Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
MY SOUL!?!
| You Are a Bright Star Soul |
 In fact, you often feel a bit hurt when all eyes aren't on you You need to be number one in everything, no matter how trivial And it's this ego that both hurts your confidence and helps you achieve You're dramatic and a powerhouse of pure energy You possess a divine quality or uniqueness that's hard to define A natural performer, it's likely you'll become famous in some circles. Just learn not to take everyone's reaction to you so personally! Souls you are most compatible with: Newborn Soul and Prophet Soul |
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Monday, March 10, 2008
The after college gotta figure out my life rant. lol
When I began applying to law schools I believed I wanted to go into family law to be an advocate for children, who many in society deem should be seen and not heard. I wanted to be their voice. Working with children has been a part of my life for many years, in fact, I had hard time deciding on law as the appropriate avenue to affect change in their lives. I also considered psychology or becoming a counselor.
Most recently I have been exposed to the legal system from the perspective of an accused young black man and my thoughts on my legal career path have changed. There are many short cuts taken in justice process that leave primarily underprivileged young minorities up a creek without paddle. Seeing the process of acquiring spotty information, then obtaining a warrant and holding young men without bail on limited information has lead me to believe the system we are taught “Innocent until proven guilty” is more like “guilty and hopefully your public defender can get you off because otherwise you are going to jail and the police will look good for ‘solving’ crimes.”’
A fire has been lit in my core to fight on behalf of these forgotten young men and women who are constantly being told by this kind of unjustified behavior, on behalf of our government, that they do not matter in our society and that their lives are worth less than others.
We wonder why people commit crimes. It is the self fulfilling prophecy, you call someone something enough they begin to believe it and become it. This is not ok. Who are going to be the attorneys who fight the attacks on our young minorities? If not me, who has this type of fervor, then who? I believe
The changes I seek to make start with the individual and work all the way up to the judges who unfairly sentence minorities at an absurd rate in comparison to their white counterparts, for the same or similar crimes, all the way up to the Supreme Court.
Who agrees with any of these statements? Am I just talking or are these real issues other people are feeling?
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Write-up... WHAT I THINK...
What I Think……
In this country people are divided into various groups. The three I would like to focus on are the people who “matter”, the people on the fence and the people who don’t matter.
Now society deems people who don’t matter as poor, typically non-Angelo Saxon of varying age groups, minus babies who are generally pitied. The middle ground is people who ride both sides of the fence. They typically have more money and some connections. I say that they are on both sides of the fence because in the matter of our unethical justice system they are, though not as likely, still victims of profiling and wrongful prosecution.
I don’t think anyone can disagree with me when I say the unfair and biased nature of our justice system is geared towards the wealthy. It is a well known fact that, on percentage base, the severity of sentences for poor minorities is astronomically higher than that of their white counterparts and there is an even bigger disparity among affluent whites. This is not new. There are a number of people across the nation who have personally felt the sting of this reality.
Most of us sit in our comfortable chairs in our offices or homes looking at the television saying “what a shame” or “they should learn their lesson,” what many of us never think about is, are these people being sentenced, to outlandish sentences, actually the perpetrator? We sit around and many of us are to apathetic and individualistic to even think that there is the possibility that the statement innocent until PROVEN guilty is a rouse.
In the African American community and the Latino community, we are acutely aware the innocent until proven guilty, for us, actually means guilty and you better pray that your public defender can prove your innocence beyond a reasonable doubt.
All it takes nowadays is for someone to say you are guilty. The police then attain a warrant, arrest you and hold you with out bail. Now, here is where the categories come in if you a person who “matters” this will never be your situation, congratulations you have won the justice system lottery. You get to stay in the comforts of your own home and possibly questioned before the ridiculous statements that are a black fly in the perfection that is your character has the opportunity to tarnish even the smallest portion of it.
Now if you are a person who “doesn’t matter,” they will pick you up so quickly you wont even have an opportunity to blink and once you realize what happen they have conveniently lost the key to your cell and buried your case file so far under the jail you wind up spending a year or more imprisoned before the possibility of you being exonerated for the ridiculous charges occurs.
If you are in the middle or “riding the fence” as I like to call you get the worst of both worlds. Not only will they arrest you so quickly it makes your head spin but then they attack your very character long before they ever check facts to your guilt or innocence. By the time you have made through being processed on your arrest and long before you ever have a bail hearing (which, for those of you who don’t know, that generally happens the next day) the media as well as the police department have turned your image into one that is far more frightening to society than that of Bin Laden or George Bush. (See even I have a sense of humor).
So, forget everything that you had worked towards. Your stellar record and commitment to community activism and improvement, now everyone thinks you are a criminal, locked away for good reason, before you have even had the chance to render a plea. This is worse than being picked up without a mention in the papers and far worse than not being picked at all. Those in the middle lose more than just their freedom in this unjust society but they lose themselves. All that they have accomplished is lost to false accusations and trumped up charges because our justice system is to lazy to find real criminals. It is much easier for them to pick up randoms, “those who don’t matter” and those on the fence because who fights for their rights?
We are all so apathetic and individualistic, reminding ourselves that one voice is meaningless and “little ole me can’t enforce change,” but the constitution was written that the people, I repeat, the people police the government.
This is our Bill of Rights
Bill of Rights
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
We have to stand up and make our voices heard these are our rights! Most of the people reading this fall into the second two categories. This could be you. Your daughter, your son, your husband, sister, mother, father, brother, neighbor, whomever. The point is it could be your life. Everything you work towards in your daily grind taken in an instant. What would do? We have slowly but surely released the rights we fought so hard to attain over the past 400 years. We have forgotten that we are people who matter when we band together, why? Because we matter to each other. We account for each other and that allows us to protect our communities.
