XYZ is for...X-cellence, Youthfulness, and Zeal

I'm always striving for...

X-cellence: Had to get creative with my 'x' word. I was raised not to be satisfied with the mundane. Because I am a child of God, the sky's the limit when it comes to my dreams. And when I'm going for my dreams, don't just settle at being good. Doesn't mean I'll be the best. There's always someone better than me. I just have to strive to be the best that I can be. Strive for x-cellence. That's what I'm doing. And if I fail, I get right back up and try again.

Youthfulness: No, this doesn't mean I'm looking for the fountain of youth. I'm actually ok with aging. I do not want to lose my child-like imagination. I do not want to become a grumpy old adult. Children can find pleasure in the simplest of things. Even the little things tickle them and make them smile. I don't ever want to be so busy that I don't stop and take the time to appreciate all that's around me. I want to be able to always smile and find pleasure in the simplest of things.

Zeal: And last but not least, I want to go for my dreams with all I have. I want to have a passion for life and live it to the fullest!

A is for...Attitude!

"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference."

Winston Churchill

Do you know and understand how important your attitude is? I mean, truly understand? I'm realizing this more and more each day, especially here in Abu Dhabi.

I love living here. I love my kids, the opportunities I've had, and the new friends I've made. But, it's not always easy. Sometimes, it gets rough. I mean, I kind of expected challenges since they're in the middle of an education reform, but MAN! Things have been harder than I thought they'd be. And I'm in one of the better schools. I did stress last trimester. I struggled a bit.

And then, I changed my attitude. I made a vow not to let the challenges get to me. I decided not to complain about what's going on (especially since there are other teachers in far worse predicaments). It was time for me to think positive about everything that came my way, even the challenges. I refuse to let them get me down.

Attitude is everything. When I changed my outlook, things didn't bother me as much. Don't have resources to teach like they want us to teach? It allows me to access parts of my creativity that I didn't even know I had. Have double the amount of work cos they added more students who don't understand my language? That's more children for me to reach. Our principal wants us to do what by when? That's ok. I'm strong. God's got my back...I've got this.

I can still smile. God has given me such a peace that I can't even explain. Since I've changed my attitude, I'm loving it here even more. I've even started going out and enjoying myself more, which says a lot cos I'm normally a homebody. I live in a beautiful high rise apt (rent free), I'm minutes away from the beach, I'm part of an education reform that will help build up a new country, I'm touching the lives of children who, because I taught them, will be bilingual before they even reach 6th grade. I've met people who have the potential of being life-long friends. I'm doing things that, this time last year, I wouldn't have thought I'd be doing.

Are your circumstances giving you grief? Try changing your attitude. Think positive instead of negative. I know it's so cliche, but go on...try it and see what a difference it makes!

Inspirational Sunday

"You have endured and gone through hard times because of me and you have not given up...To everyone who wins the victory, I will give some of the hidden food. I will also give each one a white stone with a new name written on it. No one will know that name except the one who is given the stone.."Revelation 2: 3, 17

Rae's Thought: Today, I'm concentrating on the last part of these verses.

• I will also give each one a white stone... I so look forward to receiving my white stone! White symbolizes purity. The day we get to heaven, all of our blemishes, flaws, and imperfections will be no more. We will FINALLY be able to stand before the Lord, perfect and flawless. God will be able to declare us pure. Isn't that just awesome!
• ...with a new name written on it. Names are an important part of who we are...they're pare of our identity. I love my name. It doesn't have any particular meaning to it (my mom made it up), but it's unique, just like me. This verse promises us that, those of us who wins the victory - who endures til the end - will receive a new name. Our old names will be left behind. There will be no trace of our earthly lives when we go to heaven. Our earthly names, no matter how wonderful, important, or unique they may be, will be no more. The new name we'll receive will go with our new identities. It will fit perfectly with our new home, bodies, and status (status = perfect beings).
• No one will know that name except the one who is given the stone. Nowadays, while "Raenice" is still an uncommon name, I hear of more women with that name than I did when I was younger. There are different spellings of the name (Rayniece, Ranice, Raynice, etc), but they all sound the same. I can only imagine having a name as common as Mary or Emily. Oh, but when I get to heaven, I'll be the only one with my new name. It will be special because it'll be my name and my name alone!

Knowing what I've got waiting on me in heaven only causes me to praise God. The only reason why I can look forward to these things is because His Son, Jesus died on the cross for me. IIn reading this, I'm reminded that, while I may go through "hell" here - with trials, hardships, pain, etc - it'll all be worth it when I get to heaven. If I keep going and not give up, and not end my life before it's my time to go, I will be one of those victors this verse is talking about. God knows we're suffering here. Because I believe He's an empathetic God, I believe He feels our pain. He hurts when we hurt. He doesn't like seeing His babies suffer. But He is taking notes and He is building up our rewards in heaven. He's watching to see who will be the victors and who won't.

