5TH TIME'S THE CHARM

ONE YEAR OLDER....BUT STILL YOUNG AT HEART!!

2010-04-22T11:58:00.001-07:00

So last week Wednesday, April 14th, I celebrated another birthday!! I should have written a post then but I had such a busy day that I never got around to it. To be totally honest, it was one of the best birthdays I've had in a long time! I've never really been a huge birthday person, as in I don't really make a big deal about it. However, it really is such an awesome feeling when your friends and family make it a point to show you just how much they care.

I received a couple of cool gifts too, stuff that I had probably been in dire need of, lol. I'm an old skool girl at heart and so sometimes I don't really get with the times until everyone else has moved on to the next thing, leaving me still trying to catch up. I'm cool with that though - maybe one of these days keeping up with the Jones' will be important to me but to this point in my life, that's never been the case and I don't envision that changing.

That being said though, I REALLY loved my gifts and the thought that went into them. When someone shows you just how thoughtful they are by paying close to attention to what you need, it makes you feel that much more special:)

I think back to a year ago at this time. I had just injured my Achilles on April 18th 2009, I was without direction, upset, sad, afraid of the recovery road that lay ahead, worried about the apparent end of my long and oh-so-fulfilling career, and just really wondering where my path was going to take me. I had nothing but questions and very few answers.

Fast forward one year later and I have landed! Last Friday, I was finally able to jog again....woohoo! Yeah for rehab/physiotherapy!! I've been fortunate enough to have some great business and career opportunities fall into place and I'm SO excited about that. My bank account is looking pretty good:), I had a smooth transition from one tenant to another in my house in Austin, TX, thank goodness, I have been enjoying myself, my heart is being taken care of so well;-) and I am truly at one of the best points of my life!

I smile a lot. And the world seems to be smiling back at me. I keep wondering how come the Lord sees fit to keep blessing me like this, but since I don't know how or why, all I do is just keep thanking Him. If someone would have asked me where I would've been a year from last year, I would've never guessed that I would be standing in this place.

And all I can do is keep on keeping on, trying to be a good person, to show my friends and family how much they mean to me. People keep asking me how come I still look so young and would have to say that I think the key to my youthful feeling and appearance is just that I live life to the fullest, I stay positive, I really care about people, I'm passionate, I don't take myself too seriously and laugh a whole heck of a lot:-)

So here's to another year of life!!! I have a feeling it's gonna be my best one yet!!!!!

WITH MY HANDS TIED....

2010-04-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you guys have had the chance to hear this new Toni Braxton song, but it is MY Kinda Song!!! I love it and I've been playing it in heavy rotation. It's called Hands Tied. The lyrics are on point,

"I dont need my hands to feel the things i feel inside (cuz i)
cuz i know what inside's my heart is right
they dont have to hold you like that
they dont have to touch you like that
cuz you know the truth is that i will love you with one hand tied behind my back...."

Check it out and tell me what you think....

Aside from wearing out this song, lol, I've been just busy, busy, busy - busy doing work, busy spending time with my friends, busy spending time with my friend:-), extremely busy at physiotherapy - I swear those therapists at Select Therapy are masochists or slave drivers or something, but they are definitely getting the job done because my Achilles has improved by leaps and bounds and I'm supposed to start jogging next week. Woohoo...finally!!!!

In other news, lol, PUMA just sent me another shipment of stuff and as per usual, they have sent crazy amounts of everything. 15 pairs of shoes (including a couple of really funky Alexander McQueen ones), dresses, belts, caps/hats, every kind of shirt/top/blouse/t-shirt, skirts, and then of course actual track gear. Does anyone wear a size 7 1/2 shoe??

Peggy and I have been very blessed recently to make some really good connections in regards to our interior design business, Urban Safari Design. We've connected with a great construction company and we will be a part of most of their projects so that means lots of consistent business for us on a very regular basis!! God is good!!!

I've been making some other great connections to in regards to other opportunities but I will say more about those things at a later time....

Other than that, I've been enjoying some social events and just thriving in general. It always helps though, when you could love someone with your "hands tied":-) It just makes everything seem that much better and brighter!!! Hope you are all doing well!!!

ENGAGEMENT

2010-03-31T05:22:00.000-07:00

NO, not mine, before I even get started, lol....... my roommate's!

So this past weekend, my roommate Erica got engaged to her boyfriend of three years, Patrick Davis. I can't tell you how many times I've joked with her and called her Mrs. Davis and asked her when and where can we go to look for my bridesmaid dress and what kind of dress she's gonna wear on her wedding day and she would always just chuckle and brush me off and NOW look!!! It has come to fruition and Ms. Erica Witter will be becoming Mrs. Erica Davis some time next summer and I am EXTREMELY happy for them both!

I have to say, that Patrick outdid himself. A few weeks ago, he contacted me and told me that he was going to propose but that he needed to have a "proposal meeting" in regards to what he planned to do. I was like, really?? Why do you need to have all that? But being the good roomie that I am, I, along with the other 4 people that would be involved in this production attended said meeting.

We were informed at that time that Patrick intended to do a reproduction of an episode of Martin, the sitcom with Martin Lawrence from back in the day, when Martin proposed to Gina. Now I didn't remember the episode off the top of my head but since P-Diddy (Patrick's nickname) was on top of everything, he had his laptop there to show us all the episode on dvd. Basically, Martin took Gina out to this beautiful park and he started telling her all the reasons why he hadn't proposed yet and then one by one all his friends started to appear with different items in tow, each saying a couple lines.

First, someone appeared with a jacket, asking if the lady was cold and if Martin wanted to use it for his lady friend. Then Pam appeared with some flowers and said "Flowers for the lady, flowers for the lady?" After Martin responded saying he didn't have much money, Pam told him that in the name of love, she would let him have the flowers for a dollar. Well I was Pam. I'm no actress but I just hoped I would be able to say my 2 lines without messing up:-/

Someone else then appeared with Gina's favorite bottle of wine and then finally Brian McKnight appeared and sang her favorite song after which point, Martin got down on one knee and proposed in front of the whole group and of course, Gina said yes.

So that was what we all did and no Brian McKnight was not there but Terrence was a more than adequate replacement. The location was overlooking the ocean up in Palos Verdes at sunset. It was absolutely beautiful. Everything went off smoothly and Erica was so surprised and overwhelmed. Of course, I flubbed my two lines because as soon as I saw that she was crying and overcome with emotion, there I went getting all teary-eyed too and so my two lines which were supposed to have a break to let P-Diddy say a response became one long run-on sentence:-( Actress I am not!! LOL!

Anyway, of course she said yes and we got it all film and we took a bunch of photos of the evening. Patrick did an awesome job and set the bar really high. I'm so honoured to have been a part of the whole thing and I couldn't be happier unless it were my own engagement:-)

Here are just a few pics from the evening's events......

Can you beat this setting? I think not!

The set-up

His little pre-speech, during which time he said something about being "a little dirty, gap-toothed kid"....I just wanted to know what's wrong with having a gap in one's teeth, lol??

Will you marry me?

She said YES!!

Don't let that smile fool you, he was nervous....that smile is relief, lol

The whole ensemble cast:-)

The lovely couple!

Patrick, Erica and me

Coen (our other roomie), Erica, and me

A TO Z OF WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO.....

2010-03-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

So, I've been away from the blog for at least a couple weeks. I 've been SO busy doing a million and one things and in fact I just got back to the US at around midnight last night. I finally have a moment to breathe so I figured I'd update this little blog of mine just in case I still have any followers:-/ I thought I'd try to make it fun by going through the alphabet and saying what I've been doing.....

A....Avatar. I was probably one of the last people to see this movie and I'm not a huge fan of sci-fi movies, but it was AWESOME (once I got used to nausea I was feeling from the 3-D)!! Two thumbs waaaay up!!

B....Bahamas. I just got back from my home town of Nassau, Bahamas last night. I had to speak at this Nutrition, Fitness & Sport Psychology seminar. It was a short trip but I had such a great time.

C....Congratulations to Chris Brown (not that Chris Brown - this one's from the Bahamas) on winning the men's 400m at the World Indoor Champs in Doha, Qatar last week. Congrats to Chandra Sturrup who at 38 yrs of age ran 7.16 in the 60m and finished 6th and big ups to David (Oliver) on his bronze and PR in the 60m hurdles. (Oh yeah, and that spread in Essence, Mr. Big Timer:-)

D....Dining out. I've been doing a whole lot of this. My new favorite spot is this Brazilian restaurant Bamboo, right here in Culver City.

E....Early bird. I've been getting up a lot earlier than when I was training. Didn't know that 7-8am was such a pleasant time of day.

F....Family. Just got to see my brother and parents last night and this morning. Can't say enough how important they are to me!

G....GOD is good!! He continues to bless me in so many ways and I am eternally thankful.

H....Haircut. I've been toying with the idea of getting a significant haircut....something above the shoulders, maybe even all the way to the "Halle Berry". Just can't decide exactly what to do:-/

I....I-pod. I FINALLY got the songs on my I-pod changed last week, which I hadn't done since 2008. Yeah, I know that's lame, but I don't know how to do it so I had to wait for someone to oblige me and now I'm in heaven:-)

J....Jogging. This is something I HAVEN'T been doing. I'm still in heavy physiotherapy sessions twice a week for 2 hrs and hopefully within the next couple weeks I will be able to start to jog....can't wait!

K....Karma. Is something I believe in. I think I've been putting a lot of good vibes out there so maybe that's why everything's been coming up roses lately.

L....LOVE. It is DEFINITELY in the air:-)

M....Making Moves. I'm supposed to have a meeting later this month with the pitching coach from the Los Angeles Angels about possibly doing some work with them in the areas of nutrition and stretching. Keep your fingers crossed!

N....Nervous. I'm a little bit nervous about the reality TV show that I'm going to be on that filmed in January for athletes learning how to be Sports Broadcasters. I've forgotten most of what I said and did and I'm gonna probably be mortified when it airs in June:-/

O....Outlawed! I am officially banned from buying any more shoes till June 1st. I've been on shoe buying binge lately and it has to stop! Now! (But my shoes are BAD! Not bad meaning bad, but bad meaning good!)

P....Personal Training. I've begun doing some personal training and so far it's been going well and I'm having fun putting all these years of working out to good use.

Q....Queen. Been feeling like and been treated like one lately:-)

R....Reunited. I reunited with two high school friends when I went home to Nassau that I hadn't seen in the past 20 years. It was SO great to see them. It was just like old times!

S....Speeches. I given two recently. One on Saturday in San Diego at The Live Well Project for 100 underprivileged girls. The second in The Bahamas at that Seminar on Monday.

T....Tattoos. I've been thinking about getting one for the past couple years. Something to do with the 5 Olympics I've competed in and the 5 rings. I just can't figure out where and exactly how it should look....

U....Urban Safari Design - The interior design company that I co-own with my business partner Peggy. We just finished another commercial project, a nutrition club. Pictures to come at a later date.

V.....Velvet track suit. It's a NO-NO!!! I just met a guy wearing a brown one the other day and I could barely focus on the conversation. SMH!

W....Why Did I Get Married Too. The upcoming sequel to the first Tyler Perry movie of the same name. Can't wait to see it:-)

X....X-cited about all the possibilities that lie ahead this year for me.

Y....Yesterday I started reading this book called Diamond Ruff that's going to be made into a Feature Film. Very interesting so far. Wonder how it's going to end??

Z....Zero. The number of things I have to complain about right now! Life is good:-)

So that sums it up. What I've been up to in a nutshell. Busy as a bee, but lovin' every minute of it. Hope all is well with all of you!!

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT?

2010-02-25T21:22:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking lately about what it is that draws a woman to a man and vice-versa? And is there really such a thing as love at first sight??

I know for myself, there are certain things that immediately draw me in, and I'm talking pure aesthetics....a great smile (nice teeth), engaging eyes, good skin, nice hands....to name a few. But love?? What is it beyond that immediate attraction that makes someone take a second and a third and a fourth look?

People often say that they know within the first 5 minutes whether someone they've met has boyfriend/girlfriend "potential" or not. I think what is more often the case is that you know instantly if someone doesn't have a chance, but not necessarily if they do. Personality is such a HUGE X-factor and it is truly such a variable that I think it's almost impossible to completely rule someone out without having a conversation. And what is an appealing character trait in one person doesn't necessarily carry the same appeal on another. Weird how that is....but when people overlook the fact that someone is rude, thoughtless, selfish, unkind, or disrespectful just to be with the bombshell or the handsome hunk, we know how long those relationships last - not very!

There are certain deal breakers however. Instant No-Can-Dos. Shorter than me? Nope. Unintelligent? I'll pass. Smoke cigarettes? Hell to the no! Now while I don't think I've ever experienced love at first sight, I think I've had lust, lol, but I would never rule out the fact that it happens.

***"Love at first sight is easy to understand; it's when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle." ~ Amy Bloom ***

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

2010-02-14T00:02:00.000-08:00

Today is such a beautiful day! It's a day to celebrate friendship, it's a day to celebrate life and it's most definitely a day to celebrate love! I've always believed that love is something that we should show all throughout the year. Why wait for one special day to let the people in your life that matter know just how important they are to you? I try to make it my business to show my affection and appreciation all year long, but it is kinda fun to make that little extra effort on this one day.

One of my favourite quotes is "You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." -Dr. Seuss

Who knew Dr. Seuss was so thoughtful, lol, but I couldn't agree with him more!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY everyone....it's gonna be a lovely day:-)

KIRK FRANKLIN HAITI RELIEF

2010-02-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

I came across this song, "Are You Listening?" produced by Kirk Franklin. Along with a many of today's best gospel artists , he recorded this song to help to raise money for the people in Haiti in conjunction with UNICEF. Not only is the song absolutely beautiful, but the proceeds are obviously going to a great cause. Listen, enjoy and do your part to help if you haven't already done so.

........WHILE DRIVING

2010-02-06T11:15:00.000-08:00

I remember years ago before I had a blackerry, before I knew anything about having this type of instant access to the worldwide web, to e-mails, to google, to bbm, I would look at my friends who would use their phones for anything else other than to make and receive phone calls or to send the occasional text as crazy or bored or lame or "too cool for school" so to speak. And don't let me get started on those who would do all this stuff while they were driving. Those people were REALLY crazy!!

Fast forward to a couple years ago and the acquisition of my own blackberry and I became/have become that person I so chastized. It's one thing to put one's phone to full use and by that I mean, go ahead have fun, use all the apps and gadgets on there but the thing I had come to dislike about my own phone usage was that I had become a culprit of doing these things while I was driving.

The thing is I know better!! I've seen all the stories about the accidents that people have gotten into, the deaths that have been caused, that could've been avoided had that person not been fooling around with their phone. I've seen the mothers crying on Dr. Phil and I've seen the anguish that this basically self-serving, selfish act has wrought on the lives of so many. Yet I, like so many others, just convinced myself that I was actually good at it. That it was just those people who didn't know how to text, bbm, google and drive.

Studies have shown that it is equally, if not more dangerous to do these things while driving than it is to drive drunk!! And that still didn't stop me. But something hit me, quite literally, when a friend of mine who drives and texts got into an accident a couple months ago, just moments after he had told me that he was good at doing it. No one got hurt but still....How coincidental or not? It was at that moment that I decided that I needed to make a change.

You see it's just not worth it when it comes right down to it! There is no text or query or bbm SO important that it can't wait until I get to my destination. And if it is, then I need to just pull over and handle it. I mean, what were we all doing before the advent of this technology? We just waited till we got home to check our emails and to look up what ever information we needed to find out. To put other people's children's, mother's, father's, brother's lives at risk for the sake of our own impatience or need to know or tell ASAP is about as selfish an idea as I can imagine. And I am committed to not doing it anymore.

New Year's resolutions are often cheesy and we often break them by January 5th lol, but I made it my business this year to hold myself accountable, to be more responsible, to act like an adult and to stop using or checking my phone while driving aside from receiving or making phone calls and even then, it's only hands-free usage. It's the law here in California anyway. If there are any of you out there who might be reading this blog and who are culprits of this awful habit, I am challenging you today to stop and think about this for a moment and make a decision....is it REALLY worth it?? When you think about it, the answer has to be NO!

He's Just THAT Into YOU!!

2010-01-28T22:03:00.000-08:00

So we've all heard that phrase thrown around a lot - He's Just NOT that into you! It's supposed to be the phrase that not so succinctly tells a girl that the guy she wants really isn't that interested in her. We've all been guilty of ignoring those signs....he doesn't want to be exclusive, yes he saw you called - yes his phone is working - no, he didn't call you back, he won't hold your hand in public, he calls you last minute for a "hookup" but won't take you out to dinner or let you meet his friends.

Well after reading a good article today, I thought I would list the opposite list today. How to tell if He REALLY is into you!! Even though these 10 signs surely do not cover all the indications of a swooning man, they should give you a good idea of what to look for. Too often women overanalyze irrelevant details and overlook the tell-tale signs when it comes to gauging just how into you he is. A lot of times women have a general thought or idea of how a man is supposed to act when he’s diggin’ her i.e. flowers, cards, and candy, which can come with time but in the beginning, the signs are subtle yet obvious! Remember, body language speaks louder than words and it would be good pay attention to his gestures! We’ll touch on both areas! So take a look a these 10 ways to tell if the man you’re seeing is in it to win it!

Calls and Texts - if a man is truly digging a woman he will call, a lot of times for no reason. If he calls or shoots you a text saying, “hey, have good day” you’re on his mind! If he returns your calls in a prompt manner, he wants you to know that he’s not dodging you and making an effort to take the time to let you know that.

He Tries New Things for You - you obviously had a life before you started dating this guy so you know that Yoga class you take three nights a week? If you say “hey, you wanna come with me one night?” and he comes along, he’s taking one for the team! Why? Because he wants to spend time with you, get to know you and the things you take interest in.

He Introduces You to His Friends - if a guy is into you, chances are he’s told his friends about you. Men normally don’t go introducing their friends to the “jump-off” so if you meet his boys from childhood, the ones he play sports with on the weekends and the ones he works with, he’s into you. You’ll know for sure if the boys know things about like what you do for a living and for leisure. All this means is he’s been bragging about his boo!

He Gets to Know Your Friends - this is a two way street, right? So if he takes the time to hang out with you and your girls, he’s making his presence in your life known. He’ll also do this to get to learn your role in their lives and how you behave around them. Are you the wild-child party animal, the witty but funny voice if reason or the conservative who sits back and observes? If he’s really into you, he’ll make a point to get in good with the bestie so he knows who to call in case you get missing!

He Values Your Opinion - no matter how big or small the scenario, if he asks your opinion and takes the advice you give, then it’s safe to say he trusts you. If it’s as simple as, “does the blue or black shirt look better with this suit” or “do you think I should take my mother here or there for her birthday?” All this means is he trusts your judgment and values your opinion.

Random Caresses - if a man is into you, he’ll want to be close. If he’s diggin’ you, he wants to be close enough to you to smell you and sneak a touch or two. Some men are the aggressive type and will caress the small of your back, tug at your hips, or give you a solid squeeze.

Open Posture – If the two of you are sitting across from each other and he’s hunched over table, he may struggle with revealing his feelings and thoughts physically and verbally. But if a guy sitting across from you is leaning towards you with his shoulders raised with a slight head tilt, his body language is indicating that he’s interested in you and what you have to say.

Gazing - as the old saying goes “eyes are the gateway to the soul,” and this is so true! It’s easy to tell a man is totally detached if you’re talking about something you feel passionate about and he’s distracted, fidgeting and looking everywhere but in your eyes. He’s not interested, period. But if you’re speaking and he’s giving you eye contact, then he’s connected. Think about it: it’s highly unlikely a man will readily admit that you have him open, but if he’s staring in your eyes while you speak and allows you to look back, he’s letting you in.

Nervous Sprucing - if a guy is totally into himself, then you’ll know the difference between narcissistic grooming and nervous sprucing. If the gentleman you’re feeling is constantly brushing miniscule lint off his shoulder, adjusting his shirt and smoothing his freshly cut hair, he wants to look good for you! He’s trying his hardest to look his best for you, so don’t be surprised if he asks you if he has anything in his teeth! These gestures are simply nervous quircks.

Facial Expressions - you can always tell how a man feels by his expression when he first sees you. For example, if he’s picking you up for a date, pay attention to the look on his face. If he raises his eyebrows and has an expression that mirrors surprise, he’s happy to see you and excited to spend time with you. Men don’t like to be rejected, so if he looks relieved, he’s glad you showed up and thrilled about the time he’ll spend with you. By the end of the night, if he looks like he’s anxious or can’t keep his eyes off you, chances are he’s having troubles keeping his hands off you also. Don’t be too proud to reach out to him for a solid hug!

So Ladies, if you’re currently dating a man and you’re not all the way sure if he’s taking the relationship seriously, these are ways to tell without pressuring him to label or define your coupledom. If he’s doing some of things listed above, chances are he’s going to make the steps towards something more serious without you having to say a word!

And when all else fails.....trust your instincts, they're usually right!!

PRODUCT REVIEW - LUSHAE JEWELRY

2010-01-21T09:35:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago, I was contacted by a young lady who is the owner of Lushae Jewelry. She was kind enough to send me a complimentary piece of jewelry and I wanted to write a post about it to give my honest review and opinion.

