The Purpose Driven Life- Day 4

Today's Lesson- There is more to life than the here and now

It is not enough to live for today, we must begin to live for eternity. Are your actions congruent with what God would want you to do? Are you living for the next life, your eternal life? The time that we spend on earth is minuscule compared to the eternity we will spend with our God in heaven. Its' important that we remember that if we do the will of God on earth we can live with him forever. Death is not final but just a transition from this life to our next. Are you ready for your transition?

Jazmin Sullivan - Lions, Tigers and Bears

Jazmine Sullivan ft Fabolous - Lions, Tigers & Bears (Remix)

I like this song, after listening to the words, I loved the song. Just wanted to share with my readers. Let me know what you think!

Celebrity of the Week - Nia Long

Can you say pretty, because I can. Nia long is flawless and though she hasn't been in the spotlight recently she has made a name for herself in television as well as movies. I always hoped that her and Will Smith would have gotten together off screen when they played a couple on "Fresh Prince of Bel Air." Did anyone notice like me that she has never had a bad word said about her from the media? Interesting for a celeb.

The Purpose Driven Life- Day 3

Todays Lesson- A purposed life is a focused life

Sometimes you see people busy doing a whole lot of things and you say, "Wow they must be getting a lot done" when in all actuality they are getting nothing done. A focused life means only the things which are important and lead us on our path to a life that is purposeful should motivate our activities. Its' important to understand what drives you, is it resentment, anger, fear or materialism? Or are you driven by a life purposed by God?

My Top 10 Favorite Things in 2008

10. Lance Gross and Eva Pigford getting engaged...congratulations to the favorite couple.

9. President Bush getting shoes through at him, one of the most hilarious moments ever.

8. Tina Fey on every episode of SNL playing Sarah Palin.


7. The movie "The Secret Life of Bees"

6. Celebrating My Birthday in ATL with my girls!




5. Finishing up 75% of nursing...One more semester to go!!!

4. Registering to vote for the first time ever.

3. Having a patient tell me I'm going to be a great Nurse.


2. Rekindling friendships with long lost friends on FACEBOOK...lol

And my top favorite thing...

1. Watching Senator Barack Obama being elected President Elect. A historical moment which I was proud to be a part of.

The Purpose Driven Life - Day 2

Today's Lesson - I an not an accident

It is not by accident that you or I are here and born to the parents that we were born to. God made us unique and to his specifications. My size, height, race and personality are unique to me. We must appreciate what God created because it is what he envisioned for us. If we thought of ourselves as created purposefully then we would appreciate who we are. God loves us unconditionally and made us so that he could show his love for us. So now I know my purpose is not about me its about what God has planned for me and because of that I am here for a reason and so are you!

One Way Friendships

Have you ever been friends with someone and you're the one calling, or checking up on the person all the time? It seems you are the only one participating and if you don't call you never hear from this person. This is the one way friendship. Of course there are times when life is just hectic and neither one of you have time to keep in contact but when the reconnection happens it can be either person that says "hey I haven't heard from you in awhile, what's up?"

If there is only one person doing this all the time you have to question whether you have a genuine friendship. Friends should be equally valuable to each other which means they should both be equal participants in the friendship. I can say that I am bad at keeping in touch with people at times so I may send a text every now and then just as a reminder that I am still thinking of my friends. I think any form of communication is good as long as there is some at all.

I think one way friendships are very frustrating, at first you don't realize how much one-sided effort you're putting in until you become wrapped in life as well. These kind of relationships should be re-evaluated. Do you want to be the only one keeping a friendship going? If not cut the strings and keep it moving.

The Purpose Driven Life

Today's Lesson- It is not about Me!

I have decided to share with my bloggers my 40 day journey on my quest to find my purpose in life. I won't go in depth but I will share the most important concept and today is the fact that my life and purpose is not about me or in your case you. It is not about the goals that we set but in actuality the purpose that God has for us in life. Finding our purpose first begins with understanding that everything begins with God. An atheist has no meaning to their life they have nothing to live for. When we live for God, in his way and truth than we can start on our journey. Do you understand that the bigger picture is not about you?