Where did the African American community go. How can we be so caught up in ourselves that we don’t even realize that we are the ones destroying our futures and our chances for survival. By thinking only of ourselves we allow society to deem people as “not mattering.” The people most of society would like to forget are OUR people. Maybe they have not fully assimilated into acceptable American etiquette standards but they are my people, we are your people. And if you forget them you are saying that you don’t matter. When that is the case it is only a matter of time before they come for you. Now you can live in fear constantly looking over your shoulder, holding on for dear life to the position you so crave, that puts you in this apathetic, materialist, individualist situation in the first place.
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
In this country people are divided into various groups. The three I would like to focus on are the people who “matter”, the people on the fence and the people who don’t matter.
Now society deems people who don’t matter as poor, typically non-Angelo Saxon of varying age groups, minus babies who are generally pitied. The middle ground is people who ride both sides of the fence. They typically have more money and some connections. I say that they are on both sides of the fence because in the matter of our unethical justice system they are, though not as likely, still victims of profiling and wrongful prosecution.
I don’t think anyone can disagree with me when I say the unfair and biased nature of our justice system is geared towards the wealthy. It is a well known fact that, on percentage base, the severity of sentences for poor minorities is astronomically higher than that of their white counterparts and there is an even bigger disparity among affluent whites. This is not new. There are a number of people across the nation who have personally felt the sting of this reality.
Most of us sit in our comfortable chairs in our offices or homes looking at the television saying “what a shame” or “they should learn their lesson,” what many of us never think about is, are these people being sentenced, to outlandish sentences, actually the perpetrator? We sit around and many of us are to apathetic and individualistic to even think that there is the possibility that the statement innocent until PROVEN guilty is a rouse.
In the African American community and the Latino community, we are acutely aware the innocent until proven guilty, for us, actually means guilty and you better pray that your public defender can prove your innocence beyond a reasonable doubt.
All it takes nowadays is for someone to say you are guilty. The police then attain a warrant, arrest you and hold you with out bail. Now, here is where the categories come in if you a person who “matters” this will never be your situation, congratulations you have won the justice system lottery. You get to stay in the comforts of your own home and possibly questioned before the ridiculous statements that are a black fly in the perfection that is your character has the opportunity to tarnish even the smallest portion of it.
Now if you are a person who “doesn’t matter,” they will pick you up so quickly you wont even have an opportunity to blink and once you realize what happen they have conveniently lost the key to your cell and buried your case file so far under the jail you wind up spending a year or more imprisoned before the possibility of you being exonerated for the ridiculous charges occurs.
If you are in the middle or “riding the fence” as I like to call you get the worst of both worlds. Not only will they arrest you so quickly it makes your head spin but then they attack your very character long before they ever check facts to your guilt or innocence. By the time you have made through being processed on your arrest and long before you ever have a bail hearing (which, for those of you who don’t know, that generally happens the next day) the media as well as the police department have turned your image into one that is far more frightening to society than that of Bin Laden or George Bush. (See even I have a sense of humor).
So, forget everything that you had worked towards. Your stellar record and commitment to community activism and improvement, now everyone thinks you are a criminal, locked away for good reason, before you have even had the chance to render a plea. This is worse than being picked up without a mention in the papers and far worse than not being picked at all. Those in the middle lose more than just their freedom in this unjust society but they lose themselves. All that they have accomplished is lost to false accusations and trumped up charges because our justice system is to lazy to find real criminals. It is much easier for them to pick up randoms, “those who don’t matter” and those on the fence because who fights for their rights?
We are all so apathetic and individualistic, reminding ourselves that one voice is meaningless and “little ole me can’t enforce change,” but the constitution was written that the people, I repeat, the people police the government.
This is our Bill of Rights
Bill of Rights
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
We have to stand up and make our voices heard these are our rights! Most of the people reading this fall into the second two categories. This could be you. Your daughter, your son, your husband, sister, mother, father, brother, neighbor, whomever. The point is it could be your life. Everything you work towards in your daily grind taken in an instant. What would do? We have slowly but surely released the rights we fought so hard to attain over the past 400 years. We have forgotten that we are people who matter when we band together, why? Because we matter to each other. We account for each other and that allows us to protect our communities.
Where did the African American community go. How can we be so caught up in ourselves that we don’t even realize that we are the ones destroying our futures and our chances for survival. By thinking only of ourselves we allow society to deem people as “not mattering.” The people most of society would like to forget are OUR people. Maybe they have not fully assimilated into acceptable American etiquette standards but they are my people, we are your people. And if you forget them you are saying that you don’t matter. When that is the case it is only a matter of time before they come for you. Now you can live in fear constantly looking over your shoulder, holding on for dear life to the position you so crave, that puts you in this apathetic, materialist, individualist situation in the first place.
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
Sunday, March 2, 2008
My Day
So I know I haven't been updating you guys in awhile but here is what I have been up to. As some of you may already know my sister and I are looking for a place to buy together and today we went house hunting! we found some great places that we loved and now all we need to do is make an offer. Who knew that buying a house would be so tedious. We have been looking for months a found a few places we liked, made offers and then the offers were rejected! BOOOOOO. But now we have a renewed faith that our home search will end soon and we will be moved into our new place and on to decorating. Here is what we are looking for, 2bd 2ba or more, a garage (or atleast parking), under 300,000 in a nice neighborhood not far from the freeway. Hopefully it will all work out. Keep your fingers crossed for us and I will keep you updated on whats going on with our search.