Everyone that knows me personally, knows that I LOVE silver jewelry so it was actually a great pleasure for me to select something from the website. The website was really user friendly and intuitive and there were a wide range of choices for me to pick from rings to Earrings to Pendants, etc. I chose the Cobblestone ring and my order arrived 2 days later.

It came in a nice, little box and I really like the fact the ring actually looked just like it does in the picture on the website. It's heavy and substantial and I like the quality of the silver. I wasn't too sure about ring sizing but luckily there is a link on the page that helped me figure that out.

Here is a picture of the ring in the box and then of it on my finger.

I've already worn it a couple times and I'm sure it will get a lot of use:-) Thanks again Sarah for the piece of jewelry. I encourage you all to check out the Lushae's Jewelry and I wish you nothing but success in your business venture!

M.I.A.

2010-01-16T18:36:00.000-08:00

So for the past two weeks, I've pretty much been MIA, Missing In Action, so to speak. When I last updated my blog, I was about to embark on a new adventure - the filming of a TV show that I was lucky enough to be a part of. Essentially, it was a Reality/Documentary type show that will chronicle 12 professional athletes, both active and retired from the NFL, NBA, track and snowboarding, who are learning how to become sports broadcasters.

Some of the cast...George Foster (NFL), Freddie Jones (NFL), Otis Leverette (NFL), Me:-), Gary Payton (NBA), Josh Norman (NFL)

I've always had an interest in that field of work but I've never had an opportunity to "get my feet wet' or any sort of experience. I've always been the person on the opposite end of the microphone answering the questions so it was really interesting to get to see and learn firsthand how to do exactly what it is that reporters, announcers, commentators, news anchors, radio hosts and play-by-play media persons do.
On one of the sets...

To say it was a challenge would be a huge understatement! It was the same kind of exciting energy you feel when you're up for your first jump at a meet. When the producer counts down and that stage manager points at you to start reading your evening news from the teleprompter it was a huge rush. And I loved every minute of it!!! I can assure you that the news persons and analysts on TV make everything they do look WAY easier than it is and I'm sure they will be some laughs when you watch us in that learning process:-/

We were split into 3 teams of 4. My team consisted of myself, Josh Norman (NFL), Gary Payton (NBA) and Ray Crockett (NFL).
TEAM 2!!!! Ray Crockett, Josh Norman, myself and GP

There were three other track athletes on the show - Lolo Jones, Monica Cabbler and Maurice Greene. We had to compete in different challenges every day to earn "Broadcast Bucks" and then at the end of the competition, the winners were chosen. One of the great things about this experience is that we were all able to donate our winnings to the charity of our choice and so that was really fantastic.
Lolo Jones, Maurice Greene and myself

There was a great chemistry and comraderie between everyone but boys will boys and some days were definitely more draining and drama-filled than others but I guess that is to be expected when you have a room filled with such highly competitive people. The cameras were on us all the time when we were at the set, both during actual competitions and during breaks, lunch etc so the Lord only knows what will actually air when the show debuts in June because we all had our moments:-/

There were some CHARACTERS to be sure LOL and some fun times were had but I don't want to say too much more. The ending was interesting and I hope you will all tune in and watch. It is an experience that ranks really high up there for me and I am so thankful that I was chosen to be a part of the Media and Leadership Academy's season 1. I learned a lot and I know that I have much more to learn but one thing is for sure - some of the friendships that I made will most definitely last a lifetime.

A unique opportunity hasalready come up as a result of this show and the sky truly is now the limit!!!

Team 2 had to interview John Salley for our celebrity interview

Myself and Marcellus Wiley, one of our instructors (Former NFL player and current ESPN analyst)

Down at the Staples Center doing one of the challenges

Trisha Brynes (snowboarding), Otis and me

Down at Fox Sports Network (Prime Ticket) - who knows? Maybe I'll be working here one day!!!

HOT/NOT SO HOT in 2010!!!

2010-01-02T10:45:00.001-08:00

First let me say Happy New Year to everyone!!! Hope you all have a blessed and prosperous 2010. I'm looking forward to an exciting year with lots of love, life, laughter, happiness and opportunities. That being said, I was just thinking of all the things that I think are still HOT as we move into this new decade and on the flip side some of the things that are NOT SO HOT anymore and should be left behind....

HOT in 2010....Skinny Jeans on women
NOT SO HOT....Skinny jeans on men! (Actually this was never hot, lol)

HOT in 2010....Twitter (although I'm not on it), Facebook
NOT SO HOT....Myspace

HOT in 2010....Looking like a million bucks
NOT SO HOT....actually spending a million bucks (it's a recession people, be thrifty, spend wisely)

HOT in 2010....Robin Thicke, Sade, Jay-Z
NOT SO HOT....Ashanti, Pretty Ricky, Christina Milian (she's cute though)

HOT in 2010....Some reality shows are still cool - Kardashians, Project Runway, The Biggest Loser, Intervention
NOT SO HOT....For the Love of Ray J (I mean, please??!!), Girls Next Door (Played out), Jon & Kate plus 8 (SMH)

HOT in 2010....Grey's Anatomy, Nip/Tuck, Brothers and Sisters, Sportscenter, Entourage
NOT SO HOT....ER, Lost (I know everyone's gonna kill me for this, sorry I don't get it- they should be found by now), The Price is Right

HOT in 2010....(Insert your own word)
NOT SO HOT....the word "Swag"

HOT in 2010....The New York Yankees
NOT SO HOT....The New York Giants

HOT in 2010....Being a Lover, not a fighter:-)
NOT SO HOT....War, being selfish and self-centered, being petty

HOT in 2010....Being a singer who actually SINGS during your concert, ie. Beyonce, Alicia Keys
NOT SO HOT....Lip sync'ing, ie Britney Spears, sorry to say -Janet Jackson

HOT in 2010....Actually saying goodbye to someone, ie "Goodbye"...pretty simple I think
NOT SO HOT....Saying "Audi 5000" or "Holla at 'cha boy/girl"

HOT in 2010....Pedicures
NOT SO HOT....Pedicures where they put long acrylics on your toenail so it hangs over your shoe....ewwww!!!

HOT in 2010....Cooking at home (and if you don't know how to cook, then learning how to cook....it's much healthier)
NOT SO HOT....Eating fast food every day....those extra 10-15lbs will creep up on you before you know it!!!

HOT in 2010....Having a FIERCE shoe-game!
NOT SO HOT....Wearing Crocs! I'm sorry, I never really got this trend....

HOT in 2010....Blackberry Phones
NOT SO HOT....Cell phones where you have to punch 3 times to get a C or and I, lol!

HOT in 2010...NFL
NOT SO HOT...NHL (Has it ever been hot? They do have some hot players though:-)

HOT in 2010....Women being women (be a lady, take care of your man:-); men being men (chivalrous, responsible)
NOT SO HOT....Lying, cheating, playing games

HOT in 2010....Living life and enjoying it to the FULLEST!!!
NOT SO HOT....Complaining and whining all the time, but doing nothing to change your circumstance! Make changes happen!! Happiness in is a choice!!

Again, these are just my opinions and I'm sure not everyone will agree but I just thought I'd share. Feel free to say what you think is or isn't hot in 2010!

PS.** I'm about to be a part of a new TV show that will begin filming here in LA on Monday. I'm not sure yet whether I'm at liberty to talk about it in detail yet so I'll hold off for now. Suffice to say it is really interesting and a great opportunity for me and I am super excited. I hope and pray that all will go well. As with all things, you will only get out of something, what you put in and so I intend to give my all and do my very best. I look forward to sharing more with you all as soon as I am able.

THAT LEMONADE TASTES GOOD!!!

2009-12-22T17:35:00.000-08:00

"I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity!" ~ Gilda Radner

2009 has turned out to be one of the most intriguing years of my life. If I would have tried to predict the course that it would have taken, I would have been SO wrong! If someone would have told me that I would partially tear and then completely tear my Achilles, that I would have had surgery, that I would not have competed in a single outdoor long jump competition, that I would not have competed in my 10th World Championships, that I would've experienced personal emotional ups and downs, that I would have joined Facebook lol or that I would/could go 8 months without working out at all and still maintain my 6 pack:-), I would have laughed at them over and over again and called them insane!

The fact is, not only have I gone through all that stuff, but I am probably happier than I have been in a long, long time. Sometimes it takes a huge upheaval or change in your life's plan for things to become clear. Our plans are not always His and sometimes without our understanding, we see the blessing that it truly is in the end. My injury forced me to slow down, literally and figuratively. To "smell the roses". To see what else life has to offer aside from track and field and long jumping and rest and lifting weights and traveling. For the past decade and a half, that's ALL I've known! Crazy, when you think about it.

I've become more social, I started playing the piano/keyboard again and I've joined the Women's choir at my church. I've met new people that have nothing to do with track in particular or sports in general. I've spent time with my friends and seen my parents a lot. I've been to dinner and the movies and bowling. I've been to every other comedy club in LA and laughed my head off. I've been to parties and the beach and I've had the time to develop some meaningful relationships.

I've become a Health & Wellness coach. Because of that, my nutrition, which I thought I knew a lot about, has improved significantly and I have to say is the sole reason that I attribute my current physique to. Who knew that you could be as lean and toned as you are from training 3-4 hrs a day just by following a particular nutrition program?? I certainly didn't but I'm so glad that I know now and I love sharing that with people. In that vein, I now co-run a Wellness program at an architectural firm in Santa Monica, with others to come and just got my proposal approved to run a similar program at my church where there is truly a great need.

I went to the Robin Thicke concert last night on a last minute whim and it was OK because I didn't have practice early this morning and so I could come home whenever. Ooooh that concert was fantastic! Love that guy:-) Yes, I've been inconvenienced by my injury and who knows whether my track career is officially over or whether I will be able to go out next year as I had planned, competing and enjoying my beloved sport and officially retiring at the end of 2010. I sure am gonna try but you know what this year has helped me to realize? That I will be OK either way. I've given my all to track and field and so in that regard, I have absolutely no regrets.

Life has a funny way of showing who's in charge and handing out those lemons. But I've made the heck outta some lemonade this year and I am REALLY looking forward to 2010. I know that bigger, better, even more satisfying and fulfilling experiences await me. New opportunities, new adventures, new goals. I'm excited to wake up every day because it just feels more and more like this puzzle that I call life is slowly being pieced together. And I am living and loving every moment of it!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU ALL!

SADE - SOLDIER OF LOVE

2009-12-14T09:59:00.000-08:00

Back in the day, I used to LOVE Sade! Her music just made and still does make me feel a certain way:-) I've always looked at her and thought she was beautiful, exotic, mysterious, enchanting. It's been a long time since we've heard from her but she's back! This song Soldier of Love is the first single from her upcoming album Fair Use which is set to be released in February. Can't wait!! Maybe I can be like her when I grow up one day, lol!

In the meantime, wet your appetite with this beast of a song. If this doesn't get you feeling right, then I don't know what will....Enjoy!

BIG TIMER!!!!

2009-12-11T09:03:00.000-08:00

So I know throughout the many posts that I've written, you've heard me mention the name of my friend, my boy, my pal Chris Spencer. Not only is he a great friend to me, but he's a great father and husband and he's a GREAT comedian! He always emphasizes the fact that he is NOT a comic, he's a comedian. The quote from Milton Berle that he says is, "Comics are people that say funny things. Comedians are people that make things funny".

Anyway, tonight @ 10:30pm at The El Portal Theater in North Hollywood, Chris will be doing the live taping for his upcoming Showtime Special "The Other Chris".

I'm SO happy for him! He's done so much in his career but usually he's the guy introducing everybody else, with mini sets in between the different comedians or he's hosting some charity event or dinner. The thing is, even though he doesn't usually headline, he is often the guy behind the scenes, being "The Other Chris", writing for many of the awards shows or writing jokes for Chris Rock and Jamie Foxx while those guys get all the credit.

Back in the day he hosted The Vibe Show after Arsenio Hall went off the air and he used to be on the Jamie Foxx Tv show. He's been in several movies and commercials on TV but tonight it will be his time to shine and I'm pretty doggoned excited about it. I'm not sure when it's gonna air on Showtime but you can rest assured that I will let you all know when that date is. I'm sure he's gonna be awesome!

If any of you live in the LA area, you might wanna check it out!

***This past week I decided to join the Women's Choir at my church, First AME. A long time ago, I used to sing in a couple different choirs and it's been something I've wanted to do again for a quite a while but someone has finally given me the motivation to do it, without them even knowing that they've inspired me so I just want to say thank you, thank you so much for making me remember how much I love to sing.***

POTPOURRI.....

2009-12-03T11:43:00.000-08:00

So things have been going pretty well in the life and times of JE....I really can't complain. I'm pretty much done with my walking boot for the most part unless I have a lot of walking to do, which puts me a whole 2 weeks ahead of schedule and rehab has begun. Woohoo!!!

Last night, I attended So Phresh and So Clean which the one and only Chris Spencer hosted. (I was able to wear a pair of heels again - both feet!:-) It was a mix of up and coming singers performing and then comics doing stand-up between the different sets. One of my friends, Andre Pitre, was singing too and so it was good to catch up with him. Here is a pic of him for all you ladies out there.....

....and yes he is single, 6' 2", 33 yrs old, so if anyone is interested, please send me your resumes lol!! And he sings pretty good too....He'd probably kill me if he knew I had him all up on here like this LOL. Oh well....

My business partner Peggy and I continue to work on our current Design project/job which is still in the initial stages where we're doing drawings, presentations and a lot of the preliminary leg work that has to be done as far as health and business codes when it comes to Commercial Projects.

As much as I have really tried to avoid having any public opinion about the whole Tiger Woods situation, I have to say that I have been somewhat...ok maybe a lot irked by the media, press, tabloids over the past couple of days. First let me put out a disclaimer...****As woman who has been cheated on and lied to by some men that I have dated, I in no way, shape or form, condone, justify, accept, rationalize, tolerate what Tiger did to his wife. That pain cuts deep and the amount of pain, hurt and embarrassment that he has inflicted on her and his family is probably unfathomable and his life and image will forever be changed. As a fellow Stanfordite, I would expect this man to have some more sense, integrity, lol.****

HOWEVER...if my/your name is not Elin, Kultida (his mom), his kids, or Jesus, then I am of the opinion that it's nobody's business but his!!! He does not owe us an explanation regarding his personal failings. He did nothing illegal. He is not our pastor, President, leader, moral compass. He is not a judge, family counselor, or idol. He is a man, who is an athlete, who happens to be exceptionally good at what he does. End of story. If his sponsors require something of him, I could see that. But Joe Schmoe public, Please?? Does the multi-million dollar CEO of some Wall Street company have to go public and confess his extra-marital sins to the public? No, so why should someone else have to do it?

As for the chicks who have come forth with all these texts and the voicemail.....SMH...no comment!

Yesterday, Jim Rome on ESPN's Rome is Burning said that if Tiger Woods didn't want to have to explain his private life and if he didn't want people invading his privacy "he should've never picked up a golf club". REALLY? It just burns me up that people feel they have the right to people's intimate life just because they are famous/popular. Anyway, let me leave this topic alone, I think I've made my point LOL! All I can say is I hope he and his family are able to work everything out one way or another and find some peace and stability.

Well, I better start thinking about my Christmas shopping. I'm not really a last minute shopper but I also don't buy gifts in November either so I better get on it and get my ideas together.

Hope everyone is doing well, feeling blessed....

SO THANKFUL!

2009-11-26T10:32:00.000-08:00

Even though we do not celebrate this holiday in the Bahamas, and in spite of the fact that regardless of the many years that I have lived in the US, my family and I have not really adopted the holiday, it takes nothing away from the fact that I have SO much to be thankful for! And at the end of the day, isn't that what Thanksgiving Day is all about. It's inception was somewhat dubious and should not be forgotten but in it's purest, simplest form, it is a beautiful day where we can all stop for a moment and be thankful for all the blessings we have.

I don't even know where to begin and end in an attempt to make a list of all the things that I am grateful for but let me just go off the top of my head.....

Family
Friends
Health
Happiness
Love
Opportunity
Peace of mind
Talent
Laughter
Cute Shoes:-)
Music
BBM
Joy in my life
Hope for the future
Options
A good education
The knowledge that God does answer prayers
Second Chances
My church/pastor
Successful surgery
A comfortable bed
Passion
My upbringing
Long eyelashes
Sports on TV
Smell goods (lotions, perfumes, body mists)
A non-flat booty, lol
Small feet
Books

Ok, ok......as you can see, I could just go on and on but I won't bore you with that lol because the list really is endless when you think about it. So for now I'll just say that I hope you all have a beautiful day spent with those you love:-)

HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVES

2009-11-25T07:40:00.001-08:00

A couple days ago, a good friend of mine (who happens to be wealthy) was in town and we decided to go out for dinner. After hanging out for a bit, we ended up eating at this super fabulous Wolfgang Puck steakhouse named Cut that was right across from the hotel he was staying at. We didn't have reservations or anything and apparently at that place there's usually a two to three week waiting list for reservations, or at least so I was told. I would have no personal knowledge of this since I've never eaten there before.

However, him being who he is, he called down and as soon as they heard his name, magically a table was free:-/ Somehow, I'm thinking if I had called, we would've still be waiting lol. Anyway, so we go to the restaurant and we're shown to our table. Within 5 minutes of being seated, we're already being brought appetizers "on the house". The first was some tuna thingy and the second were these miniature Kobe beef burgers....de-lish!!!!!

We ended up splitting a salad because we knew that our meals were going to be filling. We both ordered steaks and sides of cream spinach and some of the most tasty mac and cheese you've ever had. I have to say that I was a little bit skeptical about ordering mac and cheese at this type of restaurant but Lord was it good!

He had a couple glasses of wine and I had a couple drinks. And that was it, no dessert or anything because we were both waay too full. I don't think I'm going out on a limb to say that it was perhaps the BEST steak I've ever had. My mouth is drooling now just thinking about it. So anyway, the bill comes and I glance at it .....$266!!!! My friend doesn't even flinch, meanwhile I'm sitting there quietly thinking WTH??? Who ate that amount of food and simultaneously, Thank God I don't have to pay for this because I might have to go in the back to wash some dishes lol. But seriously, the appetizers were free, we had one salad between us, two entrees, a couple of drinks each and no dessert. Crazy!

He calmly pulls out some $100 dollar bills and gives them to me to pay and I say "So do you just normally walk around with $100's in your pocket?" to which he replies that he has another friend who's even more wealthy than he his who gives him $20, $30, $50,000 cash every time he sees him just for no reason! Just because they're good friends!!! What??? Please try to picture the incredulous look on my face at this point and time. Why would one rich person give another rich person cash of all things? And why was our appetizer "on the house"? They know he can afford it! And why does he need complimentary champagne in his hotel room? All I could do is shake my head and say, "Must be nice!!"

I can't even begin to imagine a life like that, where cost is a complete non-issue and people just give you expensive, free things all the time. Just seems kinda backwards don't you think? Luckily, I'm not a materialistic person, but I have to say it sure is fun to see how the other half lives every once in a while....

We definitely had a great time but after he paid for my valet, which he insisted on, I jumped in my Chevy Equinox and happily drove back off to reality....truth is, my world ain't too bad either:-)

MY KINDA GUY

2009-11-19T07:58:00.000-08:00

Over the years, I've dated a wide variety of guys. Those who know me, will know that the number of actual men is not high. I'm not sure why or why not. For some reason, I've just never been attracted to loads and loads of men. Call it picky, call it selective, call it unlucky, who knows? Some of my friends have the ability to find this guy attractive, and that one and the other one, any time, all the time. I would have to say that sometimes I've envied that. I could seriously go years without finding one guy wholly appealing - physically, spiritually, mentally, personality, manners - you know the whole package.

I have a lot of male friends, friends who I can totally see why someone else would absolutely love them and who on paper it would make perfect sense for me to be attracted to them, but maybe there's a faulty mechanism in my brain that only allows me to like one or two guys every 3 or 4 years lol. There was a period of time, between 2002 and 2005 where I only was "involved" with one guy that played tennis (and for those of you who read my blog that know who I'm talking about, please keep it to yourselves:-) and that was only for a couple weeks. THAT's IT! Not another date, not a nothing else. Sad, yes I know:-(

I think I've spent so many of my years traveling and doing the track thing with my whole heart and being that it's just never been a priority. During that time I have dated white guys, black guys, a hispanic guy and in-between guys. At Stanford, my first boyfriend ever was white - the quarterback of the football team - how cliche??!! Let me add quickly though that at that time, fresh off the boat from The Bahamas, I had absolutely NO comprehension of the game of football. Didn't know a quarterback from a running back from a hump back of Notredame. Seriously, no clue. That didn't stop the naysayers from claiming that I thought I was white and was only dating this guy because of his position on the team. If only they had known that a) I don't discriminate lol and b) that for all I knew he was just one of a group of men in similar uniforms who liked to play this game with no rules (in my mind) who just knocked each other down over and over for no apparent reason. By my senior year, thankfully I knew what was going on lol.

I've dated internationally too - a black model from France (worst mistake EVER), a white guy from Germany, an Australian, a Cuban and then my lovely American boys. For one reason or another, I've ended up dating a number of guys that are significantly younger than me. Not sure why. I will say I am not a chaser, so these young men have been the ones who pursued me and since they've been so lovely, what's a girl to do??

