Taking it one day at a time

What is in me will be hard to break away from. My habits that have lived for years and my goodness which is easy to take advantage of are all a part of me.

I am the only one that can change me. I have to want to change and improve myself so that I can progress. As Jesus said "Let him without sin cast the first stone." I am full of sin and I am no one to call down another. I, however, can learn from others in their tough situations. In my sinful state, I can still offer a positive word with the hope that the positive that I resonate will permeate my soul and change me.

It's about making things happen in whatever simple you can affect change. Lean on someone for help or to talk to if the need is there. Don't take it on all on your own. Pray but let the prayer be earnest so that good things can happen. It all won't turn around in one day but step by step, things can improve.

Put yourself in a better place. Change those negative friends if need be but make something happen. Let's go!

It's 2011 and tomorrow it's 2012. Do something to change your life for the best.

Caribbean Styled Food: Easy Pink Beans and Rice Recipe

Pinks beans are tasty and go well with rice. For a quick and easy way to prepare pink beans, try this easy Pink Beans and Rice recipe.

This easy Pink Beans and Rice recipe offers a novice cook a nice alternative to plain white rice or pasta. Pink beans have a small amount of protein, dietary fiber, iron and calcium. People in the Caribbean love peas and rice and every island has its own way of preparing the recipe. Jamaicans add coconut milk and use either kidney beans or pigeon peas for the legume. Today, this dish as prepared in the BVI is likely to have kidney beans in it. This easy Pink Beans and Rice Recipe uses pink beans instead of the usual pigeon peas or kidney beans. Canned beans are used for easy and quick cooking. If dried beans are to be used, they will have to be soaked to avoid excessive boiling.

Ingredients:

• 1 10.5 ounce can of Goya Pink Beans
• 4 cups of water
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• 1 sprig of chive
• 1 clove of garlic (minced)
• 1 dash of dried oregano
• 1/2 of a small sweet pepper (sliced or diced)
• 3 slices of a whole onion (whole or diced)
• 1 teaspoon salt / seasoning salt
• 3 cups of rice
• 1/2 tablespoon of butter (can be substituted with olive oil)

Directions:

1. Rinse the rice and dice the garlic, onions and sweet pepper, (if desired to be minced), and set aside.
2. Open the can of pink beans and add to an uncovered medium-sized saucepan or pot with salt and water. Boil with medium heat until peas are broken or easy to rend apart with a spoon.
3. When the peas are broken, add all the other ingredients to the pot and stir so that the peas, seasonings and rice are mixed well. Turn the stove to low heat.
4. Cook covered until all the water has evaporated. If the rice needs to be cooked more, add some boiling water and one teaspoon of butter and cover tightly until cooked.

This Easy Pink Beans and Rice Recipe should take less than one-half hour to prepare. It is an excellent side dish that can be served with meat, fish, veggie burger or tofu. This recipe is tasty and works well for a single person who packs lunch or for busy parents who need to make a quick and nutritious side dish.

Job Satisfaction - A Myth

Have you ever worked in an organization where the climate is always stormy? Ask yourself these questions about your job.

1. Do you feel you are well liked or respected or both?
2. Are you the one who never says "NO"?
3. Are you motivated - in general?
4. Are there opportunities for training?
5. Are there avenues for promotion?
6. Do you feel challenged?
7. Are you stressed?
8. Are you bombarded with work?
9. Are you bored?
10. Do you get along with your boss?

There's no magic formula that if you answer 'yes to ten questions, then...", you will be rewarded or deflated. We just have to evaluate our situation and decide to move on. Unless you are in the tightest contract ever made, you can always go on study leave, get a transfer if possible or leave.

I am tired of seeing nepotism and other underhanded behavior. I hate seeing people lazing and procrastinating. I can't stand when an organization is held back because people are resistant to change.

Another side of it is when the people who are rude, judgemnental, crooked etc. Who really wants to work with a bukky? Notice people's behavior and be mindful of their critism.

POEM: Obstacles by Linette

Weary and teary eyes
from weeping and no sleeping
up all day yet wide all night
in such a fit
that it's such a sight
with daylight soon approaching
what obstacle will come next
will the reaction be fumingly vexed
upset - say something to regret
why is love an object
rather than a concept
is it so complex
that we regress
just thinking about love
it's another obstacle, isn't it?
just like people are
so crafty, so tardy
and so full of complacency
what a mix!
did you think
that I wasn't planning ahead too
do you know I can see through you
timing is slight
but I will not fight
I will express
I will address
I will speak wisely but not to regret
because it's not my fire to burn
some obstacles make an upturn
or a u-turn
whatever the deal
time will heal
cause life is too hip and too real
to be wasting time
eating sour limes
all day
regrouping is what to do
for the Father will see me through


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ORIGINAL MATERIAL COMPOSED 1/12/2011
DO NOT REPRODUCE WITHOUT PERMISSION

People suck - don't they sometimes?

I am having a bad day. I am pissed with the world. Thank God for some Tarrus Riley, Niyorah, Richie Spice, Abijah and other reggae artists to keep me calm.

If it was not for the music, I think the wrong person may have mashed my corn today and ohhhhhhhh it would not have been pleasant.

Lord, help me because they are pushing my buttons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are not supposed to let situations change us but so help me - I am becoming a grump. Of course, I'm still cracking jokes, singing and chatting with my friends but I really want to scrabble the offenders who keep pushing my buttons.

Everybody wants to be sensitive but yet they don't care about others. Everybody knows every thing but yet they really know NOTHING. Everybody has the best ideas yet they can't execute a thing.

As the young people say in conversations "LOL LOL." I guess I should try to be the bigger person, but I'm really not - I'm only 5 feet tall so I don't mind being petite (pun intended).

I am controversial and I tend to let ones know when I am not pleased about things because they like to pick at me. Unfortunately sometimes, I like to pick back with a smile.

Someone sang "better must come one day." I'm still waiting on that day but I hope tomorrow meets me in a better mood.

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BET's Programs: The Game, Let's Stay Together, Mo'Nique and More

The Game and Let's Stay Together will be airing tonight on BET. Read more at: BET's Programs: The Game, Let's Stay Together, Mo'Nique and More.

POEM: Miss Independent by Linette Rabsatt