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Michelle Obama Does the Dougie and Running Man

19 Feb

Discovering your passion, purpose, and meaning in life is such a great reward.

I knew early on that my passion is children.

I am an advocate for kids, their well being and happiness.

I think that’s why I really love First Lady (and Hot Mama of 2 girls) Michelle Obama.

Sure she’s intelligent, funny, beautiful, and has great fashion sense. But, she’s also very passionate about the youth.

In February 2010, she helped launch Let’s Move, a campaign to help raise a healthier generation of kids.

In the past 30 years, the childhood obesity rate has tripled. This is mainly because of lifestyle, eating habits, and lack of physical activity.

“The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake.”

-First Lady Michelle Obama

Children need 60 minutes of play with moderate to vigorous activity every day to grow up to a healthy weight.

Ms. Obama is taking her Let’s Move campaign throughout the country. She’s advocating for healthier eating choices in schools, educating the kids about a healthy lifestyle, and encouraging them to get up and MOVE!!!

She’s not just just a spokesperson. The First Lady is on her feet with the kids and moving too.

Ms. Obama is reminding kids to be physically active by doing things that get you up and on your feet: gardening, jumping rope, yoga, jumping jacks, and dancing.

And boy, can Chelle cut a rug! You can see her at Alice Dean Middle School in Washington DC rocking out to Beyonce with the kids.

Gotta love a First Lady who does a mean Dougie and Running Man. I can see her and the POTUS doing the Electric Slide all over the Oval Office.

Great job Ms. Obama. Thanks for inspiring this generation to combat obesity!

Life Lessons From Jeremy Lin

13 Feb

Motherhood is all encompassing.

You have to balance kids, work, school, personal life, etc.

In trying to be a good mom as well as a good person, I occasionally need reminders.

Here are some great pointers to pass on to my kids, but also apply in my life. And of course, I’m so happy it’s sports related. LOL

A new sports star is emerging. His name is Jeremy Lin.

Lin was an undrafted point guard from Harvard University. Now, as the New York Knicks starting guard, he’s taking the NBA by storm.

His story is inspiring many.

Who knows his future in the NBA, but here’s some life lessons Forbes Magazine suggests you can learn from him.

Great thoughts to pass along to your kids and yourself from his journey:

1. Believe in yourself when no one else does.Lin’s only the 3rd graduate from Harvard to make it to the NBA.  He’s also one of only a handful of Asian-Americans to make it. He was sent by the Knicks to play for their D-League team 3 weeks ago in Erie, PA.  He’d already been cut by two other NBA teams before joining the Knicks this year.  You’ve got to believe in yourself, even when no one else does.

2. Seize the opportunity when it comes up. Lin got to start for the Knicks because they had to start him.  They had too many injuries.  Baron Davis was gone.  The other point guards were out.  Carmelo Anthony was injured.  Amare Stoudemire had to leave the team because of a family death.  Lin could have squandered the opportunity and we would have never have noticed.  But he made the most of it.  You never know when opportunities are going to arise in life.  Often, they’re when you least expect them.  Make the most of them. Don’t fritter them away.

3. Your family will always be there for you, so be there for them. It wasn’t until a few days ago that Lin got his contract guaranteed by the Knicks for the rest of the season.  Before that, he could have been cut at any time.  He had to sleep on his brother’s couch on the Lower East Side to get by.  His family always believed in him and picked him up when he could have gotten down on himself.  That made him continue to believe.  If you want your family to believe in you like that, you’ve got to be there for them too when they need it.

4. Find the system that works for your style.Lin isn’t Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant.  He’s not a pure scorer.  He’s a passer and distributor – who can also score very well.  It didn’t work for him in Golden State or Houston – where he was before landing at the Knicks.  But Mike D’Antoni’s system at the Knicks has been perfect for him to show off his strengths.  You’ve got to do your best to understand what your strengths are and then ensure that you’re in a system (a job or organization or industry) that is a good fit for those strengths.  Otherwise, people overlook the talents you bring to the table.

5. Don’t overlook talent that might exist around you today on your team. You probably manage people at your own company today.  Are you sure you don’t have a Jeremy Lin living among you now?  How do you know that “Mike” couldn’t do amazing things if you gave him a new project to run with?  How do you know “Sarah” isn’t the right person to take the open job in London that you’ve been talking over with your colleagues?  We put people around us in boxes.  He’s from Harvard.  He’s Asian-American.  Not sure he can play.  How many assumptions have you made about talent around you?  Don’t be like the General Managers in Golden State and Houston, and let talent slip through your fingers.  With all their money, scouts, and testing, they didn’t have a clue what they had in their hands.  Do you know what your people (or even yourself) is really capable of?  Take off the blinders of assumptions you wear when you look at the world.

