I survived the A to Z Blog challenge! With not one, but TWO blogs! Yeah, I'm the woman. Heehee!
Blogging practically everyday on two blogs is quite tiresome, so I'm taking a short break. My regularly scheduled blog posts will return in June. I figured, since I'm behind on my Netgalley reviews, I can use this time to catch up. Sooo, I'll be posting about 2+ per week. Then, come June, when school is practically over and summer is close to starting, I can return to normal blogging.
By the way, you'll be seeing a new look on both of my blogs within the month. So excited. I've had this look since I started this blog back in 2008, so I'm thinking it's time for a new look. And my other blog, The International Diva definitely needs a new look, seeing as though the girl in the header isn't even a black girl. She was the closest to my skin color as I could get for a free blog template.
So, my loves, in the words of the great philosopher, Arnold Schwarzenegger (heehee), "I'll be back!" Until then, enjoy some book reviews. Muah!
Break Time!
Another Star Gone...
OMG! So sad. Before Sade, Whitney Houston was my favorite female singer. I LOVED me some Whitney. She had a beautiful voice and a gorgeous smile. I will truly miss her! I love this tribute to her by classy-n-glamorous. And below is the Dubai Fountain synchronized to her hit, "I Will Always Love You."
G is for Goofy
My name is Raenice and I am a goofaholic.
As you can tell from the pic, goofy would definitely be on the list of my characteristics. Ask anyone who knows me - who REALLY knows me - and they'll tell you. Sometimes, when life gets too hectic or serious, I get goofy. It helps me blow off steam...keeps me from going crazy. Guess that's why I work well with kids. I'm not afraid to go a little cookoo. Hey they appreciate it. That pic of me is the epitome of my goofiness. My goofiness knows no bounds. Oh the text messages I've sent my family members...the pics I've taken of myself (sadly, this is but one in a myriad of others)...the voice mails I've left! Why? Cos I'd be in a goofy mood. I like to see people smile. I bet when you looked at my pic, you smiled; probably laughed til your stomach hurt (you're laughing with me, not at me, right...RIGHT). Either that or you gasped in horror.
I can't stand to be around people who are so doggone serious all the time; people who never smile or who are always griping. It's quite stifling, if you ask me. And nothing saps my energy more than being around negative people. Ugh!
I get it, there's a time and place for goofiness. Sometimes, life calls for seriousness. I can be serious, believe me. But, come on! What's that saying? "All work no play makes someone a very dull person." So yeah. Guess what. This is one addiction I don't plan to get rid of. ALL MY GOOFY-LISCIOUS PEOPLE STAND UP AND BE PROUD! Heehee.
I leave you with the main goof himself, Mr. Goofy.
Random Thoughts Thursday
Every year since childhood, my famly and I have come up with slogans to fit the new year. For example, the year I turned 12, our slogan was "Getting It Straight in '88." The year I turned 23, our slogan was "In God's Time in '99."
This year, though, we didn't come up with one. Whether it's because we couldn't think of one or because we've outgrown it, I'm not sure. I think maybe all five of us - my parents, brother, sister, and I - are at different points in our lives and God is speaking to each of us separately. Maybe He's giving each of us our own slogan/theme for 2011.
So, a few weeks ago, I'd been wondering what my theme would be, when God gave me one word: change. This word came about after a particular complain-fest I'd had with God. I was apartment hunting - not really wanting to move from my townhome, but knowing I had to. God just listened and waited until I was done. After I finished, God told me, as clear as day, I kid you not, "This year is going to be a year of change for you, Rae. Some change you'll like; some change you won't like. Just know that I know what I'm doing." I couldn't really say much after that. I couldn't go on complaining, that's for sure.
I've always had a sense that my 30s would be the time God took me out of my comfort zone. Since I'm almost 5yrs into my 30s (I turn 35 in September), and I haven't had to go too far out of that zone, I figured, maybe I was wrong. Maybe I don't have to venture out. Well, I'm getting the feeling that 35 will start the "Journey Out of the Zone" for me. While that excites me, it terrifies me a little. I like my zone. I'm comfortable here. All's well in my little world. Now, I gotta venture out into the unknown?
