Proactively Exposing Your Children to College Life

All of our lives we’ve been trained that people learn through action and experiences. I fully believe this because I'm walking proof and it’s why I decided to take this pro-active approach with my daughter Brittnee in regards to college. I believe more parents need to SEEK-OUT a “Big Sister” or "Big Brother" to mentor their kids for the most important decision of their lives…..going to college!

Growing Up

When I was a little girl, my mother always told me, “You have to go to college!” She preached and preached (Yakety-Yak), to an inexperienced, extremely independent, strong-willed, typical rebellious, teenage girl. What teenage girl wants to listen to their mother (hence third-party involvement is the secret to success)?

Needless to say, I paid for not listening to her advice regardless of the form in which it was given......my experiences were my third-party teacher (The School of Hard KNOCKS). I attended college or shall I say many colleges after I was married, because I then realized you couldn't make it through this life without an education. I had to do things the long way around and claw my way to the top in my career! It was quite hard. I worked, took care of a home, studied and went to class in the evening. I even added to the chaos by having a baby.....I love my little Brittnee. Not the ideal situation….why make life harder on yourself if you can avoid it? But ME personally, I wouldn't change a single moment or decision I've made in my life because it's made me who I am...and I'm very happy with MY outcome.

Alpha Pie Sorority

A friend of ours has a daughter that goes to North Texas and is in a Sorority called “Alpha Pie.” Brittnee has expressed to me on several occasions that she wanted to be in a Sorority once she gets accepted to her all time favorite school “Texas Tech.” At this point, I’m just thrilled she shows interest and potential in going to a major college, little only...to be in a Sorority. Nevertheless, she wanted to know “How” to get accepted into this very polished "Select" group.

This past weekend, Brittnee finally ceased the opportunity to learn what it takes to get into a Sorority and experience college living. While staying in the Sorority House Brittnee said the girls taught her the following:

Socializing – The Alphi Pie Sorority set-up a show to pull some diversified groups that go to North Texas together, so that they could get to know one another. She said it was soooo much fun and extremely funny. They made up a routine to "Womanizer," by Britney Spears....the poor guys that were recruited had to be pulled around by Neck Ties...OUCH!! (The ability to socialize with all walks of life is vital in success...even if YOUR the one being PULLED!)
Dressing - You must always wear make-up and have your hair done when wearing the letters of your Sorority (Grandma always said...never leave the house in unpressed clothing, without your make-up and hair done).
Acceptance – They went over the requirements and traits the sister’s in a Sorority look for with Brittnee. They all told her she would have absolutely NO problem with getting into a Sorority, although it would be much harder at a Big State college (Sit-up straight and smile).
House Cleaning – It’s the house mother's job to keep the house cleaned and organized. 911.... someone needed to call Emma Stone from the movie "House Bunny!" I always knew it takes a BLONDE to get the job done! No seriously, someone needs to fire this woman because she was not very efficient...leaving the girls to have to worry about cleaning and organizing things. Shame on you lady for not doing your JOB!!
Studying – Brittnee said while she slept the girls stayed up all night studying for an upcoming test….she wasn’t very keen on this idea. This was probably the worst but most important aspect of the whole experience. Brittnee said, “You can forget it, I’m going to sleep!” I hope this changes, or she will not make it through college. You must be willing to make sacrifices in life in order to get ahead or succeed.
Living Quarters – She learned that the rooms are very small and that they had to share bathrooms with other girls. At first she said, "I want my own private room....money, money."

Then ON HER OWN she changed her mind stating, "The experience and socializing with the other girls would be limited if I had my own quarters." I was very impressed and proud of her realization in the importance of learning from others and her adult like decision …given her ONLY CHILD status! This statement in itself let me know she learned SOMETHING!

The Results

Overall, Brittnee said she learned a lot from this experience and I’m very happy and thankful to Britney Mata for taking time out of her busy college weekend to Sister Brittnee. We owe you one!

Now whether or not Brittnee liked, loved or completely loathed the experience……. was a proactive risk and gamble I felt I had to make as a parent. I’m glad I used this approach, instead of the old “All Talk and No Show,” because I believe it to be much more effective!

