Follow Me on Pinterest

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Superman, Green Lantern & Spider-man

Hey Y'all,

I am currently in costume .... not hell but for lack of a better term HELL!

Why are costumes for little kids that are going to grow out of them in a months time (few weeks for some kids) worth a full outfit from Children's Place? I don't want to pay $25-$40 for a costume. Although my kids wear their costumes year round I still don't want to pay that price. Any who my post today is not about Halloween it's actually about the comics. Superhero's in comic books that is.

The other night while watching the news I heard that Clark Kent will no longer be employed at the Daily Planet!
In issue No. 13, in stores Wednesday, Superman’s mild-mannered alter ego decries the state of journalism in a heated discussion with Morgan Edge, the owner of the Daily Planet’s parent company, Galaxy Broadcasting, and quits in front of the entire newspaper staff.
“This is the beginning of a multifaceted story line that will challenge Clark on all levels – personally and professionally, as both himself and as Superman,” a DC Entertainment representative said in a statement. “This is not the first time in DC Comics history that Clark Kent has left the Planet, and this time the resignation reflects present-day issues – the balance of journalism vs. entertainment, the role of new media, the rise of the citizen journalist, etc.”
What? Right that's what I said. Yup and then I heard earlier this year that Green Lantern is now gay.
"He doesn't come out in issue two; he is already a gay man," Robinson says. "Alan Scott is super-heroic, he's super gallant, he'll die for the earth, he'll die for its people, he's everything you want in a hero. I imagine he's such a Type A character that when he realized he was gay, he was like, 'Okay, I'm gay, now I'm just gonna go on with my life.' He's so accepting of it himself and he's such a compelling person that the world knows Alan Scott's gay. He's such a leader, he's such a good man, that the Justice League don't care. And that's a healthy depiction of a team and how it should be." 
Finally there is Spider-man  They couldn't leave well enough alone when they remade the movie over the summer and confused a bunch of us by replacing Mary Jane Watson with Gwen Stacy, now he's Black and Hispanic in the comics.

Miles Morales is a fictional comic book superhero who appears in books published by Marvel Comics, in particular the monthly series Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man. The character was created by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Sara Pichelli, though both Bendis and Marvel editor-in-chief Axel Alonso were inspired by a number of ideas, such as the election of U.S. President Barack Obama and the appearance of black actor Donald Glover in Spider-Man pajamas in thesecond season premiere of the TV series Community.
Miles Morales first appeared in Ultimate Fallout #4 (August 2011), following the death of Peter Parker. A teenager of African American and Latino descent, Miles is the second Spider-Man in the Ultimate Marvel continuity.[2] Although Morales features in the Ultimate Spider-Man comic book series, he is not the lead character in the Ultimate Spider-Man animated TV series that debuted in April 2012 on Disney XD.[3] Reaction to the character varied, with some approving the creation of a positive role model for minority children, including one of the original Spider-Man's creators, Stan Lee, to displeasure at the replacement of Peter Parker, with some decrying it as a publicity stunt motivated by political correctness, a charge Alonso denied. Alexandra Petri of The Washington Post called for the character to be judged on the quality of its stories, which have garnered positive reviews.

I guess the times are changing and so should the comics.

What say you?

Until next time...
MUAH!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Breast Cancer Infographic

Hey Y'all,

I found this great Infographic on Elev8.com and wanted to share with you. According to this infographic "Even through rates have decreased since 1990, about 39,840 women in the United States were expected to die from breast cancer in 2010. These decreases are thought to be the result of treatment advances, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness." 

Until next time...
MUAH!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

No More! Domestic Violence and The Workplace

Hey Y'all,

Have you ever seen a coworker who came into work with a black eye, busted lip, and or bruises that she tried to hide with foundation? Have you asked her what happened and she blamed it on the kids, a fall or some other outlandish excuse.

Your coworker might be dealing with domestic violence. It's real friends.
I grew up watching my aunt and uncle fight like cats and dogs every other weekend. I loved going to my aunts house she was my favorite. I loved spending time with my cousins and their friends but I never loved the after effects of the Rum and Coke. Domestic Violence is something that I'm not a stranger to and it's happening to women (and men) every single day.

Today was my first time finding literature on domestic violence and the effects it has in the workplace. I found a great article sharing what Verizon is doing during this month that I thought would be of interest to you.