The best way I can put it is like this: I'm going through my very own butterfly metamorphosis. Right now, I'm in the pupa stage. I'm in my nice, comfortable chrysalis, but God is telling me it's time...time to leave my safe chrysalis and venture out. I'm scared, but when I really think about it, I'm excited. The caterpillar is no longer a caterpillar when it leaves the chrysalis. It's a butterfly...a beautiful butterfly. And that's what God is saying. It's time for me to become the beautiful butterfly He's called me to be.
Treasure Davis, the main character in my novel #2, Hidden Treasure, ventures out of her zone to truly experience life. The differences between our journeys are (a) she's 18 and I'm 35, and (b) my venturing out has to do with God; hers is cos she learns that life is too short (her aunt has an aggressive form of cancer). It's funny that the whole story comes about during a time I myself am experiencing change. Guess that's why I totally enjoy writing this book.
One of my favorite scriptures says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). I also like the way The Message puts it: "I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." So yeah, God may lead me to the land of the unknown, but I trust Him. I believe He knows what He's doing. His plan isn't to hurt me, but to prosper me - which doesn't always mean financially, btw - and to give me a hopeful future. I'm excited about what God's gonna do. This is gonna be the best year yet and I'm gonna blog all about it, whether it's changes I like or changes I don't like. Stay tuned...
Happy Birthday to Me!
Today is my 34th birthday. No, I didn't celebrate it in a big way...although my sis did through a surprise party for me Sunday. I know. Awesome little sis, right? I'm just happy that God has allowed me another year. This just means He's not done with me yet. I still got work to do for His kingdom!
Now, 35...that's another story. If God allows me to see my 35th, I'm doing it big. I'm going to start planning early. The way I look at it, when I turn 35 next year, I can either stay at home, lamenting over the fact that I'm only 5 years away from 40, OR I can celebrate the fact that I'm alive. I choose option b. I'm okay with aging. I think I'm getting better in everything with age. I like where I'm at in life. I mean, there are some things I'd change, but overall, my 30s have been pretty awesome. So, I won't complain about being another year older. I'm just gonna live it up!
Random Thought Thursday
Speak Loudly. Last Saturday, a man by the name of Dr. Scroggins, wrote an editorial about how parents need to speak out about what their children are learning in schools. I'd agree with him if his comments were so off-based.
- Sex Education. I'm not sure how they do it where in Republic, Missouri, but in the district I work in, kids are taught about reproduction and the body in about 4th or 5th grade. This is no cause for alarm, though, because letters and permission slips are sent home before, letting parents know. If parents aren't comfortable with their child learning about reproduction from the school, they can choose "I do not allow my child to participate" option. It's not forced on the children. Now, in my opinion, if parents don't want their children learning about reproduction, the body, or sex in school, they had better be teaching it at home. Why? They're gonna learn it from somewhere. What better place to learn it than home? If parents keep their heads buried in the sand and refuse to talk to their children, they'd have no right to be upset if the child ended up a mother or father-to-be. If you're not telling your kids about the right and wrong way to touch, how will they know if a family member, friend, or even stranger, is touching them inappropriately? And kids are learning things earlier and earlier. I've heard kids in 2nd grade talk about what they plan to do with their boyfriend/girlfriend after school. I'm sure some are talking about it earlier than that. Sad? Yes. It's very sad. Some of these parents need to take off the blinders and stop saying, "Not my child." I'm all for parents choosing whether or not their kids have sex ed at school, only if the parent is giving them sex ed at home.
- Book Ban. Ok, I get it. There are some books that some people feel isn't appropriate for kids to read. I agree parents need to be more aware of what they're kids are reading in school. What I don't agree with is comparing the books he listed to soft porn. I mean, really? I've read both Sarah Ockler's, Twenty Boy Summer and Laurie Halse Anderson's, Speak. Twenty Boy Summer is basically about a girl dealing with the death of a loved one. Speak is about a girl dealing with rape. How he compares it to soft porn is beyond me. And thing is, he has disputed comparing the books in that manner. Some of the comments I've read is saying he didn't compare them that way. He said, and I quote, "In high school English classes, children are required to read and view material that should be classified as soft pornography. One such book is called "Speak."" Those were his exact words. Sounds like comparing to soft porn to me. And really, there's something seriously wrong with people who'd think rape scenes are like soft porn. And I'm sure both books have helped teens across this country...maybe even the world...through some very difficult times. Through Speak, victims of rape have a voice, which is normally silenced. So parents, yeah, be aware of what your kids are reading. Speaking as an educator, we need parents to become involved in their child's education. Instead of banning the books, read them with your kids. Discuss the book. Talk to your kids.
