Happy New Year's Michael!

My Battle With the (Swine?) Flu

Who'd thought the coughing spell I was having would lead to the flu. It all began on December 26th when I got back from the mall. I ate some dinner and watched television with my mom, sister and my boyfriend. Then I began coughing as if something was in my throat tickling it. I figured it was a cold coming so I took some cough syrup and went to bed. When I woke up, I had to do laundry but I felt very sluggish but still went about my day. I tried to eat but didn't have no taste for anything or could barely taste the food I ate. Then I drank some tea with honey and lemon which still didn't work. Later that night, I bought Tylenol Cold Severe to take cause by then I had stuffy nose, coughing, itchy throat and felt a slight fever coming on. Before I went to bed, I ate some soup but I made me feel so hot like I really had a bad fever, which I did.
That Sunday night was the worst night of sleep I had because my body didn't know whether it wanted to be hot or cold. I still had a stuffy nose and a bad cough so that kept me awake. When I got hot my throat became dry so I would feel parched. So I tried to drink some ice water to break the fever, but instead I became extremely cold real fast. At that very moment I knew something was wrong and I knew I had the flu. I was still destined to show my face at work especially after the holiday weekend to prevent conflict with being absent. I did go for about two hours and felt I couldn't make it and went straight to the doctor's office. They quarantined me with another woman with the flu in another room, I waited for about three hours before being seen. I was freezing, thirsty and my lips kept chapping up. What a combination. Plus coughing and a stuffy nose too. My doctor was surprised I even went to work the way I was. He said I had fluid in my ears, my glands were swollen and I definitely had the flu. He then told me that the Swine Flu would not be as bad as the regular flu. I just hoped it wasn't bad at all whatever one it was. As soon as I got home, I jumped right in the bed for the rest of the night and took the prescribed medicines. It has been a struggle because the cough and the stuffy nose has not left yet along with the chest congestion. I still continue to take my medication, drink plenty of liquids and let my body get plenty rest but it is not easy. Hopefully I'll be fully recovered before returning to work. Then I have to make a follow-up visit with the doctor.

Brittany Murphy: Gone Too Soon

Until the autopsy results come in and are released, if released, to the public nobody will know the cause of Brittany Murphy's death. It was such a shock to hear of her passing on Facebook posted on the status of my friend's profile. I immediately went to Wikipedia looking up her name and it was not updated, so I thought my friend was joking. But being that Brittany shied from the public eye I thought maybe my friend was telling the truth, so I checked on MSN and Yahoo. The headlines read "Brittany Murphy dead at 32" all across the internet that day, so of course I had to accept the fact that she was gone.
I first saw Brittany Murphy on the Disney Channel television show, The Torkelsons. Many people don't quite remember this show, but my mom and I loved it and tried to watch every episode. She wasn't a main character but her character did out shine many on the show. She had such a quirky and bubbly yet lovable personality. This also followed her to the television show Sister, Sister with the Mowry twins, Tia and Tamara as the friend who was able to tell them apart when nobody else knew the difference. My most memorable role of her to this day is her role as Tai on Clueless. She was the main one that couldn't fit in to the one who became more popular than the best. In this film she kind of reminded me of me in my small circle of friends. The klutz, the awkward one, the geek, but yet the one with true inner beauty that shined throughout. I really loved the movie and she played the hell out of that part. it nearly had me convinced. :-)
But this girl was multi-talented and versatile playing any type of role to the fullest that came her way. From her angelic singing voice in Happy Feet to her sinister role in Sin City and from her innocence in Clueless to her rawness in 8 mile, this woman will be remembered. May she rest in peace and my prayers go out to her friends and family.

Brittany Murphy
November 10, 1977 – December 20, 2009

My Brief Hair-story!

After watching Good Hair I figured I would put this together.
Before the perm:

The Press and Curl:

The First Perm:

Braids:

Ponytails:

Quick Weaves:

My second short cut:

Now a Doobie, no weave:

Good Hair: A Good Documentary

Good Hair which is a documentary by Chris Rock is very informative about the knowledge of African American hair and hair in general. I love the part where he describes relaxers which is made from the chemical Ammonium thioglycolate and it is used to straighten hair. I remember my first perm or relaxer, I was about six or seven years-old. It was a sort of painful experience. It burned like hell lol but I made it through. My hair has always been course and had to be pressed with a straightening comb and curled with curling irons. So when I had to get a perm, I would rather have a perm than the heat of hot metal touching my ears or back of my neck. It was also a shorter process to go through. I was so happy to show off my nice, silky smooth hair but one mistake can damage your hair. My bad experience with a perm was having it take my hair out from being to strong. You would think I would stop, nope so addicted.
Another segment of the documentary I liked was the segment about weaves. I was never a fan of weaves but I have worn a few in my days. I first started with ponytail pieces and braiding hair. When I wore my first ponytail piece, I thought I was so fly lol until this girl yanked it clean off my head lol. I wore a few long quick weaves, wigs as well as back pieces. But nothing brings me out more than my natural hair. After watching Good Hair, they show where human hair weaves come from. It is not surprising to me that it comes from India because they have beautiful hair quality, but these people sacrifice their hair to make our hair look good.
Kudos to Chris Rock and everyone who contributed to the making of this documentary because it makes me look at hair a whole different way.

