it could all be so simple. but you'd rather make it hard.
11.24.2010
11.17.2010
We Are Making Progress!
Sandra C. Raymond, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) issued the following statement after the Committee’s vote:
“We are pleased to share the exciting news that BENLYSTA has cleared a significant hurdle on its path to becoming the first FDA-approved medication for lupus in 52 years – since Dwight D. Eisenhower was president. BENLYSTA is now on track to become the first approved treatment ever developed specifically for lupus.
Today’s historic vote by the FDA Advisory Committee is not only a victory for developers Human Genome Sciences and GlaxoSmithKline, but also for the entire lupus research community and industry. We have all worked for decades to overcome many challenges in developing new therapies for this unique and difficult-to-treat disease. For people with lupus, today’s vote represents a beacon of hope that new and improved treatments can be specifically developed for lupus.
The voices of people with lupus were heard loudly and clearly today. Their testimony demonstrated the urgent need to develop new, safe, effective, and tolerable therapies for lupus. Each person with lupus is unique, and if BENLYSTA is approved, it would be a significant and necessary first step towards creating the full arsenal of treatments that lupus requires. The LFA thanks the committee for its time and review to ensure the safety and efficacy of this potential medication for people with lupus. We also want to thank the numerous individuals with lupus and their families, who provided testimony and attended the hearing to show their support.
We are greatly encouraged by today’s vote, and eagerly await the FDA’s final decision. The LFA will continue to follow this process closely, and keep constituents apprised of developments.”
About the Lupus Foundation of America
The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is the foremost national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus, and providing support, services, and hope to all people affected by lupus. The LFA and its national network of chapters, support groups, and local representatives conduct programs of research, education, and advocacy.
About Lupus
Lupus is an unpredictable and potentially fatal autoimmune disease in which the immune system is out of balance, causing inflammation and tissue damage to any organ system in the body. The health effects of lupus include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and organ failure. An estimated 1.5 million Americans and at least five million people worldwide have a form of lupus. For more information, visit www.lupus.org.
About BENLYSTA
BENLYSTA was developed by Human Genome Sciences (HGS) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) as an investigational therapy to treat lupus and last year successfully met its endpoints in two pivotal Phase III clinical trials.
11.11.2010
#20 Once a Week, Write a Heartfelt Letter
Often, this simple action starts a spiral of loving actions whereby the person receiving your letter may decide to do the same thing to someone else, or perhaps will act and feel more loving toward others.
#19 Lower Your Tolerance to Stress
There's no need to worry that you won't get it all done. When your mind is clear and peaceful and your stress level is reduced, you'll be more effective and you'll have more fun.
#18 Allow Yourself to Be Bored
The beauty of doing nothing is that it teaches you to clear your mind and relax. It allows your mind the freedom to "not know," for a brief period of time.
#17 Surrender to the Fact that Life Isn't Fair
One of the nice things about surrendering to the fact that life isn't fair is that it keeps us from feeling sorry for ourselves by encouraging us to do the very best we can with what we have.
#16 Ask Yourself the Question, "Will This Matter a Year from Now?"
To play "time warp," all you have to do is imagine that whatever circumstance you are dealing with isn't happening right now but a year from now. It will be one more irrelevant detail in your life.
11.10.2010
#15 Be the First One to Act Loving or Reach Out
Whenever we hold onto our anger, we turn "small stuff" into really "big stuff" in our minds. We start to believe that our positions are more important than our happiness. They are not.
#14 Create "Patience Practice Periods"
Being patient allows me to keep my perspective...in the midst of a difficult situation, that what's before me--my present challenge--isn't "life or death" but simply a minor obstacle that must be dealt with.
11.09.2010
interesting read.
America - He's your President for Goodness Sake!
By William Thomas
Posted: Friday, October 1st, 2010
There was a time not so long ago when Americans, regardless of their
political stripes, rallied round their president. Once elected, the man
who won the White House was no longer viewed as a Republican or
Democrat, but the President of the United States. The oath of office
was taken, the wagons were circled around the country’s borders and it
was America versus the rest of the world with the president of all the
people at the helm.
Suddenly President Barack Obama, with the potential to become an
exceptional president has become the glaring exception to that
unwritten, patriotic rule.
Four days before President Obama’s inauguration, before he officially
took charge of the American government, Rush Limbaugh boasted publicly
that he hoped the president would fail. Of course, when the president
fails the country flounders. Wishing harm upon your country in order to
further your own narrow political views is selfish, sinister and a tad
treasonous as well.
Subsequently, during his State of the Union address, which is pretty
much a pep rally for America, an unknown congressional representative
from South Carolina, later identified as Joe Wilson, stopped the show
when he called the President of the United States a liar. The president
showed great restraint in ignoring this unprecedented insult and
carried on with his speech. Speaker Nancy Pelosi was so stunned by the
slur, she forgot to jump to her feet while clapping wildly, 30 or 40
times after that.
