2014 - Year in Review

2014 has been an interesting year. There have been numerous ups as well as downs. I am thankful for all that I have been given - the easy and the hard blows. I have been truly blessed. 

I still don't have a car but my feet do not hurt. My house still needs some improvements but I am able to meet my mortgage. I don't have fancy lunches and dinners but I am well fed. I can't and won't complain because opportunities have come my way. I have started my Masters and my children are 'A' students. 

I lost my last great uncle on my father's side and my last great-great aunt on my mother's side. Both were spectacular individuals who truly led their families. My daughter also lost a classmate - a very special little individual who even made an impact on me and many others.

Although the blog entries have dropped, my heart is still in my writing - I'm just focusing on academic writing now. As I journey along, I am open to new ideas, but I will remain true to my values. I still enjoy music very much and I'm into my 80s, 90s and early 2000s , not so much the trending music. New music for me would be music from the Virgin Islands and wider Caribbean and John Legend type music. It really has to be catchy to catch me. 

I still enjoy a good comedy/joke and I enjoy the work that I do. I thank God for his blessings.

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Virgin Islands Representing: Pressure - "Show LOVE" - Official Music Video

This is another big tune by Pressure titled "Show Love". Very inspiring lyrics and mellow melody describe this song. The video does it justice.

Thinking Forward - Checking and Improving Self

I'm embarking on an exciting journey - lots of reading and loads of writing. I'm expanding my thought process, my vocabulary and of course the way I deal with things professionally. I've always had my professional ethics and this journey sets me on a different path.

I encourage young people to seek ways to improve themselves. Somehow many think that someone will always be there to help them but you just have to be proactive. While attaining higher education is one step, you have to build your confidence and be self-motivated. Look at volunteerism as a way to build experience and learn new skills. Don't fuss about starting on the bottom - you have to start somewhere. I have had to file, provide basic customer service and photocopy documents - even with a degree; and I am happy to have done those tasks. Of course, I wasn't happy back then, but I appreciate it now.

There's a lot that we can do to move ourselves forward and improve ourselves. To take on a leadership role, we have to be groomed - whether it's in a community service organization, athletics, our churches or in our schools on the PTA. Take a positive step forward and try something new that will enhance you.

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How Can We Have Balance in a Life Where We are Hustling

I have embarked on a new journey. This 2014 has had a lot of new things for me - professionally, academically and personally. I am grateful for everything that God has granted. It's now to find balance because naturally, I want to excel at everything, especially in raising my children.

There's no secret to finding balance. You just have to focus on the things that you need to and sometimes that means eliminating those things that cause distraction. For example, I'm right now listening to a local sports report and an event organizer expressed disappointment because enough children did not participate. It probably wasn't a priority for parents with school just opening.

Everyone is out there hustling - some people are working and studying, some people have children that require special attention, others are juggling two jobs. Of course, money is always a concern for many because even if an event is free, you still have to dress, find food etc.

There are times when we just need to decline and give regrets. I have a lot on my plate and I still want to write - that writing now will be going towards my Masters program. To anyone who has a lot on their plate, just as you eat your meal - take small bites one at a time and be sure to chew and digest. If the plate is too full, it's time to reduce the meal - the load.

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Laugh Every Now and Then

I imagine what life would be like around a real life "Madea". Inspirational words would come but the jokes would for sure be there. We all have that someone that we can 'crack a joke' with or who can cheer us up. There are all sorts of studies done about laughter and how healthy it is for us. I love to laugh - I can't deal with monotony. Mind you - I am a 'house-mouse' so I don't go out liming. However, I have to find a sitcom or a comedy that can make me laugh especially when my children start to nag at each other like little mosquitoes.

Some days we need it more than others and I find that the laughter helps me to keep calm. Even at the office, it's good when we can relax and take a smile in between our work. Some days it can be really tense and stressful and getting a laugh can really lift the spirits.

So when you are having that rough day, find your 'Madea' or sitcom or internet joke and laugh. It's not just cliche but laughter really can be the best medicine.

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My Thoughts During August Festival Holidays

I love long holidays. August presents  three days back to back that one can choose to lime, rest, play, travel or watch tv. I take the rest and tv route because I'm not so into the festivities. Of course, I have my best excuse and it's useful to get out of so many things. I don't use that excuse for church functions though.

Anyway, I wish every a safe and healthy Emancipation Celebration - 60 years of festival and 180 years of freedom! These are big milestones for a small territory. However, with all this being said and done, what have we done to secure the future for our children?

As the holidays ease off and we head back to work, we need to look at what we are doing individually and also what our leaders are doing collectively to improve this territory. It's not their job - it's our job and we can all make some positive impact.

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POEM: Not typical

In my spherical view
I realize that I'm not
the typical girl
so my smile is not artificial
although I may be trivial;
and I'm really not about
titles but I do like recitals
cause it's vital to share
talents while being
able to vent
about how I repented
despite the serpent's
bite, I won't stop
until I take flight
for my wrong can't be
right and in my sight
my fight won't be
quieted although
it may be night and
vision may be dark
without light

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Personal Reflection

In a lot of things, I am literally out of it. I still like sitting at my computer and blogging and writing articles. I still enjoy just doing nothing. I'm happy to just sit at home and watch TV. I'm guessing as I grow older, the happenings don't catch me like they used to. I don't mind doing work while I am at home.

