I Am Important To ME!

There are people in this world who don’t know the negative affect they have on others. I’m not sure if it’s that they don’t know or they don’t care. To me, those are two very different things. To “not know” is innocent, forgivable. To “not care” is wicked and inexcusable.

There comes a time when people who are in the situation become fed up and are willing to lose the love of those around them just to not have to endure the pain that this person is causing. Is it worth it to be free in mind and spirit? YES, by all means. When you walk around and your heart and mind are heavy, it’s not good for you or anyone else. BUT, to be free – is wonderful! Think of all the time the person who is causing the pain is walking around free without a care in the world while, YOU on the other hand, have anger, sadness and frustration inside. Imagine what you are missing out on and the fun this person is having. While you are distraught, they don’t have a care in the world. Why should you continue to do this to yourself?

I mentioned “lose the love of those around them” early in this post. Now that is a sticky situation there. You won’t know you have lost anything until what is said is said OR when what is done is done. Is it worth it, I’m not sure – however, I’d rather be straight up and protect myself than to continue to protect someone else who might not need my help. Is that selfish? Maybe – but everyone needs to take time for themselves at one point. You can’t continue to live your life for someone else. When is it your time to be important? When are you going to say enough is enough – I am important to ME!

Hopefully you won’t lose that love of someone in the process of taking control of your own feelings. Hopefully that person will understand that your feelings are important and recognize that what you are doing is both for you and for them. If not, if they love you, they will get over it, after all, you were tired of taking an emotional beating for them. It’s time they stand on their own feet while you stand on yours. It will feel good to only worry about you and not be concerned with protecting them. Life is too short to be worried all the time, especially for things that MIGHT be or how someone MIGHT feel.

I am important to ME! Are YOU important to YOU?

Thanksgiving

During this time of the year, it’s easy to tell everyone who matters to you that you care and that you appreciate them, but what about the rest of the year? Shouldn’t we be willing to inform everyone how we feel regardless if the holidays are here or not?

Some people have a hard time around the holidays. People are lonely, depressed, unhappy, and broke. The list can go on and on. But we all have issues and not everyone knows what each of us is facing. We need to reach out to the people we still have in our lives as often as we can to alert those that we love, that we care about them and they have an effect on our lives. We are all are in tough times, economically and otherwise. None of us are promised tomorrow, so give thanks today and everyday ~ regardless of the day. Be happy and appreciative of the ones who are still in your lives and tell them how you feel. It will make your day brighter and theirs!

So, with that said, to all my family and friends out there who are reading this and to those who aren’t – I love you! Happy Thanksgiving and happy day to you all!

Tiki

Sorry, We Are Closed!

The most interesting of conversations have been occurring at the jobby-job lately. Today I had a talk with a co-worker who is having issues with a girl who is renting a room in her house. Apparently, the girl called her on her cell phone while she was at work to yell, scream and humiliate her. Even bringing up the relationship my co-worker has with her own daughter. Yes, it was out of line for her to go there, but is it right for my co-worker to put the girl (and her 14 yr old son) out of the house?

After hearing the girl had a son that old, I had to ask how old the girl was. She informed me that she is between 47 and 50 years old! WHAT?! (I guess with at that age, I should refer to her as lady or woman, to be politically correct. *side eye* - if she were a woman she wouldn’t be renting a room out of someone else’s house while having an almost grown son. I mean what kind of message is this “woman” showing her son?) Why doesn’t a lady of this age not have her own apartment? I just can’t understand this… She doesn’t have to have her own house, but at least she should be out on her own ESPECIALLY with a son of that age. I had to ask how many rooms the house was, I naturally assumed 4 like I’m sure you just did, NO – 3 which means that the Mom and Son share a room!? WTF?! She needs to be out anyway!

Holla at me!

Weekly Address from Pres-Elect

Happy Holidays from the Obamas!

My Friend or Not my Friend ~ Is the Question...

I was asked the other day for my opinion on a subject that was affecting one of my coworkers. She asked, “Tiki, if you were really close friends with someone and you knew they were cheating on their spouse, would you continue to be friends with her?” Now, those of you close to me know that I will not continue to be friends with someone who adds chaos to my already busy life. I’m known for cutting off friendships with those who add drama instead of peace to my life. In this day and age, life is too short to continue this.