Last spring, President Obama took his wife Michelle to see a play in
New York City and republicans attacked him over the cost of security
for the excursion. The president can’t take his wife out to dinner and
a show without being scrutinized by the political opposition? As
history has proven, a president in a theatre without adequate security
is a tragically bad idea.
Remember: “Apart from that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?”
At some point, the treatment of President Obama went from offensive to
ugly and then to downright dangerous.
The health-care debate, which looked more like extreme fighting in a
mud pit than a national dialogue, revealed a very vulgar side of
America. President Obama’s face appeared on protest signs white-faced
and blood-mouthed in a satanic clown image. In other tasteless
portrayals, people who disagreed with his position distorted his face
to look like Hitler complete with mustache and swastika.
Odd, that burning the flag makes Americans crazy, but depicting the
president as a clown and a maniacal fascist is accepted as part of the
new rude America.
Maligning the image of the leader of the free world is one thing,
putting the president’s life in peril is quite another. More than once,
men with guns were videotaped at the health-care rallies where the
president spoke. Again, history shows that letting men with guns get
within range of a president has not served America well in the past.
And still the “birthers” are out there claiming Barack Obama was not
born in the United States, although public documentation proves
otherwise. Hawaii is definitely part of the United States, but the
Panama Canal Zone where his electoral opponent Senator John McCain was
born? Nobody’s sure.
Last month, a 44-year-old woman in Buffalo was quite taken by President
Obama when she met him in a chicken wing restaurant called Duff’s. Did
she say something about a pleasure and an honour to meet the man or
utter encouraging words for the difficult job he is doing? No. Quote:
“You’re a hottie with a smokin’ little body.”
Lady, that was the President of the United States you were addressing,
not one of the Jonas Brothers! He’s your president for goodness sakes,
not the guy driving the Zamboni at “Monster Trucks On Ice.” Maybe next
it’ll be, “Take Your President To A Topless Bar Day.”
In President Barack Obama, Americans have a charismatic leader with a
good and honest heart. Unlike his predecessor, he’s a very intelligent
leader. And unlike that president’s predecessor, he’s a highly moral
man.
In President Obama, Americans have the real deal, the whole package and
a leader that citizens of almost every country around the world look to
with great envy. Given the opportunity, Canadians would trade our
leader, hell, most of our leaders for Obama in a heartbeat.
What America has in Obama is a head of state with vitality and insight
and youth. Think about it, Barack Obama is a young Nelson Mandela.
Mandela was the face of change and charity for all of Africa but he was
too old to make it happen. The great things Obama might do for America
and the world could go on for decades after he’s out of office.
America, you know not what you have.
The man is being challenged unfairly, characterized with vulgarity and
treated with the kind of deep disrespect to which no previous president
was subjected. It’s like the day after electing the first black man to
be president, thereby electrifying the world with hope and joy,
Americans sobered up and decided the bad old days were better.
President Obama may fail but it will not be a Richard Nixon default
fraught with larceny and lies. President Obama, given a fair chance,
will surely succeed but his triumph will never come with a Bill Clinton
caveat – “if only he’d got control of that zipper.”
Please. Give the man a fair, fighting chance. This incivility toward
the leader who won over Americans and gave hope to billions of people
around the world that their lives could be enhanced by his example,
just naturally has to stop.
Believe me, when Americans drive by the White House and see a sign on
the lawn that reads: “No shirt. No shoes. No service,” they’ll realize
this new national rudeness has gone way, way too far.
OCTOBER 2010 SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
By William Thomas
Posted: Friday, October 1st, 2010
There was a time not so long ago when Americans, regardless of their
political stripes, rallied round their president. Once elected, the man
who won the White House was no longer viewed as a Republican or
Democrat, but the President of the United States. The oath of office
was taken, the wagons were circled around the country’s borders and it
was America versus the rest of the world with the president of all the
people at the helm.
Suddenly President Barack Obama, with the potential to become an
exceptional president has become the glaring exception to that
unwritten, patriotic rule.
Four days before President Obama’s inauguration, before he officially
took charge of the American government, Rush Limbaugh boasted publicly
that he hoped the president would fail. Of course, when the president
fails the country flounders. Wishing harm upon your country in order to
further your own narrow political views is selfish, sinister and a tad
treasonous as well.
Subsequently, during his State of the Union address, which is pretty
much a pep rally for America, an unknown congressional representative
from South Carolina, later identified as Joe Wilson, stopped the show
when he called the President of the United States a liar. The president
showed great restraint in ignoring this unprecedented insult and
carried on with his speech. Speaker Nancy Pelosi was so stunned by the
slur, she forgot to jump to her feet while clapping wildly, 30 or 40
times after that.
Last spring, President Obama took his wife Michelle to see a play in
New York City and republicans attacked him over the cost of security
for the excursion. The president can’t take his wife out to dinner and
a show without being scrutinized by the political opposition? As
history has proven, a president in a theatre without adequate security
is a tragically bad idea.