I've often wondered what exactly is my kinda guy. I don't really think I have a type per se, but there are certain things that seem to be more prevalent than not in the men I've loved. Tall (well mostly), athletic, intelligent, uber confident, great smiles, charming, funny - you HAVE to have a sense of humor, and they've been high on the handsome scale:-) It's not that I look for that specifically, it's just that these traits seem to be common to them all. However, because of these qualities, these men tend to have more "options" so to speak and a fair number of them have chosen to exercise those options if you know what I mean. Sometimes it's hurt a lot, sometimes not as much. But you just pick yourself up, dust yourself off and move on, knowing that Mr. Right is still out there, right ladies?

I know what I DON'T LIKE - selfishness, rudeness, men that are inconsiderate, who treat their mother's poorly, I can't do the vertically challenged thing - sorry - I'm 5'8 1'2 and when I put on heels, I'm bordering on 6ft so a guy that's also 5'8" or less, probably not gonna work. Unhealthy or unfit men, I don't like them. I love guys that take care of themselves or who workout. They don't have to be athletes as such, just athletic. Poor hygiene is a HUGE turnoff. Can you really get past consistent bad breath? I don't think so lol. Or someone with bad B.O.??? Ewwww! If you did not just finish working out, etc, there's no excuse. The ladies know there's a lot of bonus points out there for a good smelling guy!!! Get your Bath & Body on too please (if you need some help I highly recommend Warm Vanilla body lotion) and a little bit and I did say a little cologne (don't bathe in it). Just can't deny a great smelling guy! (That rhymed, haha...) Anyway, Oh yeah and cut your hair - no shaggy monsters for me (well maybe one time I went there, lol).

Can you have some table manners too? No smacking your lips while you're eating! Know how to use your fork and knife properly. Please don't talk with your mouth just loaded with food. Be kind to your waitstaff. I hate it when people are rude and pushy with the people who serve them at restaurants. Says a lot about a person's character or lack thereof. And can we talk about something other than hip-hop music or popular culture? I need you to know a little about what's going on in the world. Is that too much to ask for?

I know I'm all over the place with this post lol and I'm not sure what prompted the topic. I just know that I know that I like what I like when I see it. Can't predict it, can't explain it. My kinda guy is thoughtful and genuine and adventurous and honest and chivalrous and passionate and silly and intellectual. He's intense but laid-back, he's tough but gentle, he's serious and funny, he can dress up and he can dress down. The older I get, the more I know what I like...And who knows, maybe I've found him already:-) It's possible, but only time will tell.....

WHAT's HAPPENING?

2009-11-14T00:31:00.000-08:00

Man, it's been about a week since I blogged last. I've been doing some work, having fun, and spending time with people that matter to me. It's been a bit of a whirlwind but I feel as if sometimes everything in your life happens for a reason and you end up in just the right place at just the right time.

I did finally get my cast off on Monday!!! Woohoo!!! I'm SO happy about that! After not being able to put my foot on the ground for 6 weeks, it's amazing how such a relatively small action could bring me that much joy, lol, albeit in a boot. The boot itself makes me feel as if I'm about to walk on the moon but at this point I'd wear anything on my foot as long as I was able to weight bear again. I've been using both crutches for the past few days but today marked the first day where I could use one for the most part.

My scar doesn't look too bad either. It's pretty long, but all things considered, it's healing rather well, at least in my opinion.

I think with some Mederma and cocoa butter, it will hardly be visible by the time all is said and done.

I've been out to dinner a couple times at two great restaurants, one Italian and a steakhouse. On Wednesday, I did something that I've never done before, thanks to the generosity of a good friend of mine. My BFF Peggy and I were treated to a day at a spa. We went to this place called Burke Williams - the Torrance location. We had facials, massages and pedicures and it was AWESOME and I have soft skin and pretty pink toes to prove it:-) I had NO idea that I was missing such luxury and I, Ms. Low Maintenance, will definitely go back at some point.

I saw the movie Precious and now I understand what all the Oscar buzz is about. It was moving and funny and sad and powerful and touching and uplifting and emotional all at once. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and go see it.

I went to the bookstore and bought the Andre Agassi biography and am looking forward to reading it. Add to that a little shopping (bought a new pair of boots and a new purse), and a meeting for a new commercial interior design project that Urban Safari Design will be undertaking and this week has just flown by.

And I can't wait for the next one.....hope you all feel as blessed as I do.

THE SILVER LINING

2009-11-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday marked exactly five weeks since I had my surgery and if all goes according to plan, I should be getting my cast removed on Monday and getting a boot, which I will have to wear for another 6 weeks:-( To say that these weeks have not been trying and frustrating, at times humbling and other times aggravating, would be a great understatement. Anyone who knows me though knows that what I may lack in other areas, I definitely make up for in being able to make the best out of any situation. Maybe it's all my years of jumping and competing but I just seem to have an innate ability to not focus on the negatives and to just maintain a healthy optimism.

That ability has certainly been put to the test in these weeks. I did manage to still keep some portions of the schedule I had planned for myself prior to my injury and just refused to allow for too many moments of self-pity. For all the trouble it's been living in a 3 story apartment, having to go up and down the stairs every day, falling 3 times (twice very badly), I started thinking yesterday about all the blessings that I've also had during this time.

For obvious reasons, you are FORCED to just slow down figuratively and literally, and take a look at your life. I've been ripping and running for the better part of 15 plus years, never slowing down, never really looking around me to truly appreciate all that I've been blessed with. I began compiling in my mind all the things that I've come to realize and appreciate over the past 5 weeks. Here are my top 10 things, in no particular order:

1) Who knew that people were SO helpful?? Being on crutches has allowed me to see the best in people - I've had more doors opened for me, my gas pumped, errands ran, bags carried. If you think everyone around you is cynical, just break a leg or tear a tendon and get on some crutches, lol and you will see the true humanity of complete strangers.

2) I've met some REALLY outstanding people recently, just because I've been able to take the time to do a few more things socially - Events or outings I would have never gone to had I been on my usual busy/hectic training and travel schedule.

3) I've been reading some really good books.

4) I've had the chance to see my parents and my brother far more often than I normally would be able to just because I've had the time to.

5) I'm pretty sure I've caught up on all my beauty rest:-). When you train as hard as we do and travel all the time, your body just is completely over-extended and often exhausted and I am definitely rested lol.

6) I've been able to communicate/stay in touch with my friends a lot more frequently. Instead of just thinking I should call or talk to someone, I've just done it!

7) I think because I've been a pretty healthy person, I've taken for granted the fact that my body functions properly, arms, legs, mind, everything - when you're incapacitated yourself, you actually tend to realize just how many other people are in your same predicament, if not worse. The other day when I wasn't feeling too good because I had fallen, I saw this guy go by on crutches as well and was about to tell myself, yep there's another one just like me....and then I looked more closely and saw that he only had one leg! Whatever I was feeling vanished in an instant because the truth is, in a matter of weeks, I will be able to walk again. Not so for this guy. So....GET OVER IT Jackie!!

8) I've actually learned how to ask for help. I'm still working on this one. I like to be independent and feel that I get things done myself. Plus I hate bothering people, but I've become aware that there are simply times in your life when you just need help. Plain and simple. There are no awards being handed out for taking 30 minutes to get my laundry basket up the stairs myself to the laundry room when I could just as easily ask my roommate for help, particularly when she's told me to ask her for help whenever I need it. (Learned that one the hard way:-/)

9) I don't have to be going at 100miles an hour to be productive. I'm involved in some relatively new work and I've realized that I can be effective right here from my bed. Just have to think outside the box a little and that in and of itself is rewarding and beneficial in the long run.

10) I HAVE GREAT FRIENDS! They have been here for me in every way - in thought, in words and in deeds. And I have really seen that now more clearly than ever.

While I wouldn't want to have to go through this experience again....I have to admit that this cloud has had the most beautiful silver lining and I can't really ask for much more than that!!

HALLOWEEN '09

2009-11-01T13:21:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged very much lately because I've been pretty busy. Busy trying to get my leg better, busy with my friends, and just busy with the business of life. But last night me and my girls Erica and Peggy took some time out to go to a Halloween party at my boy Marcellus Wiley's house.

At first I could not figure out what to go as, given my crutches and cast. Should I just wear a costume and just hope people could look beyond the visual of me crutching around or should I try to actually incorporate the crutches into my costume in some kind of way. I couldn't think of anything myself so I asked for suggestions on Facebook and a relatively new friend of mine, MarcAnthony, came up with the winning idea. He suggested I go as a "sexy":-/ wounded soldier. What a great idea!!!

I had a camouflage jacket and mini skirt in my closet that I would never wear together in the real world lol, I had a pair of brown Puma boots that I've had for over a year but could never quite figure out why or when to wear them, I had the perfect cap and I had this belt that I'd bought in Germany years ago but hardly ever wore either. Add an ace wrap on my forearm and a bandage to my cheek, along with my cast and crutches and Voila!!.....Wounded soldier! Thanks MarcAnthony!!

Erica went as a sexy doctor and Peggy informed us that she was a fairy princess from the land of Mermaidia.....lol, whatever works right?? We got there at around 10:30 or so and let me tell you Marcellus went 100% full throttle with the Halloween thing. His house was fully decorated, lots of food, lots of drinks, good music and then of course there were the costumes. What can I say about the costumes???? I saw a little of everything pretty much - from scary, to sexy, to scandalous:-/, to clever, to funny, to "no you did NOT"!!!!

I only had one drink of the "witches brew". I figured since I already have a penchant for falling (I've fallen 3 times since I've been on these crutches) when I'm completely sober, I better not get inebriated. My costume turned out to be a hit, I'm happy to report. Everyone kept asking me if I was really injured or not. "Are you hurt for real? Cause if not, man you sure went all out!" I think I heard that at least 50 times, no exaggeration.

We ended up having a really good time and finally left at around 2 something in the morning and the party was still going full force and the host himself was in rare form:-) My poor left leg was exhausted though from all that standing around. Thank goodness for that extra hour of sleep this morning so I could make it to church on time and give thanks to the Man above for the fact that I only have one more week and one day in the cast before I get switched to a boot. Woohoo!!!

Anyway, here are just a few pics from our night of fun! If you click on them, you can see everything a little more clearly/in detail.

Me, Erica (Dr. Chocolate Love) and Peggy

Erica and Peggy

I thought this guy's costume was pretty clever - he was a "Cereal Killer", get it? LOL...

A pic from the room where people were dancing

Me and Cedric the Entertainer

IT'S ONLY SKIN DEEP!

2009-10-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

While I was away, I had a pretty interesting conversation with my girls Kinta and Latika, the essence of which was as follows....For the life of me, I have never understood people who brag or boast or place such a heavy emphasis on how they look, most specifically, on how pretty or handsome they are. To me, it's actually a sign of insecurity or shallowness or the fact that something else is missing.

Cause let's be real, no one who is pretty or beautiful or fine had very much of anything to do with that fact. OK, so maybe you wash your face every night and drink lots of water so your skin is nice or you wear sunblock or you know how to apply makeup really well, but when it comes down to the raw basics, I'm gonna say you were just lucky! I say if you wanna brag or boast something, or thank somebody maybe you should thank your parents for having such great genes.

Thank God too, for genetic symmetry and for Him seeing fit to bless you with it. Beauty is not like a sport where you have to work really hard day in and day out to accomplish a goal; it's not an instrument where you have to practice consistently to be proficient at it; it's not a language that you studied really hard at in order to be fluent; it's not a degree that you worked for and so therefore proudly get to put those letters either before or after your name.It's not even like your body where you can actually really workout and sculpt it to achieve the look you want. Beauty is none of those things! You can't/don't earn it. And it is fleeting.

There will come a day when this crutch, so superficial and temporary, will fade and what will be left? I say work on the inside and that beauty which lasts forever. Give me an average looking person with a heart of gold any day over a stunner with that snob, better than thou attitude.

If you hang your hat on your looks and ride that so hard to the deficit of things that really matter in your life, it's really only a matter of time before the ugliness that narcicissm inherently fosters will show itself. And that is definitely NOT a good look. Now if you happen to have both, looks and character/personality, then more power to you. Who doesn't want to look the best they can? But it just shouldn't be THE feather in your cap. Your looks should not define who you are as a person cause guess what?.....it's only skin deep!

PS. After a conversation I just had, let me clarify myself lol. I think there's nothing wrong with being confident about your appearance and putting time and effort into making sure you present yourself well. It matters for sure. I'm just saying, if you are confident or proud of your looks, there's no need to brag about it or to feel that anyone else is less than you because of it. It should speak silently for itself.

****I had a WONDERFUL trip!!!! There's really nothing better than getting to spend time with your friends and people who you love and care about. Everyone took such great care of the cripple, lol, and I am so grateful. From great food (bacon wrapped scallops, wow!!!), great conversations, some much needed QT, a great movie (you gotta see Law Abiding Citizen!!!), and just great hospitality all around and lovely homes, I couldn't have asked for more. Thanks everyone:-)****

LORD HAVE MERCY......

2009-10-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

If you have not yet heard Robin Thicke's new song "Sexual Therapy" you are definitely missing out and all I can say is Lord.Have.Mercy!!!! This is what I call "baby making music", lol. The song is beautiful and sexy and you could probably get into a whole lotta trouble if you are with that special someone:-) It has a Maxwell sort of feel. I don't really need to say much more except to say listen at your own risk lol.......

I went to the Dr. a couple days ago to have my cast changed and my leg is looking like a little kid's - not attractive, let me tell you! The incision is really long, about 4 to 5 inches but from the looks of things, my scar won't be too bad. I'm gonna be taking a trip tomorrow and will be seeing some of my favorite people while I'm gone. In spite of the hassle that I will have to endure with the crutches and being wheeled around in a wheelchair through the airports, etc, it's definitely going to be worth it!! I probably won't be blogging while I'm gone cause I'll be otherwise occupied.... Hope you all have a great weekend. I know I will:-)

RIDE OR DIE

2009-10-10T21:53:00.000-07:00

Do any of you have a "ride or die" friend? Someone who you would do anything for and vice versa? Well for the past 8 days, my friend Joice has been here in LA visiting me. When we originally planned for her to come down, we had no idea that my Achilles surgery would have ended up being the day before her arrival. Once I found out, I made the offer to her to come at another time where she wouldn't be dealing with an invalid, but she said no, that she would be perfectly fine coming regardless.

To say that we had a lovely time would be an understatement...we had a really really good time! I cannot begin to express to her how much I appreciate her time, her friendship and her concern. Joice was the best caretaker a girl could ask for:-) I live in a 3 storey apartment and for a person taking Vicodin for several days, negotiating steps on crutches would not have probably been such a good idea. She did everything for me from making my breakfast nutrition shakes every morning, to driving us to and from everywhere we went, to carrying my bags for me, running errands with me, going to the dr with me, to getting things out of my closet that I couldn't necessarily reach. Joice you spoiled me and in fact you did SUCH a good job taking care of me that I haven't left the house since you left this morning because I think I've convinced myself that I need you:-/ (I think I was just going through withdrawals lol - I'll get out and go to church tomorrow).

She never complained about anything and really and truly showed me the depth and breadth of our friendship. I tried my best to show her a good time in spite of my incapacitation. We went to church, we went to The Comedy Store one night, we went shoe shopping (don't think a little surgery is gonna stop that!!), we went out to eat a bunch of times,we went to the nail salon for my 3rd ever pedicure, we went to Melrose Ave. AND we went to several drug and beauty supply stores.....Joice's all time favorite past time, lol.

Anyway, I just wanted her to know how much I appreciate the time she spent with me. It's something I'll always remember.The time flew by and my girl has gone and left me BUT since I will be in Atlanta next weekend, we"ll definitely be hooking up again.

Here are a few pics from our week together....

Ms. Joice herself

Me, Joice and my friend Kai

Me getting my pedicure

The end result...

Me trying on my new pair of shoes at the store (well one foot at least lol)

Joice doing the same

Close up shot of Joice's shoes (she didn't buy them, Boo!!:-/)

At a park in Culver City with my "leg weight" - this cast is SO heavy!!!!

Me and Joicie:-)

I miss you already my sister........

GOSPEL SINGING + JAPANESE CHOIR= ????

2009-10-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I was feeling well enough to head out to church and since my girl Joice is in town visiting and doing her best "nurse Maduaka" impersonation:-), I really wanted to take her to my church so she could see where I spend my Sunday mornings and so I could go to the House of The Lord myself and give thanks to Him for bringing me through my surgery safe and sound. It was a bit of struggle - picture wearing heels on my left leg, a super heavy/thick temporary cast/splint on my right leg, trying to keep my purse on my shoulder and not look too crazy while crutching down the aisle to my seat:-( but it was definitely worth it!

It was a great service as usual at First AME Los Angeles but we had a special treat by a 100 Voice choir from Tokyo, Japan. Who knew they got down like that in Tokyo?? They sang two songs and I THOROUGHLY enjoyed their performances, so much so that I stood up on my crutches throughout their songs just so that I could see better and fully appreciated their talent.

I just checked on Youtube and luckily someone has posted some personal video clips of them singing yesterday. It's not the best quality but I just wanted to give you an idea of what they sounded and looked like. Try to watch it all the way through so you can see them work.it.out. lol! I'm sure it will bring a smile to your face because they were fantastic. Enjoy!

IN YOUR PRAYERS.....

2009-09-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

"You've been more to me than a friend...
We've shared more than most people do--
feelings that time won't erase
No words can ever let you know
the peace I feel when you are near
In times of trouble, your eyes express
exactly what I need to hear
In times of joy, your smile says
you're sharing what I feel
In times of doubt, I always knew
I could trust in your loyalty
We've stood the test across the miles
and watched our friendship grow
I've come to learn, when it comes to friends,
there's no one quite like you."

---Marie Grady Palcic

Tomorrow is a pretty big day for me. I haven't talked about it all on here but most of my close friends know that about a month ago, unfortunately I had an accident and re-injured my Achilles tendon, this time tearing it....completely. I was 4 months into my recovery and things were going really well. I had been back in the weight room for about 3 or 4 weeks. I still wasn't 100% but I was getting there and then, SNAP, I heard it go one day when I moved in a way that I guess I wasn't ready to yet. The MRI confirmed that there is nothing left holding my tendon together. Even though I've been walking around since then, albeit extremely slowly and carefully, I've HAD to wear high heels all the time to keep my tendon shortened. I'm so over high-heeled shoes right now!!!

Insurance paperwork and delays and approvals have held me back from having surgery sooner but tomorrow at 11am I will be undergoing Achilles surgery to repair it. As nervous and apprehensive as I am, I know it's for the best but to say that I'm not a bit of a nervous wreck today and that my eyes haven't welled up a few times would be a grave understatement. I am praying for God's mercy and blessing and I'm praying that I will come out OK. I've been told that the risk of re-injury once someone has this surgery is very low so for that reason alone, I'll be glad to get it over and done with.

I will be 6 weeks in a cast/on crutches and then another 6 weeks in a boot:-( and I'm sure it won't be the easiest thing in the world but I refuse to let it hold me down and I'm gonna do my best to keep my chin up and get through it.

My friends have been HOLDING ME DOWN! and I'm SO grateful and beyond everything else, it's times like these that I really realize how much I NEED them and how important they are to me. Love and friendship are equal on my list and one would mean nothing without the other. So I want to say thanks. You know who you are....:-)

Keep me in your prayers blog family....I'll update as soon as I'm able.

BLOGGER FAMILY

2009-09-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

I wrote a blog with this exact same title last year some time when I wrote about my friend Jewells. Initially, she was someone I only knew through commenting on one another's blogs, but last year when she was coming down to Orlando for a visit, we finally met and we have since become really good friends who chat frequently, laugh a lot and advise and counsel.

A couple weeks ago, another blog friend and family member, Kinta, messaged me on Facebook to let me know that she and her sister would be coming to LA for a few days for some fun, shopping and relaxation and that perhaps if time and schedules permitted, we should get together. It's been a pretty hectic week for me and I have a lot going on, but I definitely wanted to make the time to meet them both. Kinta has been a very supportive and consistent blog friend and has often commented on my blog, Dave's blog and Brianna's. Sometimes you can get a such a positive vibe from a person without ever even speaking to them, where you just get that feeling in your core that you are dealing with a good, sweet spirit. Such is the case with Kinta.

Anyway, last night after a VERY long day for me, I agreed to meet them both at the Xbar at the Hyatt Regency where they were staying. It was a really cool spot and we enjoyed great conversation, food and music and it felt as if we'd known each other for ages. She was how I imagined her to be....genuine and funny. She and her sister have such a great relationship and friendship and I was glad to share the time that I did with them.

We covered everything from The Housewives of ATL, to relationships, to track, to work and just had a good ol' time. I will be doing some traveling in the next few weeks coming up and one of the places I will be spending a few days is Atlanta and so we will definitely be getting together again. Once again, I just have to say how this blog has given me way more than I could have ever expected and I am grateful for that.

Here's a picture from our evening together last night.

FABULOUS FIGHT NIGHT!

2009-09-20T22:44:00.000-07:00

So I am a huge fight fan. In fact, one of the things on my bucket list is to go to Vegas for a big fight and watch it live and in person and I am determined to make this happen. I had been looking forward to this Mayweather/Marquez fight for some time now and earlier in the week I was really trying to figure out where in the heck I was gonna watch the fight.

