This is my husband's birthday weekend. We are celebrating! Nothing big, but we are certain to have a ball! We don't have definite plans yet, but we'll figure something out.
My husband is the bestest! And if you know me at all, you know he would HAVE to be a saint to endure all these years with me. He's a hard worker, a great provider, and a true leader for our family. He's the son of Cuban immigrants, an ex-Marine(if there's any such thing), and a civil servant. He loves Batman, 80's music, and vehicles that go fast. He's also kind, generous, and loving. I'm not sure if I would be who I am, if he wasn't who he is. Happy birthday, Sweetie Pie!
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This weekend, we celebrate the birth of the United States of America. With nearly 4 million square miles of land and more than 3 billions multi-cultural citizens, it is arguably the greatest nation in the world.
As citizens, we often have complaints about our land, our laws, and our leadership-and rightfully so. We are granted rights to publicly criticize our government--a right that many other countries don't extend to their citizens. Many of us don't understand that the mere fact that we are able to speak out, without fear of our lives, is a testament to our Constitution.
I have to say that I'm the first to admit that while everything here isn't wonderful and grand, I wouldn't trade my American citizenship for anything else in the world. Besides, when is the last time you saw a group of Americans floating away on a raft, in search of a better life?? Happy Birthday, America!
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So, here's a sobering thought. Today, July 2nd, at precisely noon, 2009 will be exactly halfway over. By then, you should have completed at least half of your goals for this year. The biggest news stories of the year so far involve Obama, the economy, and the passing of Michael Jackson.
My personal headlines include blogging, illness, work woes, and the passing of 2 dear family members. I've fallen way off pace to make all of my 2009 goals, but I haven't given up. In fact, I'm reminded that my personal plan may not be God's plan for my life. Acceptance is key.
What about you? Are you on pace to complete those tasks and resolutions that you planned for this year? If you didn't, why not? And what will you do now--give up or regroup? Tell me about it.
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So, here's the question--What song can ABSOLUTELY reduce you to tears? One came to me immediately.
In the Garden by Marvin Sapp
Nearly 4 years ago, I lost my Granny. Before she passed away, I often heard folks say that they had a "hole in their heart" when speaking about losing a loved one. I never understood it. Now I do. After all this time, the emotion is still very raw to me. She was such a constant in my life and gave me more love than I deserved sometimes.
Anyhow, this was one of her favorite songs and anywhere I hear it, I can be reduced instantly to tears. After she passed, I came across Marvin's rendition and added it to my iPod. But I usually skip it when it comes on. It's way too painful.
So what is it for you? What song wets your face? Why?
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Two years ago today, Apple introduced the iPhone. It resulted in what I call, "The Fruit Salad War: Apple vs. Blackberry." Each is vying for consumers to buy their fruit. Two years later, many of us put a piece of fruit up to our ears daily.
I think that there's room for both in the salad. Some folks prefer apples, some blackberries. I actually like them both, but if I was hardpressed--I'd have to go for the berry. My blackberry is an integral part of my life. It's my phone, my calendar, my address book, my camera, my GPS system, my video player, my newspaper, my Twitter, internet, and Facebook(on the go). I probably couldn't function without it.
What about you? How tightly are you and your cell phone connected? Do you use all of the functions of your phone? How do you "get away?"
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Why is my mailbox full of offers for things that enhance a part of the body that women don't have? Why do folks from foreign countries want me to help them assist in getting millions of dollars to the United States? Why do banks where I don't have an account want me to login in because they've had a security breach?
Do folks really fall for these scams? I'm thinking that they obviously do, or the spammers would get tired and stop, wouldn't they? Wouldn't they? They are making money or they wouldn't continue. And if that is indeed the case, I'm broke and am now trying to think of a scam scheme that will bring me a boatload of money. Any ideas?--I'll split the profits with you...
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You may have noticed that both my blogs have been nominated for the 2009 Black Weblog Awards. I have not been able to get contest rules for these yet, but I will post them as soon as I have them. As far as the Social Luxe Awards, thanks to everyone that has voted for me in the Most Inspiring Blog category. The links for voting are in the side column. I love you guys!The winners of the Axe Giveaway are: Glamorous Beauty
Sharon Ball
Beth
Blqlvr Girl
They will each receive a box of Axe Hair products and styling aids. Please email your mailing addresses to me.Your comments--priceless!
I've been notified by the SocialLuxe Lounge that TheTinyJEWELBox has been nominated for Most Inspiring Blog. SocialLuxe Lounge announces these awards at the prestigious BlogHer Conference. The awards are given to deserving female bloggers in a variety of categories.
I'm honored to even be nominated! You can vote for me by going to the link on my site. Unfortunately, some of the nominated blogs don't have the names attached, so it may take a bit of searching. Just go to "Most Inspiring" and click on those with no names attached. You can vote once a day until July 6th. The top 5 finalists will then be chosen by panel.
How cool is this!
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Please meet FOJ Natalie McNeal. She is a journalist for the Miami Herald, and the author of the popular blog, The Frugalista Files. The Frugalista Files show us the "frugal" side of being fabulous.
Last year, Natalie, tired of living paycheck to paycheck, pitched the concept of the blog to the Herald. She wanted to go a whole month without spending extra money--no eating out, no manicures, no pedicures, no beauty salon, etc. and chronicle the experience. They agreed and she took on the month long challenge, saving $400. What happened next is phenomenal. What was supposed to a month of blogging has continued ever since, establishing her as a expert in personal finance. I read it faithfully, and would recommend it to you, as well. It's chocked full of money saving tips and specials. Recent posts have advised me of free shakes from Orange Julius, free music from Amazon, and free beauty treatments, among other things. I even email her tidbits when I come across them. You may have seen her recently on local tv and panel discussions, as well as nationally, on CNN.
While the Frugalista Files is new, Natalie is certainly no newcomer to the business. Originally from Chicago, she's known since high school that she wanted to be a journalist. After graduating from Howard University, she ended up here in South Florida and we are so lucky to have her!
We can support her by reading her column, commenting on her posts, and purchasing her upcoming book. Her contact information is on her page. Her twitter name is @frugalista. Don't forget, the purpose of FOJ(Friend of Jewel) Fridays is to introduce you to folks that I find interesting, so that you can expand your circles. Get to know someone. Make a friend!
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