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
Sunday, February 24, 2008
When
It is a plague
Poisoning my very being
With each fleating moment pieces of my soul are lost to the abyss never to
return
We never knew our love would be so determental
The seed of love planted so many years ago only to be stiffled as it begins to
blossom into what could have been the most beautiful garden we had ever known
Instead I am left with a black hole in the deepest part of my body sucking
pieces of my soul into its endless abyss tearing at the very core of this
budding romance.
How could their lies cause such a hole. How could their vindictive nature cut so
deep as to theaten the life that could have been ours.
Where, when will it end. When can I be whole again? When can we be again. When
can we go back to watering the seedling of our love again. When will I be able
to hold your body in my arms again. When?
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
Poisoning my very being
With each fleating moment pieces of my soul are lost to the abyss never to
return
We never knew our love would be so determental
The seed of love planted so many years ago only to be stiffled as it begins to
blossom into what could have been the most beautiful garden we had ever known
Instead I am left with a black hole in the deepest part of my body sucking
pieces of my soul into its endless abyss tearing at the very core of this
budding romance.
How could their lies cause such a hole. How could their vindictive nature cut so
deep as to theaten the life that could have been ours.
Where, when will it end. When can I be whole again? When can we be again. When
can we go back to watering the seedling of our love again. When will I be able
to hold your body in my arms again. When?
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
DAY 6 REHAB
Ever since the alcoholic epidemic I have had a drink every time I have gone out to a party club, there goes self control. if you guys haven't noticed I got backlogged and so these post are now a day behind and I have to try and remember what happened yesterday! BTW I went to the worst club ever, the lodge. When was the last time you went to a club actually set up with a beer pong table. Last time I saw a beer pong table was at a house party CRAZY!! to top that off we were one of 6 people in the entire bar 10 if you include the door dude and the bartenders. They did last call at 1050. lol So its safe to say we drank for free all night long. (all night being until 11, LAME)
I guess what I am saying is I have completely messed up this cleanse. lol I am still drinking the lemonade mixture and the tea until day 10 (friday) but I have also eaten food and am thinking I am going to continue doing that. lol Food is good. Very good.
Stick around I will keep you updated on whats left of the cleanse and, yes there is an and, Hot decorating tips. Some of you may or may not know that I have thing for furniture. Maybe it's because I am a cancer and its in my nature or... I don't know, but I am getting ready to get my own place again, YEA!!!!!, and am ferociously looking at various designs. I think design on a dime is one of my favorite shows, so bringing what I know and learn here to share with all of ya'll in little something we like to call getting ready for parties!!! yea!!! me like me like.
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
I guess what I am saying is I have completely messed up this cleanse. lol I am still drinking the lemonade mixture and the tea until day 10 (friday) but I have also eaten food and am thinking I am going to continue doing that. lol Food is good. Very good.
Stick around I will keep you updated on whats left of the cleanse and, yes there is an and, Hot decorating tips. Some of you may or may not know that I have thing for furniture. Maybe it's because I am a cancer and its in my nature or... I don't know, but I am getting ready to get my own place again, YEA!!!!!, and am ferociously looking at various designs. I think design on a dime is one of my favorite shows, so bringing what I know and learn here to share with all of ya'll in little something we like to call getting ready for parties!!! yea!!! me like me like.
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
OBAMA You Tube
Go ahead!! This dude really knows what he is talking about. I would love to see more informed voters!! Highly enjoyable.
What do you think????
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
DAY 6 Death to a DREAM
As you slumber thoughts and images come to your head. Many refer to these as dreams. dictionary.com defines dream as: American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This dream 
(drēm) Pronunciation Key
n.
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(drēm) Pronunciation Keyn.
- A series of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations occurring involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep.
- A daydream; a reverie.
- A state of abstraction; a trance.
- A wild fancy or hope.
- A condition or achievement that is longed for; an aspiration: a dream of owning their own business.
- One that is exceptionally gratifying, excellent, or beautiful: Our new car runs like a dream.
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Monday, February 11, 2008
DAY 5 Alcoholic epidimic
Let me prefix this by saying that there really are good friends and bad friends. Sometimes a good friend and bad friend are housed within the same person. This having been said, My friend casually forgot I have been doing a cleanse (even though they had been around for the past few days of no drinking no eating, with the occasional slip up) and they decide to buy me a glass of Merlot, my favorite BTW. Now most of you are probably saying to yourself, "so what! just refuse it and continue the cleanse," and a self controlled individual probably would have, but did I mention I am a big fan of a good Merlot?
And an even bigger fan of g
reat conversation, while over looking a fabulous view, whilst drinking a glass of good Merlot! Let's just say thats what I had going on yesterday at the 13th floor and "no" was not really in the vocabulary at that moment.
Here are somethings I have learned while attempting this cleanse.
1. It really does work. I have lost over 8lbs and feel great. Heck I joined a gym, have been working out an enjoying being healthier.
2. You really must be in the right mindset to begin this cleanse. Make sure there is nothing on your calendar that would require you to be around food or eat food.
3. Have the support of your friends. If they are trying t
o influence you otherwise you may, or not, cave. It makes the cleanse a whole lot more difficult if you don't.
4. don't be hung up on thte lbs lost. I have yet to measure inches but that is more noticeable to me than my weight. My brand new jeans now need a belt to stay up. Talk about a quick fix.