Remember: “Apart from that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?”
At some point, the treatment of President Obama went from offensive to
ugly and then to downright dangerous.
The health-care debate, which looked more like extreme fighting in a
mud pit than a national dialogue, revealed a very vulgar side of
America. President Obama’s face appeared on protest signs white-faced
and blood-mouthed in a satanic clown image. In other tasteless
portrayals, people who disagreed with his position distorted his face
to look like Hitler complete with mustache and swastika.
Odd, that burning the flag makes Americans crazy, but depicting the
president as a clown and a maniacal fascist is accepted as part of the
new rude America.
Maligning the image of the leader of the free world is one thing,
putting the president’s life in peril is quite another. More than once,
men with guns were videotaped at the health-care rallies where the
president spoke. Again, history shows that letting men with guns get
within range of a president has not served America well in the past.
And still the “birthers” are out there claiming Barack Obama was not
born in the United States, although public documentation proves
otherwise. Hawaii is definitely part of the United States, but the
Panama Canal Zone where his electoral opponent Senator John McCain was
born? Nobody’s sure.
Last month, a 44-year-old woman in Buffalo was quite taken by President
Obama when she met him in a chicken wing restaurant called Duff’s. Did
she say something about a pleasure and an honour to meet the man or
utter encouraging words for the difficult job he is doing? No. Quote:
“You’re a hottie with a smokin’ little body.”
Lady, that was the President of the United States you were addressing,
not one of the Jonas Brothers! He’s your president for goodness sakes,
not the guy driving the Zamboni at “Monster Trucks On Ice.” Maybe next
it’ll be, “Take Your President To A Topless Bar Day.”
In President Barack Obama, Americans have a charismatic leader with a
good and honest heart. Unlike his predecessor, he’s a very intelligent
leader. And unlike that president’s predecessor, he’s a highly moral
man.
In President Obama, Americans have the real deal, the whole package and
a leader that citizens of almost every country around the world look to
with great envy. Given the opportunity, Canadians would trade our
leader, hell, most of our leaders for Obama in a heartbeat.
What America has in Obama is a head of state with vitality and insight
and youth. Think about it, Barack Obama is a young Nelson Mandela.
Mandela was the face of change and charity for all of Africa but he was
too old to make it happen. The great things Obama might do for America
and the world could go on for decades after he’s out of office.
America, you know not what you have.
The man is being challenged unfairly, characterized with vulgarity and
treated with the kind of deep disrespect to which no previous president
was subjected. It’s like the day after electing the first black man to
be president, thereby electrifying the world with hope and joy,
Americans sobered up and decided the bad old days were better.
President Obama may fail but it will not be a Richard Nixon default
fraught with larceny and lies. President Obama, given a fair chance,
will surely succeed but his triumph will never come with a Bill Clinton
caveat – “if only he’d got control of that zipper.”
Please. Give the man a fair, fighting chance. This incivility toward
the leader who won over Americans and gave hope to billions of people
around the world that their lives could be enhanced by his example,
just naturally has to stop.
Believe me, when Americans drive by the White House and see a sign on
the lawn that reads: “No shirt. No shoes. No service,” they’ll realize
this new national rudeness has gone way, way too far.
OCTOBER 2010 SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND
11.04.2010
10.02.2010
Night Catches Us.
This looks like its going to be a really interesting movie.
In 1976, after years of mysterious absence, Marcus (Anthony Mackie, “The Hurt Locker”) returns to the Philadelphia neighborhood where he came of age in the midst of the Black Power movement. While his arrival raises suspicion among his family and former neighbors, he finds acceptance from his old friend Patricia (Kerry Washington, “Ray,” “Lift”) and her daughter. However, Marcus quickly finds himself at odds with the organization he once embraced, whose members suspect he orchestrated the slaying of their former comrade-in-arms. In a startling sequence of events, Marcus must protect a secret that could shatter everyone’s beliefs as he rediscovers his forbidden passion for Patricia..
the history of hip-hop as told by Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake
too fresh. Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon cover the history of hip-hop in this medley - hilarious but so dope. And the roots as the back up band...enough said.
no love. don't hurt me.
It's been quite sometime since I last posted - but with the recent events I really wanted to share my thoughts. There was an article in the New York Times this past week about a kid from Rutgers committing suicide. That in itself was disturbing to me - but when I read the story - and learned about the events that led up to the young man taking his life I was disgusted.
The NYT's article sums up the young man's life better than I can but what happened was that his roommate video recorded and streamed him and another man having sex. The young man had not come out about his sexual preferences and so by being video taped - and streamed over the internet he was humiliated.
Going back a little - I have been lucky enough to have never really had to deal with a hard hitting issue such as sexuality - and attending Brown, a community that is very open to differences in any and everything - experiences like these just don't occur.
This story really stuck with me tho. Especially when I read about another gay young man taking his life at the nearby Johnson & Wales University. As I read more and more into this, I found out that this hasn't been the only 2 cases recently, but over the last few weeks there 5 LGBT suicides.