6. People will love you for being an original, not trying to be someone else. You’ve got to be you.  You can’t be some 2nd rate copy of Michael Jordan.  There will never be another Michael Jordan.  Just be Jeremy Lin — yourself.  Whatever that is.  That doesn’t mean you don’t work hard — it just means you find what you’re good at and do it.  Fans will love you for being you, just like they love Jeremy Lin.  Judy Garland said it best:

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”

7. Stay humble. If you one day are lucky enough to have newspapers want to put you on the cover in order to sell more, don’t let it get to your head.  It’s been remarkable watching how humble Lin remains through all this media frenzy.  It makes his teammates and fans love him that much more.

8. When you make others around you look good, they will love you forever. I didn’t know how good Tyson Chandler was, until I saw him playing with Jeremy Lin.  Lin has set Chandler up many times over the last week for easy dunks because he drew the defense and then passed the ball.  That’s partly why the Knicks are playing so well.  They are all working harder to share the ball with others.  And it’s beautiful to watch.  And when the media swarms Lin, he tells them how good his teammates are.  Do the same with your peers and reports.

9. Never forget about the importance of luck or fate in life. Some people believe in God, some in destiny, some in luck.  Whatever you believe in, be grateful for it.

10. Work your butt off. Lin couldn’t have seized his opportunity if he hadn’t worked like crazy for years perfecting his skills.  There are no short cuts to hard work.  Success is a by product of that.  If you’ve got a Tiger Mom who’s always pushed you to work hard, great.  If not, let your conscience be your own Tiger Mom!  Get up early, stay up late.  Nobody gave Lin any free passes. Why should you get any?  You can only control what you control and that means you’ve got to work harder than anyone else you know.

First Pictures of Blue Ivy

10 Feb

Wow.

Parenthood sure is bringing new parents Beyonce and Jay-Z out of their normally secluded lifestyle.

First they announce their pregnancy on the MTV Awards, then Beyonce steps out 1 month post baby.

Now, Jay-Z has released pics of baby Blue Ivy on his website. Glory|Life + Times.

Next thing you know, we’re gonna all be invited to Blue’s 1st bday party. Umm…ok, prolly not.

But, she is such a cutie with a head full of hair.

Even though Baby Blue is a mere month old, I can see the resemblance of both parents (hopefully she has mom’s dance moves).

Also released was a nice passive aggressive note basically telling us to enjoy the baby pics, now Phuck off. LOL.

I can’t blame them. The time with baby is so precious and special. It really does fly by.

They both seem so happy. I hope they are enjoying parenthood and their beautiful bundle of joy.

Dad Shoots Up Daughter’s Laptop Over Facebook

10 Feb

Tommy Jordan discovered his daughter’s rant on Facebook.

She had blocked her parents from her account and did a post complaining about her chores and expectations from her parents.

Her father discovered it and did a video reply followed by shooting up her laptop with his .45.

I can see where her daughter gets her attifude.

I totally agree with the principle of kids needing to value the dollar, being thankful for what you have, doing household chores, and appreciating family.

Amen to that.

But as I listen to him talk, I can’t help but giggle because by hearing her letter, she sounds like a carbon copy of him.

Moral of the story:

Kids- Don’t talk too much shit about your parents. They love you and want the best for you. You will appreciate them when you have kids of your own. (And we will find a way to stalk you on social media! lol)

Parents- Your kids block you from social media for a reason. LOL. They’re teenagers. Set the tone for your kids and values early. They emulate what they see.

You can join Tommy’s Facebook page HERE.

P.S- I can totally see myself doing this as a teenager and a parent. Phew. So glad I have boys!

7 Year Old Girl Escapes Walmart Kidnap Attempt

9 Feb

Mo and I watch prison shows together.

We talk about child molesters, kidnappers, and criminals.

Some people think I shouldn’t do that.

“Bad guys” are real. He needs to know this.

Unfortunately, everyone in the world does not have a kind heart or good intentions.

Recently, Seven-year-old Brittany Baxter was grabbed by a scumbag asshole man at a Walmart in Bremen, Georgia.

