'm kind of assed out on that. In a couple of weeks it's No Doubt, then Comic Con, my birthday and Vegas baby...and in between some babysitting opportunities and more house sitting! I'm so looking forward to this summer, it should be really cool.

Until Next Time....WAY IS THE RUM GONE!

Random

So Lindsay got dumped by the girl she never actually confirmed she was dating, but her sister still doesn't think she's a lesbian...I just think she needs a sandwich!

Tom Cruise..still crazy

Britney is still crazy too, but at least it's not scary anymore, it's kind of funny.


I really like our first lady and the way she dresses.


Even though things change, they always stay the same.


the swine flu isn't actually from swine (at least that's what the chick on GMA said)


Louis Black makes me laugh no matter how many times I watch the same special.


I can't figure out way country music is getting better and everything else still sucks!


I don't understand why they would push Harry Potter back 8 months then move it forward two days....just leave it alone already!


Tahmoh Penikett (just look him up)


Bradley Cooper barely covered by a sheet in He's Just Not that in to You.


Boys are nuts!

Thank You Miss California...

I'm not saying I agree or disagree with Miss California's opinion about gay marriage, but I can certainly thank her for standing by your convictions and giving her honest opinion. What people have to understand and realize is that not everyone in America or the world agrees with homosexuality as a lifestyle, nor do they believe in gay marriage.
So you didn't like her answer to the question. Fine, that's your opinion, that's your right...but it's also hers! She has the right to her own opinion and beliefs, she obviously grew up in a Christian home where she was taught that true relationships ordained by God are between a man and a woman. I was taught that too, would I have given that answer, I don't know. But I do know that I would have tried to be true to myself, my heart, my God and my family. She didn't say anything negative, yet she is being dragged through the mud. I think it's truly unfair and wrong.
I stand up and say THANK YOU to Miss California for standing up and being honest, that's what I think our role models should be. We live in a society where having where loose morals is okay, but standing up for what you believe in can get you verbally beat down and abused in public...damn....it makes me ashamed to be here!

Thinking of de-cluttering

For the last couple of years I've planned to overhaul my bedroom to make it less clutter-filled and more me. But I have never actually done it. It's a time consuming process that I'll have help doing but the lazy dog days of summer never actually amount to anything more than lazy days.
But I have gotten serious about it this year and have decided that I'm going to get rid of the things I don't need and give myself more space in my crowded little room. I've been wanting to paint since....well for a long time and I haven't, but even if I don't paint it this summer, I am planning on getting some new furniture (mounted shelves, a small TV stand, a drafting desk and chair), these are all things that I'd like to have and all will eliminate clutter and add space to my room.

I'm also going to declutter my online life. Starting sometime this summer I'm going to close my myspace and facebook accounts. I'll keep my blog, because even if no one reads it it's therapeutic for me to be able to write it down...and I have no intention of getting a twitter account. I don't really see the point and frankly if I'm tried of facebook and myspace then twitter won't last long.

Hopefully all this will work out, but since I'm actively trying to work on it now, I'm sure it will, in some form. Alright, until next time!

Movies Reviews

Hello All,
A few months back I sat down and charted my movie going schedule for the year. Well I've seen some of these films (5 to be exact) and I wanted to give my reviews of them. So here we go....

UnderWorld 3: Rise of the Lycans
I actually liked this movie better than I thought I would. If you know anything about the Underworld franchise then you know it's a vampire/werewolf movie. This film gives the back story of how the Lycans (Werewolves) came to be and how they went from salves to enemies all because some were scared of the unknown. All in all I think this a movie that boys would like, and if you've already invested yourself in the franchise, in this adds to the story.

Bride Wars
I've loved Kate Hudson since Almost Famous and Anne Hathaway since Princess Dairies and I love anything having to do with weddings, so put those two in a wedding movie and you've got me! It didn't disappoint, but this is NOT a guy movies, unless he's gay! This is strictly a girlfriend flick, something to go see (or watch on DVD) with your friend, before or after a nice dinner and glass of wine. It's about friends, who despite wanting to hate each other they realize that they can't really be apart. But it's fun to watch them mess each other up while they slowly figure things out. It's kind of predictable, but who cares, it's a good funny, crying girly movie!