These are young people. Our friends. Our family. Our classmates. Our teammates. Our partners. Our generation.
This needs to stop. It is hard to believe that still in 2010, people still have to go through taunting, bullying, pressure, and humiliation because they aren't "the norm." We need to respect others and the decisions they make. Don't ridicule, mock, or discriminate against other people - be stronger than that. See people for who they are not what they look like, where they come from, or what sex they're attracted to.
I truly hope this is the last of these deaths and that the larger community, and not just the LGBT community, can really make a stand for what's right.
You never know what is going on in other peoples lives - that is the bottom line. So treat people the way you'd like to be treated. The way they deserve to be treated. Before you say or act, think about it - it could be the difference between life and death.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Tyler Clementi, Asher Brown, Billy Lucas, and Seth Walsh, and Raymond Chase.
The NYT's article sums up the young man's life better than I can but what happened was that his roommate video recorded and streamed him and another man having sex. The young man had not come out about his sexual preferences and so by being video taped - and streamed over the internet he was humiliated.
Going back a little - I have been lucky enough to have never really had to deal with a hard hitting issue such as sexuality - and attending Brown, a community that is very open to differences in any and everything - experiences like these just don't occur.
This story really stuck with me tho. Especially when I read about another gay young man taking his life at the nearby Johnson & Wales University. As I read more and more into this, I found out that this hasn't been the only 2 cases recently, but over the last few weeks there 5 LGBT suicides.
These are young people. Our friends. Our family. Our classmates. Our teammates. Our partners. Our generation.
This needs to stop. It is hard to believe that still in 2010, people still have to go through taunting, bullying, pressure, and humiliation because they aren't "the norm." We need to respect others and the decisions they make. Don't ridicule, mock, or discriminate against other people - be stronger than that. See people for who they are not what they look like, where they come from, or what sex they're attracted to.
I truly hope this is the last of these deaths and that the larger community, and not just the LGBT community, can really make a stand for what's right.
You never know what is going on in other peoples lives - that is the bottom line. So treat people the way you'd like to be treated. The way they deserve to be treated. Before you say or act, think about it - it could be the difference between life and death.
9.07.2010
9.04.2010
Grimaldi's = Pizza sent from Heaven
I was abducted one evening by a bunch of my friends this summer and taken to this pizza place in Dumbo - BK. They were raving about how this is supposedly the best pizza in all of Brooklyn - and even all of NYC. Honestly, pizza all pretty much taste the same to me no matter where I go - its just something I feel like can't be differentiated all that much.
Well anyways - got to Grimaldi's and there was a line outside of the restaurant!! Absurd! People were actually waiting in a line for pizza - so I figured "okay, maybe they were right." But I didn't completely understand how good Grimaldi's pizza was until I tasted it for myself.....
Wow. Unbelievable pizza. I wish they delivered - to Providence. I know Antonio's and NIce Slice on Thayer Street are supposed to be the best - but Grimaldi's would most definitely put them out of business.
Well anyways - got to Grimaldi's and there was a line outside of the restaurant!! Absurd! People were actually waiting in a line for pizza - so I figured "okay, maybe they were right." But I didn't completely understand how good Grimaldi's pizza was until I tasted it for myself.....
Wow. Unbelievable pizza. I wish they delivered - to Providence. I know Antonio's and NIce Slice on Thayer Street are supposed to be the best - but Grimaldi's would most definitely put them out of business.
718.858.4300
19 Old Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Under the Brooklyn Bridge
Something you won't regret.
This summer was probably the best summer of my life. And oddly enough - at the beginning I was really not sure about how it would turn out. A lot of things in my life were moving very fast and changing - which for me was a little scary.
But looking back I can wholeheartedly say that I lived the last few months to the fullest. With no regrets. I took risks this summer - went places, did things, met people - many of which I knew nothing about. And everything I did I enjoyed or learned something new - sometimes about myself.
I think we all need to learn to do something that we won't regret. And I've learned that in order for that to happen - you have to have perspective. You have to be able to look outside of yourself or you'll miss it. You'll me the opportunity to do something you won't regret. I also learned the importance of letting go of expectations because chances are that - things won't happen the way you expect them to. People are human - if you put your expectations in someone - you risk disappointing yourself and also risk the potential of that relationship because you had set limits.
Living in the moment. It's a hard thing to do. But if you can learn to do it - you'll live a much more fulfilled life. At least that's what I think!
But looking back I can wholeheartedly say that I lived the last few months to the fullest. With no regrets. I took risks this summer - went places, did things, met people - many of which I knew nothing about. And everything I did I enjoyed or learned something new - sometimes about myself.
I think we all need to learn to do something that we won't regret. And I've learned that in order for that to happen - you have to have perspective. You have to be able to look outside of yourself or you'll miss it. You'll me the opportunity to do something you won't regret. I also learned the importance of letting go of expectations because chances are that - things won't happen the way you expect them to. People are human - if you put your expectations in someone - you risk disappointing yourself and also risk the potential of that relationship because you had set limits.