In the name of Christianity. I am a Christian. I'm in love with God, believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and believe that He'll be coming back again. I believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven. I read my Bible daily (seriously, I do) and I am very active in my church. With that being said, I am so sick of people doing and saying things in the name of Christianity. I don't know about the god some of these people serve, but the God I serve wouldn't be happy with some of these goings-on. I do not profess to knowing what goes through God's mind - no one knows what goes thru His mind...that's why He's God and we're not - but I do read and study my Bible. This allows me to catch little glimpses of His personality. I honestly believe that He'd be disappointed in what some of these peeps are doing in the name of Christianity. Some of these people are painting the wrong picture of God and who He is.
Temporary Insanity. I can't believe this article. I mean, really? REALLY?
Random Thoughts
Earlier this year, God gave me a few assignments and, sadly, I haven't completed the assignments. I don't want this year to end with my being disobedient, so I have to re-prioritize and get things in order. After prayer and deliberation, I've decided to give up the 4 things that keeps me from focusing on those assignments: Facebook, Twitter, blogging, and Pepsi.
All 4 will be a challenge. I can't say which will be more of a challenge cos they're all things I'm addicted to. BUT, I need to refocus, and the only way to do that is to fast from the things that take my focus away. I'm praying that, by the time I'm done, I'll have my priorities straight. It's funny: now that my followers list is (slowly, but surely) growing, I have to take a blogging break. This break is important, tho, so I'm not worried.
God bless y'all and see you in 2 weeks!
Random Thoughts Thursday
So about 2 years ago, I came up with a list of things I wanted to do before I turned 35 (Rae's List). Clearly, I'll be 35 next year (Yikes!!!) and haven't really crossed much off the list. Sooo, I'm updating my list and making it a list of things to do before I turn 40...which - not that I really wanna think about turning 40 - but will happen in 6 years (Yikes!!!). This gives me 6 years to concentrate on crossing things off my list. I think the fun comes with trying to do each thing. Of course, I'd love to get married and have a child before I'm 40, but that's not my call. That's all on God. BUT, I'm putting it on my list. I'll update every few months and blog about my progress. For most of the things on my list, it's not that I'm afraid to do it or don't have the time. It's that I don't have the funds to do it. I'm not worried though. Let's see how much I can cross off in 6 years, 6 months, and 24 days. Ready? Set? GO!
Updated List:
- Become Dr. Rae Weakly, EdD
- Get counseling license
- Sky dive
- Para sail
- Jet ski
- Swim w/dolphins
- Bungee jump
- Cliff dive
- Stay in a hotel (or beach house) on the beach
- Stay in a resort
- Stay in an expensive hotel for at least one night without worrying about price
- Learn Spanish - be able to hold conversation with native speakers & my sister
- Learn a 3rd language (Portuguese, Italian, French, or Japanese)
- Learn to play acoustic guitar
- Shake hands w/a celebrity
- Become a published author
- Fall in love
- Get married
- Have a child
- Travel to other countries/cities/states - Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Brazil, Holy Land, St. Thomas Virgin Islands, Italy, Spain, Japan, Cuba, Columbia, Tahiti, Philippines, Virginia, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Phoenix, Jamaica
- Become owner of THRIVING business, AYM Enrichment Center
- Learn to belly dance
- Learn to Salsa
- Take Hip Hop class
- Get a professional makeover
- Go to a spa
- Get 3rd tattoo
- Ride a motorcycle
- Take kickboxing class
- Fly first class
- Have at least one of my novels optioned for film
- Wear shorts in public *NOTE* When I wrote this 2 years ago, I hadn't worn shorts in 12 years cos I was self-conscious about my legs. Still kinda self conscious, but I have worn shorts since I added this to the list. Yay me!
- Wear a daring (yet tasteful) dress
- Start research on what makes other countries' educational system work & what America can do to catch up
- Comfortably wear a swimsuit without cover (no shirt over it...no beach pants to cover my legs, etc)
- Participate in a walkathon
- Run a mile
- Go white-water rafting
- Learn how to ski
- Try a fruity alcoholic drink: Had a margarita...pretty good!
- Sing at a karaoke bar
- Learn sign language
- Become debt free
- Buy first house
- Buy my Escalade EXT
- Approach an attractive guy (if only for conversation. Even @ 33, I clam up around cute guys)
- Attend a Superbowl game
- Go to an awards show
- Get nose pierced
- Climb the Statue of Liberty
- Eat @ an expensive restaurant: Did this for my birthday, thanks to my friend!