This is taken from http://domesticviolenceworkplace.blogspot.com/


In connection with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Verizon Foundation has launched a new “Your Voice Counts” campaign in recognition that all Americans can play a role in ending domestic violence by promoting healthy relationships and changing attitudes that perpetuate the cycle of abuse.

The campaign is being launched in partnership with A CALL TO MEN, the Joyful Heart Foundation, and NOMORE – and it contains valuable information on how men can make a difference in their communities and speak out against domestic violence.  “Your Voice Counts” aims to mobilize men and women together in a way that has never been done before.

The campaign targets men of all ages and provides them with new tools and resources to empower them to speak out against this issue and set the example for others.  To kick off the campaign, the Verizon Foundation teamed up with well-known NFL sportscaster, James Brown, to create a powerful PSA that captures compelling stories of men and women whose lives have been deeply affected by domestic violence.  

They worked with the experts at A CALL TO MEN and the Joyful Heart Foundation to create an Action Guide that outlines five simple ways we can all get involved - including suggestions for confronting abusive language, tips on talking to young people and directions for what to do if domestic violence is suspected.

I hope you will help us spread the word about “Your Voice Counts” by:
 
·         Viewing the PSA and Action Guide at:www.verizonfoundation.org/yourvoicecounts

·         Sharing Your Voice Counts with others by adding this info. to your e-mail signature: Your Voice Counts.  Speak up against Domestic Violence. www.verizonfoundation.org/yourvoicecounts

·         Using some of the sample tweets and Facebook updates developed for the campaign (below)

Facebook: Your Voice Counts. And when it comes to domestic violence - it could save a life. Watch and share this new video from @The Verizon Foundation. NFL Sportscaster James Brown speaks with survivors and encourages us all, especially men, to speak up and speak to someone about domestic violence. http://vz.to/OgVvyw

Twitter: #YourVoiceCounts & it could save a life http://vz.to/OgVvyw @VerizonGiving #ACALLTOMEN @TheJHF @JBSportscaster @NOMOREorg

Together, we can end the cycle of violence and abuse in our communities.

Until next time... help us get the word out and say NO MORE to domestic violence!
MUAH!

Monday, October 22, 2012

Sacrifices Must Be Made!

Hey y'all,

I'm back to work and so very happy about it, but sacrifices are being made and sometimes that doesn't make for a happy mama.

Over the past week I realized how much we actually sacrifice as parents for the futures of our children and how many parents before us did the same thing. Over the past week I learned what it must feel like for parents who, in the early days left the South to come North and build a better life for their children or how it feels today for parents who migrate to America leaving their children home; to make a better life for them here. Many families are separated for years only visiting for brief periods. Over the past week I had to live out of state away from my children because of the expense of travel. Starting a new job is tight on the pockets so you have to think with your head and not your heart.

It was NOT easy.

After being home with the twins for almost 9 months dropping off and picking Erick up from school, preparing dinner, doing homework etc. then having to stop everything cold turkey was a battle. Last week I couldn't even tuck my babies into bed at night, smooch them in the morning or reprimand them for hiding in the closet and knocking down all of the clothes. Last week I didn't get to watch Nick or Disney Jr and I honestly missed it, I missed them!

I am so thankful for my husband. He is absolutely amazing, caring and willing to sacrifice for the bigger picture. He took on the role of a single parent and did a bang up job.

Parents enjoy the time you spend with your children. It's often tiring but so worth it. They say you never miss the water until the well has gone dry and that is the truth.

Until next time... I'm going to smooch my babies
MUAH!

Friday, October 19, 2012

Teens and Domestic Violence

Hey Y'all,

October is domestic violence awareness month. I was checking out HelloBeautiful.com and they have a very good post up "14 Signs that Your Teen is Dealing with Domestic Violence". It got me to thinking so I found a site that has some really good information about teen domestic violence. This is stuff that we don't typically think about unless we've experienced domestic violence ourselves. I found Love is Respect  good stuff... please read and share.


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Selective Mutism Awareness Month

Hey Y'all,

I was doing some research on monthly awareness' and came across a few that made me raise an eyebrow. Like...Correct Posture Month (May) and Tickling Month (July) there are many that I looked at and laughed but one in October stood out to me, it's called Selective Mustism Awareness month. Now just by reading the name of it I knew that it had something to do with not wanting or being able to speak.