Matter of fact, the situation got worse the longer the conversation went on. My coworker also added that the friend uses her as a scapegoat while she goes and does her deed with her “manstress”. Apparently, the husband was once a slut and did things that a lot of men are known to do and started the relationship off in a not so great of ways, but has since turned his life around and has changed. I’m not sure if this was before the marriage or not, however, she did choose to marry (or continue to stay) him despite his past.

Sorry, I couldn’t continue this friendship and before ending it, I would let my feelings be known of the subject. I couldn’t continue being friends with someone who doesn’t respect me enough to leave me out of her already contaminated situation. AND to know that she is willing to put my name on the line to continue this bad relationship is enough to make me sick.

Am I wrong here? Of course, someone will say that this person is your friend and you should be friends no matter what – unconditional love. Sorry, but that love is or should be for family. Friends are on the outside of that “unconditional” part. Of course, I’m not above anyone and have done things that I’m not part of, but I do not think that I’ve brought others down with me in the process. My mistakes have been mine and mine alone. I’m sure I may have lost friends in the process for mistakes I’ve made and if so, I apologize for that. I’ve grown up since then and have learned from a lot of my mistakes.

Okay, so with all this said, now is the time to holla at me and let me and the world know what you think!

Obama and McCain - Together Again

The story below is from CNN -

President-elect Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain said Monday that Americans are looking for leaders who will come together and "change the bad habits of Washington." In a joint statement issued after their first meeting since the presidential election, the former rivals said they hoped to work together on challenges such as the financial crisis, creating a new energy economy and protecting the country's security.

"At this defining moment in history, we believe that Americans of all parties want and need their leaders to come together and change the bad habits of Washington so that we can solve the common and urgent challenges of our time," the statement said.

"It is in this spirit that we had a productive conversation today about the need to launch a new era of reform where we take on government waste and bitter partisanship in Washington in order to restore trust in government, and bring back prosperity and opportunity for every hardworking American family," they said.

Asked whether he would help Obama with his administration, McCain responded, "Obviously."

The meeting comes as Obama is trying to fill out his Cabinet with the most capable people and show he can reach across party lines.

They were joined Monday by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, and Obama's new chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel.

Obama last week met with two former rivals for the Democratic nomination -- Sen. Hillary Clinton and Gov. Bill Richardson -- about the secretary of state position in his administration, sources told CNN.

"I think it shows Barack Obama's a bigger man than most people in the sense that he's willing to take the person who gave him a real race for his money into his Cabinet," he said.

Republicans have praised the prospect of Clinton becoming secretary of state.

Henry Kissinger, who was secretary of state in the Nixon and Ford administrations, said Clinton would be an "outstanding" selection, Bloomberg News reported.

Forty-three percent of those questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Monday morning are very confident that Obama will make the right choices, with 34 percent somewhat confident and only 23 percent not confident.

"Obama is having the kind of honeymoon that no president-elect has had in at least 30 years," said CNN polling director Keating Holland. "It's no surprise that Americans have a positive view of anything Obama might do -- at least until he does something controversial."

Asked which appointment will matter the most to the country's future, 41 percent said the secretary of the treasury; 25 percent said secretary of state; 24 percent, secretary of defense; and 8 percent named the attorney general.

Peter Rouse, Obama's chief of staff in his Senate office, will serve as a senior adviser to the president.

Mona Sutphen will serve as a deputy chief of staff. Sutphen is a member of the transition team staff and has been managing director of Stonebridge International LLC, an international strategic consulting firm based in Washington.

Jim Messina was also named a deputy chief of staff. Messina is currently the director of personnel for the president-elect's transition team. He served as a national chief of staff for Obama's presidential campaign.

Also, a longtime friend of the Obamas, Valerie Jarrett, was officially named Saturday as a senior adviser to the incoming president. Obama, in a statement released Saturday morning by his transition staff, announced that Jarrett will serve as senior adviser and assistant to the president for intergovernmental relations and public liaison. Jarrett is currently co-chair of Obama's transition team and was senior adviser for his presidential campaign.