- Set up a foundation for kids
- Become a motivational speak/mentor for young girls/teen girls
- Play basketball without dying
- Buy my parents their dream house
- Spend a whole day doing absolutely nothing (take a me-day): Had my 1st "me-day" early last year...have had several since then.
- Donate a substantial amount of $ for a worthy cause
- Learn how to play piano
- Plan a camp for girls and/or creative kids
- Experience Las Vegas (or Atlantic City) gambling once
- Research both sides of my family. We have a whole side of French and Native American (my great great grandparents on both sides) ancestors that I know nothing about. I also want to research our ancestors who were slaves.
- Read the whole Bible, from Genesis to Revelation
- Lose @ least 50 pounds and work to stay @ ideal weight (ideal in MY mind...not society's)
Random Thoughts Thursday
Mayor Goodman/Obama. Ok, so am I the only one who is perturbed at Las Vegas' Mayor Goodman's reaction? I mean, come on! Obama's statement: "You don't blow a bunch of cash on Vegas when you're trying to save for college. You prioritize. You make tough choices. It's time your government did the same." I'm sorry, but I don't see anything wrong with that statement. Is it just me?? I don't see him saying anything negative about Vegas. I can sum up his statement in one word: budget. If I'm trying to save $ for college, will going to Vegas and blowing it really be a smart thing to do? Doesn't Mayor Goodman know that people come to Vegas from all parts of the country - the world - so they can experience the casinos and flashing lights? Does he not know that people do, in fact, go to Vegas to blow a bunch of cash? I can't see people going to Vegas and not spending a dime...not experiencing the casinos. If you have, well, good for you. But I'll probably be right in saying most people don't. They go and they spend. They gamble and they spend some more. So why in the h*ll is Obama's statement so bad? Why did it warrant Mayor Goodman's statement that Obama's a "slow learner"? Looks to me like Goodman's the slow learner here. smh
Blog Awards.
I've received my very first blog award: a Silver Lining Blog Award (for blogs that always help others in some way or focus on the good things in life and uplift others), thanks to my friend, Karen Strong over at Musings of a Novelista. I kinda feel like Betty did last night on Ugly Betty when she won a Blobby award for her blog, lol! So, according to the rules, after thanking Karen (thanks SO much), I can answer the following quiz (no more than two words) and pass the award on to 5 blogs I feel deserve the Silver Lining Award.
Now for the 5 blogs that always help others in some way or focus on the good things in life and uplift others: hmm...
Random Thoughts Thursday
HAITI. Wow! My heart and prayers go out to the survivors and anyone else affected by Tuesday's earthquake. I can't even imagine. The country was already poverty ridden and now this. It warms my heart when I see people coming together to help. Unfortunately, I'm not financially able to help, but I am spiritually able. I'm glad I serve a God who answers prayers and comforts His people in times of trouble.
RUSH LIMBAUGH/PAT ROBERTSON. I get upset every time I think about what these two have said about the Haiti crisis. I mean, really, Mr. Robertson? I wonder if he said America deserved it when 9/11 happened. I mean, this country, as a whole, is slowly trying to erase God and the name of Jesus out of daily life. We as a country are straying far from God and His principles. Does that mean we deserved 9/11? My problem with this is more the judgemental tone that underlines it. We as Christians are not called to judge others. We're not called to point fingers at people who may not believe like we do. We are called to be the salt of the earth...to show the world God's goodness and love. We are called to be compassionate...not judgemental.
And Rush Limbaugh...smh. Barack Obama is the President of the United States. Get over it! Why he continues to hate on the pres is beyond me. Why would Obama use Haiti's crisis to increase his approval rating among "light-skinned and dark-skinned blacks"? He already had an overwhelmingly amount of blacks, light or dark, who approved of him. What sense does that statement make, Mr. Limbaugh? None! I wonder if he said President Bush used the tsunami of Indonesia to increase his approval rating of Asian Americans.
UGLY BETTY. Wasn't last night's episode just sad and happy at the same time? I loved it. And I absolutely LOVE Hilda and Bobby's relationship. I hope Adam Rodriguez gets to stay on Ugly Betty for a long time.