I love you Bree and I'm so proud of you!

hello

P.S. Isn't it funny how all of the major highlights she learned are all things a mother tries to teach her daughter or child through-out the course of life...and then they go off to college to learn some of the same lessons only from different perspectives and learning techniques....interesting, I told you third-party intervention is the key to success!

Behcet's Re-Growth

Uploaded on authorSTREAM by jenece

Time to Change..... The Use of My Terminology!

Most of you are probably thinking, what is the MDN Re-growth? First of all, don’t make fun of my little drawing there…I did the best I could with PowerPoint, the software isn't great for freeform drawing (haha!!). 

Secondly, It’s been a while since I’ve discussed my progress with this new drug Riutxan. As many of you may know, I have been on several treatments in the past and all of them have worked the first 6 months then fail to continue working. I have to say none of the treatments have been able to achieve what Riutxan has (I'm still left with symptoms of the disease which means the diseased cells are still alive, but the duration of a flare is sometimes shorter).  Despite the improvement with this new drug, I’m beginning to experience another “apparently failed drug.” 

I have come up with a theory and a possible resolution behind this process which I would like to share with you and plan on talking about it with my doctor. I’m always making the statement “The Disease Tends to find its Way Around... Around What?” Many cancer patients also tend to make this statement. As I’ve gauged my disease from many subjective and objective angles, I’m starting to realize and understand what could be happening and why. The disease isn’t finding its way around anything…it’s THERE!!! It’s the medicine that has been empowered and trusted to kill off the bad cells, it doesn't just inadvertently "dodge" a diseased cell or cells. As I’ve uncovered  in previous post, if you were to stretch out all of your cells in your body it would equate to 160,000 thousand miles of blood vessels, so it’s very difficult to cover each and every diseased cell ground. 

As you can see in the MDN Re-growth Diagram above, the yellow part of the cell is the disease, the red part is the “normal” blood vessels and the blue circles are the drug attacking the cells. With that being said, your cells multiply very quickly and if enough drug isn’t given at one time it doesn’t kill off enough of the bad cells which means we have a  multiplied re-growth of Behcet’s cells. It isn’t the drug not working…it’s the cells within the body that quickly form and generate, causing the symptoms to progressively grow stronger.  The reason why Riutxan has worked best is because “MORE” drug is given at one time with this particular treatment, killing off more of the diseased cells.

So the resolution would be???

Happy B-day Daddy!

Inside of my Dad's 1941 Ford Pick-up Truck

As the wheels of life turn ever so quickly, taking us down volatile, winding roads that change the landscapes we try to improve and regulate so carefully, the inevitable end so faithfully occurs. But the memories stained deep within always remain and eases the pain. Oh daddy, how I wished I could have been at the wheel and in control of the little diversion your life took, so that you could enjoy the landscapes on the roads I have and will travel, and if whomever is in charge, has allowed you to see more beauty and all the roads I have and will travel through a much happier, beautiful, insightful perspective.

Dad I wish you the happiest B-day cause I know you're celebrating it! I wished you were here so I could celebrate it with you and you could enjoy your grandchildren. You would be so proud of them.


I love you daddy!

Do Trinidadians Know the Secret to a Happier Life?

Americans should be endeavoring to look further south/east, rather than the typical location - inside our pocket books or bank statements for happiness these days.  With the current economic climate bringing down more than just our spirits, we must find new ways to make our life happier and fulfilling.

I had the best conversation today with these women who were from Trinidad, which is along the Caribbean Sea. This young woman was talking to her friends about how much happier people are in that country than in America. I could not help but  intrude and began to question her to the reasons behind this precious gift they acquire. After all, I believe the ideology of the "American Dream" is in question and becoming somewhat obsolete as we speak! No I'm not talking about going on a vacation to some exotic island in the Caribbean, or moving to a foreign country! We just may need to adopt or improve a newer motto or at least take some lessons from these folks.  