Although I am going to continue through to the 10 day mark, I am already preparing myself for the next cleanse, selecting dates and planning my schedule. If you wanna do it with me next time or are doing it with me this time let me know how it is going for you.
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
And an even bigger fan of g
reat conversation, while over looking a fabulous view, whilst drinking a glass of good Merlot! Let's just say thats what I had going on yesterday at the 13th floor and "no" was not really in the vocabulary at that moment.Here are somethings I have learned while attempting this cleanse.
1. It really does work. I have lost over 8lbs and feel great. Heck I joined a gym, have been working out an enjoying being healthier.
2. You really must be in the right mindset to begin this cleanse. Make sure there is nothing on your calendar that would require you to be around food or eat food.
3. Have the support of your friends. If they are trying t
o influence you otherwise you may, or not, cave. It makes the cleanse a whole lot more difficult if you don't.4. don't be hung up on thte lbs lost. I have yet to measure inches but that is more noticeable to me than my weight. My brand new jeans now need a belt to stay up. Talk about a quick fix.
Although I am going to continue through to the 10 day mark, I am already preparing myself for the next cleanse, selecting dates and planning my schedule. If you wanna do it with me next time or are doing it with me this time let me know how it is going for you.
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
Sunday, February 10, 2008
DAY 4
So... is it really considered sliding down the wagon if it happens again or is it completely falling off the wagon? Working in a restaurant is not really conducive to a fast. One of my boss's bought us fried ice cream, we shared it so I only had a few bites. I think that by taking a few bites I have just recreated a real desire for the taste of food, which was beginning to subside. I didn't make it back to the gym today but I plan on going tomorrow.
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Night 3
The gym was awesome. I could not believe I had so much energy considering I haven't eaten, with the exception of the minor slip back from the wagon. BTW I love the new M.A.C gym in harbor east. It is beautiful. After the gym I tested my reserve and went out to a party with my home girl Liza. proudly I stuck to my cleanse and did not drink. It is a very different experience to party with a bunch o people drinking when not drinking. The people watching was great! People, especially drunk people, offer great comic relief. The party itself was kind of a drag.
It has been three days without food and I must say that I am still hungry. lol I am almost ready to give up but I see the positive changes. My skin is breaking out but that means the toxins are leaving. I have lost 4lbs in 3 days and am continually flushing my system even though I am not adding anything new. This lets me know that whatever was stored up is ACTUALLY getting flushed out. I still have not gone back to the salt water flush, aka ocean water, but I am thinking I may go back to it in the morning. The senna tea just doesn't have the same effect in the morning. If I can get through the 32 oz in the morning it will be a terrific feat. We shall see. See you in the morning.
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
It has been three days without food and I must say that I am still hungry. lol I am almost ready to give up but I see the positive changes. My skin is breaking out but that means the toxins are leaving. I have lost 4lbs in 3 days and am continually flushing my system even though I am not adding anything new. This lets me know that whatever was stored up is ACTUALLY getting flushed out. I still have not gone back to the salt water flush, aka ocean water, but I am thinking I may go back to it in the morning. The senna tea just doesn't have the same effect in the morning. If I can get through the 32 oz in the morning it will be a terrific feat. We shall see. See you in the morning.
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
Friday, February 8, 2008
DAY 3
Today has actually been much easier to stomach than the first two. I have gotten used to the "lemonade" and the senna tea in the morning is not bad either. My cravings for food are pretty low, they only really flare up when I can smell my coworkers food, if its good. I actually have a lot more energy, than the first two days. I have been getting up earlier than usual, naturally, and actually feel like working out. What I wasn't expecting to get was my period a week early. I did some online research and apparently a womans period is her bodys natural way of releasing toxins so with the cleanse dislodging all of the stored toxins in my body it triggers the onset of the period to flush it out. I just hope i don't also get my period next week for the normal cycle. That would be a serious problem for me.
I can tell the cleanse is working because I, a person who has only had 2 pimples in her life, have quite a few and have had since the second day. Although it means the toxins are moving and leaving, hopefully, I am not amused by t his at all.
Although today was easier than the past two, I still am not sure I am going to make it the whole 10 days. That is a very long time.
Well I am off to the gym try and work. I will let you know how that goes when I get home.
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
I can tell the cleanse is working because I, a person who has only had 2 pimples in her life, have quite a few and have had since the second day. Although it means the toxins are moving and leaving, hopefully, I am not amused by t his at all.
Although today was easier than the past two, I still am not sure I am going to make it the whole 10 days. That is a very long time.
Well I am off to the gym try and work. I will let you know how that goes when I get home.
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
Thursday, February 7, 2008
DAY 2 (Another day, another challenge)
So... Today was I substituted the sea salt, ocean water, drink in the morning for the herbal laxative tea, which the book says you can do, it just doesn't have the same effect. With the salt water I felt it coursing through my body and then coming out. Aside from that change in the regimen I backslide a little. I forgot when I started this cleanse that we were having the walk-thru for our event today, meaning we had food to taste. I had five noodles, a tiny bite of chicken and half of a scallop. I am finding that the problem with doing a cleansing fast is, real life. If I was sitting in a cabin somewhere in the mountains not eating, meditating then I could see it working, there are so many temptations and smells it is so hard to remain mentally focused on the cleanse.
I told you before I am a fatty. Not meaning that I am fat, but that I love and enjoy good food. I never gave to much thought to my health, one because I had always been an athlete in pretty good shape and two because I wanted whatever tasted good. I guess that is how I have always lived my life, even outside of food. I have always wanted what I wanted, when I wanted it with little to no regard to the big picture. The lemonade is not as bad today I just have to keep using the restroom. All day long up and down. I am surprised I have gotten any work done at all today.