Yes, life will get unbearable at times, but God is so good that, if we ask Him, He'll give us peace...the kind of peace that'll have us smiling, even when we don't have anything to smile about or happy when we should be depressed. He's right there with us, comforting and guiding us through life. We've just got to seek Him. And when we've taken our last breath and finally make it home, He'll be waiting with open arms and a white stone with our new name on it. I don't know about you, but that's enough incentive for me to keep pressing on!

Tickle-Me Tuesday

In honor of the class of 2010!

A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that 'individuality' is the key to success.

Robert Orben

Your families are extremely proud of you. You can't imagine the sense of relief they are experiencing. This would be a most opportune time to ask for money.

Gary Bolding

Commencement speeches were invented largely in the belief that outgoing college students should never be released into the world until they have been properly sedated.

Garry Trudeau

You cannot get to the top by sitting on your bottom.

Proverb

A professor is someone who talks in someone else's sleep.

W.H.Auden

My school was so tough the school newspaper had an obituary section.

Norm Crosby

At commencement you wear your square-shaped mortarboards. My hope is that from time to time you will let your minds be bold, and wear sombreros.

Paul Freund

To those of you who received honors, awards and distinctions, I say well done. And to the 'C' students, I say you too may one day be President of the United States.

George W. Bush, US President

A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad.

Theodore Roosevelt, US President

If you feel that you have both feet planted on level ground, then the university has failed you.

Robert Goheen, President, Princeton University

Inspirational Sunday

NOTE: Decided to post one of my older IOWs for this week's inspiration. I wrote this one 2 years ago after Hurricane Ike.

"I might have trouble on every side, yet not distressed. I might be perplexed but never in despair. Persecuted but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed." ~ Take 6, 'I've Got a Life'

Rae's Thought: We have this tall, skinny pine tree in front of our house – a tree we've watched grow for the past 11 years. This weekend, we watched it go through a major storm that could've left it destroyed, like so many other trees in our neighborhood.

Friday, when Ike's winds started to pick up, we watched anxiously as our tree bent back and forth, side to side. I'd prayed for her strength. If she fell backwards, she would've ended up in my room; if she fell to the left, our cars would've been destroyed; if she fell to the right or front, our streets would've been blocked. So, we waited, praying that she'd make it. And, you know what? She did. At one point, we were sure she'd fall. It looked like she would snap in half, but she's still standing strong. One of her branches snapped and she was hit so hard that sap is coming out, but she is still standing.

While watching this, I had a thought…an epiphany of sorts…an "aha" moment. Many times, I am like our tree. The "hurricanes" in my life hit me on all sides, bending me down. At one point, it looks like I'm not going to make it – the winds of life are blowing so hard, it feels as though I'm going to snap. But, you know what? After all is said and done, I'm still standing. I may have a few scars – battle scars, if you will - but I'm still here…standing strong.

I imagined God picking our little tree up every time she bent here and there – just like He picks us up during our times of trouble. And, after the storm is over, I can imagine Him cleaning our wounds, wrapping us up in His arms, like a mother does when her child has been injured. Watching this tree's struggle against a major hurricane gave me a sense of peace and comfort. Just like Take 6 said, "I might have trouble on every side, yet not distressed. I might be perplexed but never in despair. Persecuted but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed." I'm going to make it. No matter what happens to me, as long as I have God, I'm going to make it. And, guess what? So will you.

Random Thoughts Thursday Part 1

I've had a lot on my mind, so RTT will be split into 2 posts.

ABDC. Ok, I'm all for diversity, but why in the h@## is Vogue Evolution still on ABDC? Am I the only one NOT crazy about them? They've had some pretty good moves at times, but they weren't dynamic. I mean, Artistry in Motion was better and they're no longer there. And We Are Heroes was in the bottom 2 last week. WTH? Next week, either VE or Afroborike should be going home. This season PALES in comparison to the other ABDC seasons. I'm still waiting for them to wow me. Anyway, my vote goes to Rhythm City - with We Are Heroes (or maybe Massive Monkeys) being 2nd place.