Ciara Remixes Beyonce's "Diva"

What the hell possessed Ciara to think she could remix a Beyonce song and then do it the blatant injustice that she has done to it. I like Ciara, never had a problem with any of her songs until I heard this. Supposedly Ciara is making her own mixtape and this is one of the remixes that is going to be on it. I say if this is one of the products, trash that CD "Cece."

Bush In A New Light

I will be the first to say that I was anti-Bush but listening to this recent discussion changed some of my thinking a little. Not that I don't still dislike the guy but I can respect him a little more now. He admitted his shortcomings during his presidency and actually showed a more human side of himself. I wholeheartedly agree that though you may not like what a person does, degrading their character is not an appropriate retort. I wish Mr President the best but I'm still ready for my "Change!"

Basketball- My Lost Love

We all gathered at my sister's house yesterday to enjoy the day together and wherever there is men there is sure to be sports. I watched the Celtics-Lakers game and was pleasantly surprised. If anyone remembers the era of Michael Jordan you know the excitement that the game brought to every household whenever the Bulls were playing. You waited for the dunk, the tongue or the air to part ways and let Michael Jordan take flight. I loved basketball then.

I was devastated when Michael left the game, my love for the sport became labile. I was an Allen Iverson fan for a little, than a Jason Kidd fan for a minute and than I was hater when Kobe joined the game because they compared him to Michael. All in all my love for the game was never the same. It still isn't. I can't watch a whole basketball game like I could have before but my fascination with Michael Jordan has wained. Basketball is a beautiful sport, artistic at times. I guess I'm still waiting for that superstar, my superstar, til then I might sneak a peek every once in awhile.

Eric Arceneaux - Honestly

Eric Arceneaux - Honestly

New Year's Resolutions?!?

Every year we make resolutions to be these better, less weighty, more healthy, more exciting individuals and every year at the end we realize that we haven't made a quarter of the change we had hoped for. This year I'm resolving to make no more resolutions. I'm saying that everyday should be a progression and everyday I should want to be better than the day before.

We really shouldn't wait until the New Year to make some needed changes in our life. There are things that we need to work on constantly and consistently to improve. Waiting for a ball to drop and another year to pass shouldn't be the determining factor. I would hope that every new year brings more blessings and better situations but some of us get new years in august. Whenever life offers us another blessing it gives us a new start...isn't that what we subscribe to the New Year? A new start?

I say don't wait until December 31st to make changes. Make them now and make them as need be. If you need to switch jobs do it, If you need a new career, start looking, if he/she isn't the one then move on. A New Year just tells us that another has passed. Have you made the changes that you need to make, are you where you want to be? These are questions we can't wait to answer and questions we should be asking ourselves everyday. So enjoy your New Year, pop your champagne and welcome just another year of health and happiness.

Top 5 Reasons He Runs For The Hills

5. You don't cook or clean. A way to a man's heart is through his stomach. A man wants a woman he knows can fix him something to eat and keep the house in order.

4. You latch on like a leach and refuse to let go. Every man needs his space and the opportunity to miss you. If you're there all the time that doesn't happen.

3. You constantly nag him about everything and anything.

2. You don't let him hang with his friends.

And the number one reason...drumroll please...

1. You don't keep him satisfied, sexually of course.

A Metaphorical Moment

I went bowling last night and made a stunning realization. As I was throwing my ball down the alley I started to pay more and more attention to my posture and my form. The more that I "followed through" when I threw my ball the more pins I struck. I didn't just throw the ball aimlessly hoping to hit something after a while, I began to focus on my target (the pins) and made an effort to aim and also to follow through.

Have you ever seen someone's posture after they have thrown a bowling ball as if in some way them remaining in that position guides the ball... Then I began to think about life. We have goals...the pins, which we aim for, and if you focus (keep our posture) and are determined (follow through) there is nothing which we cannot achieve. Even when the obstacles (gutter balls) get in our way, we grab that ball and throw again, the second time more determined to hit those pins. We may fall short (get a spare) and sometimes we may hit it big (strike) but it's all about playing the game.

So when you want something and it begins with wanting something because there is always something you should be aiming for, we must be focused on our path to get it, work hard to achieve it and let nothing come between you and your goal. So not only did I enjoy my friends, I got so much more out of bowling, I got a lesson on life.

Do You Remember When....

When Atari was the hottest video game...