Confessions of a Shopaholic
Speaking of girly movies....here you go. NO BOYS ALLOWED! Not cause we don't want you, but because we don't think you'd understand. This is a cute little movie about well shopping and a girl trying to find her real self, even though she doesn't know that's what she's really looking for. In the end, like all fairy tales, she gets the job, the boy, her friend back, and lives happily ever after. I don't know if these things really happen, but we can all hope!

Madea Goes To Jail
Tyler Perry is a fool! But I'm glad he's given us Madea and Uncle Joe. It's sad at times and you may cry, but with all of his movies Tyler Perry underlines this laugh out loud funny movies with warmth and a message and integrity, love and friendship. Sometimes, we need to laugh, but that doesn't have to be the whole story and it's not with this movie. There are several story lines that inter-connect, but it's worth just sitting back and letting the story take you on a journey.

Knowing
I liked it, I think. This is a good movie. I have to stay that the writer got me! I thought I figured it all out halfway through the movie only to be thwarted in the end. I'm not mad about that, I'm just a little underwhelmed with the all too used cliche used to end the movie. It's worked, but I felt like saying, "NOT AGAIN", in the middle of the crowded theater. Nic Cage and Rose Byrne were good, but the kids are the real story. The little girl, so creepy in the beginning is great and the little boy was perfect. I'd say go see it a let me know what you thin about it. It was a good ride and I may just buy the DVD, not many get me and I can appreciate that this one did!


So that's all I have to say, hopefully I'll get out to see Fast and Furious soon. Until Next Time!!!

New Camera

My Best Friend Amber and I decided to take a Photography class, so that we could learn the basics of taking good pictures. It's cool, because I've always had the desire to learn about photography, but never made the effort.



So I went out and bought a new/old camera. It's not ditigal, so that I can learn how to develop film. It's a Cannon 35 mm all black. So far I've only taken a few pictures but we're going to get some books and go out and start experimenting on them (she got a camera too), so that we kind of know what we're doing when the class starts. I'm really excited about it. Hopefully I'll soon be posting some photos (after getting them developed then scanning them onto the computer) posted on here for your viewing pleasure.



I'm so excited!!

Yes...I am, in fact, Alive!

Hey Everyone,

I haven't posted in a long time but I'm alive and well. I'm actually waiting for my computer to be fixed so that I can start updating this thing again.

Right now I don't have anything ridiculously exciting going on in my life, I'm just working, hanging and sleeping...and watching my Twilight DVD on repeat (actually I took it out last night so that I could watch SWAT, I was in the mood for a Colin Farrell fix).

Anyhoo, just thought I'd send out a line. Until next time!



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I make lists!!!!

One of my co-workers just asked me if I have short term memory lost, because I asked her to make me a list of items we will need to set up a big meeting in our office tomorrow. The list is small (only about 4 items) but I have to go to three different places to collect the items in question, and I have to do that by 4:30 while also doing my regular duties around the office...and anything else that might pop up.

She's been here almost three years, so she knows how all this works. I've been here a few months and I'm learning as I go along. So I may not know (or in this case) have ever seen the items she's requesting. So, I have to find them, because she won't. I have to make sure we have all the stuff because it's my resonsibility, but I can't just let my other tasks go undone to suit he needs at this exact moment.

It's very frustrating to me to that people just think that you're stupid because you ask for their help in the slightest of ways. I don't think it's dumb....I make lists every single day, to make sure I do what I need to do and get everything done in a timely fashion. So when I ask for a list it's not because I have short term memory lost it's because I want to make sure I'm getting the job done right.

Also, this particular co-worker likes to add on, so 20 minutes ago I only need to get these platters, now I have to get food warmers, chill wine and beer and get the wine glasses ready and that's only the prep tomorrow will be more intense with more changes, adjustments and lists, I'm sure!

Movie of 2009

So you all know how much I love movies, how I enjoy going to the theater and letting the film engulf me into it's storyline. So at the beginning of every year I go on to Movies.com (which was taken over by fandango and now sucks!) and see what movies are coming out. I then do my research and decided what movies I want to see. I calendar them and make notes about if I'm willing to go out to IMAX or opening weekend to see them. It's a very involved process.
There are movies that I hear about years before and wait patiently to see, and then there are some I have no desire to see until a commercial or trailer sparks my interest. Also, some actors I will always go see in films...Angelina, Keira, Johnny, Orlando, Jennifer G. (not to be confused with any other Jennifer's), Natalie, Shia etc. . Then there are stories that interest me that will always have my attention. Over all I'm pretty interested in all types of films dramas, comedies, girly, action....kick ass movies and movies that make me smile. The biggest drawback is a movie you think will rock but sucks and you end up wanting your money back, but I've seen many more movies that I loved then ones I've hated.
With all that said, below are the movies I'm interested in seeing this year. Maybe you'll go see them too.

1. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
2. Bride Wars
3. Confessions of a Shopaholic
4. The International
5. Madea Goes to Jail
6. Transformers 2
7. Star Trek
8. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
9. X-Men Origins: Wolverine Watchmen!!!
10. Knowing
11. Fast and Furious
12. Angels and Demons
13. Terminator Salvation
14. Public Enemies
15. 2012
16. New Moon
17. The Princess and the Frog
    

Seeing spaces in my head

I'm peaceful with the unknown I see before me.

Unkind as it may be I follow endless corridors to find the truth in my being.

Misunderstanding pushing me forward into more confusion, more searching...

Surrender is the only option, but my feeble mind will not allow it,

I am not ready to give it all.

I'm weak, hateful, angry unable to comprehend the spaces I see in front of me.

Unwilling to allow myself the freedom to explore them.

Watching I see only what I will allow, never reaching deeper into the darkness to find truth,

I'm scared of the darkness fearful of the unknown unwilling to shake it off and continue to search.

Yesterday

I was a proud American yesterday...not a proud African American but a proud American! I was grateful that we've come as far as we have. That people have gotten past the history of this country to greet a black family as the first family and be happy for them. We, as a nation, didn't just elect a black president, we elected a black family to represent us. To go out to the world and say look at us, we are adults now and we can look past the small things, like color, and see the bigger picture like humanity! I am honored, hopeful and curious to see what the future will bring and if this first time deed will also translate in other countries around the world.

I am not so naive to think that everyone in this country voted for him or sees past his skin (or name), I'm not blind to the racism and prejudice that still haunts us. I am not so abundantly happy that I don't fear for the safety and care of this, our first family. I am extremely sensitive to this new situations flaws, distractions and dangers...but I am more hopeful.

I hope that these next four years will lead to more understanding and help ease racial tensions in this country. I hope that people will look on this family as an example of a good family, not just a good black family. For generations, white people have always had very visible families to look up too, now (besides the Cosby Show) black people do to.

Congratulations Mr. President, Mrs. Obama, Malia and Sasha....and congratulations to you America.

What I've learned...

Recently, I've learned

You don't have to spend lots of money to keep yourself warm when California decides to act like Alaska...

Sometimes things work out even though you didn't think they would...

People care about you and miss you when you're not around...

If a relationship isn't working bo matter how comfortable you just have to walk away...

Disappointment comes in many forms but so does unexpectant love...

You should tell the truth, even if it'll cause damange.

Songs for Sudan

Hola folks, as some of you may know I'm part of a music group with some friends of mine (and my dad). We haven't played together in sometime but we are getting together to help raise money for a good cause.

My church, Marina Christian Fellowship, has started and continues to develop and sponsor a school and orphanage in Sudan. I believe we currently have about 60 students attending school and we have about that many picked out to enter housing as soon as it's completed. Over the last few months the church and different artists have been putting on benefit concerts to help raise money and awareness for our cause. So this Saturday, January 10, 2009, it's our turn.
The name of the band is What is Love? we are one of two acts performing that night, the other artist is Rachel Rodriguez. Tickets for the event are $15 and unfortunately we are not selling tickets at the door you have to purchase them prior to the event. Which actually helps, if you think about it, the money goes to the cause whether you show up or not! But I hope you come.
You can go to the church website which is www.marinachristian.org and look for the Songs for Sudan section. There you will find all the information regarding our concert and future concerts planned for this year. Also, if you'd like to give a flat donation and not attend a concert, that is also appreciated.
Thanks so much for your help in this project. I hope to see you there!!!!

Stop the Insanity!!!