As luck would have it, my friend Marcellus Wiley text me on Thursday to invite me to his house for a fight party that he was having at his new home in Chatsworth. Perfect! I invited my BFF Peggy to go with me and my girl Monica, who as it turned out was already invited herself. She was also invited to another fight party but a) I didn't hear whose party she said it was when we were on the phone and b) I figured we'd go to Marcellus house first anyway.

The night started outed innocently enough. The three of us trekked over to his house and to say that we were impressed with his home would be a huge understatement!! The house was beautiful and grand and I guess that's how the ballers do it:-)...I'm guessing 8 to 10,000 sq. ft. Who knows? There were so many TVs too, lol. He told me there were over 20 TVs in the house and they weren't just put up for the fight. Anyway, we made ourselves comfortable, ate some food and had a drink. Cool. Let's sit and watch the undercards and get ready for the main event.

At some point before the main fight did get underway, Monica gets a call and her friend is telling her to come to watch the fight at the other person's house and she seriously wants to go. I look at her incredulously saying that I actually want to SEE the fight and that I don't really care where we are. I'm thinking can't we go to this other place AFTER the fight? Plus I'm not dressed to go anywhere else...I'm just wearing a T-shirt and jeans (albeit cute skinny jeans and silver wedges:-). Peggy is indifferent but I can tell Monica really wants to go so somewhat begrudginly I agree to leave....

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that her friend was at Eddie Murphy's house. Somehow Monica knows everyone it seems and she tells me that she's been there before when he had another fight party and that it was fabulous. Since I'm a slow driver:-(, I let her drive my car and we drive like bats outta hell to get there in time.

It's amazing what perspective can do. I thought Marcellus' home was so gigantic, to the point where I was saying I didn't think I could live there and then we arrived at Mr. Murphy's house!!!!!! GOOD LORD!!! I can't even guess the square footage but I can say that it looked like a resort lol. There were easily over 200 people there, TVs set up around the pool, the tennis court was tented and a huge viewing screen in there. Add waiters, food, open bars, a DJ and dance floor set up like a boxing ring and you can begin to get an idea of the scope of what I'm talking about.

The list of attendees included everyone from Magic Johnson, to Sugar Ray Leonard to Martin Lawrence to Eddie himself, John Singleton (who knew he was SO short), Arsenio and trust me the list goes on and on and on. Monica knows everyone but Peggy and I felt like we had our necks on a swivel lol. But we kept our cool and just enjoyed the ambience, the food, the fun. Why did I run into my boy Chris and his wife. He said to me "Hey, what are you doing here? I'm supposed to be your only celebrity friend". LOL!!

Anyway, as you all know the fight went as predicted. Money Mayweather won in a unanimous decision. I didn't really want to be the chick walking around taking pictures so I'm sorry I only took two. One of the three of us ladies and one when we had moved out by the pool and I could take a photo of the back of the house from where I was sitting. The whole house couldn't even fit in the lens so picture what you see times 3 or 4....SMH....

Once again, I had an awesome night, spent time with my girls, met some super cool people and had some good food and drinks. Sometimes you have the most fun when you least expect it....I had a ball!

Monica just sent me this pic so I figured I'd add it...

BLIND TO YOU

2009-09-17T20:05:00.000-07:00

This is for all those of you who have haters out there....we all have them. Those people who just dislike you for no reason, just cause you're you, just cause you're doing well, doing your thing, livin' your life... and livin' it well. Call it jealousy, cause is self-dissatisfaction, call it whatever, it just is what it is....won't ever make or break my day. My mind goes back to a time earlier this year when this "anonymous" person did some shady stuff....still makes me SMH when you think of what a desperate person will do....You have to think if people were satisfied with their own lives, they wouldn't be worried about yours! Je suis toujours ici!

Anyway.....this is one of my favorite songs right now. It's by a reggae artist named Collie Buddz. He's a white guy from Bermuda and he is DOING IT!!! Yes, there are white Caribbean people:-) So for all the haters out there....I'm "Blind To You", lol....

(For all of you that know me personally, you know that I don't swear at all, so please excuse the cuss words in the song:-( I decided to post this you-tube version of the song with the words written even though they're not 100% correct for my friends who don't understand Patois (word for Jamaican slang), which is pretty much everyone lol.)

****Sidebar...I was just thinking....Do any of you know someone who can make your heart beat faster and slower at the same time? I do:-)****

JOHN WOODEN PYRAMID OF SUCCESS AWARDS

2009-09-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

A couple nights ago, courtesy of my boy, again no other than Mr. Chris Spencer, my roommate Erica and I attended the 1st Annual John Wooden Pyramid of Success Awards, where Chris was once again the host. I swear this brother knows EVERY person in LA!!! I guess it helps that he's good at being a host, but I'm constantly awed and impressed by the number of times his services are requested.

It was a pretty formal evening and the event was sponsored by HAX (Hangar Athletic Xchange) and the HAX Foundation. The HAX facility is located in Hawthorne and is housed in a gigantic former airplane hangar and is fully equipped with basketball courts, volleyball courts, weightroom facilities, offices, screening rooms, training rooms, pretty much everything that you can imagine an athlete would need. Coupled with a great coaching staff and administrators, HAX is an awesome place for athletes of all levels from high school to the pros to come and have a great workout/training environment.

Coach John Wooden the former UCLA basketball and the all-time winningest collegiate coach was honored with the first ever Life Time Achievement Award which celebrated not only his philosophies but the influence he has had universally nurturing athletes, executives and community leaders alike. He is most noted for his Pyramid of Success

which many coaches have used over the years as a formula/guideline for their sporting programs and athletes.

There were several other honorees as well including among others legendary sportscaster Dick Vitale, Laila Ali (Muhammed Ali's daughter and former undefeated boxer), and Paul Pierce (Boston Celtic B-ball player). It was a fun evening and the food was pretty delicious. I met a few of the athletes and Erica and I basically just enjoyed ourselves (as we always do:-).

Here are just a couple pics from our night out....

Me, Chris and E-dub

E-dub and Chris

Me and Paul Pierce

View from my seat....

Me and Chris

Ms. Laila Ali on the big screen

PS. My outfit looked pretty good in person (in fact a few people told me so).....but not so good in the pictures for some reason lol, so I've saved you all the trouble of critiquing it and cropped myself in all the shots:-( Not sure what was happening in the photos....

POWER CLEANS/ LONG JUMP 101

2009-09-10T18:09:00.000-07:00

A new friend of mine on Facebook from Great Britain sent me a link today that I have never seen before and it made me smile. The first clip is of me doing power cleans down in Orlando at the Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney with strength coach extraordinaire Randy Hadley:-) My technique is OK, not THE best but I get the job done. Looks like I'm putting up about 185lbs (82.5kilos) in this video.. Thanks Randy for all your help!

This next clip is of coach Brooks Johnson talking about the long jump and the physics involved. He sure does make it sound easy....lol...just stay in the air for one second, done deal!!

MADE OVER

2009-09-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

For the past several weeks, Caster Semenya, the 18 year old girl that won the 800m at the recent World Championships in Berlin has been under SEVERE scrutiny about her gender. Specifically, was she born and is she a male or is she a female. The arguments and discrepancy has gone from everything including is she a hermaphrodite to does she have too much testosterone in her body to be eligible to compete with other females.

As much as I feel that the IAAF (governing Track body) needs to ensure an even playing field so to speak, I am not sure the manner in which they went about verifying her gender has been appropriate. For one thing, this is a young person, for goodness' sake, not an inanimate object. She is a human being and I think they could have been a lot less callous and a lot more discreet in their attempts to sort everything out.

Back in the day, up until the 1996 Olympic Games, ALL FEMALES had to take a gender certification test two days prior to the start of their event and upon verification, you were issued a credit card like card to carry around with you with your picture and personal statistics. I didn't think it was a big deal at all. And just in case you were wondering, no they did not make you drop your pants in order to check, lol, it was a simple swab in both sides of your mouth that took all of about 10 seconds. Here's my card that I still have to prove it. So yes, if you've ever wondered, I am definitely a female:-)

Anyway, Ms. Semenya has undergone numerous tests following her dramatic win in Berlin and so far, the only thing they've come up with is that she has 3 times the level of testosterone in her body than the average female. I don't know what is the limit that you're allowed, naturally or otherwise to still be eligible. I'm pretty sure I probably have more testosterone in me than the average female too though. There must be a reason why my body can gain muscle SO quickly. The body of a female track athlete just is not "typical".

Semenya has since gone home and been treated to a fairly major makeover and is appearing on the cover of a magazine looking decidedly more "feminine". Here are a couple pics - one of her at World's and one of her on the magazine cover.

Now I don't know what the outcome of this situation will eventually be. I pray for her sake that everything works out just fine. If it doesn't, then fair is fair and she should not be allowed to compete with other females. I guess time will tell but in the mean time a little empathy and compassion wouldn't hurt.

ALBUM RELEASE PARTY

2009-09-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

So last night, I mustered up the energy and went with my friend Seun to Whitney Houston's album release party in Hollywood at Cinespace. I was a little tired from a pretty long day but I decided to go support my boy Chris as he was the host for the night. I ended up having a really good time. It was a nice mix of honoring Ms. Houston, Chris telling some good jokes, and some up and coming artists performing as well.

As usual, I met some pretty cool people. I was hanging out with this girl who's on Jamie Foxx's Sirius radio show called Foxxhole and actor Michael Jai White. We had a pretty nice conversation and he turned out to be a really nice guy. He's a black belt in seven different martial art forms and was in among other things Spawn and Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married".

I would have to say though that the highlight of the night was when we were treated to a performance on the drums by Jay-Z's drummer, Tony Royster Jr. I cannot begin to explain to you how AWESOME and IMPRESSIVE he was!!!! I think I sat there the whole time with my mouth agape. Seriously. I didn't know someone could do that with some drums. It almost seemed as if he had 4 arms and 4 legs!! This isn't his performance from last night and to be honest this isn't quite as good as he was last night but just so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about you can check out a youtube clip of him playing here..

WOW!!

Anyway, the night was getting late and Seun and I were getting tired so we actually left before the lady of the night arrived. As much as I would have loved to have seen her, we decided to call it a night. Here are a couple pics though from our evening of fun.

Me, The Foxxhole Girl (I can't remember her name:-/), and Michael Jai

Chris, Seun, and me

One of the comics and Seun

A couple other new friends and me

SHE'S BAAAAACK!

2009-09-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

I used to be a huge Whitney Houston fan, back in the days of "All At Once", "How Will I Know", "I'm Every Woman" and of course "I Will Always Love You". I could really go on and on about the songs of hers which I have loved over the years and the ones where you couldn't tell me that I didn't sound just like her, lol, as I sang along over the track. No telling what that would've really sounded like if someone had turned the music off:-/

However, somewhere along the way, she lost her way. Between Bobby and the drugs and whatever else she got into Whitney Houston was not Whitney Houston. She was so wholesome and sweet and beautiful and most definitely had the voice of an angel. By the time she was on the Whitney and Bobby reality show, I'm not sure who that person was.

Here's the thing though - we ALL go through trials and tribulations and ups and downs. Some more difficult and trying than others but when you have to live your troubles out in the public eye, it cannot be easy. Everybody judging you, pointing fingers, saying things that perhaps are not true, embellishing the truth and making the worst seem even worse.

Fast forward to today and Whitney Houston is BACK! She performed on Good Morning America today and while her voice might not quite be what it used to be, she is still beautiful and had a great spirit and her Mom, Cissy was still standing there, right there beside her daughter. And at the end of the day, isn't that what we all need? Our friends and family and those who really do love and care for us to be still standing there, when many others have disappeared, when times get hard and you need them most.

A couple days ago, I got some not so good news, which I won't get into now but suffice to say, when I needed someone to lean on the most, I knew who to count on. Distance or not. We all need people like that in our lives and I am TRULY grateful:-)

Whitney has that in spades. There are lots of people who care for her and want to see her do well and love seeing Old School Whitney, as I like to call her, lol , come back. I love the first two songs from the album that I've heard. She has weathered the storm and she is back!

Here is her performance of one of those songs from Good Morning America today. (Thanks to my boy Avard for the heads up:-) Enjoy....

PS. My friend Chris Spencer, host extraordinaire, lol, is hosting her official album release party tonight being thrown by Arista Records and he has invited me to come. I guess I'll clear the calendar and check it out. If I must, lol....just kidding. I'm really gonna try to make it and post pictures tomorrow if I can.

DANCEHALL QUEEN

2009-08-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

When you think of the term "Dancehall Queen" the normal image that comes to mind is typically a Jamaican, black, 20-something year old. I saw this video posted on my friend Monique Hennagan's Facebook page several days ago and it brings a huge smile to my face because this little girl from South Africa is WORKING IT OUT!!! She's 7 years old and she would put many a grown up to shame! (Not me of course, since I am a closet dancing machine, lol, but you know I have to maintain my rep so I don't put all my skills out there:-)

She is pretty impressive!! How would you compare???

FINALLY FACEBOOK!

2009-08-27T00:02:00.000-07:00

So I know I'm probably the last person on earth to sign up for a Facebook account, lol, and for that matter by now, maybe most people have already moved on to Twitter, who knows? I am accustomed to be the last to try out everything. It's just the way I am and I'm comfortable with that, but I finally bit the bullet and signed up about 2 weeks ago on the urging of a couple friends:-)

It's been a pretty fast, furious and interesting couple of weeks. I am amazed at how many people I have reconnected with so quickly. People from my college days at Stanford, friends from the Bahamas when I was in high school, lots of track friends, from back in the day and current. I actually didn't even know that I knew that many people!!! I also didn't know how quickly people would find out that I was on there. My blackberry has been buzzing off the hook. I think I need to remove the phone notification setting. Plus, I see so many more friends that I have out there that I'll eventually get around to sending friend requests to but for the time being it's been fun and I've been enjoying the experience.

There's definitely some stuff on there that I haven't quite figured out yet, like how to add more than one profile pic or how to stop people from seeing that you're online and stop them from starting "chats". I don't really get the whole poking thing and I think that some people spend waaay too much time on there. I think I'm up to about 150 or 160 something friends but if any of you, my blog readers are on Facebook and want a new rookie friend:-) then feel free to add me.

Hey, maybe Twitter will be next.....ahhhh, NOT, lol....at least no time soon!

***On another note, David made a successful return to competition after an almost four month layoff due to injury. He won his race in Tallinn on Tuesday night and I was pretty darned excited and happy about it:-) It's funny how you can get nervous about someone else racing. Anyway, there's an even bigger race coming up tomorrow in Zurich, Switzerland. It's the biggest meet of the year on the track circuit and the lineups are always impressive. Coming on the heels of the recent World Championships, all the recently crowned medalists will be there - everyone from Usain Bolt to Kenenisa Bekele to Sanya Richards will be competing... and so will Dave. It's gonna be a great race and I'll surely be watching!!!!

THOSE IN GLASS HOUSES.....

2009-08-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine, Doc Patton, who was a part of that US men's 4X100m relay team that ended up getting disqualified writes a blog. He was the guy on the anchor leg who apparently touched the baton before entering the exchange zone therefore resulting in team USA's expulsion from the finals yesterday.

As I was reading his most recent post, following their disqualification, it occurred to me just how easy it is to criticize and chastise and belittle and point the fingers at what athletes should've and could've done in a particular situation. But having been the person who's been pointed at before, as we probably all have been, there is no disappointment or frustration worse than that which we feel ourselves. The armchair quarterbacks are heavy on the "how could he?" and "it's so easy, anyone could've done that" and very light on the empathy.

As he said, athletes are human, and therefore fallible and until one of us comes from a place of perfection then it's best not to point the finger so quickly. Yes, they made a mistake but who among us in our lives, our professions and careers hasn't? It just so happens that as an athlete, your blunders are often made in front of millions of people and who scrutinize and criticize mercilessly. We choose to put ourselves out there and yes we're professional but at the end of day, mistakes will happen and we, because our shoulders are broad and because of our innate ability to assess, regroup and be resilient, we get back up and as he said "we keep it moving"!! God bless u Doc! Those of us who were true fans of yours before, will continue to be. We know how talented you are and know that great things lie in wait for you.....

Click here to read his blog entry..

KONNICHIWA!! (Slightly Edited)

2009-08-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

As perhaps you might guess from the title of this post, I am in Japan...Tokyo to be exact. Life is really so full of surprises and twists and turns. Ask me on Monday morning where I would have been on Tuesday and I would've told you in Culver City, CA doing some Health & Wellness work. However, God moves in mysterious ways and so we never know what His plans are.

So, on Monday evening at around 5:30 or so I was hanging out with my brother, when I received an unexpected phone call from the sports modeling agency that I do some off and on work with. I looked at my phone but as I was fully engrossed in a conversation, I chose not to answer, figuring I'd get back to them soon enough. Five minutes later, I get an email from them saying "Contact us ASAP regarding a direct booking opportunity!" So, I excuse myself from my conversation and call them back. Jeff, one of the agents at Sports Unlimited answers and proceeds to tell me that I've been offered a job in Tokyo but I have to leave on Tuesday. My immediate concern is what is it that they are going to want me to do, because if it's sprinting or jumping, then unfortunately I would not have been able to accept the job because of the incapacity of my Achilles.

I tell Jeff to find out the specifics of the job and to let me know. He does and as it turns out, they want me in spite of my limitations. Woohoo!!:-) By the time all the details are worked out, ie. travel, contact and hotel info, payment terms (which are pretty darned good!!), etc. it's around 7:30pm. I had already agreed to have dinner with a friend of mine and I didn't want to break that so I went to dinner and then began the task of packing to leave for my 5 day trip.

Due to my years and years of travel, I am an expert packer and so I get through the process relatively quickly and made it to bed by midnight. I still had to run a few errands in the morning and try to rearrange a few things in my schedule but I made it to my 1:13pm flight very comfortably. I've already met the other two girls who I will be shooting with and we start bright and early in the morning. Actually, it's 2:22am right now but I'm up because thank God, Track and Field is important over here too and they are airing the World Championships live on TV. GO Team Bahamas!!!

The only drawback to being in Japan is that they use a quadband phone service and so US phones don't work over here, so no BBM:-( I might go through withdrawals lol. It's ok though because I think it's good every once in a while to be detached from the constant buzzing and obligation that a phone inherently causes. I have Skype anyway so it's all good:-)

Anyway, that's it for now. I'll be sure to update with pictures etc whenever I get a chance. Until then, stay blessed....

****Due to legal reasons, no pictures will be allowed of the shoot...sorry!

****Also, my room is on the 30th floor of my hotel and about 5 minutes ago, I just felt a PRETTY STRONG earthquake:-((!!!! Not fun at all......

FUN IN THE SUN

2009-08-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, I was invited to a pool party by ex-NFL player Marcellus Wiley. He was the host and the party was held at The Custom Hotel, a modern boutique hotel near LAX. I took my girls Peggy, Tasha D, and my roommate Coen with me to enjoy the afternoon of fun.

We got there around 2pm and there weren't that many people yet but knowing "our" people:-), considering the party started at 12, it shouldn't have really been too much of a surprise.

By about 3:30 though, the place was pretty packed with everyone from Paul Pierce from the Celtics, to Toccara (model from America's Next Top Model - she's a lot smaller than I thought she would be), to Jill Marie Jones from Girlfriends to Hosea Chanchez from The Game.

It's funny, cause I am the worst with names (I just had to look those names up). I'll remember a face in a second but ask me to tell you a name and I come up blank. The whole day we were like, isn't that so-and-so, lol, not knowing anyone's name but just knowing we had seen them somewhere in some thing before.

It never ceases to amaze me what some women will wear to these types of events. I know it was a pool party and all but do you HAVE to have all your business on display?? I saw some of the teeniest, tiniest swimsuits out there. Now some of these ladies looked great and in those cases, more power to them. BUT, there were definitely some decisions that let's just say, they should have been revisited, lol. Anyway, I really do have to give it up to women of all shapes and sizes who feel confident enough and comfortable to "let it all hang out" no matter what. That is definitely something to be admired (to a degree;-/).

We left a couple hours ago but the party will be going on till 2am but after 5hrs of fun in the sun, the ladies and myself had had enough. We met some really cool people, ran into some old friends, ate good food and thoroughly enjoyed just people watching.

Someone else invited me out tonight as well, but I'm pooped. Enough is enough. Plus I need to rest up so I can wake up and watch World Championships tomorrow online/on TV. They got underway today and the finals of the men's 100m and the showdown between Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell, if he runs to his potential, should be one to remember! I will definitely be watching.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN.....

2009-08-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

I really don't know how to explain it adequately but I find myself right now in such an odd space and place. I've mentioned it before but as the World Championships for Track and Field get closer, in fact it's less than a week away, I find myself feeling wistful, a little bit sad, yet excited - all at the same time. I'm wistful because I can think back to SO many great memories that I've had over the past years and the outstanding experiences, accomplishments and friendships that I've had as a result.

I remember my very first World Championship experience, when I was still a Junior in College. I was young and uninhibited in such a way that you don't even necessarily realize that you should perhaps be intimidated by the level of competition. I had just finished coming 2nd at the Outdoor NCAA Championships that year in Eugene, Oregon and with no competitions in between, I went to Tokyo, Japan two months later with all the excitement in the world and with absolutely no fear. After all I had no expectations to do anything good or bad. I just knew I was fit and that I'd have fun.