Holla at me!

William Ayers Discussing His Relationship w/Obama

Ayers was on Good Morning America discussing his relationship or non-relationship with Obama.

Holla!

Raped, 13 Year Old Girl, Stoned in Somalia

Human rights group Amnesty International says the victim was a 13-year-old girl who had been raped.

Initial reports had said she was a 23-year-old woman who had confessed to adultery before a Sharia court.

Numerous eye-witnesses say she was forced into a hole, buried up to her neck then pelted with stones until she died in front of more than 1,000 people... However, Amnesty said it had learned she was 13, and that her father had said she was raped by three men.

When the family tried to report the rape, the girl was accused of adultery and detained, Amnesty said.

Convicting a girl of 13 for adultery would be illegal under Islamic law.

According to Amnesty International, nurses were sent to check during the stoning whether the victim was still alive. They removed her from the ground and declared that she was, before she was replaced so the stoning could continue.

It was the first reported execution by stoning in the southern port city since Islamist insurgents captured it.

The BBC had a reporter in the area, but he was shot dead in Kismayo in June.

You know, we forget how blessed we are to live in America until we hear something as horrible as this. This girl had to endure such hideous things in her short life. I feel for her and her family.

Veteran’s Day

What does it mean to be a vet?

To have seen things that you may never forget

The lives lost, the lives given to be free

The picture above says it more plain than me

Those of us here share in the pain,

But the families of soldiers who have died will remain

In our hearts although they will never know

That the lives they gave allow my children to grow.

And so I say these words to you

May your thoughts on this day be true

Many have died for us today

Given their lives so that we may stay

Free to hope, to dream, to live another day

In our hearts, minds and thoughts you’ll stay!

The Obama's Visit the White House

I wonder how Bush feels having someone who is greatly loved by most of America coming in to visit his now house, while he himself whose approval rating has falling steeply for the passed couple of years is packing getting ready to exit. Who knows? He may be ready to be outta there. It has been a hectic 8 years for the man and for all of us.

Holla at me!

Obama's First Press Conference

Below is an excerpt from Obama first press conference. Holla at me and let me know what you think!

First of all, we need a rescue plan for the middle class that invests in immediate efforts to create jobs and provide relief to families that are watching their paychecks shrink and their life savings disappear.

A particularly urgent priority is a further extension of unemployment insurance benefits for workers who cannot find work in the increasingly weak economy.

A fiscal stimulus plan that will jump-start economic growth is long overdue. I've talked about it throughout this -- the last few months of the campaign. We should get it done.

Second, we have to address the spreading impact of the financial crisis on the other sectors of our economy: small businesses that are struggling to meet their payrolls and finance their holiday inventories; and state and municipal governments facing devastating budget cuts and tax increases.

We must also remember that the financial crisis is increasingly global and requires a global response.

The news coming out of the auto industry this week reminds us of the hardship it faces, hardship that goes far beyond individual auto companies to the countless suppliers, small businesses and communities throughout our nation who depend on a vibrant American auto industry.

The auto industry is the backbone of American manufacturing and a critical part of our attempt to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

I would like to see the administration do everything it can to accelerate the retooling assistance that Congress has already enacted. In addition, I have made it a high priority for my transition team to work on additional policy options to help the auto industry adjust, weather the financial crisis, and succeed in producing fuel-efficient cars here in the United States of America.

And I was glad to be joined today by Governor Jennifer Granholm, who obviously has great knowledge and great interest on this issue.

I've asked my team to explore what we can do under current law and whether additional legislation will be needed for this purpose.

Third, we will review the implementation of this administration's financial program to ensure that the government's efforts are achieving their central goal of stabilizing financial markets while protecting taxpayers, helping homeowners, and not unduly rewarding the management of financial firms that are receiving government assistance.

It is absolutely critical that the Treasury work closely with the FDIC, HUD, and other government agencies to use the substantial authority that they already have to help families avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes.

Finally, as we monitor and address these immediate economic challenges, we will be moving forward in laying out a set of policies that will grow our middle class and strengthen our economy in the long term. We cannot afford to wait on moving forward on the key priorities that I identified during the campaign, including clean energy, health care, education, and tax relief for middle-class families.