When tops kept boys entertained for hours and girls played double dutch for days...

When the time for you to go inside was regulated by the street lamp...

When bee bee guns were in before real guns...

When supersoakers was the summertime game...

When you played dodge ball or tag....

When you made up dances to songs just for the fun of it...

When everybody had a "tag" name...

When "Fear Street" was the top selling book...

When life was simple, we didn't have to pay bills, go to school because it depended on your career or even care about falling in love because you never felt the sting of its hurt. Life was all about having fun and laughing until you cried. You thought you would have your friends forever and people wouldn't die. You never knew the importance of the President or had any idea what a recession felt like. You cared less about tomorrow and more about today. Those were the days...

Adele- "Chasing Pavements"

I love this song...don't know how late I am but heard it on SNL. Thought I'd share.

Will Smith - No Longer Fresh Prince of Bel Air

Well, well, well, it seems Will Smith has really moved up the totem pole. First of all his attire is flawless, he is the new "Poster Child" for men's wear. This is how you do it fellas take note. Not only is his style on point, he has made a name for himself in Film and Music. His acting skills are ranked with the best of the best, I do believe him and Denzel should do a collaboration, it's only fair to us. He has also been personally selected by President Barack Obama to play him if a movie were, and I'm sure will, be made of him. Kudos to Will Smith for making it from the streets of Philly, to the homes of millions in America! (btw- if you look at his shoes closely, you'll notice they match his sweater...OMG!..lol)

Kanye West

Does anyone else think that Kanye West is on a verge of a break down like I do?808's and Heartbreaks is a great album but it is dark and filled of yearning for something lost. I think he hasn't dealt with his mother's death fully and is internalizing all his hurt. As pictured above, Kanye was once a dapper dude. He made fashion statements, now he's making fashion faux pas. I am not liking the new hair or wardrobe. I think Mr. Kanye needs to invest some money in therapy sessions before he ruins his fabulous career.

Exercising Secrets- 8 min Abs

So, I'm sharing a great exercise program that was introduced to me by my cousin, Miss Future Doctor of America (shameless plug). She told me about a great exercise program for your stomach called 8 minute Abs. If you go onto youtube, which is the greatest site that was ever invented, because you don't have to buy the video, you can just watch it directly from there. I usually start doing ab exercises and after a week I quit because it takes too much time, or I'm not seeing the results I would like to see but this program is great. Only eight minutes out of my day and I'm seeing great results. My wash board should be here shortly...lol So if this is one of your problem areas, run to youtube and check it out. 8 minute abs, and click the second video from the top. Enjoy!!!

P.S.. If you do it as incorrectly as I did it the first time your neck and lower back will be killing you, try again you're doing it all wrong!

Blast From the Past

I was in a high school at the time hanging out with my "home girls" after school. We would usually walk home if the bus took to long to come, which always became an eventful walk. This particular day was just too eventful for me. I was just minding my business when this man who had to be like 6'2, maybe taller, picked me up with one hand by my neck and had me dangling off the floor. He was screaming words I can't remember.I guess I must have reminded him of someone. My friends who were with me started hitting him with their book bags or just anything. He eventually let me go. He was "crazy", a real schizophrenic. I was so shaken, we ended up going back to school and the principal had to have the police called. It was a frightening experience, and now I work with them everyday...lol.

Gabrielle Unions' Other Half?

I've been told that I "act" like Gabrielle Union when she's acting. I would have much preferrred that I looked like her but that's neither here nor there. Supposedly, I'm very "tart" and skeptical of the male species. I don't think that's the case, I think I'm just realistic. If a man tells me they have a 4 month old baby and he's going to spend christmas with his baby than I must assume that he is also going to spend christmas with the baby's mother. That's just logical. I'm no fool.

I think my problem is I don't beat around the bush, sometimes I can be too forward and it can be intimidating for some who are not use to that kind of approach. I tell it like it is, no sugar coating. Those who know me well know the softer side of me, the less abrasive me. So I'll take the Gabrielle Union compliment.

Shake it to the Ground

Ummm... I was wiating for them to shake it to the ground but they shook the ground and never went down. Props to the big girls though for doing their thing especially homegirl in the middle. She looked like she might have a heart attack at any moment..lol

The Last Child's Guilt

As I get closer to starting my new career, I have begun to think about the next step in my life. Moving out of my mothers' house. Traditionally in my culture a young woman wouldn't leave her mothers' house until she was getting married but I think that's one rule I may not follow. The problem is I'm starting to feel these bouts of guilt.

