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Flipping to Word Press

Ok, no rolling of the eyes here....I am seriously debating returning to Wordpress because of their added features. I hate to flip flop but what to do. I get bored with a format and yearn for change....the woman in me ha ha and ha ha.....but am considering it so don't be surprised if you see a link to my old site. ;^)

Managing Stress

This month is a killer. Am turning 40, have to fly to Florida for a week for a wedding and dad is in the hospital as I write this.

How to manage all of this without losing your mind?

Good question...

For me it has always been exercise however I canceled my membership at 24 Hour Fitness because I want to try out the three month exercise regime mentioned in this post. Burning off the anger, stress, ranting, crying, hair pulling, frustration, screaming, and all around kookiness of the issues I am facing will do wonders......

In the meantime I feel that taking all of this in stride, one day at a time is a must.

Thinking positive thoughts...knowing that there is a silver lining in every cloud (as corny as that can be) can be a life saver.

Good medicine for the soul...

Slow down!

It looks nicer in another language :^)

Check out more wonderful Omani photography from member Rossonero on English Sabla

Dualities of Personalities

Gotta listen to the whole thing.  ;^)

Dealing with an elderly parent part II

Normally I don't delve too much about my "personal" life here unless I feel it can benefit others.

I had a family emergency this week regarding my father who is diabetic and insulin dependent. He was transferred from the Marion VA Hospital to the one here in Saint Louis. Thankfully there are benefits out there for veterans like my dad and myself when the need should arise.

However, I can easily see how more money needs to be filtered into the VA hospitals in this country for several reasons (it's just not Walter Reed--check out this story for more reasons why we need to be an active voice for our nation's veterans):

The scandal has reverberated through generations of veterans. "It's been a potent reminder of past indignities and past traumas," said Thomas A. Mellman, a professor of psychiatry at Howard University who specializes in post-traumatic stress and has worked in Veterans Affairs hospitals. "The fact that it's been responded to so quickly has created mixed feelings -- gratification, but obvious regret and anger that such attention wasn't given before, especially for Vietnam veterans."

Across the country, some military quarters for wounded outpatients are in bad shape, according to interviews, Government Accountability Office reports and transcripts of congressional testimony. The mold, mice and rot of Walter Reed's Building 18 compose a familiar scenario for many soldiers back from Iraq or Afghanistan who were shipped to their home posts for treatment. Nearly 4,000 outpatients are currently in the military's Medical Holding or Medical Holdover companies, which oversee the wounded. Soldiers and veterans report bureaucratic disarray similar to Walter Reed's: indifferent, untrained staff; lost paperwork; medical appointments that drop from the computers; and long waits for consultations.

My personal observations

1. They are understaffed (big time)
2. The hospitals are outdated and in need of repair. (The conditions which these vets are hospitalized in leaves allot to be desired).
3. With the influx of war veterans the US Government has to step up to the plate and fix these problems...along with everything else that is in need of help in the VA system.

Be your own advocate

Being a diabetic means watching (diligently...almost religiously) what you eat and HOW you take care of your body. Dad, for whatever reason, doesn't take care of himself like he should with this disease.

Everything falls on mom or the children.

I cannot stress enough how important it is for parents to ensure that they can manage their health care. Create living wills, make sure your affairs are in order (for the inevitable), use common sense....(canNOT stress that enough).

Children are there, of course for the moral support and if need to be to step in. But at the same time I am a strong advocate of people taking charge of their lives if they are capable of doing so. Don't get lazy or stubborn about these issues. I for one plan on making sure that my affairs are in order, that I use common sense when it comes to my health, and to create the least amount of stress for my only child when that time does arise in the far off future.

Taking care of my health now, mental and physical not only is common sense but a responsibility that I have to myself and to my family.

Be your own advocate!!!

Favorite Arabic Poem

A comment was asked regarding which Arabic poem is my favorite. Hands down it is the Story of Layla and Majnun (interpretation by Ahmad al-Alawi):

Full near I came unto where dwelleth

Layla, when I heard her call.