He Did It!

As I was watching the TV last night as the states on the map began to change blue, I couldn't believe what I was seeing! My neice and her friend came into the room screaming and yelling with happiness in their eyes! At the bottom of the screen, "Obama, the projected winner!" ("Projected" makes me a little nervous.) I couldn't get happy yet, because I wanted to wait until I heard McCain concede. I didn't want to celebrate to soon, but at the same time, I couldn't wait! Sure enough, McCain was giving his concession speech and I knew that the moment I've been waiting for, dreaming for~had arrived! Obama has won the presidency!

Since we were at my brother's house, I wanted to be home by the time Obama gave his speech. I knew it was going to be an emotional one for me to watch and it was. I couldn't believe it! I sat in silence and listened to every word he said. I listened with hope in my heart and tears in my eyes. This day has come and I was a part of it.

My Mom couldn't believe it! She was emotional as well. Her chin quivering, tears rolling down her face - all out of happiness. She never thought that she would see this day. She grew up in the time of picking cotton, working in a home where they rang a bell to get your attention instead of calling you by name. She's seen it all and NOW, she's seen this! She said that Obama has changed the world already. People who never thought they would vote were registering and waiting in line for HOURS. It was record-breaking - truly history in the making, from start to finish.

"What an inspiration. He is the first truly global U.S. president the world has ever had," said Pracha Kanjananont, a 29-year-old Thai sitting at a Starbuck's in Bangkok. "He had an Asian childhood, African parentage and has a Middle Eastern name. He is a truly global president."

In case you missed Obama's speech last night, you can watch it here:

President Elect and the First Lady - sharing a moment:

Obama - If He Loses, Will He Run Again in 2012?

After all the information that I have read about Obama, the one thing that I haven't heard is if he would run again in 2012 if he doesn't win the presidency this year. Has anyone heard the answer to that? I'm not sure that he will. Would he want to go through this long agonizing ordeal that he and his family have gone through in these last two years all over again? Would you? I don't believe that McCain/Palin would either. I'm not sure I would if given the opportunity.

My Mom and I were talking about this subject last night and she said that even if he didn't win today, he has still won - in her heart and in the hearts of millions of Americans. Well said Mom!

Obama's Last Rally in Virginia 11/3/2008

VOTE then holla at me!

Where They Stand: Obama vs. McCain

There are still some people out there who are undecided on who they will vote for in tomorrow's election. I've found a website that lists the beliefs of each candidate:

http://obama-mccain.info/index-obama-mccain.php - Comparing what Barack Obama and John McCain 'say' they will do if elected. What happens afterwards could be anyone's guess.

Listed on this site are there biography, issue and trivia comparisons. Click on the title of the subject you are interested in and it will show you where they stand on that issue.

Happy reading and please go vote tomorrow!

Charles Barkley, Golfing? Lawdy, lawdy

I think everyone deserves a laugh this week!

Have a good weekend and remember to set your clocks back an hour on Sunday!

Early Voting Ends Today!!!

This morning, the mobile Early Voting van made it close to my building here at work. I made it a point to get to work early so I could walk to do “my civil duty”. There’s such a feeling that I get each and every time I vote. It’s a radiant feeling and it seems as though others around me can see it for miles around.

There were a couple of people already there voting, but I was the first/ next in line with a machine open and ready for me. The volunteers that were there seemed like they could feel my excitement and were happy for me too! It’s such an easy, worthwhile process that you can’t believe that more people don’t do it. All they did was scan my Voters Registration Card, verified my address and handed me a code that gets placed in the machine. After choosing each candidate on the machine using the wheel, verify your choice and hit enter. They give you an “I Voted” sticker and you are on your way. That’s it! Easy as 1, 2, 3! It takes longer to get your food at a restaurant than it does to vote and we still out to eat don’t we?

I do understand the “hassle” when you wait until Election Day to vote. The lines are ridiculously long and sometimes tempers fly in the lines out of frustration. That’s why it’s important to vote during early voting times. No long lines at all!