Being the "baby", I almost feel like I would be wrong to leave my mom all alone. As if I'm her whole world or something...lol. The past 10 years has really been just my mom and I and to leave her I feel would be hard not only for her but for me as well. Its' not like I would be moving to the ends' of the world but she relies on me to do certain things. I mean we fight, oh gosh do we fight, our birthdays are 11 days apart so I am my mothers' child. I just couldn't imagine not having her bother me about why I take out my whole closet to select my outfit for the day.

I know that is it a part of moving on but I just get more and more anxious as the time approaches. Along side empty nest syndrome, psychologist should look into last child's guilt.

"Close But Yet So Far..."

There are times when we struggle to make it to certain destinations in life. We fight a hard fight and still lose the battle. These are the moments when we must evaluate all the obstacles that we have faced, figure out how we could have dealt with them differently or realize that things happened as they should. We may be upset that we've come so far but just couldn't make it the rest of they way but I say that God has a plan for us always. Though you may want something right now, he may have something lined up for you that's' even bigger later.

It hurts when things don't work out as they should, of course but its in hindsight that we often see the good in what we think is bad. The only thing you can do is recover and allow him to work in your life and get you on the path that you're suppose to be on. Its' discouraging, you feel like you fought so hard for nothing, you may even get depressed but this too shall pass. God works in our favor all the time.

So instead of looking at it as being close but yet so far, think about your life as a continuing progression, rebirth and revision. Everything makes you better for the next thing and there is always more evolving to do.

Celebrity Of the Week- Lance Gross

Lance Gross is a NAACP Image Award-winning American actor currently portraying Calvin Payne in the TBS sitcom Tyler Perry's House of Payne, and other Tyler Perry productions such as the Meet The Browns film. He has also been on The Bernie Mac Show as well as Eve. Lance turned down the chance to become a professional track and field athlete in order to pursue his dream of acting. He received a Bachelor of Arts in theater from Howard University and then trained at The Ivanna Chubbuck Studio as well as the Tasha Smith Acting Studio and he is a fine Black Man!!!

President Bush- The First Pres to Have Shoes Thrown at Him!

Well I'll be damned, never mind the fact that I can't stand him but damn, you get shoes thrown at you as the President of The United States. That just goes to show you the amount of respect that our President is leaving office with. I must admit though he has some pretty good reflexes. He dodged those shoes like it was nobody's business and did you see the force with which that reporter threw the shoe...lol. That was like a mother trying to hit a running child from across the room after they did something they knew they weren't suppose to do...lol. Sad...so so sad. Goodbye and Good riddance mister President. One last point, had that been President Obama, he would have caught that shoe and threw it back...lol

WTF!- Michael Jackson

Oh My Gosh...What is wrong with this man? From the Jackson 5 to this... I don't know how much we can blame on his childhood.

Brandy- Human

Its' official, I'm putting my seal of approval on it, Brandy's album is off the chain. Brandy has a voice that flows over tracks effortlessly and the songs are fantastic. If you're one who is afraid of falling in love listen to the track "fall". "Don't be afraid cause I'm on my way, it will be okay, there's no other way...just fall." On the track "Piano Man" she talks about all the songs we've heard before in our own lives. The heartbreaks and love lost... "We can have the whole world singing tonight." The beats are immaculate. The harmonies are on point. I have got to give it to her Miss Brandy has done it again, after Afrodisiac, I waited patiently and the album does not disappoint.

Guys FYI: A Michelle Obama "Chick"

Hey mister men, have you ever thought about the kind of woman you want holding you down when the chips are down? How about a Michelle Obama Chick... someone who can roll with the best of them. She's educated , classy, and is the "rock" of your family. Ever heard the saying, "Behind every great man, there is a great woman." Its' because its true. Your woman, is the one to kick you when you need motivation, love you back to health when you're sick, take care of your children when you want to jump off a bridge and support you in your toughest decisions. At the end of the day, you have got to know that if you can't pull your weight you've got a woman who is not only willing but able.