Movies. What's with the remakes of old movies? Do we not have writers with enough creativity to come up with some ORIGINAL movies? I mean, come on! Karate Kid, Wizard of Oz, Halloween 2...the list goes on. They're even remaking The Last Dragon! A classic (yet cheesy) movie. The Last Dragon is one of my favorite movies. And just who will they get to play the main character, Bruce Leroy (yeah, the name's cheesy, I know)? Who's fine enough? Who's athletic enough (in martial arts)? Who has the cheesiness/innocence that Bruce Leroy had? Not even Will Smith (a very talented and good looking actor) can play BL in my eyes. Personally, I think they should've left The Last Dragon alone, but who am I. I'd go see the movie just out of curiosity, in hopes that they would not mess up a classic. I'd be SO upset if they do...unless Taimak (man who played Bruce Leroy) is in the remake, too. Then I'd love the movie no matter how sucky it may be.

Here's Taimak then

And here's Taimak now. See why I wouldn't mind seeing him in the movie?

Speaking of remakes. I am looking forward to seeing Fame. It's just that I LOVED the TV show...the few times I watched it when I was younger. Remember, I wanted to be a dancer when I was a little girl, so I loved any show with dancers (Solid Gold & Fame being the top). And speaking of movies with dancing...I was hoping Bring It On: Fight to the Finish would be at Redbox. I know, they shoulda stopped at the first Bring It On...& this movie may suck, but I wanna see it (remember I like dancing movies...which, they are cheerleaders, but they dance too). Redbox is the only way to guarantee that I won't be so upset with wasting my money. It costs $1 to rent from Redbox.

And, I went to see District 9 this past weekend. Didn't like it much. It took too long to get to the point. By the time it got to the action, I was ready to go. And the fact that the aliens looked like giant cockroaches messed it up for me. I HATE cockroaches!

The First Lady's New Do. OMG, who cares whether or not she cut hair? Obviously, they've run out of newsworthy stories (don't see how that happens, though). Get a life! And she didn't cut it, her hair is pinned. *sigh* She's still elegant and classy as usual.

Duggars 19th Child. WTH? 19 kids? More power to them, I guess. I, on the other hand, only want 2...3 if I must. 19 kids...smh.

Inspirational Sunday

Worship the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water.

Exodus 23:25

Rae's Thought: This verse can be taken in two ways:

1. Serve the LORD and only the LORD, and He will give you what you need. God wanted the Israelites to know that He and He alone was able to provide for them. Later on in this passage, He tells the Israelites about the other nations that He'd planned on driving away. God tells them that worshipping the other nations' gods will be a snare (trap) for them.

This message isn't only for the Israelites in ancient Bible days. It's for all of God's children in present day. The worship of other gods does not only pertain to the statue gods that others may worship. As soon as something becomes more important to you than God and your relationship with Him, it becomes your god. Something other than God filling your every thought? Then you've placed whatever it is higher than God. People today worship money, materials, jobs, status, and so much more. They even worship other people. God wants us to know that He and He alone can provide for us (our bread and water). Nothing and no one can give us what we need. Serve the LORD - and only the LORD - and He will bless your bread and water.

2. Worship the LORD always, and He will give you what you need. So many times, when we're going through difficulties, we completely forget to continue to worship the Lord. Our minds are so focused on what's happening and the pain we may be feeling, that the thought of worshipping and praising God never crosses our minds...or it does cross our mind, but we ignore it (I mean, come on! Worship/praise insinuates happiness and I'm so NOT happy right now!).

Worshipping the Lord takes our minds off our problems. Right now, as I write this, I'm experiencing financial difficulties, like so many other people. I don't know how I'm going to pay the upcoming bills and I'm living from paycheck to paycheck. I can choose to worry about what's going to happen or I can choose to worship the Lord and trust that He will give me what I need. I find that, nothing good comes out of worrying. I only end up overwhelmed, worrying myself sick, snapping at my family, complaining to God, or forgetting about God altogether. Oh, but when I'm worshipping God, my focus is taken off my problems and put on God. I'm given such a sense of peace when I worship Him. I close my eyes, lift my hands, and, with all that is within me, I worship. My favorite worship song is, How Great is Our God, by Chris Tomlin. Even now, I'm listening to and singing this song, tears (of joy) running down my face. 'Name above all names. You are worthy of all praise and my heart will sing how great is our God!' God is so awesome! I can sing it over and over, worshipping my Lord... Oh the peace! The joy! And, after all is said and done, I'll find that, just as He's promised, God has blessed my bread and water!

God provides for and takes care of His children. He always has and always will. What do you stand in need of? Worship the Lord, your God ALWAYS, and He will bless your bread and water.

Inspirational Sunday

"I don't wanna box you in. You've been doing big things since the world began. Sometimes I just don't understand that you're big enough, but you're big enough, Jesus."

