POEM: The Note

As I sit and compose this note
I find it easy, yet I find it hard
I have so much to tell my friends and family
I know that they love me in some way
but maybe they just don't know how to say it
All I can remember is stuff like
I am selfish, I don't have anyone's back
I don't ever listen
and I don't do anything right
So what will I tell them
I'll tell them just that
cause it's a fact they can't deny
This note will confirm
that I have made a choice
I know some will cry
while others rejoice
but I'll be in a different place
So the only person to blame
is each man for his shortcomings
But as I start pointing out their faults
I realize that I can not do my self in
because I was tarnished by others' sins
I thought about the people
who had suffered tremendously through time
from slavery to natural disasters
and even the man-made ones too
What would it be worth
for me to take my life to the joy of others
When there are so much sufferers
that I can help
Where they see me as a failure
I can only try to help another sister or brother
because that's what God put us here for
so I have to see value in my life
because God made me in his image
as a steward to take care of what he offers me
so while it may be impossible for you to see
I am going to live each day that God grants me

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Jagged Edge's Second Album: J.E. Heartbreak

Atlanta's R&B Music Group Jagged Edge released their sophomore album J.E. Heartbreak in 2000 with "Let's Get Married" and "Promise."

Twin brothers Brian Casey and Brandon Casey teamed up with Kyle Norman and Richard Wingo to form the R&B group Jagged Edge in the 1990s in Atlanta. Jagged Edge released its debut album A Jagged Era in 1997. Then in 2000, they released J. E. Heartbreak which garnered the group a fan base with songs like "He Can't Love U," "Let's Get Married" and "What You Tryin' To Do."

Jagged Edge's R&B Albums

They launched A Jagged Era in 1997 with Jermaine Dupri's

So So Def Recordings and Sony. The group became recognized for the song "I Gotta Be." Then after their sophomore release, J.E. Heartbreak in 2000, the group released Jagged Little Thrill in 2001 with the hit "Where the Party At" featuring Nelly (http://www.nelly.net/). 2003's Hard brought fans "Walked Outta Heaven." The 2006 self-titled album Jagged Edge went gold with songs like "So Amazing" and "Season's Change." The latest release is 2007's Baby Makin' Project.

Jagged Edge's Hit Album J.E. Heartbreak

J. E. Heartbreak sold over two million copies and according to Jagged Edge's official website, "that album not only solidified JE's place in R&B music history, but the works produced on that album would follow JE to this day." The official site further states that the title of the album is similar to New Edition's 1989 release of N.E. Heartbreak.

The Songs ofJ.E. Heartbreak

While all twelve songs on this album do not express heartbreak, the album seems to tell a story of a journey through the ups and downs in love. Brian and Brandon had lyrical input in all of the songs with the aid of Jermaine Dupri and other writers including Ted Bishop, Kit Walker and Jeffrey Atkins.