Ladies: Show Me Your Friends and I'll Show You Who You Are

I must start off by saying that I have a small circle of female friends for one precise reason, women are trifling creatures at times. It is rare that you find someone who is comfortable enough with themselves to appreciate someone else as an individual. If you've ever had a hateful "friend", you know what I'm talking about. They are constantly putting you down and revel in your failures. They insist that you stay with that guy who treats you like crap because it keeps you as miserable as they are internally.

For these reasons I am selective with my female friends. Good girlfriends are ready to get the guns for that guy, they laugh with you in the good times, are the last to leave when the party is done because their helping you clean up and your accomplishments are theirs as well. You know its genuine because no distance or any amount of time can change the relationship that you have. My best girlfriends know exactly what buttons to push to piss me off and we can argue and fight and curse and still laugh at the end of the day. They know my insecurities and play on my strengths.

You've got to know how to weed out the good from the bad. Watch out for the sneaky, conniving ones who put on a facade. Watch how they treat the close ones in their lives, are they speaking bad about their best friends to you? Do they lie? Do they crave any attention, no matter where its' coming from?(they may crave your boyfriends as well) Be picky when it comes to choosing friends, they are the most important people in your life besides your family and your mate.

Texting Etiquette

I wonder with the use of texting as the new form of communication if there are certain rules of texting etiquette that should be followed. After careful deliberation I have come up with my own texting etiquette rules and regulations.

1: Begin every text with a formal greeting, ex. Good mrn, aftn, evenin (don't mind my grammar that's text talk)

2: Please do not write complete sentences,use the least amount of words as possible, if someone does not have unlimited texting you should try to get everything into one text.

3: Insert emotion where applicable, ex. :o) (happy) :o( (sad) ;O) (meet me in the back staircase)

4: Please do not forward messages with the previous forwards included ex. fwd:fwd:fwd:. Delete them before sending as it applies to rule number 2.

5: In addition to rule four, try to remember the forwards that you previously sent, jokes get stale when sent too many times.

6: When a text conversation has ended on your part do let the other party know, so that they are not waiting for a response for the rest of the day. Saying l8tr, or ttyl is suffice.

LOL...hope you find my rules helpful!

Brandy- 1st and Love- Human

I love Brandy, always have and she's coming back hard!!!

Flashback!!!

There are people you meet in your life that you would hope to never meet again. In my situation, I met the clone. The exact replica of that which I was trying to get away from..lol. The funny thing is that I see myself reacting to this person in the same manner that I acted with the previous individual. Not good at all. Some people can bring out the worst in you and it is an awful site. I'm getting the same emotions all over again.

Now the present individual of course has no idea about the one in the past so they are wondering why I am so nasty to them...lol. I guess you don't realize how much someone has affected you until you get a second dose of them. But I'm learning to control those emotions and realizing that I'm dealing with a totally different person and I have to treat them in such a way, even though I want to shoot arrows at them every time they talk.

Songs to Add to Your Playlist

Beyonce- "Hello"

Brandy- "Piano Man"

T-Pain- "I Can't Believe It" Remix featuring Akon and Kardinal Official

Will I Am- Its' A New Day

Keisha Cole- "I Love You" featuring Little Wayne

Ryan Leslie- "How Its' Supposed to Be"

Chris Brown- "Save Me"

The Dream- Rockin that S**t"

Ladies FYI- My Version of "He's Just Not That Into You"

He's just not that into you:

When you have to wonder if he's into you. Contrary to most beliefs when a guy is interested in a female he will show her that he is. You'll be falling over him because he is in your space all the time.

He's just not that into you:

When he speaks of his future and you're nowhere in the equation. If he's interested you're always part of the plans.

He's just not that into you:

If he tells you he's too busy to call and you haven't heard from him in a couple of days. No one is that busy unless you're the president of the United States. Five minutes is all it takes to say hello, how are you and goodbye.

He's just not that not that into you:

When know one knows who you are, if he's not talking about you, he's not interested in you.

He's just not that into you:

If he's still talking to you about his ex. Obviously he isn't over her and can't get into anything with you. One door has to be closed before another can open.

Who Do You Choose?

Some people get confused when they're in relationships and they have to choose between their significant other and their friends and guess what their shouldn't be a choice. Neither your friends or your significant other should ever ask you to choose between them because it is unfair.