NEW BUSINESS. So, I found that business ownership runs deep in my siblings and my veins on both sides of the family. My mom's grandparents owned several businesses before she was born. My dad's mom owned a nightclub that started off as a small idea. My parents are business owners, too. No wonder my brother, sister, and I are working to realize our dreams of becoming entrepreneurs. It's like we had to!
So, I'm turning my passion to profits. One of my passions is children and teens. I believe they are the reason God put me on this earth. I've already mentioned AYM Enrichment, my sister and my enrichment venture, of which we're working to get our own building. Another passion is writing, which explains why I'm an aspiring author of children and teen books. Yet another passion of mine is baking. I LOVE to bake. It's actually a stress reliever for me. Put me in the kitchen to bake cookies, cakes, and pies, and my worries go away. Enter GaGa's Goodies, my sister and my other business venture. GaGa was the name my mom and her siblings gave my great grandmother, who died 7 months before I was born. I share my love of baking (and my middle name) with her. Although I've never met her, I feel closest to her when I'm in the kitchen. It was the GaGa's angel that saved me when I was a baby...a story for another time. I decided on GaGa's Goodies because most of the recipes we have come from our grandmothers (GaGa, my mom's mother, and my dad's mother). I'm excited about this. I'm excited about my new career choices!
Random Thoughts Thursday Part 2
Fall TV Season. In less than one week, the season premieres of most of my fave shows will come on. I'm SO excited (yeah, I have no life...so what). CSI Miami, Heroes, Ugly Betty, CSI New York, Criminal Minds, and Law & Order SVU. Add Glee to that and you've got a happy Rae. There are slight changes that can mess me up, though. Law & Order has been moved to Wednesdays. Why is that a problem, you may ask? IT COMES ON AT THE SAME TIME AS BOTH CRIMINAL MINDS AND GLEE!!! Why, oh why, did they move it to Wednesdays? I was perfectly fine with it being on Tuesdays. See, last year, I had Mon-Thurs set. Mon = Heroes & CSI Miami; Tues = Law & Order SVU (& occasionally, NCIS); Wed = Criminal Minds & CSI New York; and Thurs = Ugly Betty. Now, Mon stays the same, Tues = ?...maybe NCIS & NCIS Los Angeles; Wednesday = Glee, Criminal Minds, Law & Order SVU then CSI New York; Thur = ?; Fri = Ugly Betty. Now, I have to decide what to do about 8 pm on Wednesday nights. *sigh* Tragedy, I tell you...Tragedy!
Adam Rodriguez. So, about 2 months ago, I heard that Tyler Perry had a new movie coming out. Now, I love TP's work, so I knew I wanted to see it, but when I heard that Adam Rodriguez was going to be in it, I knew I had to see it. I've had a 'grown up' crush on AR since watching CSI Miami for the first time years ago. In fact, he was the reason I first got hooked on CSI Miami. I needed my weekly dose of Eric Delko. Now, of course, it's not about Eric, I actually like the show. So yeah, I had to go see I Can Do Bad All By Myself. I'm so glad I did. To me, it was one of TP's best movies. And Taraji Henson is such a talented actress.
Okay, back to AR. I've found out that, after this season, my beloved Delko, will be no more. *sigh* I knew it, when I saw the season finale. It's a good thing I actually like CSI Miami, cos clearly if I didn't, I'd stop watching it (but I do, so no worries). On an awesome note, AR will be on 5 episodes of Ugly Betty with the possibility of staying longer. Ugly Betty is, of course, another one of my must-see shows, so I'm good. He moved from one fave show to another.
My mission in life is...
- To serve God, glorify Him in all I do, and love Him with all my heart, soul, and mind (Deuteronomy 6:5; Deuteronomy 6:13; Romans 15:6)
- To let God, my family, my friends, and the kids I work with know I love them through, not only my words, but also my actions (1 John 3:18)
- To use every gift, talent, and ability God has given me to fulfill His purpose for me (1 Peter 4:10)
- To educate, enrich, and inspire youth and help them realize their full potential in God (Mark 9:37; Mark 10:14)
- To live a bold and abundant life through Christ (John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 3:12)
- To take good care of my temporary home, Earth, just as God has commanded us (Genesis 1:28)
- To use my words and actions to build people up instead of tear them down (Proverbs 20:11; Romans 12:18)
- To let my 'Jesus' light shine for the world to see (Proverbs 13:9; Matthew 5:16)
Random Thoughts Thursday Part 1
I've spent most of the day outside enjoying Houston's beautiful, breezy fall weather. Now, I'm paying for it cos my allergies have gone haywire. Ugh! Anyway, my thoughts for the week:
ABDC. NOOOO! My top groups went home Sunday! BOOOOO! It's bad enough this season isn't as good as the previous ones, but now, one of the best groups is now gone. *sigh* So, here's my pick for the remaining three: 3rd place, Afroborike (really, they shouldn't be here over Rhythm City, but whatever); 2nd place, Massive Monkeys; and 1st place: We Are Heroes. I guess we'll see. I'm so disappointed...