That voice, would I might ever hear it!

She favored me, and drew me to her,

Took me in, into her precinct,

With discourse intimate addressed me.

She sat me by her, then came closer,

Raised the cloak that hid her from me,

Made me marvel to distraction,

Bewildered me with all her beauty.

She took me and amazed me,

And hid me in her inmost self,

Until I thought that she was I,

And my life she took as ransom.

She changed me and transfigured me,

And marked me with her special sign,

Pressed me to her, put me from her,

Named me as she is named.

Having slain and crumbled me,

She steeped the fragments in her blood.

Then, after my death, she raised me:

My star shines in her firmament.

Where is my life, and where my body,

Where my willful soul? From her

The truth of these shone out to me

Secrets that had been hidden from me.

Mine eyes have never seen but her:

To naught else can they testify.

All meanings in her are comprised.

Glory be to her Creator!

Thou that beauty wouldst describe,

Here is something of her brightness

Take it from me. It is my art.

Think it not idle vanity.

My Heart lied not when it divulged

The secret of my meeting her.

If nearness unto her effaceth,

I still subsist in her substance.

Follow Your Heart: The Story of Layla and Majnun
By J. T. Coker

Whoever would find a place in that world must tread on the lusts of this world. This world is dust and is perishable. That world is pure and eternal. . . . Commit yourself to love's sanctuary and at once find freedom from your ego. Fly in love as an arrow towards its target. Love loosens the knots of being, love is liberation from the vortex of egotism. In love, every cup of sorrow which bites into the soul gives it new life. Many a draft bitter as poison has become in love delicious. . . . However agonizing the experience, if it is for love it is well.

Struggling with faith

Not necessarily faith in myself but my religious faith.

I was brought up Roman Catholic in a Hispanic household. Baptized at approx. 6 months of age.

Though I will always cherish the Saints and the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church I wonder though....is it the right faith for me?

An interesting book to read is My Struggle with Faith by Father Joseph E. Girzone.

Reverand Marlene S. Blackhad this to say about the book:

What I found to be refreshing was that despite the author's affiliation with the Catholic church he does not go out of his way to cast it in a particularly flattering light. His assessments are fair and honest. He plunges headlong into the religious/political 'hot potatoes' giving his take on the issues.

It is clear that Girzone longs for the type of church outlined by Jesus during His earthly ministry. He is a man not to idly follow the masses. He sets out on his own quest and brings his readers along on the educational journey. Everyone who reads this book will walk away with a new understanding of their own personal faith. All church leaders would benefit greatly from reading this inspiring book.

My Struggle with Faith opens eyes to how much more time could be devoted to the study of the Word and building that closer relationship with Jesus that the human soul longs for and was created for. Mankind looks more to ritual than relationship. I trust Fr. Girzone's book will change many lives. A tremendous addition to any readers collection.

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Looks like another book to buy and read....keep in my "forever" library.

Al Mutanabi

أنا الذي نظر الأعمى إلى أدبـي
وأسـمعت كلماتي من به صممُ

And in the same poem:

الخيل والليل والبيـداء تعرفني 
والسيف والرمح والقرطاس والقل

It is I whose words the blind could see,
And whose words the deaf had harkened.

I'm known to the horse, the night, the wilderness,
And to the sword, the spear and the plume.

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Find more inspiring Arabic poetry here on English Sabla

PS90X

I was watching the infomercial (and usually skip these things when I channel surf)...but it caught my eye  because for quite some time I have been wanting to find something that would mentally and physically challenge me. The gym isn't cutting it.  

Not only did I dread going there because it can be intimidating....it just isn't what I am seeking for my personal long-term fitness goals.

