Halloween Public Service Announcement

Just in time for All Hallows Eve. It's never to early to equip yourself. The ones I think are especially important to follow are in bold.

1. Don't assume the telephone calls are coming from another house.
2. When it appears that you have killed the monster, NEVER check to see if it's really dead.
3. Don't go into the basement to check the power when the lights go out.
4. If your children speak to you in Latin, Sanskrit, or any other language which they should not know, shoot them immediately. Although this seems harsh, it will save you a lot of grief in the long run. Note that it will take several rounds to kill them, so be prepared. This also applies to kids who speak with somebody else's voice.
5. As a general rule, don't solve puzzles that open a portal to Hell.
6. If you wake up from a particularly horrific dream and find yourself still alive, you probably aren't awake yet.
7. Always believe the kid. Even if the kid has lied before, even if you think that the kid has been watching too much TV -- believe the kid.
8. If you're searching for something which caused a loud noise and find out that it's just the cat, don't stand there sighing with relief -- GET OUT!
9. If appliances start operating by themselves, don't check for short circuits; JUST GET OUT!
10. The weirdo is always the one who saw this coming.
11. Do not take anything from the dead.
12. Don't fool with recombinant DNA technology unless you're really sure you know what you're doing.
13. If trees, TVs, or other objects try to consume your children, save as many as you can and then get out of the area.
14. Never, ever, make fun of the "odd" kid.
15. Don't go camping.
16. If at any time the house or place you're staying in asks you to get out - DON'T argue.
17. If your companions suddenly begin to exhibit uncharacteristic behavior such as hissing,
18. If you're running from the monster, expect to trip or fall down at least twice; more if you are of the female persuasion and/or wearing high heels. If you turn and look back, and you don't see the maniac/spirit/demon/creature chasing you, stop and run immediately back the way you came because the maniac/spirit/demon/ creature is now in front of you.
19. Listen to the dying person. They have the best ideas.
20. fascination for blood, glowing eyes, increasing hairiness, etc., kill them immediately.
21. If your car runs out of gas at night on a lonely road, and you think it strange because you were sure you had a full tank, shoot yourself. You are going to die anyway, and will most likely be eaten.
22. Never speak to clowns in sewers.
23. Castles are not normally found in the American Midwest. Be wary.
24. Beware of strangers bearing strange tools; for example: chainsaws, staple guns, hedge trimmers, electric carving knives, lawnmowers, butane torches, soldering irons, band saws, laser pistols, Alludium Q-36 explosive space modulators, or any devices made from deceased companions. Also, be wary of anyone driving a combine.

Week 90

It time for Unconscious Mutterings...

1. Blackout:: How much did I drink?
   
2. Platinum:: Engagement Ring
   
3. Leather and lace:: Satin and silk
   
4. Court:: People's
   
5. Mind your own business:: Nunya
   
6. Gambling:: Call Gambler's Anonymous for help
   
7. Lily:: White
   
8. Evasive:: Huh? Wha?
   
9. Turn-on:: >:}
   
10. Suspect:: Usual
    

Monday Mania

I've seen this joke several different ways, but the end result is always the same: Black mommas don't P-L-A-Y! Test them if you want to...
----------------
A black girl and a white girl were friends. The black girl slept over the white girl's house. It was 3 a.m., and they were still up.

The white girl's mother came downstairs and said, "Honey, don't you think it's time for you to go to bed?"

The white girl responded, "Shut up. I don't want to go to sleep!"

Her mother said, "Okay, honey. You can go to bed later ."

The black girl was very intrigued by what happened and decided to use that when she got home.

The next night the black girl's mother said to the black girl, "Go to bed! It's late!"

The black girl shouted, "Shut up. I don't want to go to sleep!"

The black girl's mother took one look at her...

The black girl started to blink, looked around, and asked, "Where am I?"

A lady came over to the bed and answered, "You're in the Intensive Care Unit, love."

What's In a Name?

I'm seriously contemplating changing the name of my blog. Why you ask? Well I originally came up with the clever name of the Princess's Diary because my name means Princess and this is a diary of sorts. Do you know home many hits I get from people looking for the Princess Diaries movie or something related to it? I refuse to link to the movie in my frustration. If people want to find the movie they won't do so through my site. So if the name changes in the upcoming days, don't be surprised. Just know that my frustration has finally come to fruition. Aaarrrgghhhh!

Week 89

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Dimension:: Fifth
   
2. Roger:: and Zapp
   
3. CSI:: Miami, New York, Las Vegas, wherever else they can go
   
4. Passenger:: 57
   
5. Thankful:: Blessed
   
6. Has-been:: El DeBarge
   
7. Bambino:: Babycakes
   
8. Wrinkles:: Laugh Lines
   
9. Cable TV:: 50 trillion channels that you don't watch
   
10. Voicemail:: Message
    

Jumping off the bridge?

