IT'S BLACK HISTORY MONTH!

We should remember everyday but this is a special time set aside for Black History Month!

Still I Rise

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You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I'll rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? 'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells Pumping in my living room. Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise. Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops. Weakened by my soulful cries. Does my haughtiness offend you? Don't you take it awful hard 'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines Diggin' in my own back yard. You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I'll rise. Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise That I dance like I've got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs? Out of the huts of history's shame I rise Up from a past that's rooted in pain I rise I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise. Maya Angelou

WAW

WAW = What a Weekend!

As if the last couple months haven't been enough of a roller coaster! Lord help me to hold on.....This weekend has been filled with joys and pains!

The weekend started out on a painful and shocking note. As I walked out of the lab after work Friday, I heard the most horrible sound! It shook me to the core and I knew something bad had happened. I turned to see that a little 7 year old girl had been struck by a vehicle. From what I could see and was told, the little girl ran out to cross Highway 146 (four lanes and a turn lane) and the lady driving the vehicle tried to stop and was unable to stop in time. I ran back inside screaming, to let my bosses know what happened. Luckily they (my bosses) were able to come to the aid of the lady that struck the girl. Lord have mercy on her. Who expects to experience something like that? She felt guilt, sadness, and worry. I was definitely traumatized by this event. Because I was preparing to go to the Homecoming Football Game - old friends, rooting for the team and supporting my nephew. I definitely had not prepared for this tragic event. The little girl named Savannah was lifeflighted to Memorial Hermann in the medical center. I do not know the status. Just asking everyone to pray for both of these families!

We won the Homecoming game, that was a high time! Especially considering the start to this football season. I was even more excited to see my dear friend Valerie's son Micah crowned Homecoming King.

Saturday morning, tragedy strikes again, as a dear extended family member was beaten and left for dead. Praise God that he is speaking and feeling much better. We thank you for your tender mercies, Lord.

At some point Saturday morning, my dad showed signs of pink eye. Bless his heart. I put some ointment and drops in his eyes which helped. (getting him the doctor Monday). While I was gone to the concert, he also had a little mishap with my little Birthday Twin - between her grabbing hands and a coffee cup. As a result, after returning home, I discovered he has a sore and broken toe nail. He will need lots of TLC, but is feeling better. He is a trooper.

Oh yes the concert on Saturday! We were invited by a dear family friend, Mrs. Linda Johnson to listen to some sweet melodies. I was blessed to witness some soul stirring and spirit filling singing from Ms. Gladys Knight and the Saints Unified Voices Choir! Just amazing. I am telling you, that you haven't heard nothing til you hear Glady's Knight sing "His Eye is on the Sparrow!"  Her testimony was powerfulas well! I am really touched and felt so welcomed by the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints.

At work this morning, just thinking of this weekend. Seems like a long one. Just reminds you that anything can happen. I am going to live life to the fullest!

New Way of Life

Words cannot express the joy you feel when you are growing your own business. I have been a part of Unicity since November. Since then, I have felt the joy of helping a few others to a healthier and wealthier life. I would love to help you.

View our information, testimonials, and more about the products at http://www.pgdnews.com/

Just give me a call! I would be happy to set up a time to present more information to you.

Here's to increasing our HEALTH and WEALTH in 2011!

Btw I'm down 22 pounds! I was able to wear a skirt I refused to throw away and determined to wear again, just last week! It works!!!!

MY OWN

As most of friends and family know, I auditioned online for my own talk show with Oprah's new network - OWN. I've been watching the shows on the new network, and enjoying them. There is a reality show for the 10 finalists in the "Your OWN Show" competition. At first I said I wouldn't watch it. I don't know if I would say I was bitter but maybe just nervous to see who was "better" than me. Well I saw as it was a Mark Burnett produced show, it had a lot of similarities to The Apprentice. All in all I would say I think I could have done a great job and really do not see how these finalisits were able to stand out. I guess you win some, you lose some. But I have come into my own and watching it actually gives me the courage to not give up on my own dreams!