She said while looking at Princess and Fairy stuff, a man tried to kidnap her.

Walmart video shows he picked her up and tried to put his hand over her mouth, but she was kicking and screaming. He then dropped her and ran out.

This is some BULLSHIT!

Criminals are bold. In a huge public store, he tried to kidnap this 7 year old child.  SMH.

This brave little girl might have saved her own life.

25 year old Thomas A Woods, was on parole for voluntary manslaughter,he  now faces a charge of attempted kidnapping.

Throw his ass under the jail.

So proud of little Brittney.

Parents, teach your kids about strangers and that if someone violates your child it is ok to spaz out, kick, scream, throw things….anything they need to do to get away.

Our society is too polite. I tell Mo and B to not be afraid to offend or hurt a person’s feelings if they make them uncomfortable or violate them.

Please share this video with your kids and continue to teach them that no one has a right to hurt them.

Beyonce’s 1st Post Baby Photo

8 Feb

Wowzers.

Just 1 month after having baby, Blue Ivy, Beyonce makes her first public appearance.

She hit her hubby’s club 40-40 for the Monday after party to his 1st Carnegie Hall performance.

Party goers said Bey was out well past Blue’s bedtime. She hit the after party around midnight and left around 4AM.

Good for her!

One mistake I made was hibernating at home for months after my kiddies were born. It’s great for new moms to get out and about post baby. It’s good for baby and mommy to realize they are ok for a little time without each other.

As if women need one more reason to hate Bey, she has done it again!!!

She was show stopping in a beautiful red Temperley London dress, 4 inch Christian Louboutin heels and an Alexander McQueen clutch.

Oh, and let’s not forget every new mommie’s best friend, CLEAVAGE.

The rouched dress was a great post pregnancy choice.

My kid is 3 YEARS old, and I still rock rouched clothing. It’s perfect for when I don’t feel like sucking in my stomach all the time.

As a tribute to daughter Blue, Bey was wearing a big old Blue ring and blue nail polish. Both stood out notably since her dress was red.

Very cute tribute to her daughter. I wonder if Jay-Z had on blue boxers.

Glad to see the new mommy out and still glowing.

Then the next night, Beyonce makes another appearance out and about attending her hubby’s final Carnegie Hall performance.

She’s showing off her sexy curvy body in a Monique Lhullier dress and  making motherhood look AMAZING!

Don’t Say The R-Word

2 Feb

My kids say “SHIT”.

I don’t mind, as long as they use it appropriately and in extreme situations.

When Mo spent 3 hours putting together a Lego village, then accidentally dropped it, umm yeah, saying SHIT was ok.

When Mo was playing Temple Run and fell 100 points short of breaking his 3 million point record, saying SHIT was ok.

When B spent 20 minutes at the park sandbox making tunnels and castles only to have them stepped on and destroyed by 2 bratty kids, saying SHIT was ok.

I consider myself slightly tolerant.

HOWEVER, when we were listening to the radio and a song came on that Mo didn’t like he said, “This song is RETARDED“.

I almost lost it.

He would have been better off saying “This song is SHIT”.

I can’t stand the R-Word!

I let my kids say certain curse words (under approved circumstances), but I absolutely WILL NOT let them say the R-Word.

Over time, the terms mental retardation and retard have been taken out of context and used in a derogatory or demeaning manner to describe someone or something.

My career in Physical Therapy began working with an Atlanta Children’s Hospital. I worked with many amazing kids with Special Needs and their families. It was such a great experience.

I went on to work with a Special Needs elementary school. I never looked forward to going to work so much everyday. The kids really touched my life with their courage, positive attitude, and loving hearts.

I also did volunteer work with the Special Olympics and my respect for people with Special Needs, their family, teachers, and caretakers continued to grow.

So when I hear people use the R-Word, I take offense. It’s hurtful.

As parents, it’s up to us to teach our kids that saying the R-Word is unacceptable.

Lead by example. Just as you’ve eliminated other derogatory and dehumanizing words, do the say with this one.

Educate yourself and your children.

There is nothing funny about making fun of other people.

You can make an online pledge to stop saying the word.

I pledge and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.

McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets Are Gross

29 Jan

This blog almost made me puke.

The things I do to bring you guys info and entertainment…

Sooo….this chic named Stacey Irvine, a 17 year old in Britain has been scarfing down McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets all her life. No fruits. No veggies. Just nuggets.