If you know me you know I always have to find answers to my questions. I don't let sleeping dogs lie (love that idiom). So I went on a search for information. According to SelectiveMutism.org Selective mutism (SM), formerly called elective mutism, is defined as a disorder of childhood characterized by an inability to speak in certain settings (e.g. at school, in public places) despite speaking in other settings (e.g. at home with family). SM is associated with anxiety and may be an extreme form of social phobia according to researchers and clinicians who are familiar with the disorder (Black & Uhde, 1995; Dow et al., 1995, Dummit et al., 1997, Kristensen, 2001; Leonard & Dow, 1995).

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Things that make you say hmmmm

Hey Folks,


I don't know who the original author of this list is but I thought it was funny enough to share!


Only in This Stupid World
…..do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.
Only in This Stupid World
.....do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke.
Only in This Stupid World
.....do banks leave vault doors open and then chain the pens to the counters
Only in This Stupid World
......do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put
Our useless junk in the garage.
Only in This Stupid World.......do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight
Only in This Stupid World .....do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.
EVER WONDER
...
Why the sun lightens
Our hair, but darkens our skin?
Why don't you ever see the
Headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?
Why is abbreviated' such a long word?
Why is it that Doctors call what they do 'practice'?
Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dish washing liquid made with real lemons?
Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!
Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?

I like this one!!!
If con is the opposite of
Pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?
If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

Monday, October 15, 2012

Mama Is Back at Work!

Hey Y'all,

After 8 1/2 months of unemployment I am excited to announce that I am now employed! God did it again!!! Sometimes what you think is meant for you isn't. God has a much bigger and better plan for your life. Be patient and unwavering in your faith and trust me it will all work out for your good!


That was my facebook status update last week. Today begins my first full week of work and I'm super excited. I truly enjoyed my summer off but I'm so happy that I am back at work and having conversations with adults! I have a lot to learn in a short period of time but I'm confident that I'm going to be an asset to my new company.

Now that I'm back at work I have to keep in mind this list I wrote some time ago about work life balance!


1. Know when to say NO! This goes for work and home... you have to know when enough is too much! You have to be able to tell your boss "no I can't stay late today but I can come in a little earlier tomorrow to finish this project ." No at home can happen when family members are asking you to do things that you just don't want or have time to do. Saying no is big on my list and I think I've pretty much mastered it.

2. Realize your role. My friend and I always use the line "stay in your lane." Sometimes it's difficult at home and work to only do the things that you are responsible for. At home if your job is to take out the trash ... take out the trash. Don't sweep the floor, do the dishes and forget to take out the trash. You have to complete the work that is assigned to your hands. If you stay in your lane you won't be exhausted at the end of the day. This goes for home and work. If your job is to make copies and hand them out... do just that... don't read the copy and point out all the errors to the person who asked you to make the copies. That is their job.... STAY IN YOUR LANE!

3. Take a time out . This is really important to me. Even at work I take about 15 mins outside of my (unpaid) lunch to give myself a break. If you are a stay at home parent you need to do the same thing. When the other parent makes their appearance or when your little one finally takes a nap, you need to give yourself a time out! Take a walk around the block, go to the gym , read a chapter in that novel you started six months ago; do something for YOU. Having time for yourself helps you  take a step back and look at things from a different perspective. It gives you balance.

4. Recognize you can't do it all. Sometimes even the things that are assigned to you can be too much. Recognize that you are human and you can't do it all and you certainly can't be all things to all people. Realize and vocalize your limits and don't feel bad about it.

5. Have fun. The best balance in work/life is enjoying whatever you do. Whether it is working or taking care of your family. Enjoy it and give it your all. Apply items 1-4 and then fun and you have a very good balance in your life. The scale won't always be even but make sure that a portion of fun is always included.


Until next time...
MUAH!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Presidential Proclamation -- National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2012

- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION
For far too long, domestic violence was ignored or treated as a private matter where victims were left to suffer in silence without hope of intervention. As we mark the 18th anniversary of the landmark Violence Against Women Act, authored by Vice President Joe Biden, we reflect on how far we have come. We have made significant progress in changing laws and attitudes, providing support to survivors, and reducing the incidence of domestic violence. But we also know that we have not come far enough, and that there is more work left to be done. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we stand with all those who have been affected by this terrible crime, recognize the individuals and groups who have stepped forward to break the cycle of violence, and recommit to putting an end to domestic violence in America.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Keep Them Healthy, Keep Them Clean

Hey Y'all:

I posted this top 5 list a few years ago but thought I would share it again in honor of  National Dental Hygiene Month.