A New Healthy Life

As last month was Diabetes Awareness Month, it was a perfect time to reflect on my health and wealth. Both of my parents are diabetics. I had 3 grandparents that were diabetic. I have 2 sisters that are diabetic. As they say, it "runs" in the family. I started on Bios Life Slim and several of our other fabulous products. So far I have more energy. I don't feel as bloated. I've lost 15lbs and inches off my arms and in my waist.

Our biggest product - Slim helps with weight loss, diabetes management, and lowers the cholesterol level.

Even if you don't need to lose weight, we have tons of products to help you maintain your healthy lifestyle and a great business opportunity for you to have your OWN FRANCHISE just like me and all the other wonderful people at Unicity!

Take a look below at an overview and let's start this new year with a bang!

http://www.pgdnews.com/

Loving and Living Life

I'm so excited. I am changing and growing. I am taking control of my finances and my health. I have to share the amazing news of Bios Life Slim and other health and wellness products from Unicity International. I have just started the products this week and my energy levels are up and I have lost some inches in my mid section.

check out more information about our products and let me know if you are ready to see your weight drop and your pockets grow! Even if you do not have weight to lose we have energy products and other supplements to keep your body well and clean!

http://www.pgdnews.com/

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

What to do??????? Put a mobile home beside my parents? Buy some land in Hardin/Moss Hill area and build a small home? Purchase a starter home in Mont Belvieu, Baytown or Atascocita (trying to stay close to my parents)? Or buy a nice size foreclosure home at a good price but will have to fix up?

So many decisions to make but as I have a birthday tomorrow, I am feeling the pressure of my 30's. Several times before I was going to buy a home but could never make up my mind. I wish I would have bought a home back then. Over the years I have paid wayyyyyy too much rent for places that will never be mine. I want something of my own. It upsets me that some people in my family think that I should just wait and inherit my parents home. Well, I hope that my parents are around for a long time to come. Also why is it that everyone else in my family can experience the joy of owning their own home and I can't??? Isn't that a bit selfish? I want to stay close to my parents as their primary caretaker. So I have some big decisions to make...

Dejavu

I had dejavu the other day, wasn't the first time. But this time I am antsy about it, I tried to explain it to my mom and why I was excited about what might come of the dejavu I had before. Oh well, don't think she got it, ha! I'm just hoping it means what I think it does! If so I will tell you all about it in the near future. (crosses fingers and keeps the faith)

Had a great weekend kicked off with Hornet Football Homecoming on Friday. I don't think I've had this much school spirit since I was in school. I am excited about Hardin Ex Students Association, so all you that haven't join, let me know so I can get you into a great organization that is concerned with keeping spirit for the former students and current students. You don't have to be a graduate just have attended a Hardin school. Memberships are $25 for annual dues, then we have the Hornet $250, Blue $500, and Gold (Lifetime) $1,000. I am the decade cooridinator for 1991-2000. I graduated in 1996 so I need someone from the other years to volunteer to help with gathering memberships from ex students. We have a scholarship fund, we are restoring the Home Ec Cottage as our permanent meeting place after the school board approves it, and we have other projects in the works. GO HORNETS!

Dragonfly

So this past week has been hard. Mark and I broke up for good, I'm sure and we both agreed it was time, but it's still hard for me. I guess he's taking it better or at least acting like it. I think for me it's just that we have put 2 years into this and it's failed but hey some people put longer than that into it and do the same. We just couldn't make it work so many miles apart. Our relationship never stood a chance. But the past couple days I have been much better! Along with my parents illnesses that have kept me busy taking care of them and not really myself, I've started the thoughts of being ready for marriage and a family of my own. I've been stressed!!!!!!!

So Thursday morning I picked my mom up for dialysis. In comes a dragonfly through the front door when I was loading the car. Just the day before someone posted a church saying about a different type of "drag n fly" and my friend Shelli posted something about the real "dragonfly" and its symbolism. I told her about it and received encouragement from her. I saw another yesterday. I don't know if this is a sign but I am hoping it is.

I feel better after a couple days on Galveston Island. Just waiting on these two dragonflies to do their work. Here is tidbit on the symbolism of dragonflies......