I remember seeing Carl Lewis for the first time there. I was headed down the elevators to go to dinner and when the doors opened, there he was standing with Leroy Burrell. I was so star-struck that I didn't even take a step forward to join them on the elevator. I just stood there with my mouth agape, lol, the doors closed again, they went on their way and I was still standing there in disbelief that I had actually seen him! Yeah, I know, pretty lame:-/

Anyway, as far the LJ competition went, I laced up my spikes with the best in the world - Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Heike Dreschler and put my Bahamas uniform on and figured I had nothing to lose. The automatic qualifying mark to the finals that year was 6.65m (21ft 10 ins) and if you jumped that in any of your 3 jumps you would automatically be in top 12 jumpers to move on to the finals the next day. There were over 50 jumpers competing but Brooks told me that it would be NO PROBLEM and that I should just get it out of the way on my first jump. SO.....I did! First jump....6.66m!!!! Easy, lol (not really, considering my PR at the time was 6.62m). After that first round of jumping they took myself, Heike, JJK and all the other auto qualifiers off the field. We didn't need to watch the other 2 rounds because our spots were secure. I remember thinking man this World's stuff is easy.....surely the thoughts of a rookie!

I came back the following day and finished 10th in the finals. I think I only jumped 6.30 something. I wasn't able to duplicate my performance of the night before but what a blast I had!!!! In that meet I saw Mike Powell break the world record and Carl Lewis set the then 100m world record. It's an experience I will NEVER forget.

So as Friday is just around the corner, and I will miss competing in my 10th consecutive World Championships, I sure do wish I was there. I miss competing. I miss my friends. My Achilles is getting better and that's a blessing. Coming back from an injury is no joke let me tell you. The emotional roller coaster ride is a ride indeed. I can't wait however, to watch my teammates compete over there in Berlin. Chandra Sturrup (season's best in the 100m 10.99 at the age of 37!!!!!), Debbie Ferguson (season's best of 10.97 and 22.3), my boy Avard, my girls Joice and Brianna - to all of you, I wish you all the best. I may not be there in person, but I sure am with you in spirit!!! God's speed and blessing. I'll be watching......

HERE COMES THE BRIDE....

2009-08-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

I've been smiling all weekend, and this video added to that this morning and so I thought I'd share. It's another take on "Here comes the Bride" I guess you could say:-/ Now I'm not saying I would do it like this, but it sure looked like these people had a lot of fun and at the end of the day, isn't that what your wedding day is supposed to be?? Kudos to them & Happy Sunday to you all! Enjoy....

HE IS........

2009-08-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while you meet someone and you end up going on the "ride of your life"! The TRUTH is I'm a pretty lucky girl:-)

LOVE THIS SONG!!!

MINI VACAY

2009-08-02T23:47:00.000-07:00

I''ve had a really good weekend, if I do say so myself. Saturday was busy but my evening sure was nice. Shout out to the big O/MCO;-)

Today in LA, after going to church, my roommate Erica and I went to Palos Verdes for the day. Erica's boss Chad has a brother named Ethan Moreau who plays professional ice hockey for the Edmonton Oilers. Actually he's the team captain, "eh"?. (Joke for all the Canadians out there lol)

He and his family are spending the off-season/summer at a resort in Palos Verdes and so he invited Erica and I to come and spend the day. We went there at around 2pm and didn't leave till about 10:30pm. We had such a beautiful day. You would think that being from The Bahamas I would have spent many days laying around poolside or at the beach but today was actually the very first time in my life that I just put on a swimsuit and just laid out on a lounge chair.
I've never been a fan of just sitting in the blazing sun, never seen the point really. Just sweat to death and burn your skin? Why, lol? The weather today was PERFECT though - not too hot, not too humid - just nice and warm and pleasant and I actually enjoyed it.

Erica, myself and Ornella, Ethan's wife sat around eating and having drinks and just having good ol' girl talk. We actually didn't even go in the pool.

Later on when it was getting a little cooler, we moved nearer the fire pit and had some more good conversation with Ethan.

After a quick shower, we all headed for dinner within the resort compound. This place was fantastic, completely self-contained. This was the view from their suite.

We had a lovely meal, with some great people and I swear it almost felt to me like I was away on vacation somewhere. It didn't feel like LA at all to be honest. It's always interesting to me to talk with professional athletes from other sports just to see what their life and sport is really like. It's gonna be great to go to some Oilers/Kings games next season!

After dinner, we bid our goodbyes and drove back down the mountain....to reality:-( "Vacation" over. It sure was a fun day and I'm pretty tired but I had an awesome time, made some good friends and got a chance to see how the other half lives, even if only for one afternoon:-)

FALLEN

2009-07-31T02:05:00.001-07:00

This song Fallen is one of my all-time favorite songs.....ever! It's not a very popular song but it's from the Pretty Woman soundtrack and it occurs in the film when Richard Gere lets Julia Roberts go shopping for her fancy red dress and he borrows the most exquisite necklace for her to wear. He then flies her to San Francisco for a date on his private jet....it is just beautiful. I think I could really watch this movie over and over and still not get enough lol. I love the song. I love the lyrics:-).....Enjoy!

PRO BONO

2009-07-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

I don't know exactly when it all started or how it all happened but over the past several years I have somehow become the unofficial "official" writer for many of my friends. You name it, I've written it. Speeches, long and short. Some to be delivered in front of a small audience, maybe 20 or 30 people, some in front of huge assemblies, councils or boards numbering in the hundreds. Letters - applications to graduate school, grant proposals, grant requests, cover letters and personal letters. Resumes. Welcome addresses. Press releases. All totaled, I'm sure I've done this no less than 20-25 different times for other people. And that's a safe estimate. It's not a big deal really and I'm generally happy to help my friends out. I've never asked anyone for compensation, however it seems that most often, my friends come to me with deadlines impending and a "Can I get that by tomorrow, please?"

I don't remember telling anyone though that this was my passion, my delight, that it was fulfilling for me. I also definitely don't go around telling people that I'm available to do this either. I don't even generally share that I wrote something for someone less there be any fallout because of it or less it should give someone the idea that they should ask me too, lol.

Of late however, things have been getting a little bit out of control. Requests for this letter and that resume and that cover letter just keep coming in. Are my friends telling one another that I'm the go-to "ghost" writer? But these friends are in different places, from Fayetteville, to Tallahassee to the Bahamas to California so I'm not sure what's the deal. Maybe I need to start charging people and then they won't be so quick to bombard me with every little thing, lol.

The other day a friend of mine asked me to write her two paragraphs to welcome everyone to an outdoor event.....I was like, are you sure you can't do that yourself?? I knew she could and so I actually, surprisingly said sorry, no. That I didn't have the time. After all it was Wednesday evening when I got her email and she needed it first thing Friday morning. I think it was only the second time I've said no to someone who's asked me to write something for them, but I felt slightly that she was taking a little bit of an advantage of me. I haven't heard from her since but I'm sure she got through it OK, especially because I've written a couple welcome speeches for her before! I'm figuring she could just do a little cut and paste and be just fine. Don't you think so?

Anyway, I wrote another resume today and I was happy to do it, but maybe I'm gonna have to make this a side gig or something. I'm not sure. I guess I'll just see how it goes and whether or not pro bono is still the way to go....I'm sure when all is said and done the answer is still gonna be yes.

TOUCHY FEELY......

2009-07-20T19:12:00.000-07:00

So I met a guy at the gym the other day and he seemed pretty cool. As is the case for the past 3 months, conversation was initiated because of my slight limp. What happened? How did you do it? When did it happen? etc. We ended up talking about some of his family members and the possibility of me helping them with some nutritional and weight loss information which I have been doing some part-time work around.

Anyway, so by the end of the conversation, he invited me to lunch. I wasn't sure what was his motivation for inviting me, like I said he seemed cool. I decided however to be very upfront with him and tell him that I was NOT available and that it would strictly be platonic in nature. I just wanted to be clear from the get-go so that there would be NO misunderstanding. He said ok and so a couple days later we met up.

First of all, we met at the gym and he said we should go in his car. I said OK and then I saw that he was driving a convertible! Not my thing at all. For those of you that don't know, let me fill you in.....CONVERTIBLE + BLACK WOMAN's HAIR + NO SCRUNCHIE/PONYTAIL HOLDER = NO FUN AT ALL!!!! I aired my non-preference of the top down situation but he just told me to go to the drug store next door and buy a scrunchie..... OKaay then! Now if this were a date and/or this was someone I liked in that sort of a way, then I would have been feeling far more accommodating but given the scenario, ummm not so much. Anyway, being the nice girl that I am, I went and bought one.

We got in the car and drove to a nearby Cajun restaurant. As soon as we walked in, it was instantly clear that he knew EVERYONE in there. "Hey", "what's up", "you good?", "I see you", nods, hand shakes - you name it, he did it. By the time we were seated a mere 50ft or so from the door, he had already said hello to at least 10 people, no lie. He started touching my back and ushering me to my seat and calling me honey and some other names.....ewww! Through the course of lunch, he touched my hand a bunch of times and my leg over and over. I was SO uncomfortable. I will say the food was good though:-) I was very aware that he was trying to give the impression to everyone that we were together and I was definitely trying as politely as I could to do the opposite, especially with the waitress who he also clearly knew.

Anyway, lunch ended and we went to get up and he reached for my hand to hold it to walk out of the restaurant!!!!!!?????? Is it me or this is way over the top? I turned my head and looked the other way, pretending not to see this gesture. He bid his goodbye's to everyone again on the way out and I held onto my purse with both hands so that they would both be occupied, lol. At least he put the top up on the car for the drive back. I was literally counting the seconds till I could get back to the safety of my car. We finally did. I said thank you, reciprocated his hug that lasted too long and got the heck outta there.

He has since called several times and I think I picked up the phone once. I finally had to tell him today that there would be NO further outings and that NO I couldn't "make some time for him". I just wish I could've forseen how this was gonna go. Maybe I'm just naive (as I've been told:-). He was a nice guy, but just WAAAY too touchy, feely for me and way too "friendly". I haven't seen him at the gym since, but I know I will. I will for sure say hi but I can assure you that there will be no more lunches or drinks or anything of nature. Hopefully I've learned a lesson, but knowing me, probably not, LOL!! That benefit of the doubt thing just doesn't always pan out.

NEW PURCHASE

2009-07-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

I had some free time on my hands this afternoon so I made a quick trip to the mall and took a stroll around (or a limp) to be more precise:-) Usually this type of trip is dangerous because I didn't really have a purpose for being there and so often times I will buy things that I don't really need in this sort of scenario.

I almost made it out unscathed, lol but I saw this neck accessory - I don't really know what to call it - a chain? a necklace? - as I was in the last store that I planned on stopping in and I just couldn't resist. It's a little bit different for me, a little extravagant as I was told;-) but I know one of these days I'm gonna put it to good use, maybe even this weekend as I have a party to go to.

Anyway, here are a couple pics of it. It looks a little bit Indian, a little bit heavy and it's pretty bold but every once in a while you gotta step outta the box right and change it up!

HAIR-RAISING FUN!!!

2009-07-12T01:33:00.001-07:00

So tonight, after a pretty long but really nice day (which I might blog about later), I was messing around on my laptop when I logged onto the Essence website. I found the most interesting tool on there. You can basically upload a picture of yourself and try out all these different hairstyles on yourself just to see what you might look like with different haircuts.

Lately, I've been considering cutting my hair. It's something I've done twice before and the result actually looked very similar to the very first picture below. You basically can click on different pictures of different celebrities and "try out" their hairstyles. I had loads of fun doing it and here are just a few of my favorite ones. To all the ladies out there, click on the above link if you want to try it out for yourself!!! Don't laugh too much at my new 'do's!!!

#1 "Halle Berry"

#2 "Wendy Raquel Robinson"

#3 "Tia Mowry"

#4 "Serena Williams"

I'm definitely tempted to just bite the bullet and go short....I think my favorites are either #1 or #2.

RISKY BUSINESS

2009-07-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago, I was coming home from my first day back at the gym (woohoo!!!) and as I was getting out of my car, I saw two guys with skateboards stop at the apartment next to mine and sit on the wall. Picture this - black guys, twins, 6ft 2ins tall, big big afros, my kinda skin colour, one with big rectangular glasses, one without.

Twin #1 says: "Excuse me, ma'am can I use your phone?"

Jackie: "Why do you need to use it?"

Twin #1: "We just checked out of the hotel behind these apartments and our friend who was supposed to pick us up hasn't shown up so we need to call him."

Jackie: "Why are you staying at the hotel?"

Twin #2: "Cause our mom kicked us out the house and we had nowhere else to stay. We've been homeless off and on for a long time but we're doing the best we can."

Jackie: "That's sad. So how do I know you're not gonna run away with my phone. I know you see me limping so you know I can't chase after you."

Twin #1: "Yeah that's the problem we're having. No one wants to let us use their phone cause I guess we look dangerous or something."

Jackie: "Well, I'm gonna dial the number for you and then if you run away with the phone, so be it. The Lord will show me mercy for being kind to you today so I'm just gonna believe you guys and lend you my phone."

So I let them use the phone. They called their friend. The friend didn't answer. They called another friend who told them they didn't know where that guy was so now they're still stuck outside my apartment building. I ask them where they're going. They say Cheviot Hills, which isn't too far from my house as far as driving distance so..........I offer them a ride! I MUST be crazy or something cause basically I could be signing my own death warrant. They thank me profusely and get in the car for the 10 minute drive.

Turns out they're 20 years old. Twins as I said before. Homeless. Twin #1 whose name turns out to be Ryan has cancer - Hodgkins Lymphoma. Twin #2 Robert is his support and backbone. Their dad lives in San Diego in an apt "the size of you car" and doesn't want them. Their mom can't stand them because according to them, they remind her too much of their father whom she hates. She stole the $10,000 Ryan was given by some agency towards his medical bills. I asked them what were their plans. I said, "You have to have a plan for your life. You can't just continue to be homeless, dwelling on the past. The hand you've been dealt is pretty bad but you're gonna have to come up with a plan. Did you guys finish high school?"

They say yes, in fact they graduated early and Ryan started school at Loyola Marymount but had to drop out because he couldn't afford the tuition. I try to tell him there are loans and scholarships that they can still apply for and that they can't give up. Robert is going for a job interview the following day at Urban Outfitters because he just wants a job he says, but truth be told these boys need a good shower before they go anywhere:-( My car was getting a little bit stuffy, if you know what I mean.

We get so caught up in conversation that we miss our turnoff but we make our way to their destination soon enough. I wish them all the best. They thank me profusely again. I tell them to make plans for their lives and not to let anyone determine their future aside from themselves. That they can still do great things and that it's not too late. I wish Ryan the best with his Lymphoma which thankfully he says is in remission. Just before walking away, they ask me for $1. I give them $4 and they say please say hi to us if you ever see us anywhere again. I say, "Definitely!" and I drive away.

OK, in retrospect, that was some RISKY BUSINESS that I involved myself in but my gut was speaking to me and telling me everything was OK and thank the Lord that it wasn't just indigestion or something I was having lol!! I probably would never do something like that again in hindsight, it being 20/20 and all but I hope if only for one second that Robert and Ryan got to hear and see that there is still a chance for them. That they don't have to just accept their awful hand. That they can choose their path and if I passed that thought on to them in the slightest of ways, then the risk that I took will have been worth it.

CROSSING THE LINE

2009-07-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

I have a pretty good male friend who I'm relatively sure doesn't read my blog so I'm gonna write this taking the risk that he won't google me now and start reading tomorrow:~/

I've been friends with this guy now for the past 4 or so years and actually I've known him since my college days. We get along really well and I enjoy his company. He is funny, quick-witted, intelligent, good-looking.....and married (with kids)! We joke about pretty much everything and whenever I see him we have a good laugh.

However, the past several times that we've hung out, he's decided for one reason or another to try push things beyond the line of what is appropriate. He's made certain comments, made certain moves, and without being completely blatant has pretty much made it very clear that he would like to take "things" further. Now at first, I just laughed and blew it off with a chuckle and a wave of the hand and a "you're so silly". But as time has passed, he has made his intent all the more clear and things finally came to a head recently.

There was no more aversion that I could do, or laughing or dismissing of particular statements and so I finally had to make myself explicitly clear. I told him that while I thoroughly enjoy our friendship that I am not the chick who fools around with other people's husbands and that I hope he could accept and respect my standpoint. One to which I would hold firm. He immediately said "absolutely" and I felt much better for having finally said what NEEDED to be said.

I'm not sure why people do that. Why get married if you're not ready? Why cheat? Where is your conscience? And why risk messing up a perfectly good friendship for some foolishness? I don't know the answers to these questions and I'm not sure what I'm gonna do if he comes at me like that again because I have the distinct feeling that given his ego, it's a possibility. He's not accustomed to being "denied", but I hope that he will at least respect my wishes if this friendship is to continue. I guess my only other option at that point will be to just completely end the friendship. I'm really hoping it doesn't come to that!

***HAPPY 4TH of JULY EVERYONE!! BE SAFE!!!***

TRIP TO EUGENE

2009-06-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

So I got back late on Sunday from my trip to Eugene and the US Track and Field Championships. I'd have to say all in all I had a pretty good time. I got to see so some of my friends, many of whom I hadn't seen in quite some time, particularly because I haven't been competing. I shared a hotel room with one of my really good friends and a former training partner, Robyne Johnson. She's currently the head coach at Boston University. We had a lot of fun catching up and reminiscing on all the shenanigans we used to get into. No need for detail:-)

Me and Robyne

My girl Steph Durst who had been running really well over in Europe in preparation for the Championships unfortunately injured herself the week prior by running in a hole at practice and severely twisting her ankle. She was hoping that there would have been some significant improvement while she was there, but this was not to be and so she was unable to compete. I spent some time with her and tried as best I could to point out the "silver lining", that once she gets better in a couple weeks, that she can just go to Europe and run as many races as she likes as she doesn't have to peak or taper in preparation for Worlds. So therefore she can just rack up the cash and let the season ending World Athletic Final in Thessaloniki, Greece be her World Championships.

I also hung out with my friends, 110m hurdlers Ryan Wilson and Kai Kelley, my friend Ross, the Sport Psychologist for USA Track & Field and also my friend Celia who is former sprinter Jon Drummond's wife. I spent some time with Coach Brooks Johnson and it was great to see Aub and Joel again but my trip certainly was lacking the presence of the one and only DO. I am convinced that he would have been National Champion again, no doubt about it. Not to worry though, the crux of the European season awaits him and all the other athletes that suffered untimely injuries - Hyleas Fountain, Bryan Clay, my girl Steph, maybe Walter Dix (although I'm not too sure on the severity of his hamstring injury) and all the others who simply were just unlucky.

I decided to leave on Sunday because this was supposed to be a fun trip for me and given my current situation, I don't think it would have been fun to watch my own event, that being the women's Long Jump. I'm a huge track and field fan but I've never liked watching the long jump. It doesn't matter that I'm not American and that I wouldn't have been vying for a spot on this team. It only matters that it makes me anxious and wistful and pretty much uncomfortable to sit there watching others do what I've done for so many years. And this is not a new thing that's come about since I've been injured, it's always been the case. Just not my thing. Congrats however to Britney Reese, Brianna and Funmi Jimoh on some excellent results and I wish them all the best in Berlin.

Track and Field is a cut-throat business. There are no second chances. No do-overs. You're either ready physically and mentally on the day or you're not. End of story. I've often wondered if the US shouldn't implement the team selection policy that both Great Britain and Jamaica employ, that being where the 1st and 2nd place finishers are guaranteed their spots on their respective teams and the third spot, while often going to the 3rd place finisher, is ultimately left up to the discretion of a selection committee so that clear medal contenders such as Dave, Hyleas and Bryan who for all intents and purposes will be perfectly healthy come Berlin time, don't get left off teams because of an untimely minor injury. There are pros and cons to either process and the debate could continue on forever without resolution.

Congrats to all those who made the team and congrats to my Bahamian teammates as well who participated in our own National Champs this weekend as well. Lord knows I wish I could have vied for a spot myself, but this was not my path this year. I guess my tally of World Championships that I've qualified for and competed in will remain at 9 (3 time finalist) and you know what, I'm ok with that.

WHAT A WOMAN/MAN NEEDS.....

2009-06-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine (a guy) sent this to me today and while I didn't necessarily agree;-), I did find it rather funny. Could this be true???? Nah..... but I thought I'd share anyway!!

How to Make a Woman Happy

It's not difficult to make a woman happy....
A man only needs to be:

1. A friend
2. A companion
3. A lover
4. A brother
5. A father
6. A master
7. A chef
8. An electrician
9. A carpenter
10. A plumber
11. A mechanic
12. A decorator
13. A stylist
14. A sexologist
15. A gynecologist
16. A psychologist
17. A pest exterminator
18. A psychiatrist
19. A healer
20. A good listener
21. An organizer
22. A good father
23. Very clean
24. Sympathetic
25. Athletic
26. Warm
27. Attentive
28. Gallant
29. Intelligent
30. Funny
31. Creative
32. Tender
33. Strong
34. Understanding
35. Tolerant
36. Prudent
37. Ambitious
38. Capable
39. Courageous
40. Determined!
41. True
42. Dependable
43. Passionate
44. Compassionate

WITHOUT FORGETTING TO:

45. Give her compliments regularly
46. Love shopping
47. Be honest
48. Be very rich
49. Not stress her out
50. Not look at other girls

AND AT THE SAME TIME, YOU MUST ALSO:

51. Give her lots of attention, but expect little yourself
52. Give her lots of time, especially time for herself
53. Give her lots of space, never worrying about where she goes

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT:

54. Never to forget:
* birthdays
* anniversaries
* arrangements she makes

HOW TO MAKE A MAN HAPPY

1. Show up naked
2. Bring food

Now, c'mon ladies, we all know that life would be superb, if this were REALLY true!!! Unfortunately, in reality, this is not the case, lol!! Sure would be nice if men were that simple though.....