I am kind of fatigued. Not as bored as I was yesterday but I can taste food. I know it sounds weird but my cravings are bad. This is apparently because i had bites of food so my body is breaking that down and wants more. I want to give it more, but if I can't even go 3 days without food then I really have no self control.
This is my science experiment for myself , not just to see if a hollywood fad really works. I want to know if I can do it. Can I go 10 now 8, i am not starting over due to forced feeding, more days on this diet and what kind of effect will it have on my body and my health. apparently tomorrow, the 4th, 5th and 6th days are supposed to be much easier. Hopefully that is true. I am going to measure myself again tomorrow to see if there have been any changes.
BTW the book made me think that I was going to be chained to the bathroom but to day was pretty easy. I have been at work since 9ish and used the bathroom like 4 times and it is 430pm. That is not bad considering yesterday was like every 5 minutes.
It is said that on day 8 you achieve mental clarity. I hope that is true because i could use some of that right now.
Well I should go for now. Gotta find some self control before I head to my other job working at a bomb thai food restaurant. I know what am I going to do.???
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
I told you before I am a fatty. Not meaning that I am fat, but that I love and enjoy good food. I never gave to much thought to my health, one because I had always been an athlete in pretty good shape and two because I wanted whatever tasted good. I guess that is how I have always lived my life, even outside of food. I have always wanted what I wanted, when I wanted it with little to no regard to the big picture. The lemonade is not as bad today I just have to keep using the restroom. All day long up and down. I am surprised I have gotten any work done at all today.
I am kind of fatigued. Not as bored as I was yesterday but I can taste food. I know it sounds weird but my cravings are bad. This is apparently because i had bites of food so my body is breaking that down and wants more. I want to give it more, but if I can't even go 3 days without food then I really have no self control.
This is my science experiment for myself , not just to see if a hollywood fad really works. I want to know if I can do it. Can I go 10 now 8, i am not starting over due to forced feeding, more days on this diet and what kind of effect will it have on my body and my health. apparently tomorrow, the 4th, 5th and 6th days are supposed to be much easier. Hopefully that is true. I am going to measure myself again tomorrow to see if there have been any changes.
BTW the book made me think that I was going to be chained to the bathroom but to day was pretty easy. I have been at work since 9ish and used the bathroom like 4 times and it is 430pm. That is not bad considering yesterday was like every 5 minutes.
It is said that on day 8 you achieve mental clarity. I hope that is true because i could use some of that right now.
Well I should go for now. Gotta find some self control before I head to my other job working at a bomb thai food restaurant. I know what am I going to do.???
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
DAY 1
So today has been an interesting day. The lemonade mixture has not gotten better in taste. It is rather difficult to imagine continuing this for 9 more days. All in all it is has not been the worst experience. I am not looking forward to tomorrow. The book states that the worst days on this cleanse are the 2,3 and 7th. They say it is amazing how many people quit on those days. I don't know about those people but day 1 is not easy. Some of the detox symptoms include cravings, not hunger, irritability, headaches and other aches.
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
Lemonade (DAY 1)
Wow it is not that bad. I found that if you let it sit the cayenne pepper gets really hot. I do really want some food. I am watching tv and every five minutes getting up to go to the bathroom. (Means the cleanse is beginning to work because I hadn't had a BM in two days.
I must say it is not the most comfortable thing but I knew going in that the first few days were going to be the hardest and I was going to be in the bathroom a lot. I just didn't realize how much I would want to eat. I am not hungry but I just saw a commercial for chocolate and all I want is some chocolate and popcorn. DON'T ASK! I told you I was a fatty. lol As I am sitting here, trying not to move to far away from my bathroom, I realize that I eat a lot out of boredom.
Boredom is listed as one of the detox symptoms in the book for the first two days and lethargy, due to the complete shift in your diet. I can feel that. I am tired and bored watching the HG (Home and Garden) channel trying to get inspired to get up and go out of my house but I am afraid to go to far from a bathroom. Imagine being confined to your house based on bodily function. I now know what people with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) must feel like.
As for the updates on my coworkers, they wanted to wait and see how I do on the cleanse before doing it themselves. I spoke with one this morning and she is kind of turned off from the idea. Hopefully the end result will be worth it and she will want to try it. The idea that it will completely cleanse your system and remove toxins is great, and something I think everyone should do at least once. (Please contact your physician before trying any of this. Every persons body is different and requires different things.)
The book states that if you start to feel hungry have another "lemonade," so thats what I am going to do. Be back soon.
Sidebar: Some of you asked me on my myspace and facebook pages about quitting smoking.
yes, I am also quitting smoking with this fast so I am not eating and not smoking. You cant detox your system while adding toxins through smoking. Wish me luck!
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
I must say it is not the most comfortable thing but I knew going in that the first few days were going to be the hardest and I was going to be in the bathroom a lot. I just didn't realize how much I would want to eat. I am not hungry but I just saw a commercial for chocolate and all I want is some chocolate and popcorn. DON'T ASK! I told you I was a fatty. lol As I am sitting here, trying not to move to far away from my bathroom, I realize that I eat a lot out of boredom.
Boredom is listed as one of the detox symptoms in the book for the first two days and lethargy, due to the complete shift in your diet. I can feel that. I am tired and bored watching the HG (Home and Garden) channel trying to get inspired to get up and go out of my house but I am afraid to go to far from a bathroom. Imagine being confined to your house based on bodily function. I now know what people with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) must feel like.