DRAGONFLY SYMBOLISM
For as many cultural meanings there are for Dragonflies, there are just as many symbol meanings of the strong winged insect. The main symbolism are renewal, positive force and power of life in general with a sense of self that comes with maturity. The Dragonfly is a creature of the wind so it's only fitting that it represents change. They skitter across the water surface implying that our deeper thoughts are surfacing. We are reminded that when our deeper thoughts rise we must also pay close attention to what is deeper than what's on the surface.The Dragonfly's colors are a result of reflecting the power of light so they are associated with color magic or an illusion in causing others only to see what you want them to see. They remind us that we are made of light and we can reflect light in powerful ways if we choose to. They symbolize going past self created illusions that limit our growing and changing and being a creature of water they carry a symbol of dreaming and thoughts.The most popular answer of dragonfly symbolism is the sense of self that comes with maturity and there's a strong link to them and butterflies since they both represent change. Dragonflies are a creature that you learn to appreciate as you age and look more deeply at your life, which is where the link to change and self appreciation comes in. As we age we don't just see the surface of things, we start to pick apart our lives and see more meaning in things. No matter what symbol you see in the insect, the fact is that the dragonfly lives a short life and lives it's life to the fullest which is the strongest lesson we can learn from them overall.

Cast your vote for my talk show on OWN TV

HELLO WORLD! I've always had a dream of touching people's lives through efficient communication and bonding practices via television. My dream might just come true and you can help me achieve it.

I am auditioning for my OWN show on Oprah Winfrey's new television network. Please cast your vote in support of me. You can vote as many times as you like until July 3rd.

For those of you that don't know me as well......I'm giving, outgoing, funny, talented, and ready to show America how we can love life! I've always been told I should have my own talk show and I never stopped believing that I could. This is my chance!

I would appreciate if you would PASS THE WORD!!!!!

Morika's Audition: Real Life with Rika - OWN TV
http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=1310&promo_id=1

HAPPY!

Mom is better and I have started getting a lot more help! This is allowing me to continue to pursue my dreams. I am hoping to have a great announcement in the coming weeks!!!!!!

ME TIME

I really enjoyed the vacation time Mark and I had last month. But I stay so busy doing for others when I am at home, I make no time for myself. I have been blaming others but last night after I forgot something I wanted to attend with a friend. I realized I could only blame myself. I have let this consume me. I miss the days when I had fun with friends and good times. The past couple years have been hell but I know that I can make it better and I have to let myself have time for myself.

My mom on dialysis

So while I was on vacation in Vegas/California, my mom went into the hopsital for kidney failure. Her kidney function has been going down the past 4 years or so. Unfortunately because she wasn't taking her medicine correctly becaue she wanted to continue to teach, tests were showing a false function percentage. Once she retired and started taking the meds correctly about 6 weeks ago, true function was showing in blood tests. So far dialysis has been a roller coaster. As her primary care giver it's hard on me. Really hard, I get help here and there but it's not like the 24/7 experience I have on top of making sure my dad is alright as well. It's hard and I have had to put some of my plans on hold. I would love to hear from other children with parents on dialysis and in my position. I think it will be therapeutic. On a positive note, my mom was switched to morning shift for her dialysis yesterday and it worked better. Hoping maybe she can get switched for good, that would be great.

Vegas Again!

I haven't blogged in awhile. So let me blog about my next vacation. Well I was in Las Vegas in October for Wendy & Rob's wedding. Well as if we didn't have enough of Vegas ;) - we are going back. Mark and I are going for 4 days then we are headed back to his hometown area of San Jose, CA. I'll be there for about 5 days. Really excited about Vegas because my new friend Arica and her beau Brandon will be in Vegas at the same time :). She was in Vegas in Oct. as well since after all we met at Wendy's Bachelorette Party. I am so looking forward to time away. I have been extremely stressed and it's all taking a toll on me. I have been doing the best I can to take care of my parents but it's hard doing it alone and it takes most of my time. While everyone seems to think since I have no kids or husband it's easier for me. But I will be 50 years old starting a family if I dont get a chance to start my own family like they have already had the opportunity. But I suppose at some point I will have some sort of blessing coming towards me for this sacrifice. In the mean time I will have VEGAS ;-D!