Ayiesha Woods

Rae's Thought: This week's inspiration comes from one of my favorite contemporary Christian songs, Big Enough by Ayiesha Woods.

Do you realize that it is impossible for us to truly understand the total Being that is God? Our small minds wouldn't be able to fully grasp just how big and awesome He really is. Our heads would probably explode if we tried to figure God out. It just can't happen. And you know what? I'm glad it can't. I'm convinced that when we try to grasp the total vastness of God, we end up putting Him in this neat little box in our minds, which puts a limit on Him and what He can do. I don't know about the god you serve, but my God is limitless; He's never ending. Like Ms. Woods said, I don't want to box God in.

Since we can't really grasp how big God really is, let's just imagine. He is the creator of all that was and is in existence: the heavens, our solar system, galaxies beyond ours, etc. What does this mean? It means that God is pretty big...huge...ginormous...bigger than we could ever imagine. And, truthfully, that's all I need to know.

This, my friends, gives me comfort. The problems I face, the trials I go through, the obstacles I come up against always seem big to me. The thing is, when I put them up against my Almighty Father...well, they seem like little ants next to Him. Even Satan is minuscule compared to God. This changes my perspective on situations that normally would cause me to worry and be afraid. Hello! I serve a God whose greatness can NOT be measured by human means. There is no problem...no situation...no person bigger than the God I serve. There is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING greater than Him. Nothing! When I think of it this way, life - and all the problems that come with it - doesn't seem so bad.

Really Short Hiatus

I know. I haven't been a very good blogger lately.

Life just kinda got hectic within the past 2 weeks, ya know? You'd think that, since it's summer, things'll slow down, right? Add to that the fact that this week is Adventure Week (vacation bible school) at my church, which means I'm going to work (at the church) then teaching 5th grade for AW (at the church) and returning home (at the...house) late. No energy to do anything but sleep.

Things will (hopefully) return back to normal next week. So, I'll (hopefully) return to posting on Sunday.

Random Thoughts

Swine Flu. I'm taking this seriously. Really, I am. I absolutely abhor being sick, so, yeah, I'm taking it seriously, but I'm not panicking, though. I'm not letting this thing take over my mind, causing me to worry. Nope. And, anyway, wasn't there another scary outbreak years ago? The bird flu? This kind of reminds me of that movie, Outbreak, only not as drastic.

The thing is, the precautions we're told to take are ones we should already be doing:

• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing - I mean, come on, people. It's just rude not to cover. Do I want your germy saliva all over me? Uh...no! I don't care if you're sick or not, it's still gross.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water - How many people have you seen walk out the public restrooms without washing their hands? Ew. That's just nasty.
• Stay at home if you get sick - Duh. Wouldn't want to spread your sickness around, right? And parents, if you have a sick child, please, please, please don't send them to school. Think of all the teachers, students, administrators, cafeteria workers, etc.

Annoying Noises. Okay, so last night, I was lucky enough (sarcastically speaking) to be awakened, several times, by a symphony of annoying noises.

• Smoke detector. Clearly we need to replace the battery in one of our detectors. All it does now is beep. Every 30 seconds. Yes, I counted. What else was I gonna do?
• Gurgling commode. So, every month, we're to pour bleach done a pipe located in our attic because it helps with the drainage in the neighborhood. Wanna know how we know it's time to do it? Our commodes gurgle. Seriously. Both mine and my sister's toilets make some weird 'blub blub' noises. Disgusting, I know.
• Arguing cats. When we first moved in, it was dogs that howled. All. Night. Long. Now, it's cats who argue. They sound exactly like wailing babies. Honest. It's creepy. Last night, they woke me up, then managed to keep me up for an hour. Going back and forth, wailing and whining. Just when I wanted to cut my ears off (not really, but you get the point), it got even weirder. They started hissing at each other. Wail. Wail. Hiss. Hiss. Bang. Bang. They sounded possessed. Really. I'm not sure exactly what they were doing - I refused to get up out of bed to see 2 (or more) possessed cats for fear they'd somehow come get me - but it sounded like they were fighting (hence, the bang bang noise). Then, after all that noise...complete silence. Kinda creepy. I kept praying that we wouldn't find a dead cat or two in our backyard (prayers answered).

Fitness. Nothing much to report. I'm losing more inches off my bottom/hips than I am in the waist/stomach area (which is where I'd like to lose). I'm okay with my bottom/hips, besides firming. Oh well, I guess more crunches are in order.

Inspirational Sunday

“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end…And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore, I will trust you always, though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.”
Thomas Merton

Rae’s Thought: Sometimes, following Jesus can get downright scary. I don’t always know where I’m going. I don’t know what I’ll encounter on the way. I can’t even see the road ahead of me. So many uncertainties while walking with the Lord.