VMAs. This year's show was very interesting to say the least. To me, the best parts were the MJ tribute, Beyonce's performance, and Jay Z's performance with Alicia Keys (minus Lil Mama...wth was she doing on the stage). Lady GaGa was mildly disturbing all night from exiting the limo with Kermit as her date (Publicity stunt, I know...I refuse to think she's really that cookoo) to her choice in outfits (What was up with that red number?).
And let's not forget about Kanye taking the mike from Taylor Swift during her acceptance speech and declaring that Beyonce's vid was the best of the year.
While I agree that Beyonce's vid was better - I mean, I LOVED Taylor Swift's vid, but it wasn't better than B's - I don't agree with what Kanye did. Poor Taylor. At least winning her first VMA will be memorable. And what Beyonce did at the end was classy. Say what you want about Mrs. HOV, it was really big of her to give Taylor Swift a chance to finish her acceptance speech on her (B's) time.
And the hoopla about President Obama calling Kanye a jack***...#1, the convo was supposed to be off the record, so it shouldn't have been tweeted (but from what I read, they say it was a misunderstanding). #2, The pres only told the truth. Sunday night, Kanye West did, in fact, behave like a jack***. I know he's since apologized, but that doesn't take away from the fact that he went too far. President Obama only said what other peeps were feeling.
Jay-Z. Made history with his 11th album, Blueprint 3, which pushed him past Elvis Presley as the solo act with the most top albums. Jay Z + Hip Hop = Pure Awesomeness! I guess you can tell I'm a MAJOR fan of Jay!!!
Random Thoughts Thursday Part 2
California District Closes Libraries.Wow. What's next? Closing down the schools?http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6686591.html
Pedro Moreno: the whole reason why I got hooked on El Rostro de Analia.
Jencarlos Canela: the whole reason why I watch Mas Sabe el Diablo
Jencarlos again cos he's just so dang gorgeous.
Juanes: love his music
William Levy
That is all.
Random Thoughts Thursday Part 1
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.
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.
Random Thoughts Thursday
School. If you've visited my blog a few times, you'd probably notice that I am in school for my Doctor of Education (EdD). I was hoping to become Dr. Weakly by next year. Unfortunately, because of financial issues, I'm having to withdraw from school. The bad news is, this will delay me in getting my doctorate degree. I SO want this to be done and over with. The good news is, if I can come back within a year, I won't have to start all over. I can start where I left off. This is AWESOME news to me because, if I had to start over, I don't think I'd be able to do it. I mean, 3-4 more years of school? No thanks!
As I've said before, I've been in school since I was 2 years old (got in preschool early cos I knew how to count, say my abc's, was potty trained, etc). I took a 2 year break between Bachelors & Masters and another 2 year break between Masters & Doctorate. This means I've been in school for 27 years! When I tell you I'm just about sick of school... But, I get to take a short break then come back to finish this thing. Of course, I'd rather be done in 2010, but, it can't be helped...unless God performs a miracle (which I know He can). So, instead of becoming Dr. Weakly in 2010, I'll be Dr. Weakly in 2011, God-willing. I'm ok with this.
ABDC. Finally, I agree with the judges decision! I'm glad Rhythm City didn't go home. They're one of the best groups. I'm still waiting on the groups to bring it, though. This season is missing the...umph, that other seasons had. My favorite groups? Rhythm City and We Are Heroes.
Random Thoughts Thursday
America's Best Dance Crew. Yay! Another dance reality show that I'm addicted to! Although this season hasn't proven to be as good as the previous seasons, I'm determined to see it through. Now, it's only been on for two weeks, so, maybe it's too early to judge. A salsa/hip hop group, a group of gay men & a transgender, groups with "thick" women, group of country hip hoppers...this season definitely has the diversity it was looking for.