****On a more serious note, words cannot adequately express how sad and disappointed I was/am when DO told me that he hurt himself and is out of the US Champs this week/end. It was almost as upsetting as my own injury. He would most certainly have retained his title and I was looking forward to seeing it firsthand. God works in mysterious and wonderful ways though, and His plans are not always ours. I can attest to that. Eugene's not gonna be the same without you:-( but I know you'll be back with a vengeance! *****

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

2009-06-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take the time wish my father and all the dads out there an awesome, wonderful and fulfilling Father's day!!! Dad I love you. Thanks so much for everything you've done for me and meant to me. Your support and love are immeasurable and I wouldn't trade you for all the money, or treasure in the world. Not even a healthy Achilles:-)

There are many sperm donors out there who do nothing to enrich or enhance the lives of their children. The "deadbeat dads". This day is not for you. This day is reserved to pay homage to men like my father who taught me respect and what it means to be a real man. Whose shoulder I could lean or cry on whenever I needed to. Who I KNOW will always be here for me no matter what happens, whether I win or lose. Whether I'm the smartest or not. Whether I'm the prettiest or not. And whether anyone else things I'm the best thing since sliced bread or not:-) My dad thinks I'm all the above and that makes me feel good:-)

HAPPY HAPPY FATHER's DAY dad!! Hope you'll have many many more to come!!

GIMME A BREAK!!!

2009-06-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

During an interview with CNBC the other day, President Obama shooed a fly because it was bothering him. And when it refused to stay away, understandably, he sent the fly off with an untimely and sudden death.

The organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) issued a statement that said he had performed a cruel and insensitive act.

“We support compassion for all animals, even the most curious, smallest, and least sympathetic animals. We hope that everyone will take inspiration from Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Albert Schweitzer, who included insects in his realm of compassion and would stop to move a worm from hot pavement to cool earth.” Apparently they followed this up by saying that people should use fly-catchers to trap flies and then release them outside.

Seriously though??? Are you kidding PETA??? While I generally understand and support their organization in principle, I don't always agree with their methods. And in regards to this situation, all I can do is quote Whoopi Goldberg who summed it up perfectly when commenting on this situation when she said, "I'm sorry, but if they come around me, flies are gonna have problems, mosquitoes are gonna have problems and cockroaches are DEFINITELY gonna have problems!"

C'mon PETA, GIMME A BREAK!!

ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE & CHILD SUPPORT?

2009-06-18T00:03:00.000-07:00

Overheard: Guy talking to his friend, "I know I don't pay child support, but that shouldn't be a reason for her to stop me from seeing my child!"

His friend: "I know man, she's just hatin' on you cause you got another girl now so she's taking it out on you and Jamaal is the one who's suffering."

Guy: "Yeah man, I can't believe she would do that to him and make him pay for her jealousy."

His friend: "She's wack!"

So.....really? I was at a park the other day and overheard two guys having a conversation that basically went like that. And having thought about it, I'm still not sure what I think about it. Is a woman wrong for not letting her child's father see him because he's not paying child support? Particularly if he's able to and just choosing not to?

Is being allowed to be a parent to your child a right or a privilege? I think I can see both sides of this issue. On the one hand, if you're the woman and you're having to take on the entire responsibility of paying to take care of your child, it's probably hard to justify to yourself that the father "deserves" to be a part of his child's life.

However, on the other hand, and ideally, what is in the best interest of the child is probably to be allowed to have both parents in his or her life, no matter what, because the child doesn't care about who is or isn't paying. They just know that they don't get to see daddy or mommy, if the situation is reversed, and that time can never be regained.

It's just tough though I'm sure in reality to get over personal issues, feeling, lack of support, etc in order to keep the child's best interest a priority.

At the end day, the numbers of single parent households is on the rise and the number of fatherless kids is also on the rise. If you choose to have a child, you are also choosing by default to be there for that child both financially and emotionally, regardless. I don't have all the answers, and it's a difficult predicament, but I'm sure Jamaal could tell you pretty easily what he'd want if it were simply up to him. And when it comes to figuring it all out, maybe that's a good place to start.

MOVIE/WEEKEND REVIEW

2009-06-14T15:39:00.000-07:00

This has turned out to be a pretty great weekend for me all around filled with fun and friends!

I just got back from church and it was awesome as usual. Pastor John and the Unity Choir held it down at First AME Church today!! The choir sang one of my favorite gospel songs right now Back II Eden by Donald Lawrence. LOVE IT!

Last night I went to see "The Hangover" a Las Vegas-set comedy centered around three groomsmen who lose their about-to-be-wed buddy during their drunken misadventures. They then had to retrace their steps in order to find him. Let me just say it was HILARIOUS!!! I laughed so hard at times, my head and stomach hurt, lol!! Those of you who recommended it to me, thank you. I am yet to hear a bad review so if any of you are in the need for a good laugh then do yourself a favor and go check it out. I think the funniest part might have been when the credits were going up.

Here's a classic pic from the movie when the guys were on an elevator headed out to try to find out where their boy was.

The guy on the left of this picture, "fat Jesus" lol, pretty much stole the show! If ever there was a movie that exemplified the saying "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", then this would be it!!! Again, two thumbs way up!

Shout out to my girl Kelli White who came in town for the weekend. We've been friends for a long time now, and seen each other through a lot of ups and downs. Although we keep in touch, I hadn't seen her for quite some time.

We hit up The Comedy Union (thanks Chris), had lunch at Rush in Culver City, went shoe shopping (I actually didn't but anything - yeah, surprising I know), went to The Grove, The Beverly Center, and then breakfast this morning at this cute spot in Marina Del Ray. She was college roommates with Erica and so the three of us had a great time catching up!

Shout out to my girl Grace Usphaw, fellow long jumper, but she competes for the US and is several time US champion. She's getting ready for the upcoming US Nationals in Eugene (which I'm now pretty sure I'm going to) but she was in town for a couple days so I managed to catch up with her too on Friday morning.

This is a picture of us in Beijing last year in the Olympic Village.

Shout out to my new business partners-to-be. I would have never met these guy had I not gotten injured. I swear the Lord blesses you when you least expect it and everything happens for a reason! A lot of things are falling in place and I am very excited about what the future has in store for us. Sky's the limit! I spent the morning on Saturday day down in Newport Beach with them. More on that later though.

And last but not least, shout out to D.O., for kicking the weekend off to such a great start! I'm still smiling:-)

How did I manage to fit so much into these few days??? I think I need a rest but alas, that's not gonna happen cause I'm gearing up for my LAKERS to end this series TONIGHT!!! It's not gonna be easy and I concede we may end up back here in LA but sorry, Magic we don't wanna drag out the inevitable! Might as well make it Lakers in 5 baby!!! Woohoo!!

DO OR DON'T TELL??

2009-06-09T21:24:00.000-07:00

Once again, I was listening to Michael Baisden and there was a discussion as to what you would do if your best friend was getting married and the day before the wedding you saw her maid of honor and her groom-to-be in the most compromising of positions, cheating with one another. Or vice versa if you were a guy and saw your boy's bride-to-be fooling around with his best man. What would you do?? Would you tell them or would you keep that information to yourself??

The whole discussion was prompted by the fact that a woman actually outed a maid of honor on the radio show. There were a lot of differing opinions. Some people said the caller was wrong for that. Some people said you should mind your own business. Some people said you should confront the other spouse-to-be and insist that they tell what happened.

This is a tough call to make, particularly if it happened the night before the wedding but if the shoe was on the other foot and my best friend had seen my husband-to-be getting it on with my maid of honor, I would DEFINITELY want them to tell me and so I would probably do the same. Difficult, awkward and uncomfortable as it may be, I would tell. Who'd wanna marry that sleaze bag anyway, lol? But different people respond to things differently and you never know, you might be putting your friendship at risk. However, I think it would be worse if I found out later that my best friend knew and decided to say nothing!

All I can say is, hope it's a choice I never have to make....

TELL ME WHY....

2009-06-06T00:02:00.000-07:00

....my arms, traps, abs and left leg lol, look like I haven't stopped working out for not one day?

....a guy who you used to date several years ago, who has since become engaged and disengaged would have the nerve to be jealous and acting the fool?

....I will watch a golf tournament from start to finish if Tiger Woods is playing but won't even watch for 5 minutes if he's not?

....people who have nothing going on in their own lives do their best, to no avail, to try and mess up other peoples?

....two eyes, one nose and one mouth can looks so different on everyone? It's only 4 things people!

....the Lakers killed the Magic yesterday? Woohoo!!!!

....people walk their dogs in the little grass area in front of the apartment building and then don't pick up the doggy doo that's left behind? My rug and tennis shoes (now in the trash) are now having to pay the consequences:-(

....gas prices are slowly creeping back up?

....having a limp seems to be an open invitation for conversation lol?

....I feel compelled to have 20 pairs of brown/tan/bronze/copper shoes?

....I will totally cringe but continue watching a UFC fight?

....I have absolutely NO interest in playing video games?

....The Jonas Brothers are on Sports Center delivering the top 10 plays of the day? Why?

....I would give up a million dollars for the love of my life? Am I crazy? OK, now 10 million, I'm not so sure.....

....Eminem actually agreed to let Sasha Baren Cohen put his behind that close to his face?

....people always mix up Bahamas, Bermuda, Barbados - ok I know I come from a small country but they really are VERY different!

....BBM is so awesome! Have I mentioned that I love my blackberry before, lol? Those of us who have them know just what I'm talking about! It's just lovely:-)

.....it is possible to be so close with people who are NOTHING like you, both with men and women?

.....did I watch 3 out of 4 episodes this week of "I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!" I'm embarrassed even to admit it:-/

.....people are SO passionate about sports - catching or kicking a ball, jumping in sand, swinging a racket, running in circles - it's all pretty crazy when you think about it!

....love makes the world go 'round:-)

HAPPY and SAD

2009-06-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

"In everything we do, our thoughts can help us succeed, or they can help us fail. Maintain a positive attitude!"

I've been a little bit restless over the past week or two as I try to figure out just exactly what to do with myself, my summer and my time. For the past 15 years, I have gotten up in the morning and headed to the track and done everything that I know how to push myself beyond the limits of my physical and mental capacity. And I've loved every single minute of it, the highs and the lows. Every minute.

Fast forward to 6 weeks ago, and my life as I've known it, came to a sudden and unexpected halt. And while I've made steady progress and my Achilles continues to get better each day as I do my physio, I still can't bear all of my weight on the ball of my foot and so I'm a ways away form returning to any sort of mobile exercise. For the time being, I have to be content with stepping up and down on a box, static lunges, leg raises, eccentric calf raises and trying to walk down a flight of stairs without putting both feet on each step. Exciting, I know!!

Add to that, the fact is that the track season is in full swing as can be evidenced by all the track meets on TV, my friends who are traveling the world, the fast times, the far jumps and the eyes that are all set on Berlin in August for the World Championships. I've qualified for and competed in the World Championships 9 consecutive times going all the way back to when I was a junior at Stanford and made my first Worlds team and ended up making my first finals, finishing 10th.

I would give my right arm right now to just have the chance of making it, but that's not an option. So that makes me sad. In the past couple of weeks, Puma has continued to send my usual shipment of equipment

included in which is the SWEETEST pair of long jump spikes I've EVER had.

Alas, I won't be wearing them any time soon. And that makes me sad:-(

All of this being said, I cannot deny the fact that my career has been so fulfilling and beautiful and exciting and thrilling and awesome and if I never stepped foot on another track competitively, I could live with that . That makes me happy. I have some of the BEST people in my life who, no matter what ANYONE tries to do, remain constant and special and I love them and that makes me happy:-) The Truth remains, and I think my injury has really revealed just how important my friends and family are as they have all been here for me in every way.

So, I'm not sure if I will be heading to Eugene to watch my people do their thing at the US Trials for the upcoming World Champs, but if I can't, my heart and thoughts and good wishes will most definitely be there with everyone. Some opportunities that I'm pursuing might preclude me from making it there, but time and schedule permitting, I'll wish my good lucks in person very soon anyway;-) Everything happens for a reason and for as much as I would love to be contending for wins and records and personal bests, I'm doing my best to make peace with the fact that I can do that off the track too, just in a different way. And that makes me happy!

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!

EMINEM VS. BRUNO

2009-05-31T22:20:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here watching the MTV Music Awards and I just saw something that made be say "Oh no he didn't!!!" Without saying anything else, all I'm gonna say is watch this clip and tell me whether you think it was staged or real. I'm still not sure but if it was real, then Eminem's people are probably on the hunt for Bruno's (Sasha Baren Cohen of Borat fame) people and there will be trouble......

Really though? He put his behind in Eminem's face!!!!!! And so close too! Ewwwww!!!!

HEARD ON THE RADIO....

2009-05-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago, I was listening to the Michael Baisden Talk Radio Show in the afternoon as I do most afternoons and he had a segment on Stupid Cheaters. I thoroughly enjoy listening to this show and usually find his commentary both enlightening and entertaining. Well this afternoon turned out to be no different as he had people calling in who had either been caught cheating themselves or were the persons who had caught someone else.

This lady called in and said that she had come home early one day after telling her husband that she wouldn't be home until 5pm. Her silly husband, thinking the coast was clear, had the indecency to bring a lady home and take her up to his bedroom that he sleeps in with his wife!

Suffice to say, she came home, caught him "mid activity" lol, so there was no denying it and this fool proceeded to pull the front of his t-shirt, that he still had on, over his head and pretend it wasn't him???!!!! She said he jumped up and ran around and left the poor other woman just lying there in the bed on her back. And if he couldn't be any dumber, she said as he was running away, she yelled out his name and he turned back around towards her in response to his name.

What an idiot, lol??!!! I could envision the whole thing in my head and I laughed SO hard as I pictured this mostly naked guy running around with his t-shirt over his head, trying to pretend he was someone else. LOL!!!!! Michael Baisden said that the difference between men and women cheaters is that men are messy and usually get caught because they slip up but women don't usually get caught until they are tired of the situation they're in and just don't care one way or the other so they just do whatever. Interesting....

*****GO LAKERS!!!!!! Last night, my Lakers won again and now the score in the series is Lakers 3, Nuggets 2. One more to go! Let's wrap this up in Denver!! Sorry Dave, I don't think you're gonna get your dream match-up of Magic/Nuggets, lol but u can go to the Lakers/Magic series and give me the play by play:-) I'm just playin' DO, just playin'........

FUN-FILLED NIGHT

2009-05-24T22:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday turned out to be a pretty great day all around. First of all my LAKERS won!!! Way to go!!!! Let's make this series short and sweet....I know, I know, easier said than done but a girl can wish right??

I've been toying around with the idea of wearing bangs again. It's a "luxury" I can't usually indulge in, simple as it may sound, because I'm usually training and sweating and those two things don't go well with a black woman's hair and bangs. They end up getting sweated out from day one and just sticking onto your forehead...not a good look. Now that I have some time off, albeit involuntary, and sweat isn't oozing from my pores on a daily basis, I decided to try it again. I soon found out that my bangs had grown a little too long for me to see properly

and so I had to kinda part them in the middle and sweep them to the sides. The decisions us girls have to make, lol.

Anyway, so last night, my boy Chris Spencer (who I'm sure without him I'd have NO social life) shot me a text and invited me to meet him and his good friend Boris Kodjoe at this club in Studio City. Now for those of you who don't know, Mr. Kodjoe is an actor and he's pretty darned easy on the eyes:-)
Plus since I don't know the last time I actually went to a real club that wasn't a comedy club and since I figured I'd enjoy the "view" lol, I said I'm in. I called up my girls from Great Britain, Joice's homies Tasha D. and Emma and asked them to join me.

Emma, me - wearing flat shoes:-(, and Tash

Tasha D. is the Olympic bronze medalist from Beijing in the women's 400m hurdles and Emma runs on Great Britain's 4X100m relay team. My ladies showed up and we headed out. We got to the club and not that much was happening but I'm a glass half full kinda girl so I knew we'd have fun regardless. Chris and Boris showed up shortly after us and Chris took us over to the VIP area. Trust me, that status was not reserved for us ladies lol but for Boris. We soon found out why because we had a first hand view of exactly how CRAZY, WILD and DESPERATE some chicks can be when it comes to a good looking male celebrity. All I can say is OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!! Between the one girl who sneaked into the area and started doing some dirty dirty dancing and some of the things he told us some of the women who were approaching him when he briefly ventured out into the general area were saying and trying to do, I was in shock and awe. I was appalled really! I would write what they were saying but since this is a 'G' rated blog, I'll let you let your minds run wild and I'm sure it still won't top some of the things these women and I use that word loosely, were bold enough to say. Now I'm accustomed to being around a good looking guy:-) but this was just outta control!!!

We ended up having a really good time though and laughed the night away and apparently there are a whole lotta dances u can do as long as u have one good leg, lol. Also, turns out Boris went to see the same Dr in Toronto that I saw when he injured his leg playing basketball a few years ago. At closing time, we all headed to Jerry's Deli and sat there and chopped it up for another hour or so. The conversation with the boys was REALLY spicy and interesting, lol but mum's the word:-) By the time we were done, it was about 3am and we decided that we should finally head home. I think I laughed so much, my stomach and head hurt but I had such an awesome evening, I made a new friend and I really just enjoyed myself.

OK Chris....so what are you gonna invite me to next and how are you gonna top this????

A WHOLE LOTTA LOVE:-)

2009-05-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

RECIPE FOR TWO LOVERS

Take happiness and laughter
mix thoroughly with romance.
Add hugs, pecks,
and sprinkle with kisses.
Bind with pleasure
and bake with faith.
Serve with endless love.

-Jephthah Adotey -

THAT IS LOVE

Love is a strange and beautiful thing,
It spans time and space, distance is no object to love.
You will wait forever for the one you love,
Travel wherever you need to be with them.
When you are in the arms of the one you love,
That love can make a moment last a lifetime,
Yet make a lifetime seem no more than a moment.
When love is distant it grows strong,
When it returns it flowers.
People crave it, strive for it, fight for it, and die for it,
And when they find it, they know they are complete.
For in the arms of the one we love is wholeness,
Belief, completeness, passion, and security.
The one we love is someone for whom we would do anything,
And never ask for anything in return.
It produces a love of all that person is and will ever be,
Regardless of what that may mean to me.
Love knows that when you are away,
That you are still loved, cherished, thought after, and missed
By the one you love,
And they know that you love them back.
That is Love.

- Nicolas Blackmore -

I WAIT

I wait for you,
anxious to see your face.

I stand and watch,
looking for the first sign of your arrival.

I finally see you,
I take a second look to make sure you're really there.

My pulse races and I crack a smile,
this is what I've been waiting for.

You begin to approach,
you say, "Sorry, I'm late."

I say, "No problem."
But I think to myself, 'I'd have waited forever.'

- Jordan Jones-

LOVE COUNTS

One look
One smile
One touch
One embrace
One kiss
One love
Two people
Two minds
Two souls
Two destinies
One road
One journey
One ending
Together.

- Melissa Higgins -

A NOTE TO GOD

2009-05-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

On Monday, I was fortunate enough to be at home to catch the episode of Oprah that day. There was a young girl named Charice Pempengco on there singing a song written by Diane Warren called A Note To God. She's Filipino and she's only 17 years old. I really don't have adequate words to describe how absolutely AWESOME this girl's voice is so I won't say anything else except....enjoy!!

EARTHQUAKE!!!!!

2009-05-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

So last night at about 8:45pm, I was sitting upstairs watching TV with my roommate Erica when all of a sudden the entire room started shaking and trembling and if you live in LA, you know right away what is going on....and I thought "here we go again!!!!" EARTHQUAKE!!!! I've heard different reports about the magnitude of it - some say 4.7, some say 5.0. Either way, it wasn't any fun.

I grabbed on to the arms of the love seat I was sitting on and just prayed that the rattling would stop quickly and that nothing would fall on me. All I kept thinking, was great, if I need to run somewhere for cover or outside or something, I'm plum outta luck cause there's no running happening with this bum leg of mine:-(

Thankfully it lasted less than 10 seconds I think and I tried to regain my composure. No matter how many times you go through it, it's a little bit terrifying. The biggest one I've been in was 7.1 and TRUST ME when I say, I really thought I was gonna die or something, lol because, of course it was my very first earthquake experience! I thought a train was passing by, then I thought, ok the world is ending. I was "fresh of the boat" so to speak from The Bahamas, so I had no idea what the heck was going on and in retrospect, it was pretty funny because I just ran outside and just kept on running - I'm still not sure where I was headed, but I was gonna get there as fast as I could.

Anyway, alls well here in LA. There wasn't too much damage done apart from the windows shattering in several buildings. In the meantime, we resume our normal lives and hope and pray that THE BIG ONE, doesn't happen any time soon!