So I watched the infomercial....(didn't scoff this time around)....and you know what....this one hooked me....so I cancelled my membership and am going to buy the package.  I figure the money I spent the last year and a half at the gym did what it could do and now in the privacy in my own home I can work the way I want to without being self-conscious of others "watching" me as I do...so this is the best fit for me (and am posing a challenge to my brother and sister to see if they will accept this and we do this "together" though live in different states):

P90X is a revolutionary system of 12 sweat-inducing, muscle-pumping workouts, designed to transform your body from regular to ripped in just 90 days. You'll also receive a comprehensive 3-phase nutrition plan, specially designed supplement options, a detailed fitness guide, a calendar to track your progress, online peer support, and much more. Your personal trainer, Tony Horton, will keep you engaged every step of the way, and you won't believe your results!

Celebrating the 4-0 early

After a long day with her sister..............

At the wax muesum in Laclede's Landing (Saint Louis)

The devil in me (see the eyes)...........

Sister decided to come down and celebrate this milestone early in case things get too busy in Florida:

For my mother....

I grew up listening to this artist...when I hear his songs, his voice...it takes me back decades to when I was a  girl safe in my mother's arms:

Estando contigo

Me olvido de todo y de mi

Parece que todo lo tengo

Teniendote a ti

Y no siento este mal

Que me agobia

Y que llevo conmigo

Arruinando esta vida

Que tengo y no puedo vivir

Eres luz que ilumina

Las noches en mi largo camino

Y es por eso

Que frente al destino

No quiero vivir

Una rosa en tu pelo

Parece una estrella en el cielo

Y en el viento parece un acento

Tu voz musical

Y parece un destello de luz

La medalla en tu cuello

Al menor movimiento

De tu cuerpo al andar

Yo a tu lado no siento las horas

Que van con el tiempo

Ni me acuerdo que llevo en mi pecho

Una herida mortal

Yo contigo no siento el sonar

De la lluvia y el viento

Porque llevo tu amor en mi pecho

Como un madrigal 

******My Brother******

AKA Captain Morgan

I Did It My Way

This song is the epidomy of how I lived my life and how I wished to have lived it...fully, with no regret I've lived a life that's full:

And now, the end is near;

And so I face the final curtain.

My friend, Ill say it clear,

Ill state my case, of which Im certain.

Ive lived a life thats full.

Ive traveled each and evry highway;

And more, much more than this,

I did it my way.

Regrets, Ive had a few;

But then again, too few to mention.

I did what I had to do

And saw it through without exemption.

I planned each charted course;

Each careful step along the byway,

But more, much more than this,

I did it my way.

Yes, there were times, Im sure you knew

When I bit off more than I could chew.

But through it all, when there was doubt,

I ate it up and spit it out.

I faced it all and I stood tall;

And did it my way.

Ive loved, Ive laughed and cried.

Ive had my fill; my share of losing.

And now, as tears subside,

I find it all so amusing.

To think I did all that;

And may I say - not in a shy way,

No, oh no not me,

I did it my way.

For what is a man, what has he got?

If not himself, then he has naught.

To say the things he truly feels;

And not the words of one who kneels.

The record shows I took the blows -And did it my way!

We need to remember this....................

Ojos Asi (Shakira)

Dubai Concert:

Airlines Drop Military Luggage Fees

I previously reported about airlines charging soldiers (going to combat) fees for extra luggage...fees which include their mandatory gear to take into a war zone....

My reaction to such insanity was ????

Thankfully (I would assume under public pressure and hopefully shame) they cut out these ridiculous fees:

All major U.S. carriers were allowing military to check two bags for free, but the $100 industry norm for the third checked bag was hitting young troops directly in their wallets, despite some assurances from the Defense Department that the fee might be reimbursable at a later date. The VFW weighed in by asking the Air Transport Association to work with its member airlines to exempt military personnel traveling on orders from paying baggage fees on a third piece of checked luggage. "A $100 is a huge out-of-pocket expense to someone who doesn't earn very much," said Gardner, "and that's why this luggage fee waiver is so important. Our troops can now properly focus on their mission instead of remembering to complete a travel voucher in a war zone."

ATA president James C. May, the VFW national commander expressed his thanks to the association for facilitating the fee waiver with its member airlines.

You can read his letter here

About My Playlist

I will be continuously adding songs from various musical genre. If you wish to hear any of these songs just click play and it will automatically begin.