Living in the moment. It's a hard thing to do. But if you can learn to do it - you'll live a much more fulfilled life. At least that's what I think!
"If you want something you've never had, then do something you've never done."
Farewell New York...But Hello (again)
So I've really been slacking in updating the blog - its hard work man! But as I was moving into my new apartment back at school I came across the long list of things I wanted to blog about! I thought I had lost it, but now its found!! So the next few post may be a little untimely but I really wanted make sure I posted about them -- so stick with me and I think you'll enjoy!
8.26.2010
World Basketball Festival: NYC [8.12-8.15]
Couldn't have found a better way to end my summer in the city than with the WBF. Thursday night was the kick-off with a scrimmage by the team USA, entertainment, and a special musical guest at Radio City Music Hall...I got a heads up a few weeks before that this "special guest" was none other that Mr. Brooklyn himself...JAY-Z!
I so badly wanted to go...some of the best basketball players in the world and one of my favorite artist! BUT they weren't selling tickets..so over the past few weeks I was desperately trying to find a way to get tickets...and the way things went for me this summer -- it happened! I got them!
Thanks to @NIKE_NFR and twitter I WON the tickets!! Crazy right, I know... still can't believe it. She asked the question "What was Rajon Rondo's first love?" and being a celtics fan..i knew it was football! I mean look at how long his arms are!!?! So I made it to the opening ceremonies and it was amazing...
Friday and Saturday consisted of festivities and games at the Rucker Park (i'm sure you all remember my Rucker Park story)... well this time I didn't go by myself (your welcome dad). But it was so cool..the put down a dope court and had all types of vendors, giveaways, appearance and what not.
Being a basketball junkie - this was definitely one of the highlights of my summer.
I so badly wanted to go...some of the best basketball players in the world and one of my favorite artist! BUT they weren't selling tickets..so over the past few weeks I was desperately trying to find a way to get tickets...and the way things went for me this summer -- it happened! I got them!
Thanks to @NIKE_NFR and twitter I WON the tickets!! Crazy right, I know... still can't believe it. She asked the question "What was Rajon Rondo's first love?" and being a celtics fan..i knew it was football! I mean look at how long his arms are!!?! So I made it to the opening ceremonies and it was amazing...
Friday and Saturday consisted of festivities and games at the Rucker Park (i'm sure you all remember my Rucker Park story)... well this time I didn't go by myself (your welcome dad). But it was so cool..the put down a dope court and had all types of vendors, giveaways, appearance and what not.
Being a basketball junkie - this was definitely one of the highlights of my summer.
#13 Become More Patient
The more patient you are, the more accepting you will be of what is, rather than insisting that life be exactly as you would like it to be.
#12 Let Others Be "Right" Most of the Time
Being listened to and heard is one of the greatest desires of the human heart.
#11 Imagine that Everyone Is Enlightened Except You
The people you meet are all here to teach you something.
8.09.2010
PAUSE
Has to be one of the funniest episodes of the Boondock's.
http://www.comewatchme.com/the-boondocks-season-3-episode-8-pause.html
8.08.2010
8.04.2010
1LOVE : Brooklyn
As a part of the build up for the World Basketball Festival - which is being held in NYC - Nike decided to do a string of videos feature each of the boroughs. The great Theophilus London takes us through BK!
#10 Learn to Live in the Present Moment
"Life is what's happening while we're busy making other plans." - John Lennon
#9 Let Others Have the Glory
There is something magical that happens to the human spirit, a sense of calm that comes over you, when you cease needing all the attention directed toward yourself and instead allow others to have the glory.
#Do Something Nice for Someone Else-- and Don't Tell Anyone About It
Rather than diluting the positive feelings by telling others about your own kindness, by keeping it to yourself you get to retain all the positive feelings.
#7 Don't Interrupt Others or Finish Their Sentences
...how can you really listen to what someone is saying when you are speaking for that person?
#6 Remind Yourself that When You Die, Your "In Basket" Won't Be Empty
...the purpose of life isn't to get it all done but to enjoy each step along the way and live a life filled with love...
#5 Develop Compassion
Compassion develops your sense of gratitude by taking your attention off all the little things that most of us have learned to take too seriously.
8.03.2010
Deonte Bridges is an INSPIRATION.
A friend shared this with me, and I am truly happy she did so. Please watch and take notes.
"I choose to do what is necessary, not what is popular." - Deonte Bridges
Crack ||| Cocaine
So the problem with this has always been racially charged. Crack and cocaine - although essentially the same substance - carry very different incarceration sentences. Crack is typically a drug found in African American neighborhoods while cocaine is typically used by White Americans. Before the President signed a law today, a person found with 5 gram of crack would receive a mandatory sentence of 5 years, while that same person would have to carry at least 500 grams of powdered cocaine to receive that same sentence. HUGE DISPARITY.