One thing I can be certain of, though, is that He is right there with me, leading me where I need to go. It’s not in His plans for me to be harmed. He only wants what’s best for me. He wants to give me a future and hope (Jeremiah 29:11). And during the times I feel lost, all I have to do is call to Him and He’ll listen…seek Him and I will find Him (Jeremiah 29:12 – 13).

So, yeah, I don’t know where I’m going. I surely can’t see the road ahead of me, nor do I know where it will end. Am I scared? Nah. Am I anxious? Nope. Terrified? Not that either. Why not? I’ve got a Guide who knows all and sees all. I trust in His ability to lead me in the right direction. He’s led gazillions of people on their personal paths and haven’t lost one yet. Something tells me it’ll be that way for eternity.

If I focus on Him, those uncertainties won’t even matter. I don’t really want to know what’s ahead, anyway. To me, finding out what’s going to happen in my future is like finding out what’s going to happen at the end of a book or movie…before I even get a chance to read or watch it for the first time. Takes the excitement out of it.

I’m excited about my journey with Jesus. It won’t be boring, I’ll tell you that. I’m ready to buckle my seat belt, put my eyes on Him, and let Him take me on the wildest, most exciting ride of my life. Care to join?

Mindless Chatter

So, I've gone through another change...nothing important. I am now a red-head. Well, it's actually a copperish red, but red nonetheless. Those who know me also know that I get bored very easily with my hair. The change before this one was a haircut, where I went from hair past my shoulders to a cute little bob.

The time before that, I'd had cornrows...and the time before that I'd died my hair honey blonde - which made my hair, skin, and eyes kind of the same color...sounds weird, but oddly enough, it was cute.

Last weekend, I was at the store (to buy a spiral and pen, mind you) and my legs led me to the hair aisle. I'd text my sis so she could be the voice of reason (she's normally the one that stops me), but she didn't answer back. Clearly, my becoming a red head is her fault...she wasn't there when I needed her. So, anyway, I picked up the honey blonde color, figuring, why mess with a good thing? But I saw 'Vivacious Red' and knew I had to have it.

I've always wanted to try red, and my sister wasn't there to be my voice, so, I got it. Really, I picked it up, put it back, went to get my spiral notebook & pen, headed back towards the hair products, changed my mind and went to get a Pepsi, then walked back to get my box...you know, to give my sister time to text me back. She failed to answer the sister/best friend in crisis call. So, what could I do? Ignore the urge to try something different? I think not!

I was a little nervous - okay, I was very nervous. What if it didn't turn out right? But last Sunday, I went through with it and I love it. I'd have to go to my beautician to get my hair the exact red on the box, which is actually a thought. Here's a pic of my new hair color. Now, in the picture, you can see the color more on my ends, but you'd see it better in person, especially in the sun. Hmm...I wonder what my next hair change is going to be? Braids? Cornrows? I'm actually really feeling that red on the box, so, I'm thinking, trip to the beautician...or another try at home. I know, I know. I'm crazy!

Inspirational Sunday

*NOTE: Every Sunday, on my Myspace blog, I post what I call the Inspiration of the Week (IOW). I take a quote I like and write my own words of inspiration for it. For today's post, I'm using this week's IOW.

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
Barack Obama

Rae’s Thought: On January 20th, Barack Obama will be sworn in as America’s 44th president. Five days after what would’ve been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 80th Birthday, America will officially receive her 1st black president. President Obama saw that this wonderful country was in major need of a change. Instead of sitting back and complaining, he got up and did something about it. Instead of waiting for someone else to make a change, he decided he was going to make the change. Unfortunately, many people are leaving America’s “makeover” to Obama or anyone else in leadership. The truth is it’s not only up to Barack Obama to make things better…it’s up to all of us. You want to know who’s responsible for America’s change? Look in the mirror. You are.

What I love about Obama’s story is that, in spite of encountering resistance, he kept going. He pressed on even when times got rough. His unwavering determination has paid off. Not everyone likes change. Once you’ve decided to go for it, you may experience trouble. In fact, there isn’t a maybe about it: you will experience trouble. We can take inspiration from our 44th president and others who are fighting in spite of opposition. Keep going. Think about it: if MLK and other civil rights leaders gave up, what state would our country be in? If Jesus decided the pain was too great to bear, what state would the children of God be in? They kept going and so should we.