Janet Jackson's "Make Me" Video

I look at Janet's video "Make Me" as an homage to her late brother, Michael. There are some many things to in the video that represents Michael. God bless you Janet and Rest In Peace Michael. Let's see if you can name a few. Leave comments.

Tiger Upper Cut from Me

I'm not trying to take sides on the issue but I'm tired of hearing about the issue. Not just his case but all of these celebrities and their personal affairs being aired out like dirty laundry. These people are human beings and they had private lives. Their private lives need to just stay within their homes. I'm just so tired of when something negative happens to someone, their faces are all over the news and newspapers. No matter if it's CNN or ESPN, Tiger Woods dominated the channel today. From a woman's point of view, I do feel bad for his wife. As a husband and a father, he should not have done what he did because when you marry someone your committment is to your wife. Plus they have a child. But that is a personal issue for her and Tiger to work out. They are going through a tough time right now and people just keep digging into it. A question that really gets to me is if he didn't crash his truck in front of his own house would all of this have come out? Would all those women would have come forward? My main question is can America focus on something else please? All this hoop-laa is driving me crazy.

The King of Pop

Rest In Peace

From Dominique Wilson

Kanye West doesn't even come close, sorry.

Thanksgiving 2009

Thank you to my family for making Thanksgiving fun :-) From eating the great food, playing the Nintendo Wii, conversing and taking photos i had a great day.

Whitney Houston's Comeback!!!

I'm so proud of Whitney Houston!!! She's looking good, doing good and singing very well. Her songs on her new album are very inspirational. She went through so much that I am glad she pulled herself together. I was getting worried about her and hearing all those reports about her. I'm so glad she rose past that. During her interview with Oprah this year, she explained her past and she knew she needed to get out of it and she did. Her performance during the American Music Awards last night was phenomenal. It brought tears to my eyes and gave me goosebumps. She performed "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" from her I Look To You album. That song touched so many people in the audience because it gave people a glimpse of her struggle with the drug addiction and how she realized she was a stronger person than that. My favorite part in the song was the hook:

"I didn’t know my own strength
And I crashed down, and I tumbled
But I did not crumble
I got through all the pain
I didn’t know my own strength
Survived my darkest hour
My faith kept me alive
I picked myself back up
Hold my head up high
I was not built to break"
The song is just awesome and she did an excellent job performing. I'm so glad I did not miss it.
Also congratulations to her receiving the International Artist Award.

2012 - What are your thoughts?

2012 is supposed to be the new blockbuster film. I saw it this weekend and it was a very good movie. The effects were much more dramatic than the previous The Day After Tomorrow and Independence Day by director Roland Emmerich. It made me lose my breathe a few times as well as other people in the theater. I call him the "Disaster Master." I felt he wanted people to leave the theater with that one question in their minds, "What if...?" I know that was on my mind as well as "What would I do?" The prophecy in which the film is based on has been told for so many years but now that that the time is approaching another question forms in our heads, "Do you believe?" Do you believe that the world will end on December 21, 2012? Will there be shifts? Will the Yellowstone super-volcano erupt? Will California fall into the Pacific? Will giant tsunamis engulf the world in water? We'll never really know when. Do you think when our creator is ready to come will he give us a specific date or time? These are tough feelings and tough emotions. Who's to tell us when the world will end? It's an unsolved mystery. Until the time comes, no one will know for sure. The movie will leave you wondering.

Another point made in the film is "Will you be saved if there is a way to survive?" According to the film, people who had billions of dollars here safe and average people like me and you will never know what's happening. Now that the movie made that point clear, I'm sure people are wondering "What will they do when the time comes?" I know I did. Another point it makes is "Will you be at peace with God or your higher power?" and if you are, "Will you fear death and take the sacrifice?" I know I'm afraid to die but if I do I am at peace with God. This movie will make you think about plenty of things. I feel that people should go out to see this film. It will make you wonder, no doubt about it.

Janet Jackson opened up to Robin Roberts about Michael

When Michael Jackson first died, my reaction was wondering how Janet was taking it. Then seeing her at the memorial service when Paris Katherine grabbed hold of her after her brief touching words, I knew she was trying to be strong for the family. It is a very tough time for her and the family. I was so proud of her when she was able to do an excellent and memorable performance opening at the MTV Video Music Awards. It touched my heart so much that I cried. I was also happy to see Janet Jackson open up for the first time since her brother's sudden death. I wanted to know how she was handling the situation, but I know it was devastating. Last month I did get the chance to hear LaToya's side. They were very close siblings. She mentioned how close they were and how he was an inspiration to her. She still finds it hard to go see the rockdoc film of Michael Jackson's final rehearsal days, This Is It, because it still makes her heart heavy. It is even hard for her to see the previews and posters advertising the film. I feel her pain because when I lost my father to congestive heart failure it is still hard to go to the church he preached in every Sunday. Just the memories that come into mind, no matter how long ago it was for me, will still bring tears to my eyes. The interview showed a side of Janet we haven't seen. She mentioned how she felt Michael's doctor, Dr. C Murray, was guilty for his death and how she did try to reach out to Michael before as intervention. Yet Michael shied away from the public and his family. This really has an affect on how she feels today. But Janet has always been known to be on Michael's side through his times of criticism, judgement and accusations.