By signing this into law the President is hoping to reduce this 100-1 ratio to a ratio of 18-1. Still not completely resolved but we are making progress.
Hopefully this will help reduce the overcrowded prisons, save taxpayer money, and allow the federal law enforcement to focus on 'more major' crimes. God knows we all need that.
*I advise you all to read up more on this issue.*
#4 Be Aware of the Snowball Effect of Your Thinking
...remember that filing your head with thoughts of how overwhelmed you are only exacerbates the problem by making you feel even more stressed than you already do.
Team USA!
Soooo...most of you probably already know but I made it!! It was a really intense and grueling tryout and I got to compete with some of the Nation's best lacrosse players and athlete's! But its official I am now officially a member of the USA National Women's Lacrosse team! Its such a surreal feeling, can't really describe it! Just filled with so much excitement right now, accomplishing something I never imagined I'd do - or even be in the position to do! Its such an honor to be listed with some of the best players in the World and to be able to represent our country - its a once in a lifetime experience and I am really looking forward to enjoying every moment of it this year. Our first tournament will be in Boston on October 8-10 and it would be amazing if you all could come out! I'll be sure to post our official schedule when its published - so stay tuned!!
Go USA!!!
http://www.brownbears.com/sports/w-lacros/index
http://laxmagazine.com/international/uswomen/2009-10/news/080110_usl_names_2010-11_national_team
#3 Let Go of the Idea that Gentle, Relaxed People Can't Be Superachievers
When you have what you want (inner peace), you are less distracted by your wants, needs, desires, and concerns. It's thus easier to concentrate, focus, achieve your goals, and to give back to others.
#2 Make Peace with Imperfection
It's about realizing that while there's always a better way to do something, this doesn't mean that you can't enjoy and appreciate the way things already are.
#1 Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
So many people spend so much of their life energy "sweating the small stuff" that they completely lose touch with the magic and beauty of life.
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff.
A very special friend of mine recommended that I read this book called Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff by Richard Carlson. I just picked it up from the Barnes & Noble in Union Square - that place is huge. I plan on reading it pretty quickly and I'm going to bring you along for the ride!
7.28.2010
7.27.2010
7.26.2010
Inception.
Go see it NOW! Seriously, right NOW.
...and when you do...buy your tickets from
www.boxxoffice.net
...save yourself some dough.
7.22.2010
slowdown b a b y .
So far from where I started out.
So far from where I wanna be.
Listening for answers in the wind,
But can't find a rock to plant my feet.
Looking for love in all the wrong places.
Down on my knees and now I'm praying for patience.
I know there's gotta be a better way.
In the back of my mind I hear my momma say
So far from where I wanna be.
Listening for answers in the wind,
But can't find a rock to plant my feet.
Looking for love in all the wrong places.
Down on my knees and now I'm praying for patience.
I know there's gotta be a better way.
In the back of my mind I hear my momma say
Slow down baby
ya goin to fast.
You got your hands in the air
With your Feet on the gas.
You 'bout to wreck your future,
Run from your past.
You need to slow down before you go down baby.
ya goin to fast.
You got your hands in the air
With your Feet on the gas.
You 'bout to wreck your future,
Run from your past.
You need to slow down before you go down baby.
Thinking the faster that I go
The faster that I will reach my goal
The race is not given to the swift
But to the one who endureth.
I thought that all of my obstacles were behind me.
Walking around like I'm made out of diamond.
I tripped and fell and it reminded me to move over and let the angels guide me.
The faster that I will reach my goal
The race is not given to the swift
But to the one who endureth.
I thought that all of my obstacles were behind me.
Walking around like I'm made out of diamond.
I tripped and fell and it reminded me to move over and let the angels guide me.
Slow down baby
ya goin to fast.
You got your hands in the air
With your Feet on the gas.
You 'bout to wreck your future,
Run from your past.
You need to slow down before you go down baby.
Sometimes you gotta be still, before you can get ahead.
Be still, ask the universe for help be real.
You can't do it all by yourself... Ah, No...No...
ya goin to fast.
You got your hands in the air
With your Feet on the gas.
You 'bout to wreck your future,
Run from your past.
You need to slow down before you go down baby.
Sometimes you gotta be still, before you can get ahead.
Be still, ask the universe for help be real.
You can't do it all by yourself... Ah, No...No...
When you find a song that fits you...it feels so good.
cityHUNT
Last week my company had a "special" "fun" day for the interns and they hired this outside vendor called cityHUNT to head up this scavenger hunt. It was wild. We were split into teams and they gave us 1 clue to start which would lead us to the next once we found or solved it. Next they gave us a digital camera, for what right? The digital camera was followed by paper in which there were about 30 different things listed that we had to do to get points along the way. We had two hours to get it all done and you know the rest. Here's a list of some things we had to do in NYC - much of it was in Times Square:
I had a great time and did somethings I never thought I would. And I am most definitely not posting pictures - they are just way to embarrassing. Guess you had to be there!!