I don't agree with who went home, though. The first week, Fr3sh ended up going home, but they were better than the other 2 groups who did battle with them (Beat Ya Feet Kings and Southern Movement). The ONLY reason why they went home, IMO, is because they didn't break it during the battle. Last Sunday, the groups did dances from Beyonce songs. The group that went home was Artistry in Motion. I think they had one of the harder tasks, but they did well with what they were given. All the members had to hold on to the chain throughout most of the routine...and they did it, while still dancing well. The group they did battle with, Afroborike, the salsa/hip hop group, had an easier task. They performed to Beyonce & Shakira's Beautiful Liar. Their task? The belly dance routine in the video. Come on! While I love salsa, I think they should've went home. Which group(s) do I like? I think I'd choose Rhythm City or We Are Heroes. Guess we'll see...
Dancing With The Stars. Seriously? Tom Delay? Shouldn't he like, be in jail or something? And where is the eye candy for women?
Michelle Obama's Shorts. So, I've heard little rumblings about our First Lady wearing shorts to a family trip to the Grand Canyon. WTH! Do we have nothing else newsworthy that we have to report (and whine) about the fact that she's showing her (awesome) legs? I swear, this country (that I LOVE so much)...My reaction to her wearing shorts? SO WHAT?!! So she's showing a little leg. Arizona is probably hot as hell right now. What do you expect her to wear, pants? This is just another reason why I love and admire Michelle Obama. She's not worried about y'all and your reaction to what she's wearing. She's fist-pounded her hubby, worn sleeveless dresses, and, now, she's wearing shorts. From the looks of it, what she has on is still tasteful. To anyone whining about what she's wearing (Oh, the scandal! She's showing skin!) I say: IT'S THE SUMMER PEOPLE! GET A LIFE! Now, if this 'outrage' is fake and just journalists attempt to report news, I say to those journalists: GET A LIFE!
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Random Thoughts Thursday
Success! Two weeks ago, I mentioned the controversy surrounding Justine Larbalestier's book, Liar. The controversy stemmed from the fact that, Micah,the main character in Liar, is an African American teen with short hair. The cover model was not. People complained. Publishers listened. They changed the book's cover.
Boohoo! So, if you've read my blog for a while (is anyone really paying attention to me?) you know that I've wanted to go to Puerto Rico since high school. My sis and I'd planned on going this past Spring Break, but money - or the lack thereof - kept us from going. We shook it off and planned on going in December over the Christmas holidays. Unfortunately, the lack of funds is winning out once again. *sigh* I SO wanted to go. So, I'm thinking, I keep having to put my trip to PR off, which means, when I do get a chance to go...oh, you betta believe I'll have the time of my life. It'll only make my trip that much sweeter.
All's not lost, though. In December, we'll go to South Padre Island, a beautiful island (so we've heard) near Corpus Christi, Texas. Since SPI is about 6 hours away, we can drive, cutting out the high cost of airfare. So, here's a pic of SPI. Not bad, huh?
Spring break 2010, we're hoping to be in Hawaii. All we have to worry about is the flight there (have 4-days/3-nights free) , which helps us BIG TIME. Summer 2010 will see us worldly travelers...at least on this side of the world. Our fam (immediate + extended) is taking a cruise with ports in Grand Cayman and Cozumel. My sis and I are working on plans to travel quite a bit during that time (first the cruise, then Miami & eventually PR). We're still working on it, so more to come later. I'm actually excited about next summer. One thing I know, I won't be working. I'm determined to save, save, save. Looking forward to it!Research. In novel #2, Who's Got Tha Moves, the dance reality show that Treasure is participating in is filmed in Miami. Since I don't actually live in Miami, and I've only been there once, shouldn't I research it some more? Sure I do. So, what does that mean? FIELD TRIP! That is the reason we're going to Miami next summer...well, you know, besides the beautiful beaches, awesome scenery, and muy caliente men. I'm absolutely positive I'll be finished with draft #1 (and maybe @ least #2) by that time, but I can still research the city. It's quite possible I can be on final draft by then. So, yeah. I'm looking forward to "researching" Miami next summer.