Eastern Legends

Today I was introduced to Chinese classical music---the blending of classical, oriental and even sometimes rock has its own delightful mix...all I have to say is: "You have to listen to this yourself":

Eastern Legends

They may look like supermodels, but these musicians are anything but just pretty faces. Like the frantic gypsy punk of Gogol Bordello and the sultry modern look and classical sound of the Medieval Baebes, they're a hybrid. The 13 members of the Chai Found Music Workshop have melded the strings of Shizhu music with the strut of rock 'n' roll to bring a whole new life to both the folk songs the band plays and the traditional instruments they play them on. The combo has proven a big success back home with sold-out shows and best-selling albums. The band, who play at 3 p.m. on Saturday and Monday and 2 p.m. on Sunday, had their Canadian debut last week in Toronto and, in the view of the festival director, will be one of the highlights of this year's event. "To me," notes Charlie Wu, "Eastern Legends is a perfect symbol of how much Taiwan has evolved, their music brings the past, the present and the future together."

Kids and Culture

My daughter attended an Asian music performance last night at a local community college. From the start I knew I wanted any child of mine to be exposed to the diversity of humanity. Glad to say my hard work and perseverance paid off. My kid loves Japanese culture and is not intimidated by people who come from different backgrounds. Growing up secluded (almost) in Southern Indiana I faced prejudiced due to being bi-racial and I vowed my daughter would learn the value of being different and to be proud of her own heritage.

It's all good.......

For my mother and Puerto Ricans everywhere

BABY this song is mio mio mio para siempre!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Déjame soñar!!!!

Por Una Cabeza

This tango always brings tears to my eyes:





And with the great Al Pacino:

AMEN...AMEN...AMEN...

What's wrong with the world mama?

People living like aint got no mamas

I think the whole worlds addicted to the drama

Only attracted to the things that bring you trauma

Overseas yeah we tryin to stop terrorism

But we still got terrorists here livin

In the USA the big CIA the Bloodz and the Crips and the KKK

But if you only have love for your own race

Then you only leave space to discriminate

And to discriminate only generates hate

And if you hatin you're bound to get irate

Yeah madness is what you demonstrate

And that's exactly how anger works and operates

You gotta have love just to set it straight

Take control of your mind and meditate

Let your soul gravitate to the love y'all

People killing people dying

Children hurtin you hear them crying

Can you practice what you preach

Would you turn the other cheek?

Father Father Father help us

Send some guidance from above

Cause people got me got me questioning

Where is the love?

It just ain't the same all ways have changed

New days are strange is the world the insane?

If love and peace so strong

Why are there pieces of love that don't belong

Nations dropping bombs

Chemical gases filling lungs of little ones

With ongoing suffering

As the youth die young

So ask yourself is the loving really strong?

So I can ask myself really what is going wrong

With this world that we living in

People keep on giving in

Makin wrong decisions

Only visions of them livin and

Not respecting each other

Deny thy brother

The wars' going on but the reasons' undercover

The truth is kept secret

Swept under the rug

If you never know truth

Then you never know love

Where's the love y'all?(I don't know)

Where's the truth y'all?(I don't know)

Where's the love y'all?

People killing people dying

Children hurtin you hear them crying

Can practice what you preach

Would you turn the other cheek?

Father father father help us

Send some guidance from above

Cause people got me got me questioning

Where is the love?

I feel the weight of the world on my shoulder

As I'm getting older y'all people get colder

Most of us only care about money makin

Selfishness got us followin the wrong direction

Wrong information always shown by the media

Negative images is the main criteria

Infecting their young minds faster than bacteria

Kids wanna act like what the see in the cinema

Whatever happened to the values of humanity

Whatever happened to the fairness and equality

Instead of spreading love, we're spreading anomosity

Lack of understanding, leading us away from unity

That's the reason why sometimes I'm feeling under

That's the reason why sometimes

I'm feeling down

It's no wonder why sometimes

I'm feeling under

I gotta keep my faith alive, until love is found

People killing people dying

Children hurtin you hear them crying

Can you practice what you preach

Would you turn the other cheek?