As for the updates on my coworkers, they wanted to wait and see how I do on the cleanse before doing it themselves. I spoke with one this morning and she is kind of turned off from the idea. Hopefully the end result will be worth it and she will want to try it. The idea that it will completely cleanse your system and remove toxins is great, and something I think everyone should do at least once. (Please contact your physician before trying any of this. Every persons body is different and requires different things.)
The book states that if you start to feel hungry have another "lemonade," so thats what I am going to do. Be back soon.
Sidebar: Some of you asked me on my myspace and facebook pages about quitting smoking.
yes, I am also quitting smoking with this fast so I am not eating and not smoking. You cant detox your system while adding toxins through smoking. Wish me luck!
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
It ain't over till the fat lady measures (DAY 1)
As promised the measurements before we start this cleanse. Thigh-21 Hips-41 Stomach-37(Almost the same as my hips no wonder I have no more shape.) Bust-37.5 Upper Arm-10.5. Weight 155.9.
Nothing really prepares you for 32 oz of salt water. That is a lot of salt water. I am still trying to finish it all. It taste like I swallowed pacific ocean water. I can not manage to take more than a sip at a time. no big gulps, as was my original game plan. I boiled the water first and then added the salt. I feel weighed down. The more salt water i drink the more I wish I hadn't decided to do this or announce it to the world so I could quit silently and have some eggs and pancakes. I think the only reason I might make it through this cleanse is because I am too prideful to admit defeat to the audience. So as I attempt to drink 32 oz of ocean( yuck!) I thank you, with each terrible sip.
Almost done! A few more sips to go and I have already moved to the BR. Will report more once something exciting happens.
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
Nothing really prepares you for 32 oz of salt water. That is a lot of salt water. I am still trying to finish it all. It taste like I swallowed pacific ocean water. I can not manage to take more than a sip at a time. no big gulps, as was my original game plan. I boiled the water first and then added the salt. I feel weighed down. The more salt water i drink the more I wish I hadn't decided to do this or announce it to the world so I could quit silently and have some eggs and pancakes. I think the only reason I might make it through this cleanse is because I am too prideful to admit defeat to the audience. So as I attempt to drink 32 oz of ocean( yuck!) I thank you, with each terrible sip.
Almost done! A few more sips to go and I have already moved to the BR. Will report more once something exciting happens.
Don't forget to check out the other great blogs at www.AFRO.com
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
It's like starvation only better!
For all of you out there who created the new years resolution of getting in shape and failed here is your chance to get back on the wagon to a healthier lifestyle.
So... I have been looking more and more into this master cleanse and the more it reminds me of starvation. I know its considered fasting and also cleansing. I don't know if I am gonna make it. I haven't even started yet and I already have doubts. I am a fatty at heart. I love food and not just sushi. I love fried food and everything bad for you like pizza and recently I have eaten at least a slice every couple of days. Food is not something I can give up easily.
This having been said, I have convinced some of my colleagues to do the cleanse with me. (yea support!!) I am starting tomorrow and hopefully so will two of my coworkers. Everybody talks about wanting to live a healthier lifestyle, me probably more than anyone else, and never do anything about it. Like most Americans I am lazy and have gotten increasingly lazier as I have gotten older.
As I was researching various cleanses I found the the average person, not an overweight or obese person but an average person, has 10 - 25 lbs of dried fecal matter in their colon. That can really weigh you down. (no pun intended , lol) Some people who do not have regular bowl movements(BM), a few times a day is optimal, are just storing all kinds of waste in their bodies which, they are not excreting. Now, in most people BM's can be regulated through exercise and a healthy diet. My thoughts with this cleanse is to get rid of the built up junk in my system that way I can start an exercise and diet regimen with a clean slate.
(here is a link to a picture of waste removed from a colon. It is rather gross, hence why I did not post it here. If you want to see click on the link below and it will take you to the image.)
http://constantstateofflux.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/fecal-waste.jpg
My goals for this cleanse are:
1) Eliminate some of the toxins in my body
2) Eliminate some of the dried fecal matter that we all carry around(cleanse my colon)
3) lose Weight (20-25lbs)
4) Get Healthier
5) Have more energy
6) See if this really works and report back to you.
Tonight I am going to... (YIKES!) measure my hips, waist, thighs, arms, stomach, and bust prior to beginning this cleanse and post them here for you to see the beginning and to track the progress. I will measure again at day 5 and then at day 10. It is stated that the optimal time for this cleanse is 20 days but that 10 days is sufficient for a good cleanse.
Sidebar: I am not going to do this a lazy way. I will be playing tennis at least once a week,(That doesnt sound like a lot but if you know me I don't think I have done that in a while (Sorry ERIN, my old tennis coach)) and walking for at least half an hour, if it isn't to cold (this is February in MD but you wouldn't know it considering it is 50 degrees outside today).
Aside from food this cleanse call for no alcohol. I know a lot of people who could have a major problem with that. If you are doing this cleanse with me or starting a few days after me post comments here and we can be each others support group.
Not to be a huge advocate for the book but if you are going to do the cleanse please do not just do what I say, buy the book there are loads of little things in there that will help you with your cleanse and that I wont be mentioning (copyright infringement.) Not trying to get arrested.
I am going to be blogging about my experiences with this cleanse day in and day out. Hopefully, if it goes well, it will inspire you to also take your health into your own hands.