• "Heartbreak": The first track is "Heartbreak" which starts off with the lyrics "can't take another heartbreak...." The short track is just over one minute but continues with "Why, Why, Why, why you do the things you did, knowing that I love you so…turn around and leave, left me for dead…"
• "Did She Say": The song is about a woman's female friend who keeps trying to cheat with the woman's boyfriend. Jagged Edge sings that the friend was "making all sorts of plans, trying to get me away from you." Heartbreak comes out in this song because the untruthful friend causes mistrust in the relationship. It also contains instrumental elements from the Beatnuts song "Off The Books" which featured Big Pun, deceased, and Cuban Link.
• "He Can't Love You": In this song, the group sings passionately about missing the love of a woman who had moved on to another relationship. The chorus ends with "you should never want to be with a man if he can't be the man and do the things to you like I can."
• "Healing": "Tell me what you feeling cause I got the healing" is sung emotionally in the chorus by Jagged Edge in "Healing." Jagged Edge sings in this song about a special lady who is faithful and loving, and the immense love for her.
• "Let's Get Married": Of all of Jagged Edge's songs, "Let Get Married" is the most popular. The music video featured Fredro Starr, who sang in the rap group Onyx and acted in the movies Light It Up (1999) and Save the Last Dance (2001). The lyrics share the common man's very simple marriage proposal but in the most loving and appreciative way. "Where I would be if we were to just fall apart," "meet me at the altar in your white dress" and "frankly girl I'm tired of this emptiness, I wanna come home to you and only you" are some of the lyrics in this sweet song.
• "Promise": This song was another of Jagged Edge's top songs from the J.E. Heartbreak album. The singers pledge to be supportive, honest and more understanding in relationships. "I promise that I'll stay true, don't let nobody say it ain't so" is part of what they sing in the chorus. "I keep you first, that's the kind of love you deserve" is sung with a believable passion such that the singer would not break his promise to keep the love strong.
• "Keys to the Range": This song is one of the more upbeat songs on the album and features Jermaine Dupri. The group sings about the way a woman's behavior caused them to lose faith in her purpose in the relationship. "You changed…you're not the girl that you used to do things." Dupri adds in the bridge "you received the Jag, you wanted the Benz" to show how greedy the woman was. The group chimes in "you was on your way to the house, the money, the keys to the range."

Although J.E. Heartbreak is Jagged Edge's best album so far, the group is set to release a new album, The Remedy in March 2011. Jagged Edge's fans can look forward to tracks featuring Gucci Mane, Trina among other artists. Jagged Edge remains one of the 1990s R&B groups who has proven that they have staying power and continue to be loved by fans.

Guilty? Is Guilt Killing You Inside?

People are funny. Some can't hide their guilt and some can't hide their feelings. Maybe if you get me mad, I may get a bit smug but I get over it. If I am guilty, you may sense it as well. I've noticed that people do act funny when they know they've done something wrong.

My grandmother used to say that "ground lizard know what he did to God Almighty, he can't look up". I try to stay up and keep my head up. Guilt is not an easy burden but some seem to have no conscience in carrying it. In some cases, people find you guilty when you have committed no crime. I find that's OK since so many instances in life are judged by perception.

I do find that poeple like to take things out of context and omit details. At this point, I've stopped caring and I will live my life as best as I can. It is no sense to stress over what others say or think - especially when they are accusing others of unwarranted and unjustified wrongs.

I say that we should all just live and leave judgement to God and the courts if necessary. If you know you are guilty and you want to unburden yourself, do so. Don't let it kill you...unless someone else may try to kill you for what you did.  We all know that you can run but you can't hide, so try not to keep the guilt bottled up inside!

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My Differences

I've always wanted to be different from everyone else. I always like to take a different approach to life. I don't want to be singled out or easily noticed but I want to try new things. I guess that's why I blog and seek writing opportunities.

I wanted my hair natural when everyone was wearing straight. Then many went back natural and back and forth. I'm still natural and will blow out or even try a tasteful weave every now and then. However, that is an expensive lifestyle choice so I'll stick with my nappies.

In college, everyone opted for Finance, Accounting or Management so I did Marketing and Finance. I still feel it's all common sense when it boils down - applying the knowledge in real life situations requires gained experience and a willingness to adapt.

I'm the person who sought opportunity wherever I could. Me - sit at home to wait for a big job when I could take a small one and make some money? Never! I see a scholarship application or essay contest and I run for it. I love events like the Flower Show that I can work with nature. I enjoy working with farmers and anything agricultural - that's my 9-5.

However, I am not the tree hugger who's going to go and clean up the coast. I believe in leading by example and keeping the place clean and placing fines on the litterers. The place does need to be cleaned but that's a reactive gesture. We have to continously educate our people.

I am not well-rounded and I do not do sports. Tell me to dance and I will. Ask me to sing and I'll try. Let me write a poem for what I want to write about. Don't tell me what you want because then you should write it yourself.