Whose mother hasn't asked them "And if so-and-so jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?" Based on that viewpoint, I present the following "thought of the day". It's another perspective on why we need to be selective when choosing our friends and the impact those choices can have on our lives. Let me know your opinion.

There is a saying that "birds of a feather flock together." I would like to add one thing to this. Birds of a feather flock together and where the flock goes so do you!" Where are the people you hang around with going? If most of your friends know more about their vacations plans than their long range goals, you need to find some new people to hang out with. Your friends are like buttons on an elevator. Some will take you up, some will take you down and some will keep you right where you are. I am not saying you can't have acquaintances, but the people you are closest to need to be doing something important with their lives. There is a line in the movie The Godfather, "the most powerful people have the most powerful friends." Today, examine closely your relationships. Are they benefiting the both of you? Do you need to break some ties and move on?

True Christian

I found this quiz at Khandi's. Results are below.


Take the quiz: "WHAT RELIGION BESTS SUITS YOU?"

True Christian
You are humble, gracious, kind and extremely Christ-like. You believe in the bible as your law, but read it in its original language. Perhaps you're not a scholar, but you're not an armature either. You normally don't feel church is acceptable for your form of worship, and if anyone believes different from you, you might try to learn something from them.

Death in the Family

One of my co-workers died yesterday. She was on my team and someone I consider a friend. I found out last night before I left work so I had some time to let it sink in. Most of the team found out this morning. While we are all working today it's eerily quiet. It feels very surreal and dreamlike. She was only 26. She went to the hospital complaining of chest pains and never left.

I'm happy that our last conversation was filled with laughter and jokes. It's how I would like need to end all my conversations with those people I care about. I have no regrets about our last conversation because of that. None of the "I wish I had saids". It's going to be hard around here. She was well-liked by all and an integral team member.

As the title of the post indicates, it's a death in the family. I know some of us hate to admit it but our co-workers are our family. We spend a good deal of our lives with them. It's just some of them are closer family members than distant cousins or the black sheep we would sooner disregard than acknowledge.

I acknowledge my co-worker as friend and family and am saddened by her loss. I find comfort that God needed her more and I will see her again but that doesn't mean I don't miss her right now.

Did You Know?

Interesting tidbit passed along via email. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to verify the truth of the statement but it gives food for thought. What do you think?

Have you ever attended a church service and saw someone hold up a finger as they are exiting the sanctuary during the service?

What does it mean?

During the slavery days when the masters took their slaves with them to public gatherings, the slaves would always sit in the balcony. When the slave had to go to the bathroom or wanted to be excused for any other reason, they would hold their hand up and keep it up until their master acknowledged that they saw their hand and gave them permission to leave or in other words "excused them to leave". After the slave was given permission to leave, they would hold up one finger as they were leaving to inform anyone that saw them leave that they had been excused. So it means "My Master has excused me" That is where the "holding up one finger while leaving the Sanctuary" carried over from. Which goes to show that you should investigate rituals before you follow them.

The next time you see someone holding up their finger, just tell them: "It's okay to leave the plantation, you've been freed"

It's been a while but here are my Unconscious Mutterings:

1. Spacious:: Roomy
   
2. Crash:: Bang Zoom
   
3. Autobiography:: My Story
   
4. Sparkly:: Bright
   
5. Wild Thing:: Major League 2
   
6. Haagen-Das:: Vanilla
   
7. Sci-fi:: Dune
   
8. Voice:: Mail
   
9. Boy Scouts:: Hide your sexuality boys
   
10. Grief:: Stricken
    

Livin' Your Life Like It's Golden

Jill Scott has the right idea. Here is an email I got that helps us live our lives like it's golden, golden, golden, golden...

I'll be happy when...
We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are. After that, we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, when we are able to go on a nice vacation or when we retire. The truth is there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Your life will always be filled with challenges.

It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with... and remember that time waits for no one.

So, stop waiting.
Until your car or home is paid off.
Until you get a new car or home.
Until your kids leave the house.
Until you go back to school.
Until you finish school.
Until you lose 10 lbs.
Until you gain 10 lbs.
Until you get married.
Until you get a divorce.
Until you have kids.
Until you retire.
Until summer.
Until spring.
Until winter.
Until fall.
Until you die.

There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. So work like you don't need money, love like you've never been hurt, and, dance like no one's watching.

The Man of Steel

Superman is gone. Actor Christopher Reeve has died at the age of 52, a day after lapsing into a coma.