Monday, February 4, 2008
MASTER CLEANSE
Monday, February 04, 2008
Master cleanse
Current mood: fascinated
So .... yesterday as a good friend of mine, Elli (or so we will call her), and I were driving back from New York city when we started discussing weight. Now, many of you know that weight is not a topic of discussion one should have among friends because we are all our own worst critics and it is even worse when your friends agree with your worst critic.
We talked about how we couldnt believe how much weight we had gained throughout college and how out of shape we are. Now, I am not saying we are obese but for out body types and our past the new shape is one that is more rotund and less refined.
Elli started talking about this Master Cleanse to clear you body of toxins and break down waste stored in your body. I had never even heard of the master cleanse or met anyone who had done it. She looked at me as though I was an alien. " Didn't you know Beyonce did the cleanse to lose 14 lbs in 10 days to play the younger version of herself in DREAMGIRLS." Well no, I didn't know that. When we finally made it back to Baltimore after a long 3 1/2 hours of discussion about waste in the body I ate some chicken drank some wine and went to sleep.
In my head were thoughts of "where did the chicken go?" "did some of it breakdown and the rest is just stored somewhere?" "Has my gradual, but not so gradual, weight gain all been a result of built up waste that hasn't been excreted?" needless to say, I woke up completely disgusted and determined to gain some information about this issue.
My first finding, colon hydrotherapy. Now, this is when they take a water hose and put it in your rectum and shoot water into your colon. (YUCK!) I learned that this is a big trend in Hollywood and that celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Ben Affleck, Courtney Love, Andie McDowell, Janet Jackson, Cindy Crawford, Alicia Silverstone and Liv Tyler, just to name a few, all enjoy having their colons cleansed and toxins removed through Hydrotherapy. This peaked my interest. Where would you even have something like this done and how really does it work.
Thanks to google I found that there is a retreat that is a Hollywood favorite where they fast, cleanse their colons and meditate which, costs upwards of a couple thousand dollars. Not so much something in my budget nor any longer in my neighborhood. There are a few spas in Maryland that perform the Hydrotherapy as well as many in DC.
I am debating having this done but it still kinda freaks me out. I think I am going to try the Master Cleanse first. The master cleanse also known as the Lemonade diet is similar to that of a fast, considering you dont actually eat, except you have 32 oz. water with 2 teaspoons uniodized sea salt in the morning, 6-12 8oz glasses of the "lemonade" throughout the day and then 1 cup of herbal laxative tea in the evening.
The lemonade mixture is the juice of 1/2 lemon, some grade B maple syrup, and cayenne pepper added to 8 oz of water.
It sounds really gross and unhealthey but apparently its not. Here are some excerpts from therawfoodsite.com on the master cleanse
The Master Cleanse (or the Lemonade Diet as it is also called) is divided into two parts: The Agitator and The Rinse Cycle. By not eating, you enable your digestive system to use its energy to eliminate old waste. Additionally, the lemonade dissolves the old waste and the laxative herb tea stimulates the intestines' contractions to slough off old waste.
With all that going on, if you don't drink enough lemonade and water, and if you don't do the salt water flush each morning, you will have mobilized toxins which are not being eliminated. The result is you will feel tired, sick, achy and have cravings.
Most people know that citrus fruit (including lemons) are a good source of vitamin C. What many people do not know is that lemon juice is also a good source of potassium. However, that's beside the point. The idea that people cannot exist without protein for 10 days may be a dream of the meat industry, but it is not true. Fasting, as recommended in the Bible, has been recognized by many doctors for hundreds of years. The most current, visible American MD who is a major proponent of fasting is Dr. Joel Fuhrman, author of Eat to Live and Fasting and Eating for Health. He has had numerous successes curing with diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. In Europe, there are many health spas run by doctors that practice fasting for healing and rejuvenation.
Ok guys so I am going to do it, starting wednesday morning, tuesday night I am competing in a karaoke contest and will more than likely be drinking, or tomorrow morning depending on how well I do in the contest tonight. I will keep you posted at www.AFRO.com and here as I go through my 10 day fast journey. Hey if it works out maybe I will go the full 40 days. That is uber optimistic!
Here are two photos of me. one from 2 years ago at my sisters graduation and one from two weeks ago
Photobucket
There is a bigger copy of this picture and others in my photo album on myspace.
[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e57/collegechix2002/onphone.jpg[/IMG]
before the cleanse
[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e57/collegechix2002/befroethecleanse.jpg[/IMG]
I will post pictures when I am done and blog about the entire experience each day. Wish me luck. Oh and if you wish to do the cleanse with me I recommend purchasing the book "Lose Weight, Have More Energy and Be Happier in 10 Days." leave a comment let me know how it is working out for you each day. Also, send me messages of encouragement, I am going to need it.
subscribe to my blog and check back in with me each day as I struggle with the MASTER CLEANSE who knows maybe one day I will do the colonic. lol
Master cleanse
Current mood: fascinated
So .... yesterday as a good friend of mine, Elli (or so we will call her), and I were driving back from New York city when we started discussing weight. Now, many of you know that weight is not a topic of discussion one should have among friends because we are all our own worst critics and it is even worse when your friends agree with your worst critic.
We talked about how we couldnt believe how much weight we had gained throughout college and how out of shape we are. Now, I am not saying we are obese but for out body types and our past the new shape is one that is more rotund and less refined.