I do pray that Janet will stay strong and always keep Michael in her heart until they meet again.

May God be with her and her family through this tough time. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Jackson family.

Here's a bit of their memories and photos of Janet

Halloween 2009

I had a very good Halloween weekend. This year I had to work again but I made the most of it. As a tribute to the late King of Pop, I decided to put an outfit together and be him. At first I felt it was kind of strange at first because I felt people would make so much fun of me. Then I said I was gonna do it and have fun. My sister went to WalMart and while she was out there, she found the outfit and accessories.
I wore the costume to work and so many people were amazed at what they saw. My co-workers enjoyed it as well as my customers that came in that day. I danced and did the Moonwalk for them. When I went outside, cars stopped and waved at me yelling 'MICHAEL!" I had so much fun. People were also taking my picture, too. It was the coolest feeling. Plus I realized how many people do like Michael and it made me feel good about being him.

This Is It

I still can't believe that the documentary Michael Jackson's This Is It is the rehearsals and final days of the late King of Pop. I saw it November 1st at SOPAC Theater. Kenny Ortega recorded Michael for his own personal reasons not intending on releasing them but I am so glad he did. Even though I was so glad to see Michael doing what Michael does best, but at the same time I was sad because it was his final performances. I really enjoyed the film and it had that concert feeling. People who were in the audience were clapping and singing along. During the song Man In The Mirror, people were waving their hands from side to side. My mother, my boyfriend, my sister and I were enjoying ourselves so much. I wish he could have had a chance to do at least one show because he worked so hard to put it together. I can't wait to see it again. I love you, Michael!!! Rest in Peace.

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

I went to see the movie Precious in New York City this weekend and I felt it was a very moving movie. I don't want to describe the movie but it will bring out so many emotions. It took me on an emotional roller coaster but it made me feel blessed that I didn't have to experience what she did. She was such and strong girl to overcome her obstacles and help herself press forward. Tyler Perry and Oprah brought the book Push to life and opened up so many eyes to what goes on in society. Everyone should go see it.

Why Am I A Fan?

Why am I a fan? How long have I been a fan? Oh my goodness, as long as I could remember. I remember my mom playing his songs in my home and listening to the records. I remember dancing and trying to moonwalk, which I have mastered. I fell in love with his music, personality and of course his gorgeous looks. I truly love the messages he spread through his music and videos. He touched my heart with his smile and cute personality. I love his dance moves, which some I always bring up at family functions and parties. His voice was that of an angel just like his heart. I am a fan of his creativity and imagination. His videos or shall I say mini his movies were groundbreaking and motivational for many artists coming out now. His styles were royal like they were fit for a king, which he most definitely is and will always be. I am a fan of the way he loved his family and how he respected his mother and sisters, which made him a real man and gentleman. Even how he loved his children like they were the world and he made sure he gave them the world. They are all in my prayers. I am a fan of how he wanted to make a change and how he helped millions of people he either met personally or through spirit. He truly touched me spirit and I would have loved to known him personally. Well I know this for a fact if anyone ask why I am a fan of Michael Jackson just read above times infinity cause words can't describe my love for him.

Michael Jackson - My Heart Poured Out

Ever since Michael Jackson passed away, you see a lot of people expressing their love for the late King of Pop. Which people were really there, which people are the ones who cared about his downs as well as his ups or are they the ones who loves him all of a sudden? As I was growing up, I was exposed to the Jackson family and their excellent music, whether it was Michael Jackson, Janet, the Jackson 5, etc. I just couldn't wait to see what new ideas they would come up with especially Michael. He was such an inspiring person, not only musically but he was also a great humanitarian. He loved nature, he loved helping people and he loved to see happiness throughout. This is why I always loved Michael.
There was a point in my life where I did, but not intentionally, forget about him. There was a time where I took him for granted. I also thought he was invincible. I thought he would be here forever. I thought he was alright. I thought he would always grace us with his presence. So you tend to put people like that on he back burner for a while cause you know it's going to be okay. He was hurt. He was lonely. He was a human being crying out for help and we all thought he was crying wolf. He's been through so much, from accusations to criticism, but he was invincible to us. Maybe it's because he always smiled or put on a hell of a show. Maybe it's because we never saw him cry. Well I'm am typing this with tears in my eyes because this gentle soul has slipped through our fingers. But I always loved him but I do feel bad about placing him on the top shelf of reach.
This situation was a wake up call to me in many ways. It lets me know not to take anything for granted. Not to take for granted your family, your job, your education, your health, the good times and especially yourself because tomorrow is not promised to any of us.

My heart, thought and prayers go to the Jackson family and rest in peace to the King of Pop.
To my family and friends, I love you!!