It is such a let down when the person that you voted for doesn’t win, but you will not have the guilt afterward that you would feel if you didn’t vote. At least with your vote you tried to make a “change”.

If you haven’t voted yet, today is the last day for Early Voting. Please go out and pick your choice for the Presidency. Whether we agree or disagree, all that matters to me is that you vote. Let your opinion count!

No They Didn't!

Now didn't I just talk about this madness yesterday? Why won't people get enough? It's never okay to do these types of things and there are other ways of getting your thoughts and opinions across. There are two stories here that are shown below. Neither one of them impressed me or shocked me which is the sad thing. I'm never surprised by the idiocy of people or the choices people make in this world. I'm sure someone will argue that there is "free speech". Yes there is. Both of these situations occured on university grounds. I'm sure that the African Americans students didn't have in their minds this morning to be called the "N word" just by attending school that day. Anyway - holla at me!

October 30th, 2008

Obama image found hanging on Kentucky campus. Authorities at the University of Kentucky are trying to find out who hanged a life-sized stuffed doll of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on campus. The Obama likeness was found hanging from a tree on campus Wednesday morning, college spokesman Carl Nathe said. Police immediately took it down. School President Lee Todd says that he plans to personally apologize to the Obama family on behalf of the university and that he is "personally offended and deeply embarrassed by this disgusting episode." It's the second time an effigy has been found on a college campus recently. Earlier this week, George Fox University in Oregon said it was punishing four students who confessed to hanging a likeness of Obama from a tree. Obama wasn't the only victim of such pranks. Secret Service agents recently visited a California home where a mannequin of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin hangs from a noose. The display also features John McCain surrounded by fake flames coming out of the bungalow's chimney. Deputy Special Agent in Charge Wayne Williams told The Associated Press that so far that incident seems to be a harmless Halloween display. He said they are not treating it as a threat.

The "cartoon" (which isn't funny at all) was placed in a college newspaper and has since published an apology for the "N Word" being used in the cartoon. *blank stare*

The Montclair State University (NJ) college newspaper has issued an apology for running The K Chronicles strip that used a racial epithet. The Keith Knight cartoon shows a woman going door to door asking people who they’ll vote for and the resident responds with the epithet.

The editor, while apologizing for running the cartoon that resulted in a dozen calls to campus officials, blames the thought that all material coming from a syndicate would be safe and not need editing.

“Many of you have voiced your displeasure with this cartoon, as is your right,” editor-in-chief Bobby Melok wrote. “It is never The Montclarion’s intention to offend its readership, and we sincerely apologize to all who were upset with this comic.”

In an interview, Melok said the strip was received through MCT Campus, a syndicate that provides content for colleges across the country. A production editor placed it on the comics page without raising a flag, Melok said.

“We assumed because it was part of the syndicate, it was appropriate,” Melok said. “We didn’t take the care that we should have. It was a mistake. From now on, we’re going to be more aware of what we put in the newspaper from outside and what we do ourselves.”

Comments to "Barack's 30 Minute TV Special Tonight"..

I inadvertly posted the "Barack's 30 Minute TV Special Tonight" without the comment portion attached. So if you would like to comment on that post, comment here instead. Thank you and Saaaarrrrrrrryyyyy

10/29/08 - 3:16 p.m. ~ Holly said, I think the reason McCain is making a big deal about this is because they both agreed to use public funds to finance their campaign, which is how every candidate has ever done their campaign in the past 32 years. But in June Obama changed his mind and decided to go with private funding. From my limited understanding of this issue, lobbyists and other donors to the campaign can weigh heavily on his decision making once he is in the office because of their huge contributions and by using public funds, it outlaws lobby contributions. And a side note, it outlaws lobbyist contributions because of the McCain/Fiengold bill that was put in place in 2002 because of all the corruption.

Now this doesn’t mean a whole lot to me personally, but I think it’s important to state that McCain isn’t bitching for the sake of bitching, it’s a legit cause to him and other politicians who feel (or say they feel) that corruption in campaign funds is a big deal. I always think transparency and following the law is the way to go. And if you’re doing shady things that could surface later, well all I can say is “I’m glad I didn’t vote for you”.