****On another note, my LAKERS handled their business last night!!!!!!Woohoo!!!!! Next up, the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals. Now, don't get me wrong, I know that Denver is a formidable opponent, but I think we're up for the challenge. Sorry D.O......the Nuggets are going DOWN, lol!!!!

THE SHOW MUST GO ON......

2009-05-16T17:23:00.000-07:00

The shoe show, that is. So those of you who know me and those of you who've followed my blog long enough, know that I'm nothing if not an avid shoe shopper. More of a shoe-aholic, truth be told. I even wrote a blog about it a few months ago.

Well, I'd have to say that one of the major drawbacks of having a bum foot is the fact that I cannot wear most of my favorite shoes because I can't wear heels. I'm just barely walking properly barefooted much less. I still have a slight limp, but I'm getting better and better every day:-)

Anyway, back to the shoe situation....I've not been able to buy any new shoes because I've either not been able to put a shoe on my right foot at all because of swelling or even now that I can wear shoes, I have to wear something flat, ie sandals, flip flops or tennis shoes. So all of my lovely shoes are sitting collecting dust:-(

The fact is, I don't have that many pairs of flat shoes that I can wear "out", if you know what I mean. So today, with not too much coercion from my roommate Erica, we headed down the street to DSW. That place is a danger zone for me!! But what's a girl to do? I NEEDED some flat shoes!!

Of course I ended up buying two pairs of shoes instead of one. One gold pair, one black. They're both sandal-ish and look a lot better in person actually when you can see my outfit/legs and the shoes together. The shoes by themselves look a little odd I think. The gold pair are outside the box for me - a little different
and the black ones
are super comfortable and casual and will get a lot of use. So that's it. My afternoon is complete. And the shoe-drought is over:-)

TO BE OR NOT TO BE.......CELIBATE?

2009-05-13T08:02:00.000-07:00

Father Alberto Cutie, (pronounced Koo-ti-ay) known as "Padre Oprah," the nationally known Spanish language television host, advice columnist and bestselling author of the book "Real Life, Real Love," is creating a pretty big stir as he appears to have found real love himself.

A Mexican magazine ran pictures of Father Cutie cuddling with a woman on a Florida beach and kissing her at a bar. In an interview with the Spanish language network Univision, Father Cutie said that despite the scandal the photos have created, he doesn't want to give up either his collar or the woman he loves. He told Univision, he loves the woman and has liked her since he met her. After the photos appeared, the Archdiocese of Miami immediately removed him from his duties as a priest at St. Frances de Sales church in Miami Beach. This past Sunday marked the first time his parish held mass without him.

The scandal is surely reigniting the long-running debate over priest celibacy. Critics, including some priests, argue that celibacy is at the heart of the church's problems, including the shortage of priests and the sex abuse scandals and I for one have to agree. Truth be told, I think the Catholic Church seems to have even bigger issues at the forefront to handle that they've for decades just been sweeping under the rug. However, The Vatican has never wavered on the issue and most active priests agree with its stance.

I am not Catholic so I don't presume to understand the reasoning or logic behind celibacy. After doing some reading, it seems to be that Catholics see it as a true commitment to God, being "the bride of Christ" so to speak. Additionally those who support this stance seem to feel that it makes you wholly available for people and for ministry and for what you really believe, where if you were married with kids, you could not be as available.

Can't the two things co-exist? Can't you be wholly committed to and love God and have romantic love and family in your life? I don't know about you but it just seems unnatural to insist that human beings be required to resist the urge to find love and passion with other people. It's the way the world pro-creates. It's the way we find happiness.

Regardless, the Cutié scandal is sure to ratchet up debate over clerical celibacy in the Catholic Church, a spiritual ideal that seems to collide more often today with biological reality. I'm a die-hard romantic and I'm a Christian, so this is a tough one for me to call. Maybe it's just time for a change......

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

2009-05-10T00:03:00.000-07:00

Today is one of the most special days in the calendar year because it's the day we celebrate our mothers!! I have been extremely blessed to have had such a wonderful role-model, friend, confidante, supporter, cheerleader and mother in the person of Lois Edwards, whose name I was given as one of my middle names. I couldn't be more happy and proud to have her in my life and my only wish is that we have many, many more years ahead of us to celebrate being mother and daughter.

I took the 1hr 45 min. drive up to Bakersfield tonight driving with my left foot:-( just so that I could surprise her and it was definitely worth it. It's just a short visit because I'll be headed back to LA tomorrow but I really wanted to spend the day with her. So here's to my mom. May God continue to bless you. Your loving daughter....

PAGING ALL TRACK FANS......

2009-05-08T09:10:00.001-07:00

If you are a fan of track and field and have some free time on your hands, click on the following link DOHA SUPER GRAND PRIX and watch the meet live from Doha, Qatar right now!!!

Dave, Joice and Nicole will be competing in the men's 110m hurdles, women's 100m and women's high jump respectively. David runs at 10:20am Pacific time and I'm not sure what time Joice and Nicole are on but she they are still yet to compete. Good luck to all my people:-)

ENJOY THE SHOW......

****UPDATE: Dave ended up winning the hurdles, no surprise:-), in a world leading time of 13.09seconds. Joice finished 7th, in 11.43 and Nicole also finished 7th with a jump of 1.88m. All three scored valuable points in the race to the World Athletics Final to be held in September in Greece, later this year. Congrats!

BABY STEPS....

2009-05-06T07:57:00.000-07:00

So today is the first day that I am allowed to take my boot off and switch to wearing my normal tennis shoes. It's a non weight bearing boot so I haven't actually "walked" since April 18th. I'm still supposed to use my crutches starting with bearing about 30% of my weight until by next week Wednesday, I'm supposed to be fully weight-bearing. I swear, it seems as if everything is happening so quickly and so slowly all at once.

So quickly because mentally, I'm not sure I'm ready to start walking again. This process usually takes 12 weeks and so far it's been 2 and a half in total to this point for me. I was sooo looking forward to today but now I feel really nervous and unsure and worried that I might tear the entire tendon or something. My foot feels a little stiff but I can tell that a lot of healing has occurred.

So slowly too though because the daily grind of using the crutches and standing on one leg and hopping around everywhere in this three story apartment has been tedious to say the least and precarious at best. I can't tell you the number of times I've tripped on the stairs lol. I went out to the track yesterday and saw everyone running around and getting their bodies ready for competition and all I could do was sit on the side and watch with envy, truth be told. I should have traveled yesterday to Qatar with DO and Joice and I surely will miss not being there with them but I know they will hold it down in my absence:-)

Anyway, I have to trust my doctor. He assured me that today was the day I could put my foot on the ground again and I have to believe in that. I need to believe in that because my little quad and calf are withering away, lol. My ankle still looks a little swollen but back where there was a gap in my tendon, that gap is no longer there.
It kinda looks and feels like a skinny, fat person's leg if that makes any sense lol. I only hope that as quickly as this atrophy has occurred that it will bounce back just as fast to having some semblance of muscle tone cause it's kinda mushy right now....ugghh:-(

I'm sure I'll be fine, I think I needed to just get it out, to say it. I guess that's what this blog can do sometimes - give you a voice you know what I mean? To get stuff off your chest. So that's it. I'll keep saying my prayers and before you know it, I'll be hopping and skipping around again....ok let me not get carried away...but in one short week, I should be able to chuck these metal appendages (my crutches) aside and be one step closer to being whole again! Woohoo!

WEIGHT DEBATE

2009-05-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

United To Charge Heavier Passengers Twice To Fly

Airline Says Overweight Travelers Will Need To Buy Extra Seats Or Be Denied Entry To Planes

CHICAGO (CBS) -

If “beefy” or “curvy” describes you, here is a word of warning: United Airlines will begin aggressively enforcing a new policy that allows it to charge heavier passengers twice to fly.

United will now implement new policies for passengers they deem to be overweight.

Under the rules outlined by United, passengers who “are unable to fit into a single seat in the ticketed cabin; are unable to properly buckle the seatbelt using a single seatbelt extender; and/or are unable to put the seat’s armrests down when seated” will be denied boarding unless they purchase an extra seat.

If no empty seat exists, the passenger will be forced to take a later flight.

“The seat purchase or upgrade must be completed for each leg of the itinerary,” the United policy states. ”If a customer meeting any of the above-listed criteria decides not to upgrade or purchase a ticket for an additional seat, he or she will not be permitted to board the flight.”

How do you feel about this??

The other day when I was traveling, I had to sit next to a guy that was let's just say, he was on the "heavy" side. Not simply overweight. He was at least 300lbs and for the entire flight, he had to try to clasp his hands together over his stomach so that they wouldn't come over the armrest into my seating area. As much as I felt for myself, I felt badly for this gentleman in his predicament because his fingers were turning pink because he could barely hold onto his other hand:(

Now while I totally understand the reasoning behind United's policy, I guess the whole question of discrimination comes into play and exactly just what is fair. Yes, I guess if you go strictly according to the rules, if you're "spilling over" into someone else's seat and for all intents and purposes, taking up two seats, then I guess perhaps you should be charged for two seats. Not to mention, making the other passenger uncomfortable. On the other hand, it seems a little calloused and heartless but I guess in this economy and in the world of business, heart and compassion have nothing to do with anything!

All I can say is, personally I hope they put in place a similar program for smelly people too because that negatively impacts fellow fliers as well. Just imagine the pre-flight check!

ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY....

2009-04-29T20:29:00.000-07:00

So for the past 4 days, I’ve been in Toronto, Canada getting treatment/therapy for my Achilles. It’s been some pretty intense days with everything from ultra sounds to various injections to hyperbaric chamber therapy.

About a week ago, while I was doing my research about the various treatment options, I decided to come to Canada to seek the help of one of THE best Sports doctors around. He has treated many, many superstar athletes, many whose names you’d very easily recognize. The normal protocol for a partially torn Achilles such as mine is 4-6wks in a non-weight bearing cast with crutches, followed by another 4-6wks in a weight-bearing boot, followed by the beginning of physical therapy. A very circuitous, tedious road at best and then the results are not the best as far as the strength of the tendon anyway.

Dr. Galea is world-renowned and he employs a completely different approach that yields far better results in far less time. As it turns out, he lived up to all the hype and then some. He’s a very charming, laid-back, cool, unorthodox guy and it was my distinct pleasure to meet him. He took great care of me and I will forever be in his debt and if all goes well, I should be walking without casts, boots or crutches in two weeks time and beginning my PT.

Now back to this hyperbaric chamber therapy. I have one word for it – NIGHTMARE!!!!!! I don’t know if any of you are claustrophobic but I am. Without going into the details of why this type of therapy is extremely beneficial, let’s just cut to the chase – you have to stay in this glass tube, fully enclosed, lying on your back for an hour and a half!!! Suffice to say, I STRUGGLED, Lord have mercy and I had to do it 3 days in a row!!! The second time I did it, I had a bit of a panic attack and almost freaked out.

Me in the "torture" chamber, lol! Yeah, that's a fake smile....when they were just about to pull me out!!!

I can laugh about it now, but trust me, it was no laughing matter at the time. And then just to add insult to injury, for two 5minute intervals while you’re in there, you have to put this oxygen mask over your nose and mouth. I can assure you that unless there’s life or death involved, Jackie Edwards will never put herself through that again, lol. My dear friend Joice, told me to "quit being a drama queen", but I’m sorry Ms. Joice, just based on your description alone, the chamber you go in does not compare neither in size nor in experience – there are no books or laptops or anything at all allowed in with me – not even my earrings!!! And even if it is, oh well, I won't deny the fact that I was really afraid/nervous/scared....

Anyway, I did have one free evening and my roommate Erica’s parents, whose home I stayed at, took me to Niagara Falls. It was a great break away from the rigors of the therapy.

Me and Erica's mom at The Falls

I do want to say that the Witter family has gone above and beyond in showing me kindness and hospitality and I will forever be grateful.

I’m on my way back to LA tomorrow. Treatment is done. The healing process officially begins and I for one couldn’t be happier.

DOWN BUT DEFINITELY NOT OUT....

2009-04-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

If I could've foreseen myself being injured last week Saturday, I would've never guessed that in the wake of such a terrible setback, that I would be doing so well....emotionally, at least.

I got my MRI results back and as was suspected, I do have a partial tear in the middle of my Achilles tendon, about 4-5cms. in length. That being said, it could be worse. Apart from swelling, there's no further damage to my foot or calf. I've already begun some pretty intensive therapy and since I don't need surgery, I've been looking into some other innovative and effective treatment options and let's just say, I'm feeling a lot more hopeful than I did a couple days ago:-)

Additionally, I am amazed at how when you find yourself at your lowest, how people, both friends and strangers alike, step up and show you so much compassion and love. From the number of people that have opened doors for me, carried bags for me, to the lady who pumped my gas for me, receiving some beautiful get-well flowers:-), to all the daily texts and calls and bbms from everyone just checking on me and making sure I'm OK, I just feel blessed to know that people care. They really care. And I'm telling you, it helps SO much!!! Don't get me wrong, these crutches really suck but I'm just saying, it could be worse!

Pic of my poor foot:-(

Last night, I received an e-mail from a young man from the Bahamas who I do not know (I hope he doesn't mind that I post the content of his e-mail here), telling me how much I have impacted his life and it just lifted my spirits all the way up.

"Jackie: You don't know who I am but when I was in high school in the Bahamas, I heard a story on the news about a student at Queen's College (high school in the Bahamas) who was an outstanding student as well as a gifted athlete. I thought that was unique and it inspired me to not only focus on being a good student but to be well rounded as well. When I graduated from high school, I was salutatorian and won the award for the most well rounded student in my class. I also ended up getting two scholarships that allowed me to be able to get a free college education. Without it I would not have been able to attend college. Being well rounded has helped me a lot in my life and has kept me balanced. Even though you haven't struck gold in the Olympics yet, as a Bahamian I am proud of your accomplishments and how your hard work and example has affected me. - Your Fellow Bahamian"

How could I possibly be sad after reading something like that? Anyway, I just wanted to say I'm doing OK and I'm DEFINITELY not ready to be counted out just yet!

*********

On a lighter, happier, more special note...today is also a day to celebrate "The Truth";-) and so I wanted to post a couple quotes that signify just how I feel.

"The truth is always exciting. Speak it, then. Life is dull without it." (So true...)
Pearl S. Buck

"Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me the truth." (All day, every day, lol!)
Henry David Thoreau

HAVE AN AWESOME DAY!!!!!

THIS ROLLER COASTER WE CALL LIFE

2009-04-20T07:20:00.000-07:00

Where shall I begin?

So I traveled this past Thursday to Greensboro, NC to compete in my first competition of the outdoor season. It was the perfect scenario really. I love the track at NC A&T. (I'm still trying to figure out how come such an awesome track is at this school.) I love competing there and I was looking forward to seeing everyone again. They all came in on Friday morning and I definitely got to spend some QT:-)

Well, apart from one or two things, that's about where everything began unraveling. First of all, my luggage got lost. Now every professional track and field athlete knows better than to not put their competition clothes and spikes in their hand luggage but for some reason, I forgot. Never even crossed my mind to be honest. The only thing in my backpack were some flip flops, my laptop and a toiletry bag.

Suffice to say, one trip to the airport later ($30 in a cab each way), one trip to the mall to buy replacement tennis shoes, one trip to Walgreens to buy replacement undies:( and several phone calls to Northwest, my bag never showed up until Saturday night, after the meet. Of course it would.

Turns out that my teammate from The Bahamas, Chandra Sturrup was coming to the meet so I asked her to bring me some Bahamas team uniform clothing which she did, plus a pair of long jump spikes, since we wear the same size. Having gotten everything sorted out, I headed out to the track feeling pretty excited.

Warmup went well and I got on to the runway to do some run-throughs to get ready for the start of the competition. On my second run-up, I hit the foul board which was not securely in place and it moved significantly, twisting my foot into a very awkward position, throwing me into the sand. I wasn't sure what had happened. I know that my calf was hurting and that the board had thrown me way off balance. Before I knew it, the athletic trainers were at the pit helping me out of the sand and my day effectively was OVER!

I was checked out by a doctor who confirmed the trainer's suspicion that I had torn or partially torn my Achilles tendon. She put me in a temporary cast and gave me some crutches and that was that. I cried my eyes out for at least an hour and as you can imagine, I was/am DEVASTATED!!! The prognosis for this type of injury is not good at all and takes months to heal. In cases of complete tears, surgery is the only option, so I guess we'll see....

Surprisingly, it doesn't hurt at all which is kinda weird because Achilles tears are supposed to be very painful, especially if it is a complete tear so I'm not sure what is going on. I flew back to LA yesterday and with the crutches, etc that was an ordeal in and of itself and I am going to get an MRI either today or tomorrow. My two immediate major obstacles are a) I live in a 3 story apt. and my bedroom is on the ground floor and the kitchen and living room are on the second floor. That should be loads of fun, crutching it up and down the stairs every day....NOT, lol! and b)I'm not sure if I can drive. Now that would really be a problem if I can't. I'm gonna test that out today.

I will say that my friends so far have stepped all the way up and have shown me a whole lotta love and care and concern. I know I always talk about the importance of friendship on this blog and for sure right now, I'm definitely going to need them to get through this. I'm not depressed or anything (I've told myself that that is not allowed) and I'm trying my best to keep my chin up somehow. I'm sure I'm gonna have my moments and I'm not sure how much blogging I will be doing, although it might be therapeutic in some sort of way. Please keep me in your thoughts and pray to God for my heart, my mind and my recovery.

BIRTHDAY GIRL!!!!

2009-04-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

SO TODAY's MY BIRTHDAY!!!

I'm not usually a big birthday person. I'm always just grateful to celebrate another year of being healthy and happy. This year is not that much different except that I'm feeling particularly good!

I flew back to LA about a week ago to take care of my foot and while it's still not 100%, perhaps I'm feeling good because my training is still going well. Perhaps it's because I got to see my family over the weekend. Perhaps it's because Easter Sunday service was AWESOME! Perhaps it's because my track season finally kicks off this weekend in NC. Perhaps it's because I have the love and support of my friends and family. I don't know what it is, but I feel good!

It's uncanny how many of my favourite people are born in April too! Some of us are Aries and some of us Taurus but either way, I love them all:-) I don't have any great plans for today - practice, of course and then maybe dinner with some friends later on. With friends, family, and The Truth;-)in my life, plus a healthy mind and spirit, what more could a girl ask for? Thanks to my blogger family too for all the supportive, interesting, insightful and fun comments throughout the year.

So here's to April 14th!!! Hope to see another one roll around next year!!!

WHAT IF???

2009-04-10T16:18:00.000-07:00

What if...

...you could get inside the brain of the opposite sex for one whole day, would you want to?

...Obama didn't win the Presidential election?

...you only had one week to live, would you want to know?

...teleportation actually existed?

...there was no chapstick, lip balm or vaseline, lol?

...a friend of yours committed a major crime, would you tell? (I have a friend who went to jail for his friend - ahhhh, I can tell you what I wouldn't do!!!)

...you were stuck on an island for 6 months and could only have two things with you, what would they be?

...there were no gummy bears, sweet tarts or starburst?

...you could only be obese or anorexic?

...you didn't have love in your life?

...that guy in The Bahamas had never seen me jumping at that meet when I was 11??

...it was nighttime all day long?

...I had finished law school? (I went to Temple Law School for a year)

...you had to pick between love or a million dollars?

...there was never a Real World Season 1? There would be no reality TV....

...they actually found a cure to just one of either cancer, alzheimers, AIDS or paralysis?

...05/05/06 and 09/08/06 had never happened;-)?

...09/11 had never happened?

...there was no such thing as racism?

...Christ never died and rose again? (Happy Easter everyone!)

***My new favourite song is Jennifer Hudson's "If This Isn't Love". I love the video and the lyrics:-)***

OH NO, HE DIDN'T!!!

2009-04-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I was standing in line at the bank waiting to go up to the teller when I saw this little girl who had to be all of maybe 3 or 4. She was standing near the display board that they have in banks that tell you the day's current home mortgage loan rate.

She was just being a typical kid, kinda running around. Her mother was already up at the teller's window being served so she didn't really see what was going on. At some point, the little girl decided to erase some of the writing on the board with the sleeve or her blouse. One of the ladies that worked in the bank saw her but didn't really make a big fuss because I guess it's not that hard to just fill it back in.

That's when I saw, this old white guy, maybe around 75/80, get up from the area where you sit to wait to open up new accounts and he headed straight towards the little girl. He started talking really loud saying "this is not a playground" and "you need to get from around this area" and "where's your parents? Parents need to watch their kids" "what kind of place do you think this is?"

So just when I thought he was done with his tirade, he then took the paper folder he had his hand and raised both arms at least head high and swatted the girl over the top of her head, with a fair amount of force and then ended by saying "get from around here". Finished with his outburst, he strolled back over to the seating area, sat down and crossed his legs like nothing had happened and the little girl ran to her mother's side.

Somehow, her mother didn't see any of this because she was busy talking to the teller but the rest of us standing in line just stood there looking at each other looking dumbfounded! I'm sure we were all thinking the same thing - oh no, he didn't!! You just don't go around touching other people's kids, much less hitting them! I wonder what her mother would've done had she seen what had occurred??? I called my mother to tell her and we both still have no idea what we would've done either...maybe old people can just get away with more...

THAT VIRTUE CALLED PATIENCE

2009-04-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

“Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow - that is patience.”