While my 7 and 3 year old sons would enjoy the thought of this, it is actually disgusting and not good for you.

Stacey was rushed to a British hospital bc she collapsed and was struggling to breathe.

Upon examination, doctors learned since the age of 2, Stacey has never eaten fruits or veggies, only fast food fried chicken nuggets.

WTH?!

Ok, I know babies don’t come with a manual, but come on parents, THIS IS NOT GOOD!

Stacey’s mom said she tried to get her daughter to eat other foods. Stacey said once she started eating nuggets, she “loved them so much they were all I would eat.”

So, what’s in these yummy nuggets Stacey and so many others scarf down daily:

A study determined McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets are “stripped down to the bone, and then ‘ground up’ into a chicken mash, then combined with a variety of stabilizers and preservatives, pressed into familiar shapes, breaded and deep fried, freeze dried, and then shipped to a McDonald’s near you.”

Do you like cosmetic products and Silly Putty? Great, because one of the stabilizers and preservatives you are eating is dimethylpolysiloxane, a form of silicone used to make cosmetice products and Silly Pully.

YUM-OH! Let’s break out the BBQ sauce!!!

Parenting isn’t easy.

We are often trying to spread ourselves thin finding enough time in the day to get things done.

But COME ON…we have to do better than letting a fast food chain feed our kids on a regular basis.

Do my kids eat McDonald’s? Yes. But not on a regular basis.  I also make sure they eat fruits, veggies, and healthy home cooked meals in addition to the crushed eyeballs/tendons/preservatives nuggets they get at McDonald’s.

I remember growing up, an outing to a fast food joint was a TREAT. It was a reward for doing something really great like getting an “A” on a report or my mom getting a promotion.

Fast food was not the answer to dinner EVERY NIGHT.

Just like we are conscious about who our kids play with, how much tv they watch, their grades in school, their safety in public, what activities of play they do…we should also be responsible about what foods we feed them regularly.

If you have young kids, start them on good eating habits NOW. It will make your life and theirs much easier and healthier.

P. S- Someone please tell me Chick Fil-A doesn’t do any of this crap to their chicken, bc I GETS DOWN at Chick Fil-A!!!!

Get It Together Demi Moore

25 Jan

I’m gonna need Demi Moore to get it together.

We all know that Demi is going through a separation with cheater hubbie of 6 years, Ashton Kutcher.

Kutcher faced allegations of cheating on his wife on their 6 year Wedding Anniversary while he was on a trip in San Diego.

After all the published reports and photos, Demi released this statement:

“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I have decided to end my six-year marriage to Ashton. As a woman, a mother and a wife there are certain values and vows that I hold sacred, and it is in this spirit that I have chosen to move forward with my life. This is a trying time for me and my family, and so I would ask for the same compassion and privacy that you would give to anyone going through a similar situation.”

After issuing that statement back in November, Demi has been pretty low key.

However, she was recently hospitalized for “exhaustion”. Reports say she had an epileptic seizure and is being treated for anorexia and substance abuse.

Close friends say stress from her relationship woes brought all this on.

YIKES!!! :(

Break-ups are bad, I get it. But, it’s all about perspective.

If you sit around, mope, and decide to be miserable, guess what…YOU WILL BE MISERABLE.

I went through a similar situation and I don’t think I ever cried one single tear.

I realized I was ALIVE and I chose to LIVE.

I chose happiness.

I greeted the chance at a new beginning with open arms.

I am happier than I’ve ever been. I’m more free than a sample at the grocery store.

Don’t get me wrong, there were sad moments, but I refused to let someone else’s actions define me and my future.

I realize everyone handles breakups differently, but like anything else, it’s a choice.

Just like someone chooses to cheat on you.

You choose how you let that affect you.

Demi Moore is beautiful, smart, and talented.

She has so many wonderful things going on  in her life….3 beautiful daughters, career, family, friends…I really hope Demi gets over this tough place she is in.

I’ve always admired her for her G.I Jane spirit and how she moved on after her split with ex-hubbie Bruce Willis. (Remember folks, Demi went badass bald before Brittney!).

I hope she finds her strength and happiness again.

Wishing Demi and her family the best.

Stop Bullying Kyle Williams

23 Jan

According to the U.S. Department of Eduation, 160,000 children a day stay home from school because they are afraid of being bullied.