Father Father Father help us

Send some guidance from above

Cause people got me got me questioning

Where is the love?

Cleaning as therapy

I have come to realize that when I do a really good cleaning somehow, inside I feel better. Maybe weird to some who read this but if you think about it--honestly...when you're stressed out or bored if you clean up (like I did the fridge) I felt better. There must be something about a mindless task for perking up the spirit. Or is it the Virgo in me? All I know is that I felt much better and do when everything is in its place. Having a sense of order is good. Ok not to be anal about it but to try:

This was cute:

Heavy cleaning is also great when you and your husband have had an argument. "I'll show you, I'm going to make the kitchen spotless!" No, that's not what I mean. But there's no arguing that the expenditure of energy used while you're moving boxes in the garage is a better use than hollering things you might later regret. Cleaning gives you a chance to think and rethink what you want to say without having angry outbursts come out. After you've cleaned for an hour or so and thought things through, you might still feel the same, but you're likely to be a lot more calm in presenting your point of view.

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So ladies and gents if you are stressed, bored..whatever grab a can of Endust and a rag, get your vacuum and go for it. I know I will.

Yellow.............

Taking control

I watched a show this afternoon on TLC: Big as Life, regarding the alarming rate of obesity rising in America. Over half of the US population is overweight. An alarming statistic. The American map pictured illustrates U.S. Obesity Trends 1989–2007. According to the progam by the end of this century 100% of the US population will be overweight. My jaw dropped on THAT one.

Obesity as an epidemic....What could this mean? Are people not controlling their portions? Are we becoming a nation of fast food eaters? Laziness? What is it?

Stress........OCD compulsions.........bad habits.............a quick fix............a set lifestyle?

Yes, I too was overweight at 190 pounds and I decided to take control of what I put in my mouth. Lost 50 pounds in three years. It can be done but not by dieting alone if you do not consciously alter your eating habits. What I found with myself at least....is that when I deprived myself of certain goodies (i.e. McDonald's...love their french fries...chocolate, soda) I would overcompensate and all those intense calorie counting days were shot in an instant.

I had to control my desires, urges...whatever you wish to call it. Quit feeling sorry for myself and take charge of my life. My life.

I completely understand that there are predisposed conditions out there (genetics) which can cause people to gain weight no matter how little they eat. I would think that as the pounds were put on these individuals would actively seek out help in finding out why they continue to gain weight. When do we accept responsibility for our own life?

We don't want to become a society where our health care system becomes overtaxed because of simple solutions. For one, diabetes is a horrible disease, not to mention heart disease, high blood pressure and a slew of other issues out there which can take away a wonderful life.

What makes some individuals take control and others let go?

Depression?

Pity?

What?

Overweight and Obesity: An Overview

--Overweight and obesity result from an energy imbalance. This involves eating too many calories and not getting enough physical activity.
--Body weight is the result of genes, metabolism, behavior, environment, culture, and socioeconomic status.
--Behavior and environment play a large role causing people to be overweight and obese. These are the greatest areas for prevention and treatment actions.

For myself I became tired of being tired so I decided...because something clicked within me to say enough is enough. Diabetes runs in my family, both sides and I didn't want to become a victim as it has claimed my father, grandmother, great grandmother and countless others.

Change.............just a word but can mean so much...............

Taking control of how you live your life and being proactive in staying healthy goes a long way.

A long way.

Intellectual Stimulation

Sometimes I am utterly bored with the direction my life is taking......career wise, personal blah blah....a curse of having too good of an education & trying to find your niche----there simply is not enough years in a lifetime to do what you have a passion for. And you feel like a monkey trapped in a cage.

2 VERY spoiled kitties

The chubby cheeked white one is the devil incarnate..........no really................

Words can mean everything...

Japanese Festival 2008 II

There was so much color, sound, flavors, energy....a wonderful visit. (Click on pictures to enlarge them).