This country will not experience a transformation of its citizens won’t get up and make that change. See something wrong with our education system? Do something about it. Think our justice system needs work? Do something about it. If you find something wrong with the way things are happening, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! I want this country – this world – to be a better place for our children and youth to live in, so, I’ve made a vow to go forth and make a change. I know I’ll encounter people who may dislike me for the stand I take on behalf of the kids, but, you know what? I’ve got God on my side. If God is with me, who in the world (or anywhere else for that matter) can be against me? Absolutely no one and nothing. It all starts with us. So, what are you going to do to make a change?

Happy New Year!

Ah! 2009 is finally here. Did you have an awesome New Year's Day? Guess what I did...rested. That's right. I slept late, then spent the rest of the day watching TV and reading. I loved it! I haven't taken enough "Me Days" in my life. One of my must-dos for 2009 is take more me-days...don't be afraid to not work every once in a while.

2008 was a pretty good year. I mean, nothing overly exciting happened - besides my 5 week trip to Cuernavaca (Mexico) in June/July...my 1st real summer vacation since I started working in 1992. Still, nothing horrible happened either. Now, it's time to leave 2008 where it belongs - in the past - and move forward. Every year, or almost every year, my family comes up with a motivational slogan to live by. This year's slogan is: It's Our Time in 2009! Why? Because we feel that God's about to do some awesome things for our family. He's already started putting things in place for us. And the best thing is we're doing it together (did I mention that we're a close-knit family).

About 5 years ago, my parents started a business called Weakly Family Ministries, that, as the name suggests, focuses on bettering the family. They started out with marriage counseling, pre-marital counseling, family counseling, mentoring, etc. Now, WeaFam is expanding. They're looking into officially moving into an office building (they'd been counseling in our garage-turned-office). Also, now, WeaFam includes the AYM Enrichment Program, which is my sister's & my business (also looking for our own space), along with the urban wear store my brother wants to open, my children & teens novels that will published, and my other brother's poetry/spoken word books that will also be published (if you're a Houstonian, check out Freez.Eturnal's performances at clubs around Houston...my brother is a talented spoken word artist). So you see, God has given each and every one of us a talent to use to help others (and glorify Him, of course) and we're about to do our thang in 2009. IT'S OUR TIME IN 2009!

I leave you with a few of my 2009 goals:

• Complete Who's Got Tha Moves
• Begin/Plan novel #3 (not sure of title, but I do know what it's about)
• Move into own home (my sis & I are starting our journey of becoming home-owning roomies)
• Start journey to become debt-free & financially stable
• Complete my dissertation by June 1st (which means, I'll become Dr. Weakly & have my degree by July/August if all goes well, but I won't actually walk across the stage til January 2010)
• Become more confident in my Spanish (I'm basically a chicken when it comes to speaking Spanish...I know it, just too scared to speak it. I'm getting better, though, thanks to my sis, who speaks fluent Spanish)
• Concentrate on making AYM my full time job
• Go to more conferences for writers and entrepreneur since I am both
• Travel more
• Work on crossing more things off my list of things to do by the time I'm 35 (I've only gotten a chance to cross one off, while I'm working on about 3 others...my list is about 60 items long)
• Take better care of myself physically, mentally, and spiritually

Also, I've added more to this blog:

• Inspirational Sundays: I'll post anything that can be seen as inspirational, whether it be my own inspirational writing (like what I do on my myspace blog) or inspirational stories I've read online or heard about.
• Tickle-Me Tuesdays: This day is reserved for stories, pictures, jokes, or comic strips that'll make you laugh. We all should enjoy a good laugh every once in a while, right?
• Random Thoughts Thursday: Same as last year
• Fitness Fridays: My sis and I have started our journey to a healthier us last month. On Fridays, I'll chronicle my journey by posting any weight loss success, success in lowering my high blood pressure, great workouts, trials, triumphs, etc.

Random Thoughts Thursday

Happy Thanksgiving!

Some things I am thankful for...

• God/Jesus
• Family
• Life
• Job
• Health - yeah, I have HBP, but other than that, I'm healthy...and HBP can be controlled
• Music
• Books
• my God-given purpose: to educate and empower children/teens
• children/teens (without them, I wouldn't have a purpose)
• My ability to create and write stories that will one day bring smiles to readers' faces
• Fact that people actually read my blogs
• The people before me who fought and/or died for the rights that I'm enjoying now

The thing that I am most thankful for is God. Without Him, my life would cease to exist. Without Him, life would be worthless. He's awesome!

Don't forget to take some time out to thank someone - which, actually shouldn't be limited to one day. So, what are you thankful for?