There have been more and more cases of bullying in schools.

Today, kids are dealing with bullying on another level. There is cyber bullying (twitter, Facebook, email), sports bullying, gay bullying…the list goes on and on.

Bullying has always been prevelant in schools, but it just seems like it’s escalating.

There is no excuse for bullying with kids.

There definitely is no excuse for bullying among adults.

I never realized that bullying in sports existed until recently.

I am an avid college football fan and understand how it sucks when your team loses. However, I usually watch with my sons so I try to be cautious how I express my frustration.

In the NFC Championship Game between the NY Giants and the San Francisco 49ers, Kyle Williams of the 49ers fumbled 2 punt returns.

The Giants ultimately won the game in overtime.

Both fumbles resulted in the Giants scoring afterward. Many irate 49er fans blamed Williams for the loss. (Educated sports fans know one or 2 plays does not determine winning a game…hello…a football game lasts like 3 hours!)

These idiots fans took to Twitter and Facebook to express their ignorance frustration.

Kyle Williams has been trending nonstop on Twitter since the end of the game, and it’s not for his cool tattoos.

Some went above and beyond criticism and issued death threats and flat out hate towards Kyle Williams.

@KyleWilliams_10. I hope you, youre wife, kids and family die, you deserve it(@javpasquel)

@KyleWilliams_10 you should jump off the golden gate bridge for that one. #fired(@KillaKlips)

@KyleWilliams_10 HOPE U RUN n2 A BULLET DA WAY U RAN INTO DAT BALL FUCKN DUMMY OR HOPE U DROP YA 1ST BORN LIKE U DROP DAT BALL U FUCKN IDIOT (@Markymeagain)

you fucking suck and I hope you get cut! @KyleWilliams_10 (@tomidontplaydat)

Im on you all day @KyleWilliams_10 fuckin choked… Damn loser(@Mr_Coo_Coo502)

I hope you die in your sleep tonight @KyleWilliams_10 (@ComptonAssDeezy)

WHOA! Throw the ole “Sticks and Stones” adage out the window.

Death threats and hate hurt!

Cyber bullying gives cowards an easy outlet to say things hiding behind their keyboard.

What kind of message is this sending our kids? As adults, we need to be the example.

It was nice to see some of his teammates step up and express their support.

As a pro athlete, you expect criticism. However, the threats against Kyle Williams cross the line.

He’s not super human. He’s a man with feelings. I’m sure he’s beating himself up for his own performance.

The concept with Kyle is no different from a 7 year old being laughed at for his freckles, the middle schooler whose lunch money is taken, or the child who is ridiculed for being picked last.

All this needs to stop!

Parents, we have got to take a stand on bullying, and it starts with the example we set.

Bullying has gone beyond Yo Mama jokes and fist fights. Kids are being taunted, rejected, excluded and hurt to the point of committing suicide.

Please take it seriously.

Talk to your kids,  look for warning signs, and take action.

Being Bullied

  • Comes home with damaged or missing clothing or other belongings
  • Reports losing items such as books, electronics, clothing, or jewelry
  • Has unexplained injuries
  • Complains frequently of headaches, stomachaches, or feeling sick
  • Has trouble sleeping or has frequent bad dreams
  • Has changes in eating habits
  • Hurts themselves
  • Are very hungry after school from not eating their lunch
  • Runs away from home
  • Loses interest in visiting or talking with friends
  • Is afraid of going to school or other activities with peers
  • Loses interest in school work or begins to do poorly in school
  • Appears sad, moody, angry, anxious or depressed when they come home
  • Talks about suicide
  • Feels helpless
  • Often feels like they are not good enough
  • Blames themselves for their problems
  • Suddenly has fewer friends
  • Avoids certain places
  • Acts differently than usual

Bullying Others

  • Becomes violent with others
  • Gets into physical or verbal  fights with others
  • Gets sent to the principal’s office or detention a lot
  • Has extra money or new belongings that cannot be explained
  • Is quick to blame others
  • Will not accept responsibility for their actions
  • Has friends who bully others
  • Needs to win or be best at everything
Speak2Inspire.com has great apparel to show support of anti-bullying as well as some good motivational and leadership info for kids.

Here are some other sites to help you and your child:

StopBulling.gov

NoBully.com

PositiveCoach.org

BullyingStatistics.org

StandTogether.tv

AntiBullying.net

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