- Take a picture driving a cab.
- Take a picture with a street performer.
- Reenact a scene from a NY movie (we did the kiss scene from spider man, yes, I was Kirsten Dunst).
- Break dance in front of Radio City Music Hall.
- Take a picture with a firefighter suit on.
- Serenade a stranger with a song.
- Take a picture exiting a Broadway stage door.
- Take a picture jumping in mid air.
- Find two people wearing NY sports apparel.
- Create a 60 second silent film and then make a song to go along with it.
- Take a picture cooking in a restaurant kitchen.
- Take a picture pulling your teammate out of the back of a police car.
- Have a teammate share a hidden talent (ours was doing cartwheels down 5th ave)
I had a great time and did somethings I never thought I would. And I am most definitely not posting pictures - they are just way to embarrassing. Guess you had to be there!!
7.20.2010
The Rucker.
Last week I went up to Harlem to Rucker Park, one of the most famous court in America. Many greats have played at the Rucker and I had never been there so it was a first for me. For those of you who know me, anything I want to - I go out in do it. If you want to join me thats fine, but regardless I'm going to do it - that's just how I am.
Now I know Rucker Park isn't in one of the "nicer" areas of the city, but I really wanted to go! I mean c'mon, TO and Chad OchoCinco were playing in the celeb game - I'm in NY so why not right? So I went. Alone. Didn't think twice about it. Once I got there I called my dad, thinking he'd be super excited that I was at Rucker - but I received the total opposite response. The convo went something like this:
Now I know Rucker Park isn't in one of the "nicer" areas of the city, but I really wanted to go! I mean c'mon, TO and Chad OchoCinco were playing in the celeb game - I'm in NY so why not right? So I went. Alone. Didn't think twice about it. Once I got there I called my dad, thinking he'd be super excited that I was at Rucker - but I received the total opposite response. The convo went something like this:
Me: Hey Dad! Guess where I am?
Dad: Where?
Me: Rucker Park!!
Dad: Rucker Park?!? What are you doing there?
Me: TO and Chad Ochocinco are playing in a celeb game tonight
Dad: Well who are you with?
Me: No one. I came by myself.
Dad: Paris, who are you with?
Me: Dad I really came by myself
Dad: You need to leave before it gets dark out.
Me: The game doesn't start until 8, I'll leave before its over.
Well the game didn't start on time, it actually didn't start until 9...I got a phone call around 9:30.
Dad: Where are you?
Me: I'm still here, its only the beginning of the 2nd quarter.
Dad: Who are you with?
Me: Dad I'm by myself! Why don't you believe me?
Dad: You can't just go everywhere on your own, its not safe for a young lady to be out at night by herself.
Me: Dad, I wanted to come so I did. Just because I didn't have someone to go with doesn't mean I'm not going to go. I would miss out on so much. Being by myself won't stop me. I'll be fine. I'll leave before its over.
Dad: Okay, Paris.And you know what, I was fine! Held my own, had a great view, right on the baseline - and really enjoyed myself. I'm an only child - what did he expect!? If I had to wait until I had someone else to be with me, I'd be missing out on quite a lot. But you know what, in retrospect, if I was him and my daughter called me to tell me she went up to Rucker Park at night by herself - I'd probably lose it! Okay, so maybe it wasn't the smartest or safest decision - but hey, live life right? Right.
Live Life.
This thing called a Sports Club.
So a couple of weeks ago I visited a few gyms in NYC in hopes of joining one for my last month in the city. With tryouts coming up and preseason - I wanted to make sure I was prepared. I visited. Found a gym I absolutely loved. Went back the next day to get a month membership. (Mind you I am a college student, so my funds aren't quite endless). And the guy was really nice, but when he told me $189 for the next month - I literally almost peed my pants. $189 for 1 month - 4 weeks - 30 days, you've got to be joking. I politely told him, "I'll think about it" (knowing that there was no way in the world I was going to be returning).
I went online and looked at other athletic clubs, and to my surprise - they were all so expensive! I mean c'mon - to exercise, really? Isn't that what we should ALL be doing!? Now I see why NYC is one of the most obese cities...its cost too much for the average person to work out.
So here's my conclusion. NY athletic clubs are exclusive. Its almost like a badge of honor, if you can afford to go to one. They aren't made for the average person to be able to use and feel comfortable doing so. Its a social scene almost, its a bit ridiculous if you ask me - and I pray to God I never become one of those people who succumb to that elitist lifestyle.
Now I don't want to generalize, because the thing is - not all sports clubs are. I was lucky enough to find a club that allowed me to buy a 30 day trial membership for $30. That's a dollar a day - my kind of price ;-) So I got the membership, and to my surprise they also offer a $20 per month membership to college students! This is what I feel like it should be - a place where everyone is encouraged to come, not just the privileged.
My recommendation to those in the city for a short time or my fellow collegians - NYSC. They are all over the city so it won't be hard to find one near you!