Some relationships have a tug of war going on, when one person wants you to spend more time with them then the other but if your relationships are balanced their is no need for such conflicts. If that means hanging out with your girlfriends and your boyfriend, hey why not? Isn't it great to have all the people you love with you! I mean not in all circumstances is this feasible, everyone needs their own quality time but when it is possible, enjoy those moments.

That's' why one of the most important things when it comes to relationships is that your significant other and your friends get along. Usually your friends can give you a good reading on how great or bad a guy/girl she may be and even though at times we don't want to listen they are usually right. They can see the situation for what it is while you're looking at it through rose-colored glasses.

Some things you can do to keep everyone happy is have girl/guy's night out at least twice a month. With hectic lives its hard to see your friends all the time but its important to keep your friendships alive. As far as your significant other, date night is a must at least once a week, movies, dinner or even a dinner at home keeps the relationships fresh. Lastly, game night is always a hit, invite everyone over for games, food and drinks and enjoy all your loved ones.

Celebrity of the Week - O.J Simpson

15 years... you would think, you dodge the law a first time you would stay out of dodge huh? Not Mr. Simpson, he decides to go play thug life and gets himself locked up. Funny that its was thirteen years to the day that he was found not guilty of his wife's murder. I mean he did look long and hard for the killer of his wife...sike! Well best of luck to O.J, hope he comes out a better man, or probably just an older man, heck if he comes out at all.

Hot Topic

Can you be friends with someone and still have phone sex?...lol. Not my question, a friend asked me. I think there is an awfully thin line between talking and doing when it comes to sex. Usually when you're talking about it you're interested in that person in some way or else you wouldn't even broach the topic. What do you guys think...Is it safe or will you cross the line?

Top 10 Reasons Men Get Into Relationship Hell

10. You tried to turn a whore into a housewife...it just doesn't work.

9. You were more attracted to her beauty than her brain.

8. You left your last girlfriend for her and now you wonder why she's jealous.

7. There is no communication and if you do tell her something she explodes.

6. You make her the last priority in your life...you just don't appreciate her.

5. You're not romantic, you treat her like your sister.

4. You don't spend enough time with her.

3. You cheated.

2. You are physically or emotionally abusive to her.

And the number reason men get into relationship hell...

1. You build up and wall and never let her in and she's constantly fighting with you to break it down.

Eva Pigford and Lance Gross

I think this is the most beautiful couple I have seen thus far and that's not because I love chocolate men...they just look great together. I actually didn't think he was handsome, watching him on Tyler Perry's "House Of Payne", but I guess the dorky character he portrays throws off his good looks. If she dumps him, she could definitely pass him over here!

Top 5 Reasons Woman Act Jealous

5. You blatantly stare at the waitresses back side as she walks off.

4. The only female friends you have are ex's and she's never met any of them.

3. Your phone battery dies every night from 11pm to 6am in the morning.

2. Your best friend, who is a guy spends more time with you than your girlfriend does.

And the number one reason woman act jealous....

You've cheated on her before and she just doesn't trust you!!!

Press Rewind...

If you had a remote that controlled your life, what things would you change, if anything at all. Some people I wish I could have fast forwarded and had in my life now, when I'm older and would have appreciated them more. There are moments that I wish I could take back like those times when I say the first thing that comes to my mouth without actually thinking about it. How I hate those moments, those I beat myself up about over and over again.

I wish sometimes I could pause moments in my life. Those moments you wish would last forever. When life seems too perfect and you know there is no choice but for it to end. If I only I could make them last longer. I guess with the advance of age you start realizing when you're in those moments, instead of hindsight vision. You appreciate them while they're occurring. I still take some things for granted at times but I'm learning to live for now.

That's the most important thing about enjoying life, is living in the here and now so you don't have to press rewind. When you live each day fully and with the understanding that those moments are lost the second they have past, you get the most out of everything you do. A second wasted on anger, or self pity cannot be replaced instead love yourself unconditionally, love those you love unconditionally, laugh out loud, smile through the hurt, appreciate that friend who makes everything better. Appreciate the sunset and sunrise, the rain, the flowers, the smell of air (no matter how bad it is, you're breathing) Take nothing for granted.