Japanese Festival 2008

Sumo Wrestling--St. Louis Japanese Festival 2008

Watching the American Sumos (from Hawaii) wrestle at the botanical gardens was a wonderful experience. My daughter had her picture taken with them along with gaining their autographs:

Sumo is a Japanese kind of wrestling and Japan’s national sport. It originated in ancient times as religious performances to the Shinto gods. Nowadays, many ancient rituals are still followed. The basic rules of sumo are simple: the wrestler who either first touches the floor with something other than his sole or leaves the ring before his opponent, loses.

My daughter personally meet “Koryu” and “Sunahama” who are former professional sumo who now reside in Hawaii. Their personalities were enigmatic and my kid practiced her Japanese with them...

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For my daughter and I it was quite an honor to be in their presence and for my daughter to meet them in person.

Marlon Brando: An Icon

This was a man who jumped to a cause when it wasn't deemed "fashionable" by Hollywood standards. Not just a pretty boy onscreen his acting abilities and his extraordinary contrast on and off camera could be found in the causes he embraced and the movies he immersed himself in. Whether it be for the Civil Rights movements or his protests regarding the Cold War Marlon was a complex man.

Brando changed modern acting by popularizing "the Method," a technique which emphasized emotional truth and naturalistic style. Brando was a smash hit on Broadway in A Streetcar Named Desire in 1947; in the early 1950s he was nominated in four consecutive years for best actor Oscars, winning once for the 1954 film On the Waterfront. (He was also nominated as Marc Antony in 1953's Julius Caesar, for playing Emiliano Zapata in 1952's Viva Zapata!, and for the 1951 film version of Streetcar.) In the 1970s Brando became hot all over again, winning a second Oscar for playing Mafia kingpin Don Corleone in The Godfather. In later years Brando became famous for his reclusiveness and Orson Welles-like girth. His last feature film was the 2001 heist thriller The Score, in which he was paired with Method-trained actors from two younger generations: Robert DeNiro and Edward Norton.

The Meaning of Dreams

I have always had blockbuster full in color dreams.

Technicolor....yeahhh...anyway had one of those deja vu kind of dreams last night where I was driving down the interstate in a red car (could have been mine but my memory is a tad foggy on some details)....however I do know this: I was in Florida and all of a sudden either a flood or hurricane came washing in and all of my ID was taken...not to mention the road was partially washed out. I sort of remember that I was on my way to New York....why? Don't know. Maybe the impending trip to Florida is screwing with my psyche.....................




I tend to dream allot about floods and hurricanes. Found this information regarding water:

Flood
Floods are caused by heavy rain and the melting of snow. Water in any form, including rain and snow, symbolizes emotions. Dreaming about being in a flood is an indication that the dreamer is currently experiencing powerful emotions that may be overwhelming. The flood in your dream could represent a very powerful, or even violent, emotionally cleansing experience. But don't worry, just like in an actual flood, waters reside and so do emotions. Water at times represents the flow of life and this dream may point to your feelings of being overwhelmed by it. Depending on the content of the dream and your emotional experience in it, the flood could also represent sexuality and be a sexual dream symbol. (On that one I would say errrr NO.)

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Never boring....had dreams of being chased by aliens, witches, you name it. World Wars, haunted mansions, dreaming of my childhood home....Like I said....they are never boring...you could sit back, pop some popcorn and enjoy the show. ;^)

Japanese Festival

My daughter wants to attend this year's Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Gardens, which is being held from August 30th through September 1st. She wore her authentic kimono last year and probably will do so again.

The Missouri Botanical Gardens offers various cultural activities throughout the year and this festival is just one of them. They offer a variety of wonderful venues of entertainment:

Festival Events
Opening Ceremony*AkidoBon Odori*BonsaiCalligraphy *Candlelight Walks*CandymanChildren's Activities*Choral GroupCinemaCooking DemosCraft Demos*Dashi*Fujima Ryu / NamiGakuHana and Niji*Ice Sculpture*IkebanaJapanese GardenJudoKaraoke Karate
KendoKimono*Kodomo No Asobi*KoinoboriKoma‑MawashiKoryu BugeiMartial ArtsMusicOkinawa Deigo Kai*OmikoshiOrigami*Rakugo*Raku YakiShiboriSumo*Tea CeremonyTaiko*Tozan RyuWalking Tours*Zen

With my daughter's avid interest in the Japanese culture (can speak, read, and write the language) along with her knowledge of their various customs it is always a treat to take her to such events.