Random Thoughts Thursday

Dissertation. If you've been following this blog at all, you know my feelings on this subject. That graduation date just seems to drift farther and farther away from me. I keep telling myself it'll all be worth it in the end, but, really, sometimes, it's hard to keep that in mind. I just have to continue to picture myself all decked out in my doctorate regalia, walking across the stage as they call my name: Dr. Raenice B. Weakly.

Rejection. So, I received about 3 more agent rejections within the last 2-3 weeks. Yeah, it stings, but that's how the game is played. I think I received my best agent rejection Monday from The Chudney Agency. The agent, Steven Chudney, sent me a friendly, personalized letter. He made suggestions on how I can make my manuscript better and made notations on the 50-page submission. OMG, are you serious? Clearly this is one of the reasons why The Chudney Agency is one of my top agencies (besides the fact that they represent some good authors). Mr. Chudney even suggested that I keep him in mind. Oh, I will Mr. Chudney...believe me, I will. Honestly, I think the second novel I'm working on, Who's Got Tha Moves, just may very well be my 'breakout' novel. I've always felt this way - since I came up with the WGTM idea. So, I think that, after finishing WGTM and going through a gazillion revisions, I may have more takers for my 2nd novel than my first. I know I'm a good writer. I'm not being cocky or egotistical...I just know that God gave me this gift and everything that comes from Him is good. I'm just looking forward to the day that I move from aspiring author, to published author.

Changes. Some people have a hard time with change. Me? I'm okay with it, every once in awhile. This past weekend, I underwent a major change. I cut my hair off. I'd been looking for something different, saw the cutest hairstyle, and knew cutting my hair was the way to go. So, now, the hair that was once growing past my shoulders is know practically off my neck. People asked why I cut my long hair off. I say, my hair is meant to be played in and styled. I get bored very easily with my hair. I've had my hair braided, cornrowed, cut, and colored in different styles. Besides, my hair grows fast. In 2005, I cut my hair even shorter than it is now and, by 2007, it ended up being past my shoulders. Anyway, I'm lovin my new haircut! It's short and sassy, just like me. :) It's also easy to maintain. Here are pics:

BEFORE

AFTER

Random Thoughts Thursday

Jennifer Hudson's Tragedy. My heart goes out to Jennifer Hudson and her family. To lose her mother, brother, and nephew... I can't imagine losing my mom, brother, and nephew individually, but at the same time? And to hope that her nephew's alive, only to find the body. It's so sad. They are definitely in my prayers.

Plot to Kill Obama. It seems that the FBI has foiled the plot of two young skinheads to kill 88 blacks (decapitate 14 of them) including Barack Obama. My thoughts? #1: There's more where that came from. While Obama is making history, he's also making a lot of racist people angry by getting this far. Those of us who are prayer warriors will have to keep Obama and his family - and this country - in our prayers...it'll only get worse (the plots) if and when he becomes pres; #2: I've never understood the white supremacist thought of protecting their country...keeping it pure. I mean, really? 'Cause the last time I checked, it ain't their country to claim. Their ancestors, just like most Americans, came to this country from somewhere else. The only difference is, their ancestors came on their own. They weren't here first - the Native Americans had this country first. Is it really the skinheads' country to keep pure?

Dancing With The Stars. I missed this week's DWTS, but I heard that Cloris Leachman was voted off. Finally. I mean, the fact that this 80-something year-old woman was on DWTS dancing was amazing, don't get me wrong. She moved pretty good for her age. BUT she shouldn't have made it this long (at least not longer than Toni Braxton). Who's next? I say Susan Lucci. My final four are Brooke (who'll probably win), Warren, Cody, and Lance.

Family Ties. So, anyone can see how close my family is. Growing up, some friends didn't understand how I could tell my parents everything. Other friends became constant fixtures in the Weakly household to experience that closeness. People used to call us the Huxtables from the Cosby Show, which we took as a compliment, although, clearly, we didn't have the Huxtable money. I wouldn't trade in my childhood, nor my family, for all the money in the world. My mom and sis are 2 of my best friends. The original Weakly kids are grown (I'm 32, my brother is 28, and my sister is 26), but we have others who've become part of the fam and is experiencing the love. I'm blessed to be a Weakly. God's placed me in an awesome family.

Daddy and Mama

My brother, Shawn, and my nephews: Dae (7), Kam (7), and Sydney (4)

My sister, Meechie, and I

Kids Say the Darndest Things

My four year-old nephew, Sydney, loves Disney Channel. One day, he said to my mom, "I want to be on TV with the Jonas Brothers, GiGi." My mom replied, "Baby, if I could get you on TV, I would, but I can't do that." He looked at my mom like she was crazy - like she could do it - and said, "You can, GiGi. Remember Fat Albert. You can break the TV like they did, put me in it, and you can fix the TV back.