...

kt's mom died earlier this week. I sent him an email to offer my condolences but it seems shallow. There are never enough words for the people you know personally, and it's harder still to offer comfort to someone who for all intents and purposes is a stranger but you still are sad that they have suffered a loss. He seems very weary and grief-stricken and alone. And I think that's what bugs me. He seems very very alone. No one should have to go through picking up the pieces after a loved one passes alone.

Munchkin threw me off-guard earlier this week. She told me she didn't want me to die. It's very hard to explain to a 5 year old that every one dies and you don't know when it's going to happen. You don't know when God will decide your time on earth is up. You have to live each day to the fullest and enjoy all the moments you can. No one wants their mom to die but life isn't like that. I told her that she has to get older and so do I so I can be a grandma and a geegee (great-grandma) and someday I will die. I'll be in heaven waiting for her.

That's my hope for kt. That his mom is in heaven waiting for him. That he can find comfort from that thought. Maybe that's what I should have written in my email but the words wouldn't come. Funny how that happens. RIP kt's mom until he sees you again.

Add a Little Diversity to Your Life

The latest edition of Diversity in Business is up and ready to read. This month, we take a look at Draft's Cross-Cultural group, a fast-growing team within Draft that is helping clients create relationships with emerging communities. Charlee Taylor-Hines, SVP, Group Account Director, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the new effort.

On the Publisher's Page, Dan Perkins talks about having faith in the future, and its importance to individual and collective growth. Also this month, check out the Relationship Corner, and Guy Summers' discussion of self-awareness, fulfillment and reaching your goals.

To check out this month's edition, click on the following link:

www.diversityinbusiness.com

For those in the know, our very own Matthew Jones (superstar!) not only writes for Diversity in Business but is the Marketing Editor/West Coast Correspondent. If you have any news or a noteworthy diversity effort that you would like to share, please feel free to contact me and I'll put you in touch with him.

Regards, and Enjoy!

Calling All Singles!

If you are single in Chicago, the following may pertain to you...

Kimberly Brown-Washington of Prosperous Realty LLC
PRESENTS:
ANNUAL SINGLES' CELEBRATION

Thursday, November 4, 6-11pm
Location: An Upscale & Elegant Venue

Mark your calendar now! This year's Singles' Celebration promises to be the best one yet! If you have never been to one of my Singles' Celebrations, you don't know what you are missing: HUNDREDS of upscale, urban, professional, singles gathering to have a good time and meet other single people in a unique way!

This year, I am doing something different to make this event even better. I am hosting the event in the evening at one of Chicago's premier hot spots. Although the setting will be different, I guarantee you a night of excitement and surprises! As always, there will be FREE food and drinks! If you are single, you owe it to yourself to be there!

More details to come as they are available.

Call for Nominations

If you read blogs and think they are good, here is the chance to get them recognized.

Diarist Awards is accepting entries
Read any good entries lately? Discovered any incredible new sites? Time to share! Nominations are now being accepted for the latest round of The Diarist Awards.
http://www.diarist.net/awards/

Nominations will be accepted through October 15. The finalists will be announced on or around November 16, when voting will commence, with winners named on December 5.

About the Diarist Awards:
Given by online journalers to other online journalers, the awards are now in their sixth year - making them the longest-running program to recognize excellence in personal storytelling on the web. (For better or worse.)

Escribitionists of all stripes - be they called online diarists, web journalers, or "bloggers" - are invited to submit their favorite sites and their favorite individual entries in a number of categories, ranging from Best Design to Best Rant. All nominees will then be reviewed by a volunteer panel, with the finalists they select offered for a public vote to determine the final winners.

My Eyes are Too Big for My Stomach

As if I need another excuse to eat candy, here are excuses for every month of the year. Take your pick and enjoy!

January
3rd – National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day
8th – National English Toffee Day
26th – National Peanut Brittle Day

February
15th – National Gum Drop Day
19th – Chocolate Mint Day

March
3rd week – American Chocolate Week
19th – National Chocolate Caramel Day
24th – National Chocolate-Covered Raisin Day

April
12th – National Licorice Day
21st – National Chocolate-Covered Cashews Day
22nd – National Jelly Bean Day

May
12th – National Nutty Fudge Day
15th – National Chocolate Chip Day
23rd – National Taffy Day

June
National Candy Month
16th – Fudge Day

July
7th – Chocolate Day
15th – Gummi Worm Day
20th – National Lollipop Day
28th – National Milk Chocolate Day

August
4th – National Chocolate Chip Day
10th – S’mores Day
30th – National Toasted Marshmallow Day

September
13th – International Chocolate Day
22nd – National White Chocolate Day

October
National Caramel Month
28th – National Chocolate Day
30th – National Candy Corn Day
31st – National Caramel Apple Day

November
7th – National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day

December
7th – National Cotton Candy Day
16th – National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day
26th – National Candy Cane Day
28th – National Chocolate Day
29th – National Chocolate Day