As a mom I always say that Erick was my test baby. When you are a first time parent you have no clue what you are doing, your first kid gets to teach you so you know what you are doing with the rest of them. Right?

Well Erick taught us a VERY expensive lesson regarding oral care. Erick LOVED his bottle. He wanted it morning, noon and night. Being the loving mom that I was... I gave it to him. Little did I know that this would have an adverse effect on my beautiful boy. Milk and juice are HORRIBLE on the teeth and a child who falls asleep with a bottle in their mouth is absolutely going to get cavities. This is what happened to Erick, at 3 years old our son had to have four of his front teeth removed to prevent damage to his permanent teeth. Below please find my top 5 reasons why oral care is important early in life. If you don't have dental coverage consider going to dental school I understand that they offer low cost dental care.



5. You don't want a child with yuck mouth so make sure you take them to the dentist when they have about 10 teeth in their mouth or when they turn 2 which ever comes first.

4. Make sure you use a warm cloth to clean your baby's gum's and tongue if they don't have teeth yet.

3. Never I repeat NEVER allow your little one to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice. The liquid pools around their teeth and can rot them.

2. If you notice any discoloration on their teeth make sure you take them to the dentist STAT.

1. The number one reason why oral care is important early in life is because dental care is expensive! If you can prevent having a $2,0000 extraction bill for a 3 year old do so. Erick had to have four of his front teeth removed after I gave birth to the twins because his teeth were rotting from sleeping with a bottle. He will now be toothless for his first three years of school! All his class pictures from pre-K to about second grade will look like he lost his two front teeth.

So make sure you get your kids teeth checked every six months and don't let your baby sleep with a bottle even if it's water!

The ADHA (American Dental Hygienists' Association) 2012 theme for national Dental hygiene month is, “Keep them healthy. Keep them clean.” which features ways people can incorporate a simple oral health regimen into an active and busy life in order to maintain optimal oral health. Click here for tips on keeping your pearly whites healthy and clean! 

Hope this information helps.

Until next time...
MUAH!

Friday, October 5, 2012

16 Years, 16 Lessons Learned!


Today I wish my beloved husband a very happy 16th wedding anniversary. Over the past 16 years I've learned some rather useful lessons. Of course I won't share them all but here are 16 for every year of wedded bliss.

BTW I borrowed 14 of these from my blog post in 2010 when I was a list driven blogger. They are still true so I figured I'd just add 2 more lessons. Hope you enjoy.

  1. Never say never - I said I never wanted children and then I was bit by the baby bug and here we stand the proud parents of three
  2. Over communicate - Saying you told him/her about the party two weeks ago means nothing. Put it on the family calendar, create an event on Google and FaceBook, send a text, tweet or put a post it note on the fridge listing how many days are left until the event.
  3. Pick your battles - If it's not life threatening let it go. Do you want the kids clean and feed or is it more important that the bed is spread?
  4. It takes 2 to tango - Intimacy isn't the responsibility of only one person. If you are in the mood get the party started!
  5. Blood IS thicker than water - Although you are happily married into the family remember where you stand. Don't talk about the man's mama and expect life to be easy, sometimes it's better to agree to disagree and keep it moving then it is to argue about things you can't change when their family is involved.
  6. Marriage = COMPROMISE - Doesn't matter what the topic you have to compromise on many issues within a marriage from what's for dinner to where we'll live you both have to come to a conclusion that makes everyone happy.
  7. You can't always be right - "Yes Dear" is a line my brother and sister in law use often. Sometimes you have to say yes dear and move on. You will not be right all the time (I am 99.9% of the time of course!)
  8. Time outs are needed - Sometimes from one another and from the kids. Remember that visiting family does not a vacation make!
  9. Team work - As the Wonder Pets say; What's Gonna Work? Team Work. When you say I Do you become partners for better or worse so work together
  10. Never let them see you sweat - I'm not talking about your spouse but rather your extended family and friends. Nobody should know when you and your spouse are at odds with one another! Keep your issues to yourself or seek professional counseling if you are in need of help. Hearing "well if I were you" doesn't help anyone because they AREN'T you!
  11. What it took to get him/her is the same thing that will help you keep him/her - enough said!
  12. No marriage is perfect
  13. Don't assume
  14. If you have an issue speak on it don't let it fester
  15. Be friends and lovers (then you can act like friends with benefits when you role play)
  16. Remember why you said "I Do" in the first place.
These are just a few of the things I've learned over the past 16 years. Everyday I learn something new about my husband, I just discovered that he actually likes butter pecan ice cream! In the 21 years that we've been together I have NEVER seen him eat it. I am allergic to all tree nuts so for me he put his like of butter pecan ice cream to the side and will eat the ice cream I like. Small I know but still something new I learned!.