Americans Are Judgmental

This reason really threw me for a loop (I just had this conversation with Nancy my BFF). I then began to question her on why she thinks  American’s are like this. Her answer was extremely simple, “Because they have never had to endure poverty level hard times like the people from third world countries do.” Trinidad is poor but nowhere near the “Third world country” status other fellow countries are. They have all the amenities American’s have but the work is limited which is what Americans are starting to experience. They have a sense of unity because they have had to work “Together” to make it through hard times. Pulling together as a community instead of looking down on someone for what they have lost or don’t have is an important part of being a happier person! I laughed because on a previous post, I had talked about volunteering for something to help our fellow Americans. Creating a unity in America and helping people instead of judging them for their faults and reasons why they are in whatever unfavorable position they may be in!


Maturity

Another reason was lots of Americans are very immature! I then told her, “This is why I love old people, because as we age we do become less judgmental, more compassionate and caring.” That’s why you see so many older folks that do volunteer work. But if we could tap into this maturity level earlier in life, maybe we can knock some years off of our life and look more youthful, happier and healthier!

This reason didn’t surprise me! I think there are lots of immature individuals in America…and it’s because they’ve never had to struggle in life or go through hard times! And if they did struggle and go through hard times and still look down on others than they must have some sort of spirtual-disconnetion from God!!

Resolution

So my question to her was, “Do you still associate with these types of people whom are disconnected from life or God, even if they are disconnected or have these big differences and issues?” Her resolved candid answer was, “ABSOLUTELY!” That is the key! It doesn’t matter the differences rather its; social, race or religion, we should all try lending our hearts and help be a good friend to all Americans!

If your judging....you're "Immaturely Worrying" about why that person isn't acting or doing things the way you think they should which is presumptions and premature on your part! I know I'm guilty of this! Because in life what goes up ultimately comes down in some respects...full circle!

Celebrate LIFE...Don't worry be HAPPY!

I'm going to have a new bumper sticker made that reads, "Achieving the American Dream.... TOGETHER.  Lending an Unbiased Helping Hand!"

February 10, 2009

I’ve been listening to this popular radio station - 106.1 Kidd in the mornings for two decades now. I love listening to this station because they are so funny and they typically have some great views. Last week Kidd created this quest inspired by Obama’s volunteer work (painting someone’s house the night before the inauguration and continuing with his volunteer work even after becoming President). Kidd asked his listeners to dedicate February 10, 2009 as “My Turn Day” a day to commit to volunteer to do something for someone or an organization, something that isn’t just about you! No matter how much time, just volunteer to do something, post it on your blog and talk about what you’re endeavoring to do and have committed to.

I always thought volunteer work shouldn't be bragged about! Therefore, I typically keep quite about this type of thing. But I think, Kidd's right,  if other people realize others are giving back to society, it could help other people want to give back as well creating a worldwide unity in America.

While listening, I thought about Mike’s grandmother, aunts, his cousin Ricky and my mother-in-law. These guys deserve an award! They constantly do volunteer work. They devote their time, money and life to the Moose. Ricky volunteers for his church, every year he takes clothes and food to the homeless. They are definitely inspiring individuals and I’m sure they will be awarded for it! I just want to tell them thanks for setting an example!

Mike and I joined and we endeavor to commit to this organization as much as we can but we aren’t even close to the time and efforts Mike’s family contributes to this organization. We need more members to keep our section open and going as well (this is something the two of us are working on).  The donations from the Moose organization go to children and elders; Moose Heart and Moose Haven. It’s a fantastic organization to join. I had my fund raiser a couple of weeks ago and I made floral arrangements to donate and raise money for the Health Awareness Committee which is what I’m on and this money went towards the Moose Heart fund (I raised $230.00 dollars to donate…it felt really good to do that for someone!).

A couple of the members which attended my fundraiser really liked my floral arrangements, so they asked me how much I would charge them to make one for their church to put in front of the altar! This was my volunteer work. I made it for them to take to the church and  did not charge them. They were so happy with it! I gave it to them on Saturday.

What’s your contribution to society, what can you commit to? Once you have committed to something; Blog it, Facebook it, Myspace it...etc on February 10, 2009. If you have already committed to something go ahead and post early like I have so that more people will be prepared on February 10, 2009. Thanks for your help!