Elli started talking about this Master Cleanse to clear you body of toxins and break down waste stored in your body. I had never even heard of the master cleanse or met anyone who had done it. She looked at me as though I was an alien. " Didn't you know Beyonce did the cleanse to lose 14 lbs in 10 days to play the younger version of herself in DREAMGIRLS." Well no, I didn't know that. When we finally made it back to Baltimore after a long 3 1/2 hours of discussion about waste in the body I ate some chicken drank some wine and went to sleep.
In my head were thoughts of "where did the chicken go?" "did some of it breakdown and the rest is just stored somewhere?" "Has my gradual, but not so gradual, weight gain all been a result of built up waste that hasn't been excreted?" needless to say, I woke up completely disgusted and determined to gain some information about this issue.
My first finding, colon hydrotherapy. Now, this is when they take a water hose and put it in your rectum and shoot water into your colon. (YUCK!) I learned that this is a big trend in Hollywood and that celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Ben Affleck, Courtney Love, Andie McDowell, Janet Jackson, Cindy Crawford, Alicia Silverstone and Liv Tyler, just to name a few, all enjoy having their colons cleansed and toxins removed through Hydrotherapy. This peaked my interest. Where would you even have something like this done and how really does it work.
Thanks to google I found that there is a retreat that is a Hollywood favorite where they fast, cleanse their colons and meditate which, costs upwards of a couple thousand dollars. Not so much something in my budget nor any longer in my neighborhood. There are a few spas in Maryland that perform the Hydrotherapy as well as many in DC.
I am debating having this done but it still kinda freaks me out. I think I am going to try the Master Cleanse first. The master cleanse also known as the Lemonade diet is similar to that of a fast, considering you dont actually eat, except you have 32 oz. water with 2 teaspoons uniodized sea salt in the morning, 6-12 8oz glasses of the "lemonade" throughout the day and then 1 cup of herbal laxative tea in the evening.
The lemonade mixture is the juice of 1/2 lemon, some grade B maple syrup, and cayenne pepper added to 8 oz of water.
It sounds really gross and unhealthey but apparently its not. Here are some excerpts from therawfoodsite.com on the master cleanse
The Master Cleanse (or the Lemonade Diet as it is also called) is divided into two parts: The Agitator and The Rinse Cycle. By not eating, you enable your digestive system to use its energy to eliminate old waste. Additionally, the lemonade dissolves the old waste and the laxative herb tea stimulates the intestines' contractions to slough off old waste.
With all that going on, if you don't drink enough lemonade and water, and if you don't do the salt water flush each morning, you will have mobilized toxins which are not being eliminated. The result is you will feel tired, sick, achy and have cravings.
Most people know that citrus fruit (including lemons) are a good source of vitamin C. What many people do not know is that lemon juice is also a good source of potassium. However, that's beside the point. The idea that people cannot exist without protein for 10 days may be a dream of the meat industry, but it is not true. Fasting, as recommended in the Bible, has been recognized by many doctors for hundreds of years. The most current, visible American MD who is a major proponent of fasting is Dr. Joel Fuhrman, author of Eat to Live and Fasting and Eating for Health. He has had numerous successes curing with diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. In Europe, there are many health spas run by doctors that practice fasting for healing and rejuvenation.
Ok guys so I am going to do it, starting wednesday morning, tuesday night I am competing in a karaoke contest and will more than likely be drinking, or tomorrow morning depending on how well I do in the contest tonight. I will keep you posted at www.AFRO.com and here as I go through my 10 day fast journey. Hey if it works out maybe I will go the full 40 days. That is uber optimistic!
Here are two photos of me. one from 2 years ago at my sisters graduation and one from two weeks ago
Photobucket
There is a bigger copy of this picture and others in my photo album on myspace.
[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e57/collegechix2002/onphone.jpg[/IMG]
before the cleanse
[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e57/collegechix2002/befroethecleanse.jpg[/IMG]
I will post pictures when I am done and blog about the entire experience each day. Wish me luck. Oh and if you wish to do the cleanse with me I recommend purchasing the book "Lose Weight, Have More Energy and Be Happier in 10 Days." leave a comment let me know how it is working out for you each day. Also, send me messages of encouragement, I am going to need it.
subscribe to my blog and check back in with me each day as I struggle with the MASTER CLEANSE who knows maybe one day I will do the colonic. lol
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
INTRODUCTIONS
I guess the titlle says it all but I am a recent college graduate from a University you have probably never heard of, if you live outside of California. We had no football team, our basketball team was decent and at some point during my college career most of the frats and sororities either lost their houses, got kicked off campus or both. My school was not the party school, but it did have one really nice feature, LOS ANGELES.
As a journalism major with a focus in Public Relations and a party promoter I spent a lot of my time in the Hollywood scene. Following graduation it was my plan to move full speeed ahead to law school after taking a year off to travel and work. Lets just say that life had other plans. I went home to Baltimore for Thanksgiving vacation and have yet to leave. My Grandmother past away just before Thanksgiving and I have yet to leave. Now I am living in Baltimore with two weeks of clothing, shopping is a must, living at home with my parents for the first time in 7 years and reconnecting with friends I havent seen since High school or middle school.
As a journalism major with a focus in Public Relations and a party promoter I spent a lot of my time in the Hollywood scene. Following graduation it was my plan to move full speeed ahead to law school after taking a year off to travel and work. Lets just say that life had other plans. I went home to Baltimore for Thanksgiving vacation and have yet to leave. My Grandmother past away just before Thanksgiving and I have yet to leave. Now I am living in Baltimore with two weeks of clothing, shopping is a must, living at home with my parents for the first time in 7 years and reconnecting with friends I havent seen since High school or middle school.
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