I went online and looked at other athletic clubs, and to my surprise - they were all so expensive! I mean c'mon - to exercise, really? Isn't that what we should ALL be doing!? Now I see why NYC is one of the most obese cities...its cost too much for the average person to work out.
So here's my conclusion. NY athletic clubs are exclusive. Its almost like a badge of honor, if you can afford to go to one. They aren't made for the average person to be able to use and feel comfortable doing so. Its a social scene almost, its a bit ridiculous if you ask me - and I pray to God I never become one of those people who succumb to that elitist lifestyle.
Now I don't want to generalize, because the thing is - not all sports clubs are. I was lucky enough to find a club that allowed me to buy a 30 day trial membership for $30. That's a dollar a day - my kind of price ;-) So I got the membership, and to my surprise they also offer a $20 per month membership to college students! This is what I feel like it should be - a place where everyone is encouraged to come, not just the privileged.
My recommendation to those in the city for a short time or my fellow collegians - NYSC. They are all over the city so it won't be hard to find one near you!
live.
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth -- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up -- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had."
7.14.2010
7.13.2010
7.10.2010
Walk for Lupus.
Tomorrow I will be participating in the Walk for Lupus to support my Mom and many like her in the fight against Lupus.
In June of 2008 my Mother was diagnosed with Lupus and since then I really became aware of what Lupus is, the effects, its prevalence, and the treatment (or lack thereof). For our family, it has caused some lifestyle changes, but most importantly it has really forced me to be grateful and thankful for what I have and to not take anything (big or small) for granted. Things like enjoying a nice sunny day, because sun exposure causes "flare ups" for many Lupus patients like my Mom. Or on the opposite spectrum enjoying time outside, like playing lacrosse in February or March - because the cold can cause numbness and pain. Things you never really think about, but can have a huge impact on your life are the things we should be thankful for. I learned that Lupus is a disease of which the cause is still unknown, over 1.5 million people (men, women, teens, and children) have Lupus and more than 16,000 new cases are reported each year, and that women, particularly women of color, are more likely to develop the disease. However, the most striking discovery I came upon was that there is no cure for Lupus. But even more importantly, it has been over 50 years since a new drug has been introduced to control the symptoms of Lupus primarily because it became a "forgotten" disease, taking a back seat to diseases such as AIDS/HIV and Cancer with regards to funding for research and development. Today my mother is prescribed the same medications that Lupus patients were prescribed in the 1960's and with our efforts as a team this year we hope that we can take strides towards beginning to change that, not only for her but the many people across America that are affected with this disease.
In June of 2008 my Mother was diagnosed with Lupus and since then I really became aware of what Lupus is, the effects, its prevalence, and the treatment (or lack thereof). For our family, it has caused some lifestyle changes, but most importantly it has really forced me to be grateful and thankful for what I have and to not take anything (big or small) for granted. Things like enjoying a nice sunny day, because sun exposure causes "flare ups" for many Lupus patients like my Mom. Or on the opposite spectrum enjoying time outside, like playing lacrosse in February or March - because the cold can cause numbness and pain. Things you never really think about, but can have a huge impact on your life are the things we should be thankful for. I learned that Lupus is a disease of which the cause is still unknown, over 1.5 million people (men, women, teens, and children) have Lupus and more than 16,000 new cases are reported each year, and that women, particularly women of color, are more likely to develop the disease. However, the most striking discovery I came upon was that there is no cure for Lupus. But even more importantly, it has been over 50 years since a new drug has been introduced to control the symptoms of Lupus primarily because it became a "forgotten" disease, taking a back seat to diseases such as AIDS/HIV and Cancer with regards to funding for research and development. Today my mother is prescribed the same medications that Lupus patients were prescribed in the 1960's and with our efforts as a team this year we hope that we can take strides towards beginning to change that, not only for her but the many people across America that are affected with this disease.
If you'd like to participate in the walk here is the info:
Walk for Lupus Now
July 11, 2010
Hare Pavilion
Wilmington, Riverfront - Delaware
Check in at 7:30 am, Walk begins at 8:30 am
You can also participate by walking as a "virtual team member," register for TEAM ROBYN:
You can also participate by making a donation on the behalf of my mom:
This past season, my lacrosse team dedicated our service efforts to the Lupus Foundation, here is a link to the article:
Tomorrow I am walking for my mom. Walking to support her. Walking because its what she's always done for me.
7.08.2010
Bienvenido a Miami!
After weeks, days, hours, minutes - and a highly anticipated countdown. Twitter went wild when the King made his decision! Miami is where he will reign! This team is going to be unbelievable - 1/3 of the Team USA! If anyone knows anyone who would love to take ME to a Miami game -- don't be shy!! Let me know!!
"Party in the city where the heat is on
"Party in the city where the heat is on
All night on the beach till the break of dawn
Welcome to Miami"
Congrats Lebron on a great career with the Cavs and good luck with Miami!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