I am simple and sometimes quiet but never underestimate me because I do pay attention. I guess I am different because certain things I am leaving to God right now. The people who try to take advantage or pull stunts on me - I leave them alone because I know the come-uppance is in the works.

I am different and I love being me. I have accepted me and the most you can do is the same.

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As much

Four Years and It's Election Time Soon

It is an election year in the British Virgin Islands. Some candidates have already started and others are lagging behind. Some persons whose names have been called seem to be disallusioned or discouraged and some have given up. Some have tried for over 10 years and are still not successful.

My grandmother would always repeat the saying "the race isn't always for the swift" which goes back to the fable about the Tortoise and the Hare. You take your time to plan, strategize and implement. You may not be successful on the first try but the people eventually support someone who perseveres.

I always smile when candidates who run once, disappear or accept a government job or contract. Whichever the case, they seem to just be fly by night candidates. What are their true motives? Only those one-time persons will know.

The people are looking for solid leaders who seem to have the country's best interest at heart. We have several persons who have tried on more than one ocassion and have eventually won a seat. Former Legislator  Eileen Parsons and Hon. Irene Penn-O'Neal are two good examples of persons, women of course, who persevered and eventually overwhelmingly attained seats. I always say kudos to these ladies for never giving up.

Candidates need to have a good team backing them. They need to get their faces out there at least one year prior to the election if they are in a position to do so. Of course, they should follow the issues and evaluate the prior election results and a focus group in each district is not a bad idea  either.

I am an advocate for people exercising their right to vote. Many are discouraged right now but we just can't go forward that way. If the candidates are not good enough, please tell them so. Tell the party leaders, the independents themselves and all others that they are not ready, not trustworthy or incapable of moving us forward.

Where are the ones who will speak of environmental stewardship, sustainable tourism, educational reform (not deform) or cutbacks? I guess they will all step up soon to see who can win the popularity contest. Kudos to those who have already come forward. The people are rearing and waiting for the others.

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Getting Over Struggles

Reaching out to people when you are in need is difficult. Sometimes you feel like no one can ever understand your plight. In fact many of us can and we sympathize, empathize and try to give words of encouragement. There are some of us who take joy in your hurt and tell you what you want to hear to pacify you so that we can gossip or run fast away from your tirade.

I have been on every aspect of that spectrum and these days, I just leave it to God. I keep my close friends close and have casual conversation about the weather, crime, work etc with others. If someone is not bringing positivity towards me right now, I go the other direction.

I recommend that people facing struggles seek help because bottling it up won't solve anything. Reach out to someone but of course not the person who will spread your business on the street like a tabloid. Speak to a friend who is willing to listen and offer good encouragement - not advice. Seek professional advice if needed.

Take a break. Pamper yourself. Go to the beach. Prepare a favorite meal. Visit family and friends. Take up a hobby. Eliminate some of your debt.

DO SOMETHING! Break that chain and find a way to move forward. Even if the outlook is bleak, still persevere and pray for guidance.

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Some Jobs Ain't Easy...

I never aspire to be perfect but instead I work hard and roll with the punches. Many people are unhappy at their jobs and this is a reality worldwide. I am not in an optimal situation right now but so it is with most jobs. What you learn in school or at workshops don't always happen in the real world.

I do feel that just as a one bad egg can spoil the dozen, one good one can still used. Where people become so unhappy it leaves for a very unhappy environment. In some cases where people's jobs are threatened, their work in fear unsure of their next paycheck. What we need to do is learn our rights so that we are not treated as ignorant underdogs. We must also keep a log of events - good and bad. Submit reports for assigned tasks, even when you are not asked.

We have to work with difficult, lazy, disgusting and even micromanagers.  Learn your boss and do what you can until you can do better. If you need your paycheck, try to abide by the rules but remember slavery has been abolished so there is no need to take nonsense or sexual harassment from any supervisor.

Keep your head on and up. Remember, you don't need a job to shine. You came shining and can leave shining. However, you must know your rights!

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