If you are married I pray your relationship is lead by God and that you communicate your likes, dislikes, wants and needs to your spouse. Marriage is work but it's well worth the effort you are putting in.

If you aren't married please seek God for your mate and remember that you have to be open and honest with yourself about what you want.

Until next time...
MUAH!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Pick Your Battles



Hey Y'all,

Battle Definition: fight or struggle tenaciously to achieve or resist something.

sneakers vs. sandals
jeans vs running pants
Nick Jr. vs Disney Jr
healthy food vs junk food

The four items above are daily battles that I have to pick between with the 3 little Brown's. As a mother I am learning that everything isn't worth the fight. Every year around this time I have the ultimate fight with Erick about foot ware! Every year we go buy a new pair of sneakers for school but my son loves his $19.99 sandals from Payless Shoe Source. He wears them the ENTIRE summer. Getting him to put on a pair of sneakers or shoes is literally like making him sit in the dentist chair so he can have his teeth pulled. I mean this boy cries, tries to reason with me etc. It is PAINFUL y'all.

This year he has come up with a plan. He has gym two days a week it is only on those days (Tuesday & Friday) that he willingly wears his sneakers. Last week however my brilliant 7 year old decides that he is going to wear his sneakers for gym but bring his sandals with him so he could change into them afterward! Crafty I know but a battle that I fought and won!

Now here is the catch 22, I bring a change of shoes to church with me every Sunday because there is no way I can walk around in heels all day (no matter the height) so he tries to reason with me based on this fact. Still doesn't work but he gets an E for effort.

The food battles are another every day fight with my youngest but he deserves his own post for that one!

What types of battles do you fight with your children? How often do you concede?

Until next time...
MUAH!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: My Boyfriend




Found out today is National Boyfriend day (no idea who came up with that one) Here is a picture of my boyfriend (now husband) from the early 1990's.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Pink Ribbons = Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Hey Y'all,

Run, walk, raise money and awareness for breast cancer not just this month but everyday. Those of you who've been here before or know me know that I lost two aunts to breast cancer. They were mothers, sisters, aunts and friends and now they are gone. I'm not sure if my aunts knew how to self test, I don't know if they knew what breast cancer really was and how it could take them out. Thankfully there are so many organizations involved in breast cancer research that there are millions more survivors than casualties of this horrific illness.

In research for this post I visited the Susan G. Komen for the Cure site and found some very interesting facts.

Here are 3 risk factors currently being researched.
Did you know?
  • Migraine headaches are related to falling estrogen levels in a woman’s body and estrogen is related to breast cancer risk.
  • Although it is not clear why, breast cancer is five percent more likely to occur in the left breast compared to the right breast. This difference prompted a theory that being left-handed may increase breast cancer risk. 
  • One study found an increased risk of breast cancer among women who often ate French fries when they were preschool-aged (three to five years old). Because this is the first study to look at preschool diet and breast cancer risk, further studies are needed to confirm these findings. French fries and other foods cooked at high temperatures contain a chemical called acrylamide. Five large cohort studies have found no link between eating foods, like French fries, that contain acrylamide and breast cancer risk.
Interesting right? You can learn even more about the risk factors of breast cancer, additional research and so much more on the site. Please visit and donate if you can Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Still Standing!

Hey Y'all,

Wow it's been an entire month since I've posted a blog!!!! I'm writing today to let you know that I'm still standing!

I have been a busy woman, between job interviews, the children and my new venture Leah Simone Designs I've been keeping myself occupied and haven't made time to write a post. I pledge on this first day of the month that I will post something everyday this month. Lets see if I can accomplish my goal.

There are a few things that I can write about this month because it's...
  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month
  • Domestic Violence Awareness Month
  • National Dental Hygiene Month
Always something for me to talk about right? 

Until next time (tomorrow)...
MUAH!