Random Thoughts
Joy Ride. So, you've probably heard about the 7 year-old boy who decided to take his parents' car for a ride so he wouldn't have to go to church. Sad. Thank God it wasn't more serious. He could have easily harmed himself or others. I think it was last year when another kid did the same thing, but because he was mad. I'm really wondering what goes through these kids' minds when they do stuff like that. Did he realize that what he was doing was wrong...really wrong? I know psychologically they say kids this young don't really know what they're doing, but, come on! Some of these children know exactly what they're doing. And they know the difference between right and wrong.
And the really sad thing is the child and his family were flown to NY to appear on the Today Show. I don't agree with that. What does that say to other kids? Sure, children. Steal your parents' car; put your life and the lives of others in danger; lead the police on a low-speed chase...at least you'll be invited to appear on a big-time TV show - in front of millions of people - where everyone will 'oh and ah' about how cute you are. Just my opinion...you don't have to agree with me.
Serious Issues. I'm not going to say too much about this subject because it just hurts my heart. A San Antonio mother decapitated her newborn, ate parts of his body, including his brain. She said someone or something told her to do it. Some reports say she said the devil told her to do it. This is sad, disgusting, appalling, etc. They say she wasn't in her right mind to begin with (duh). My heart hurts for that poor baby. That's all I'm going to say about that.
Happy Birthday. Ending today's post on a happy note. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BEAUTIFUL MOM. SHE'S THE BESTEST MOM IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD. I thank God that He's allowing me another birthday with her (cos I know our days are not promised and we won't live forever). She's the best. Love you, Mommy!
Random Thoughts
Liar Book Cover. So, there's been some controversy in the book world over the cover of Justine Larbalestier's book, Liar.
You may wonder what the big deal is. The cover looks good, right? Well, here's the deal: the main character, Micah, is an African American girl. Not only that, but her hair is so short, that people mistake her for a boy. As you can see, the cover model is neither African American, nor does she have short hair.
So, why did they choose to put this model on the cover? It could be one of two reasons. #1 - they didn't think an African American cover model would sell as well as a Caucasian one. This is the one that's causing the controversy. I hope and pray that this isn't the reason. We already have a sad representation of people of color in the book world - both as characters and as authors. What about all the African American teens who are just waiting for characters who look like them? It's funny. We now have an African American pres, yet, we can't get books with African American characters/cover models or written by African American authors. #2 - the character. Micah, is a compulsive liar. The cover can represent the fact that we don't know if she's lying about her appearance.
Which reason is it? Not really sure. Kinda makes me want to self publish my books so I can have more control over things like my covers. I do know one thing: this controversy will = more books sold for Ms. Larbalestier.
Oops! I Did It Again! I chopped my hair off again. Couldn't help it! I love the short and sassy look. Plus, it's too hot down here in Houston for long hair.
Twitter. So, I finally caved in and got a Twitter account. I'll see how it goes. Follow me @ http://twitter.com/raewea.
Random Thoughts
I'm learning that there's this misconception that all authors make so much money. There are quite a few authors who have a day job in addition to their writing career. Not everyone's making the big bucks like Stephanie Meyer, JK Rowling, or other big name authors.
I am not an author...yet (working on it), but I am a writer with a day job. I don't see how writers/authors with full time jobs and families do it. They're able to shell out these books while working and taking care of the spouse and kids. I admire that. I'm not married, nor do I have kids, but I do have a day job. I still find it difficult, at times, to write.
The really funny thing is, during the fall, I worked all day, came home and did my doctorate work, and was still able to write. The words came kind of easily. Now that it is summer time, it's like my brain doesn't want to work - on writing my book(s) or my dissertation. I guess I should be happy with the spurts I do get. Things are playing out in my head, but getting it on paper is another story.
Wanna know what I think? This may sound weird. Both sides of my brain have kinda been vying for attention. My left side - the analytical, detail oriented side - rules when I'm working on my dissertation. My right side - the creative, imaginative side - rules when I'm writing my books. So, I have both sides and my dissertation/books needing attention and now, both sides have decided to take a break - on writing & dissertation, not on thinking...clearly I need my brain to think. Anyway, I'm having difficulty working on both. Guess my brain's on summer vacation - which is so NOT fair, since I don't get a vacation (these pesky bills stop me from actually enjoying the summer like other teachers get to do).
So, what does this mean (besides the fact that I really need a vacation)? Maybe, just maybe, I need to stop forcing it. Maybe I just need to let it flow. Then, maybe, everything will start coming to me again. Also, I need to take a Me-day, where I'm not working or worried about bills. Come to think of it, I need the Me-day soon. Hmm...