I am purpose driven and the fads and the fashions don't catch me  - and they never really did. I've just always been an odd one and I like that sometimes. There are days when I want to be deep and other days, I just want to watch cartoons. I guess that is one of the reasons that I have always wanted to be independent. Some people call is selfishness but I call it living in my individuality.

I always encourage people to be positive while being themselves. Don't be yourself if you have bad habits. No one wants to accept the sub-standard you - be the best you that you can be.

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You Cannot Win Them All

I'm always trying to show my son that he needs to be disciplined - how he should take care of his things, pack his clothes neatly and take pride in any assignment that I give him. He doesn't seem to understand sometimes and I really hope that he will understand these basic things today because it's much harder to learn it later in life. Too many people have to learn the hard way and in some cases, it may have been their upbringing and in other cases, it is just their bad attitude that holds them back.

We can never get our own way. During my career, I have worked with an array of people from various upbringings and cultures. The one thing that has remained constant is that there will be people who do not want to follow rules. Some will find as many ways as possible to show their disagreement to the rules though obstinate behavior - which of course gets them no where but on everybody's nerves.

As I go through life, I have learned that rules are meant to be followed. Being a stubborn mule or a Moaning Myrtle won't fix anything. Instead, I look for solutions where there are problems and aim to address them. Sometimes, it's my own attitude that really is the problem. I have to look at me and the example I am setting. I can't want change and I myself are resistant to it.

As you go forth on your daily journey, you will not like every situation or person. Your purpose is not to like or agree with everything - fulfill your role and where you can make or impact change - go for it positively. If you can make it a win-win situation, that's great. If it's lose-win or win-lose, just keep the communication open and flowing where possible.

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Ways to Show Fathers That We Appreciate Them

Fathers play a key role in the lives of their children. Celebrate fathers by giving them special treats, sharing inspiring words, or by giving special gifts

Fathers are very important to a child's life and development. A father figure is important for balance in parenting and for establishing the culture of a family unit. Unfortunately, the number of single parent households is continuing to rise. Women are calling men "sperm donors" or "deadbeat dads" and are seeking the justice system's assistance with collecting child support. Although there are men who do not fulfill their responsibilities as fathers, there are many who play key roles in their children's lives. Some fathers are single parents who bear the full brunt of caring for their children. These men need to be appreciated and commended for their hard work and dedication to their families.

Women are Often More Celebrated Than Men
Some men express that for Mother's Day, the stores are filled with goodies for the ladies. On Valentine's Day, women are once again the focus and this is the same focus at weddings and baby showers. Therefore, we need to show the men in our lives that we love them and we do not have to wait until Father's Day to do so. There are many things that we all can do for our fathers, husbands, uncles, brothers, godfathers and grandfathers that can show our appreciation for their positive input in our lives. Preparing their favorite dish, sharing positive words, giving special gifts and giving them a mini-vacation are ways to show fathers that we love them.

Positive Words for Dads in Scripture or Poetry
Poetry and Bible verses are great means of showing love for the male family members in your life. For persons who are religious, share a scripture from the Bible or your religious book. Write a poem or locate one that can express the feelings for the men in your life.

Bible scriptures about fathers: Proverbs 17:6 reads "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers." Proverbs 3:12 compares a father's love to the love from God. It reads "For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." Other scriptures that refer to fathers' love include the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, where the father's response to his older son in Verse 32 was "It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found." Other scriptures can be located by searching for keywords relating to father figures on an online Bible website.
Poetry for dads: Tell your father that you love him by creating a poem for him. Create an acronym of the word 'Dad' or 'Father.' For example "D is for Dearest Dad, A is for the Affection you have, and D is for your Dedication that makes me glad." Also, have fun with rhyming words to create a short poem that can be added to a photo or to a card. If you are unable to pen a poem, then you can always search for one, but be sure to seek the writer's permission and give them credit for their work. Buying Gifts for Dad

It is easy to buy a gift for a father on his birthday, on Father's Day or any day of the year. Tools, a tie, sweaters, shirts and gift certificates are often given to fathers. Instead, think about this special male and consider what his needs may really be. Would a gift certificate suffice or will he appreciate a special meal, a trip or a massage? Is Dad someone who prefers to tell you what he wants? While you may want to give Dad a grand surprise, keep in mind that the gift is really for him.

Do Something Special For Dad Prepare a special dish, plan a party for your father or send him on a mini-vacation to show him love. Consider sending him to a local resort or let him spend a day at a golf course so that he can relax. If you can afford it, get him tickets to his favorite sport, order music that he loves or get him his favorite movie. Fathers are important and their role in our lives cannot be discounted.

No matter what you do to express love for the men in your life, put good effort into it so that they can enjoy it. There is no need to wait until Father's Day to show love because you can share something special with the ones you love any day of the year.