"Yesterday, my brother called me. My stubborn nephew (just like my brother) was arguing up and down that the name of the Disney show was not 'Wizards of Waverly Place'. Sydney seems to believe that the name of the show is 'Wizards of Flavorly Flave'. He stands by that name too.

Kids...gotta love 'em.

Family Fun @ the Football Game

This past Sunday, my family and I went to the Texans/Bengals game. We had excellent seats, not far from the field. We were able to see everything - even stuff that happened off the field. Great game, great seats, tons of fun. To make it even better, the Texans won. They did good. And guess what I did that I'm still regretting today? FORGOT MY CAMERA! Actually, we all forgot our cameras. ARGH! I couldn't capture how close we were to the field. I couldn't capture the excitement on my nephews' faces. At one point, when they played music, one of my nephews got up and danced. Hil-ar-i-ous! Sadly, I didn't capture that either. :(

I've always loved football. With my dad a former high school star (could've went further but was injured), and my brother a former high school and college star, I guess I had no other choice. In my younger days, though, it was more about the cuties in uniform than the actual game. Now, in my ripened age of 32, I'm a little wiser. I still look at the cuties (hey, I'm a woman...can't help it), but I actually pay attention to the game...and I pretty much understand what's going on. This makes me love it even more.

Speaking of football cuties, Will Demps, #47 on the Texans, is cute...hot...fine...muy guapo...all of the above... I'd seen pictures of him and heard about him when he was on the New York Giants. I'd always wondered if he looks as good in person as he does in his pictures. I'm glad to say he does. We - my sis and I - saw him as he walked off the field after the game. Thank God for close seats, 'cause we saw him nice and clear. Oh, to meet him and have him beam that gorgeous smile at me just once. And to top it all off, I'd read an article about him (Essence Magazine, September 2007 issue) where he said: What I really crave is love, tenderness and understanding-an intimate partnership with a woman who could become my wife. I'm far from perfect and all of this is easier said than done. But if God gives me the strength to ignore my physical urges and temptations, I know I can have that kind of relationship. Sappy? Maybe. Sweet? Definitely. *SIGH* I think I have a new crush...at 32, lol! I leave you with a pic of the shirt I wore to the game (the only picture I did get to take) and pics of the gorgeous Will Demps, who happens to model on the side. Who'da thunk it? A modeling football player. *SIGH*

My Health

Last week, I went to the doctor for my physical and well-woman exam (VERY uncomfortable, btw). I'd scheduled the appointment because both sides of my family have a history of cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes. I wanted to make sure that all was right in my health world. The last time I went to the doctor, I was told that I had borderline high blood pressure. This summer, I came to the conclusion that I might've gone from borderline to actual high blood pressure. I'd been experiencing some of the same problems that my parents (who both have HPB) have: constant headaches (I don't just get headaches...I get migraines), swollen feet, etc.

It turns out that, unfortunately, I was right. I have HPB now. ARGH! So, now, I have medicine, thankfully just one, that I have to take everyday, which sucks 'cause I'm horrible at taking medicine. I had to write a note to myself on my dry erase board (yeah, I'm a nerd...I have a "to do" board in my room) to remind me to take the medicine. I've never liked taking medicine.

The good thing is, with exercise and good eating habits, I can lower my blood pressure. I've been exercising pretty faithfully since June. I've been watching what I eat since August. I have fallen off the wagon, so to speak, every once in a while, but I've gotten back on. Overall, I've lost 11 pounds. Yay me! My sister and I have really buckled down this month and have been doing well. We've either walked 2+ miles, played volleyball in front of the house, or had 45 minutes to an hour of Dance Dance Revolution, which, btw, is an awesome form of cardio. We've added strength training in between our workout days. My original goal was to lose a few pounds for our Puerto Rico trip, but, now I've added lower my blood pressure. As far as eating in concerned, the problem isn't that I eat too much, it's that I don't eat enough. I usually only eat dinner because I don't make the time to eat breakfast or lunch. This is bad because I usually get cravings and end up eating junk food. So, now, I'm working on eating 5 times a day - breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 2 snack times in between.

I guess if I blog about my journey, it'll hold me accountable. I'm supposed to have a checkup in November to see if my blood pressure has gone down. So, my BP was 155 over 113 (I know...horribly high). My prayer is that I can lower it some by my next appointment. Also, my goal in June was to lose at least 30 pounds by the end of this year (I'm not even going to say how much I weigh). I'm now at 11 pounds down and 19 to go. Can I do it? Will keep you updated!