Prayers answered

I was hoping overtime would be offered for September and it has. With our backlog (God bless you the public, veterans and whoever else is coming in for military records)....Ecstatic yet not at the same time because it means long hours here at the office.

Trying to create a semblance of order regarding certain aspects of my life is sorely wanted......how does overtime have anything to do with this? It just does and though it means more work it is work I will gladly do for the sake of what I am hoping to accomplish.

Memories of another life

I was surfing the net for an item and came upon this article regarding the International Student Organization and how I co-founded this innovative way of bringing together diverse mixture of international students under the academic umbrella:

People gathered for International Night, presented by the International Student Organization, on Friday in Dede I and II to experience through speakers, food, a fashion show and dance the ethnic diversity that exists on campus.

"The biggest reason for having an International Night is to show how diverse ISU is," said Timur Mirzoev, president of ISO.

Mirzoev said another reason for having such a night was to educate people.
"They can learn something from this night just by interacting and talking with all these people coming from different countries," he said.

Steve Chao, associate director of the International Affairs Center and special guest of the night, also spoke to the audience. He said it was great to see so many people from so many different ethnic groups.

"This night helps to understand and interact with the aspect of different cultures," he said. "It also teaches to be respectful."

...ISO was created two years ago to help international students cope with any problems they may face. The organization has grown since then under the presidency of Mirzoev, elected a year ago.
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I haven't seen too many articles regarding ISO since its inception and subsequent year after we left it in the hands of another student...and hope that this innovative way of bringing different cultures together within the university is still thriving.

Renewing America

The Democratic Convention will focus on the need to revitalize the image of America, Americans and our reputation at large. There is the fever of Renewing America's Promise.

For myself, a self-professed patriot who dearly loves her country....I am yearning for some well-needed change for my country...a better life for her citizens.

These past few years have really slammed hard our reputation overseas and created an internal struggle for the average American. I hurt for my country and many Americans are desperate for change.

Every day Americans will be appearing such as Iraqi Bronze Star recipient Koby Langley, and a laid off Michigan autoworker and another laid off North Carolina textile worker with mounting medical bills.

The 2008 convention will be a convention of firsts and will try to do my best to watch what I can when home:

"The 2008 Democratic National Convention will be a first-rate, technologically savvy Convention that will celebrate the strength of Barack Obama and the Democratic Party, the diversity we embrace, the values we share and our vision for America."

You can also check out the convention blog and keep up to date to the events scheduled and get an "inside" look at the process.

Ms. Black Thumb (in cooking)

I am not the greatest of cooks...there I said it and I do get teased for it at times. I tried, oh yes I have tried from the time I was a teen until now...is it impatience? Is cooking not part of my DNA?

I attempted to make my first homemade Stromboli last night.....it came up a tad dry and listless...sigh...nothing like what I had hoped it would be. However perseverance does pay off and I will delve into the kitchen once more to see if something resembling a Stromboli will come out...though my kid loved it (she is such a sweetheart)...I know what I am up against at work...(a coworker is going to be making one also to bring in tomorrow and her cooking always rocks).

I think I am getting by just like this blogger.

The NCO Creed

No one is more professional than I. I am a Noncommissioned Officer, a leader of soldiers. As a Noncommissioned Officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as "The Backbone of the Army". I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the Military Service and my country regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.

Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind -- accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my soldiers. I will strive to remain tactically and technically proficient. I am aware of my role as a Noncommissioned Officer. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.

Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, Noncommissioned Officers, leaders!

Simba on the prowl

" Where is it mama?"

(As I write this he is still trying to capture his imaginary butterfly...)