Charlie Wilson

I first traveled to the Nation's capitol - Washington, D.C. when I was 15. It was the summer after my freshman year in high school. The trip was the BIG band trip. The every 4 year trip which in recent years had been to Disney World. Instead it was D.C. It was fun and the highlight was performing on the steps of the nation's capitol. Rep. Charlie Wilson was a huge part in making that happen. I will always remember that. Meeting him was a joy and in years following I would always tell the story of the little band from Hardin, Texas that traveled to the U.S. Capitol. Ironically an old high school friend posted some pix from our trip a few days ago on facebook. I thought of Charlie Wilson again and the entire wonderful experience. I will always have fond memories of a great moment with wonderful people growing up including my favortite band director Gary Monroe. Years and years later the victories of Charlie Wilson were brought to the big screen in Charlie Wilson's War with Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. I again told the story. Sadly Charlie Wilson lost his battle and died today. I will always remember him - BIG TEXAS LEGEND with a heart for the world.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/6861155.html

Maria "Lupe" Olmos Hernandez Medical Fund

While I feel for those in Haiti and other places around the world that are in critical need at this time.....I can't help but think of those right here in our homeland, in our area, in our communties that need help. How can we help other citizens of the world without helping our own? Just doing something for our neigbor or their loved ones. ???

A good friend of mine Martha Olmos Traylor's sister Lupe is in need of monetary donations for her constant medical care. A benefit/fundraiser is in the planning for Maria “Lupe” Olmos Hernandez, a former Hardin High School Student. She is a 36 year old wife and mother of 4 wonderful kids. She suffers from Chronic Leukemia and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Her loving family needs aid with her medical bills. There is a medical fund already in place and your donation will help ease the stress of her extensive medical bills.

Maria Hernandez Medical Fund
First State Bank
Dalhart, Texas 79022
Acct# 487589

(806)249-5513

I will keep everyone posted with details about the benefit. Let's help! We have all had loved ones with chronic illnesses and saw how hard it is and we need to come together to help Lupe. You will be blessed!

Thank You!

2010

Trying to work on some things to close out 2009 to get me ready for 2010. One big one is working on my acting resume!!!!!! Yes have some resolutions for the new year. Another one is actually working on my blog more and actually posting pix from trips and adventures. Hope everyone is enjoying their holidays!!!!! xoxo

Adam Lambert

Ok I'm not going to get all into the arguments over Adam Lambert's AMA performance. All I am going to say is I was a fan of his from the first audition I saw from him on American Idol and always will be. If you did not enjoy his performance on Sunday's AMAs or you just can't see yourself ever being a fan then his music is not meant for you but if you love glamrock or electropop, a singer with a massive voice and star performance skills than you should not give up on him just because of Sunday's performance. Remember a young man Elvis that shook his "pelvis" too much???? Remember when parents told kids Rock and Roll was the devil? Remember when everyone called Madonna sacreligious. Remember when Michael Jackson went from bubble gum and disco pop to a crouch grabbing showstopper. Listen to his music do not judge him on one performance. Critics have proclaimed his debut album the best debut album from an American Idol alumn in history. Please don't judge and give him a chance. This morning on the Early Show (very smart move by CBS to pick it up after ABC dumped him from GMA). Both performances were unbelivably GREAT!

Feeling Creative!

Ok, so I started last week on writing my first book. I've been writing poetry/songs since elementary, short stories since jr. high, and now taking on my first attempt at a book. In an effort to encourage me I am also taking on the task of revamping my favorite short story of mine - one I wrote back in jr. high. I'm thinking if I can get that going and possibly published then I will have encouragement to go through with my book. Also in the mean time still working on my July 1, 2010 project :)

Steven Tyler quits Aerosmith?

Say it isn't so :( Reports across the world this morning that Steven Tyler has left Aerosmith. What's next? See story below.

Steven Tyler quits Aerosmith?- Hindustan Times