I have decided that I'm not going to participate in the time honored tradition of making New Year's Resolutions and I'll tell you why. They don't work! We make these "promises" to people, but not really ourselves, at least that's the case with me! I've tried to do all sorts of things, from losing weight to saving money etc. but when it comes down to it, I'm truly not motivated to do anything.
So this year I'm not going to sit back and tell people what I'm going to change, because I'll be lying. So for those of you who would ask me about my potential resolutions, here's my answer...

I don't have any. I'm not going to lie just for conversation. I don't feel the need to add pressure to my life or complicate myself. I'm done with that falseness. I'm happy and hopefully that this happiness will continue throughout this year. Hallelujah!

Movie Review (Christmas Edition)

Everyone has a favorite Christmas movie, some are long standing family traditions, other's not so much. Over the years Christmas movies have gone from sappy to funny to lovey and goofy. Cartoons, dramas or romance everyone has an opinion on Christmas movies.
So, I decided for this years final movie review I would review my favorite Christmas movies.

I'll tell you right off that I haven't seen most of the Christmas classics, so It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, and the original A Christmas Carol are not on this list, neither is the ballet version of the Nutcracker. I've never had the patience to watch these movies so I've never forced myself to sit through them. I know someone going to try to convince me to watch at least one, but I have no plans to, so don't try. My movies are more modern!

First, Love Actually, I have to say this is the first Christmas movie I've ever insisted on watching only around Christmas for the sake of it being a Christmas movie. I love this film, it's sweet, funny and heartbreaking but it never gets old. The film follows several different story lines that all intersect at some point, even when you try to figure out how you get from the prime minister to porn stand ins, it happens. It all works and leaves you with a smile and quite possibly the funniest annoying song in your head.

Second, The Family Stone, there are only two Sarah Jessica Parker movies I like, this is one (the other is Girls Just Wanna Have Fun). It's about a family and what happens when a brother brings his new uptight girlfriend into his very laid back family's lives. Comedy ensues and soon you're laughing and by the end crying. Great movie (I think I reviewed it previously).

Lastly, Four Christmases, I've got two words for ya...Vince Vaughn, you know I love him. He teams up with Reese Witherspoon and an all-star cast and you can't go wrong. It's full of awkwardness, funny dialogue and Vince getting beat up. It's fun all around...a good movie to watch when your snuggled up in bed or wrapping gifts.

At the heart of all these movies are good stories with a message. I enjoy them all and hope that they will bring you all a little joy too.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

It's a beautiful day in the Neighborhood

Over the last few weeks we've had some really cold days here in Southern California, so much so that I thought I'd unintentionally moved up North. But now that the rain has passed and the clouds have gone away we see why people moved to Los Angeles in the first place.
Today was an absolutely beautiful day! Not a cloud in the sky, no fog with a slight hint of smog (which is good for LA). The mountains were clear everywhere you looked and there's still a sparkle of snow on some. Depending on where you looked it felt like you were staring at a postcard. It's actually felt like that for a while even when it was raining, once the snow fell, it seems like anytime you looked off in the distance you were staring at a mat painting, breathtaking!
Days like today are why I love where I live! There aren't too many places in this world where you can see the clear blue ocean one direction and the snow-capped mountains in the other. Because I work in a high rise I can. On one side of the building there's the ocean on the other the mountains. It's the beautiful of Los Angeles...
Also, it's not hot, but not cold...just a bit chilly (during the day at night still freezing), so you can wear those pretty winter scarves but you don't have to be completely covered up. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, I'm glad I'm here to see it!

Emotional Rollercoaster

I just updated my facebook to read Melly Mel is on an emotional rollercoaster and I am not sure how to get off.

There are a lot of things going through my mind tonight and I'm not sure how to handle it all. I know that I'm angry and hurting, but I'm not sure why or how to resolve it. I'm struggling against my better judgment in some ways, trying not to make mistakes but trying to keep the people around me happy. In the shuffle I'm losing myself. Maybe I need to get away and be alone...because even if I'm with other people, I tend to feel lonely.
I'm emotionally raw, broken, alone, scared!

i need to take more photos of myself

I hate taking photos, I have for a very long time. But I've recently found that I don't really have any of myself and armed with my camera decided to change that, but I was looking through my pictures and realized that when I take all the pictures, I'm not in any of them...I need to change that. So I have a new mission, I'm going to start taking pictures of stuff around me, but also of me with that stuff and with people. We'll see how that goes!