YourDictionary.com describes the word PATIENCE as follows:

pa·tience (pā′s̸həns)

noun

1. the state, quality, or fact of being patient; specif.,
1. the will or ability to wait or endure without complaint
2. steadiness, endurance, or perseverance in the performance of a task

I have been having to exercise a fair amount of this ability to wait without complaint, known as patience for the past few months. When I arrived here in Orlando a couple weeks ago, my heel was 100% pain-free and I was as eager as I could be. On my very first day of practice here, on my very last jump that day, I re-bruised my heel! Since then, I have been doing everything I can to work around it and have gotten in as much training as I can, given the circumstances and to Kenta's credit, he has found very creative ways to still ensure that I've gotten in some quality, purposeful sessions.

I've gotten treatment and things are definitely better but I feel like this horse that's rearing to start the race and get out of the gates but the gate won't open so I'm just behind there, rattling around getting somewhat restless. But guess what?? Like John Quincy Adams said, "Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." And last I checked, there's nothing to be gained from looking at the glass as half empty!

What I do know is that my training is still going well. That I'm REALLY strong right now (I could put Shaq on my back right now and do a couple squats - no problem:-). I'm in shape. I've had the chance to work/focus on my core strength because of my "setback". Best of all, my technique is so improved because I've finally had the chance this year to make that a priority.

I was supposed to start competing this weekend in Gainesville, FL but I couldn't so I just went up with everyone and gave them all my support. My turn will come either this weekend coming or the following one. Congrats to all those who made a statement with their performances:-)

Sooooo.......at the end of the day, I'm gonna keep on being patient and trusting and believing that I will end up at my desired destination. Things might be a little delayed right now but this track season is not a sprint, it's a marathon and I'm putting in a whole lotta miles right now.

(I gotta be like Bruno here and just wait my turn, lol.)

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING ON?

2009-04-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

"If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes." - Andrew Carnegie

I read this quote yesterday and I really liked it. I think that if you asked most of my friends that they would say that I'm generally a happy-go-lucky, easy-going, laid-back kind of person and that I don't take myself too seriously. (At least I hope they would say that:) One of my personal mottos is "Be joyful at all times" and I think in a large part, I have been able to fulfill that motto because I've had a goal and a passion for so many years that commands my thoughts, liberates my energy and inspires my hopes.

Of course, that goal and passion has been for me to be the best athlete that I can be! I have had the pleasure for quite a while now to do something for my profession that not only do I love, but that motivates me, that challenges me mentally and physically and that forces me to push myself beyond even my own expectations and makes me have hope that I can still be better....day in and day out. When you can get up every day and be happy about the day that lies ahead, what more can you really ask for?

I have many friends who might make more money or who might be CEOs or attorneys or accountants or whatever and they absolutely hate their job. They do it more because they feel they have to or they ought to rather than because they want to. I am blessed because I get to do what I want to do.

I consider myself to be an eternal optimist, perhaps to a fault. I am really good at getting back up when things go wrong. No matter what happens, I really try to find the proverbial silver lining, or if I can't do that, then just to look at the bigger picture. Last year's Beijing experience was a PRIME example of me having to just dust myself off, get over the pity party and get on with the business of life! It wasn't easy but nobody died for heaven's sake. I didn't lose a limb. My friends and family still loved me. Trust me, this is not to minimize the extreme disappointment and embarrassment that I experienced in any way but more of the mentality that you have to have to put things in perspective when things don't go as planned. Last night when I was talking to my friend, he said this very thing and basically how in track we almost HAVE to be that way; whether it be because of injury, losing a competition, not living up to your own expectations, or because of naysayers, you have to find a way to motivate and believe in yourself and you have to have the thickest of skins.

So all I'm saying is, if you're not happy, whether it be at your job, in your relationship, with your friends, or in your life in general, set that extraordinary goal that completely moves you and go after it. If no one died, and your bills are being paid and you have your health and the love of those around you, what are you waiting on? Stop waiting for people or things to bring you joy, make yourself happy and do what it is that you want to do! You just might be surprised by the outcome!

BACK WHERE THE SUN SHINES

2009-03-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

Orlando - home to Mickey, Minnie, Disney World, Universal, Sea World and for the time being.....me!! Florida is also known as The Sunshine State and it's called that for a reason. The weather at this particular time of year is PERFECT. It's warm (70-80 degrees) but not hot, if you know what I mean. The humidity that rolls in around May and June is not here right now. You know - I'm pretty sure the weather in heaven is something very similar to March and April in Orlando, FL:-)

I've been back here now for about a week for some good old fashioned spring training and it couldn't be going any better. It's been great to see everyone - Brooks, Dave, Aub, Joel, Randy and Kenta and all the ladies - Moushami, Tiff and the Jamaican trio. Over the past several months Kenta has been giving me training advice over the phone but a few weeks ago when he told me he was coming here to train, it was pretty much a no-brainer that I would come back at the same time. How can I beat being able to be around some of my favorite people and being able to get the best coaching at the same time??!!

Suffice to say it has been going extremely well even in such a short period of time. Between Brook's wisdom and guidance and Kenta's knowledge and technical skill, I am as excited as I've been in quite some time. It's been great to see what I've been doing right and correct the things that I've been doing wrong.

Everyone is training really hard right now and there is something to be said for being "in the trenches" so to speak, together and being able to benefit from the support and motivation that a training group inherently provides. I pray that everyone will bear the fruits of their labour this season. Anyway, that's it for now...hopefully you all had a great week. I know I did;-)

NEVER APOLOGIZE....

2009-03-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

...for being successful. Only haters want to keep you at their level.

...for using proper English. Keeping it real doesn't mean you have to speak Ebonics.

...for crying. Just wear waterproof mascara...

...for being frugal. Just because you save your money instead of blowing it on the latest fashion "emergency", doesn't mean you're cheap!

...(on the flip side) for treating yourself to something special. Sometimes you have to show yourself some appreciation.

...for having the biggest, craziest, most ridiculous dream.

...for having a good-sized forehead, a gap-toothed smile, and large, expressive eyes. There are people out there who like that...even in combination;-)

...for saying NO! (I'm still working on this one.)

...for pursuing what makes you happy. Even if you need to quit your job, transfer schools, or move across country, always do what you really want.

...for being clumsy.

...for having an appreciation for all different kinds of food, music and men but having a favourite one of each.

...for not wanting to have conversation during the movie.

...for being low-maintenance and proud of it!

...for being a girl and loving a good game, a fight, or Sports Center...

...for being modest.

...for not understanding something. It's the fool who doesn't ask questions!

...for having biceps, small feet or junk in your trunk, lol.

...for being emotional or sad when it's time to say goodbye.

...for laughing SO hard, your head literally hurts and you actually can't breathe.

...for being spontaneous!

...for just being who you are!

My name is NOT Stella, LOL!

2009-03-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

I don't know what to make of it but if I get one more 18-24 year old boy/man approach me and try to chat lyrics to me, I'm just gonna have to get a T-shirt made that reads in big bold letters "MY NAME IS NOT STELLA", lol!!! See...that's not me in this picture:)

I guess it's a compliment of sorts because apparently they think I'm a lot closer to their age than I am but it really and truly cracks me up because it seems that the older I get, the younger my would-be suitors are. The thing is I NEVER lie about my age and I always assume that once I break it down for one of these college kids/ recent graduates/ young men that their eyes will open up really wide, deer-in-the-headlights like, that they'll do a 180 and run for the hills, but time after time after time, that is not the case, lol. What's up with that?

So then my next response is either a) I'm not available and/or b) I could probably be your mother or at the very least your auntie. These responses don't seem to work either. They usual comeback is "I'd love for you to be my mama" or "I don't see no rings on your finger". Perhaps it's the environment I'm in, competing in track where there are lots of 20 somethings but this situation seems to occur even when I'm not at or around a track. I'd have to say within the past 2 weeks alone, no less than four 24 year old and unders have come at me and I've politely said thanks, but no thanks...

Now, clearly for those of you who know me, you know that I certainly have NO issue when it comes to dating younger guys;-), but c'mon - 18? 20? - give me a break. My name is NOT Stella and I am not trying to get my groove back!!

JOHN WITHERSPOON ROAST

2009-03-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in my last post that the reason for the "struggle" I had with that dress, lol was because I was trying to figure out what I would wear to the roast/toast for actor/comedian John Witherspoon. My roommate Erica and I went and we were told that the attire was "half way dressy"???!!!

You know it was a guy giving that kinda information out. Of course, it was my boy Chris Spencer who invited us and of course I asked him, what the heck does half way dressy mean? He didn't have an answer so Erica and I just winged it and hoped that we wouldn't show up and be either over or under dressed. Neither one is really good! As it turned out, thankfully we blended in well and didn't stand out one way or the other.

There were about 10 comics, including Guy Torry, Sheryl Underwood, Mark Curry, Paul Mooney, Earthquake and Tim Reid. Chris and Tommy Davidson were the hosts. I have never been to a roast before and I was shocked at the level to which the comedians take it when they are bagging on each other. They would say the craziest stuff to one another and then they would roast Mr. Witherspoon. I mean they went "really hard in the paint" as a good friend of mine always says. I was surprised that nobody broke out into a fight, lol. I guess you have to have some really thick skin to be a comedian. From talking about Tommy and Mark Curry both being on drugs to talking about who Kim Whitley had or hadn't slept with or who didn't have a career, whose teeth looked like chiclets or who was fat, skinny, gay - you name it, they said it!

They REALLY got on Sheryl Underwood. Somebody called her "attractively challenged"; another person said she had a role in the new Michael Vick movie as one of the dogs; another person said that she was the only person to be president of her sorority and it's mascot; and still another person said that when she was out walking with her boyfriend, a little kid came up and asked the guy if that was his new puppy???!! I don't know if the harshness translates as I type it, but trust me when I say that sometimes I didn't know if I should laugh, cry or cringe!

Oh well, when all was said and done, we had a really good time, ate some good food and met some cool people. Mr. Witherspoon was definitely worthy of the honor and I was happy to have been in attendance.

****You know what song I'm really feeling right now?? Eric Benet's "Chocolate Legs". Love it:)****

BLOGGER FAMILY

2009-03-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

For the past 3 days, my good friend Julia has been in town visiting from South Carolina. I met Julia because of this blog. Her blogger name is Jewells and I'm sure some of you know who I'm talking about.
Initially, we just commented on one another's blogs but last year when I was down in Orlando, she happened to have to come there and so we finally met in person. She met the whole crew down there and since then we've become and remained pretty good friends.

So when she told me that she had to come out here to LA for a conference, I was happy about that and suggested to her that she stay with me, which she agreed to. She got in on Saturday and since then we've hit everything up from the PAC-10 Championship basketball game on Saturday afternoon, to Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles that night. On Sunday we went to Venice Beach, which somehow I've managed to never visit even though I've been here in LA for a few years now. I'll definitely go back. We had a great time there. Then we went to my favorite Cuban restaurant, Versailles and I killed the oxtail once again.

Yesterday, we had a low key evening but since she's a makeup artist and since I have no skills when it comes to putting on eye shadow, we decided to play around and let her work her magic on me. I really liked how it looked and I swear one of these days, I'm gonna learn how to do it. If you click on the pictures you can really get a better view of her handy work.

The funniest part of the evening came when I decided to try on a couple outfits because tonight I am attending a roast/toast for comedian/actor John Witherspoon - you know the "Bang, Bang, Bang" guy. As you can see from the pictures, I had some "problems" getting the dress that I had tried on off. Maybe I should have taken off my t-shirt and sweats, I don't know but between the one leg of tights and shoes and getting stuck with my arms over my head, we both almost died of laughter and Jules decided to take a couple pictures of me in my predicament, lol. And then to add insult to injury, after all that, neither the dress nor the tights are a go....

Anyway, she came with me to practice today and then I took her to the airport right after. It was great having her here and I thoroughly enjoyed her company. Hopefully we'll have the chance to get together again soon:)

LONG TIME NO SEE....

2009-03-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

So I'm sorry to post another video clip again, but I was watching Oprah today and they showed this clip about a lion named Christian and a couple of Australian guys who used to take care of him. I thought it was really something special. In case you haven't seen it, I just had to share it. It speaks for itself....

I, for one, was really surprised that this was the outcome because really and truly, anything could've happened! Such a great message at the end too:)

FLASHBACK

2009-03-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard a song and it just puts you right back to a particular place and time? Happens to me all the time. Well I was listening to an old CD last night and it brought back a whole bunch of good memories. In the fall of '06, on a trip I took, I was introduced to the singer Avant and his album Director that was out at that time. I guess I had heard his music before but I never really paid attention until then. Since then, he has become one of my favorite artists and every time I hear him it puts a smile on my face:) I think I loved that whole album really but this song in particular is the one that got the most play. Love it...

JACKIE THE JUMPER

2009-03-09T00:07:00.000-07:00

So I was browsing around my documents on my computer and deleting some unnecessary files when I came across some footage of some jumps from a meet at the Olympic Training Center down in San Diego from a couple years ago. It was a jumps only meet and even though it wasn't some big competition, we definitely had a lot of fun and produced some decent results. I think this jump was about 22ft (6.70m).

PS. Keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer for me - I have to test out my foot/heel today. I pray that I will for the most part be pain free!!

YOU CHICKEN!

2009-03-05T00:10:00.000-08:00

I have bursitis!! What is that you might ask? It's an inflamed bursal sac. A bursal sac is a sac filled with fluid that acts to lubricate and reduce the friction between two surfaces in the body. There are hundreds of them in the body but the one that occurs between my Achilles and my heel bone, right at the back of my foot, is the one that I've been having trouble with. How can I put this nicely?....It HURTS like HELL! And when you jump for a living, that's sort of a problem!!

I've been struggling with this now for the past 6 to 7 weeks and it has progressively gotten worse. I've been getting treatment every day - ice, ultra sound, massage, ibuprofen, stretching, I even took 7 days off running/jumping to see if the rest would help. It did, only minimally. So this past Saturday, when my pain was literally a 15 on a scale of 1-10, with my options running out, I finally decided to get acupuncture.

I did some research online and then just jumped in my car and drove to this office that I found. Of course, the office I went to was closed. I am not a big fan of needles but since I was desperate, I decided to continue my quest and limp down the street a couple blocks.

Luckily I found another acupuncture office a few buildings down. This old Chinese guy came out and before I knew it, I was face down getting needles stuck everywhere. Everything was fine ie. not too painful, until he stuck the one needle directly down into the back of my heel a good 2-3 inches deep. I SCREAMED LIKE A (insert whatever is the worst noise you can imagine, lol) and for a moment, I worried that all of his other patients might run for their lives out of his office. Guess what he said to me? "You chicken!" Really though??? Was that necessary, lol? I wanna see him try it on himself and smile and laugh about it! Anyway...

It's now, 3 sessions and 5 days later and my pain and inflammation has amazingly gone from that 15 down to about a 1!! Why didn't I do this sooner??? I've been banned from running/jumping again for another 7-10 days. It's really hard to adhere to this since my foot feels soooo much better but I don't want to re-aggravate anything so I'm being a good patient and trying my best to keep still. I PRAY that this works because otherwise, I'm not sure what else to do....

In the meantime, I've been talking to Kenta a lot about technique, etc and lifting, doing core work and watching video footage of jump after jump after jump. Might as well make the best of this involuntary time off.

The one place I feel right at home is on the runway and this only me makes me appreciate that even more. I cannot wait to get back "home" next week.

BUCKET LIST

2009-03-02T17:48:00.000-08:00

The Bucket List was a 2007 comedy-drama film directed by Rob Reiner. It starred Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. The story followed two terminally ill men on a road trip with a wish list of things to do before they "kick the bucket."

Someone forwarded me an email the other day with a list of things that was on their bucket list. I found it pretty interesting and it got me thinking about what are some of the things that I have not yet done that I would still like to do before time here on earth comes to end.

So this is obviously not a completely exhaustive list, but just a list of 20 things in no particular order that I would definitely like to do or experience at least once....

* Go to The Holy Land
* Learn how to play the violin
* Run a marathon
* Learn how to drive a stick
* Get married
* Own a pair of Jimmy Choo's/Manolo's:)
* Invent something
* Go to Wimbledon or the US Open
* Meet Oprah
* Sing the National Anthem (Bahamas of course) at an important event
* Cook oxtail (as opposed to just eating it, lol)
* Go to Hawaii
* Make it to World Athletics Final in Greece this year!
* Learn how to apply eye shadow
* Own the new BMW X6 4door or 2door. I saw one today. It is the business!!
* Become a motivational speaker
* Write a book (Does writing my Sport Psychology Master's Thesis count? It was over a 100 pages...)
* Pay off my house
* Flip a house
* Go to a BIG, headline fight in Vegas!

There's a whole lot more I want to do but these are just a few. What are some things you want to do before you "kick the bucket"?

PS. TMM,vraiment:-)

KINDA COOL.....

2009-02-27T22:28:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine used this picture of me that I took when I was just fooling around and then sent it back looking like this. Kinda cool I think...

NEVER WOULD HAVE MADE IT.....

2009-02-26T08:11:00.000-08:00

So last night I decided to go to the Ash Wednesday gospel concert that was being held at my church featuring singers Marvin Sapp and Kim Burrell. Suffice to say, I had an OUTSTANDING time!!

First of all the concert was free so that's always a bonus:) and then second, you really can't go wrong with those two singers. Plus, anyone who knows me well, knows that I love gospel music. I don't buy very many CDs but I have quite a few gospel albums including Donald Lawrence, Mary Mary, Smokie Norful and Donny McClurkin to name a few.

Marvin Sapp's rendition of "Never Would Have Made It" brought the house down, let me tell you and there have definitely been times in my life when no truer words were ever said. It's just an awesome song.

And one of my favorite Kim Burrell songs is "Have Faith In Me". If you haven't heard either of these two songs you should really check them out.

And then since it was Ash Wednesday, everyone had to process up to the altar to get anointed with ashes in the sign of the cross on your forehead.

Exhibit A

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs forty days before Easter. It is a period of time marked by fasting and prayer and you're supposed to give up something you really like during that period. I'm still not so sure what that should be, lol. I'd have to say though, whenever I'm in church, it's the one place where I feel that everything is alright with me and who can complain about that?!

FaceSpace

2009-02-23T09:39:00.001-08:00

So am I the last person alive who doesn't have either a Facebook or Myspace account??

Everyone I know has a page - "Oh, hit me up on Facebook!" Sorry, I can't. Or "You got a Myspace page?" .....Ahhh, no I don't! It seems like a great idea I guess or so many people wouldn't be doing it. But what is the big deal, lol?? What is it that I'm missing out on cause I'm starting to think I'm really missing something major.

I've seen the pages. Is it the fact that you can connect with friends? Well what if you don't wanna connect with someone but they wanna connect with you? Then you look like the bad guy cause you denied their friend request, right?!

I know I write a blog but it's not the same in my opinion. I always hear about when a friend either changes their status from single to it's complicated or in a relationship and then everyone wants to know what happened. And who really has like 5000 friends? How does that happen? I really need someone to break it down for me. Then you get poked, sent gifts, the whole "thanks for the add" thing...I'm just not sure I'm ready.

As with everything else, I'm usually the last one to get with the program. Usually it's something electronic. Like before I bought my new car last year I had a cassette player in my car that I had bought brand new several years before. Don't laugh. I remember specifically telling the guy at the dealership that yes he heard me correctly, I wanted a tape deck, not a CD player in the car, because I only had cassette tapes. I can still remember the incredulous look on his face, lol! Also, I'm sure I was one of the last people to get an I-pod. I was rocking the personal CD player for the longest, haha! Get this, I still have a VCR - no DVD player. I think there's one in the living room but I've never used it. Crazy I know.

I know I'm a little bit quirky and don't mind being the last member of a club. I guess it's why I'm not into brand name clothes or expensive jewelry either. I kinda just do my own thing and if it just so happens to be in line with everyone else then that's cool but if not, then oh well...A lot of my friends are the complete opposite but I guess that's why they say opposites attract right?

But back to the Facebook/Myspace thing. I really need somebody to let me know what's up. What am I missing out on? Is it time for me to finally join that club too...

TRIBUTE TO FRIENDSHIP

2009-02-20T21:52:00.000-08:00

"When I asked the Lord to send a friend,
Though many came and went,
He gave much more than I ever asked,
For you are the friend He sent."

How cute??!!!

As I've written before, there is nothing more important to me than friendship. Friends are there when we're standing tall and we need them more than ever to be there for us when we make mistakes or make fools of ourselves and fall flat on our face. Don't forsake a chance to let your friends know their importance in your life.

CAREER DAY

2009-02-19T17:36:00.000-08:00

So today I participated in Career Day at Brawerman Elementary School in Santa Monica. I was part of a four person panel that included myself, Richard Katz, a former State Assembly Speaker, Larry Scarpa, an environmental architect and Jorge Salcedo, head soccer coach at UCLA. Michelle Ruiz a former K-CBS anchorwoman was the moderator for the event.

Michelle, Richard, Me, Larry and Jorge

Michelle basically took turns asking each of us questions about our chosen careers - who or what inspired us, what goals we have, how we deal with failures, etc and at the end of the discussion, the 4th to 6th graders were allowed to ask us questions. I would have to say that it always impresses me just how thoughtful and perceptive and insightful kids of this age can be. They asked really interesting questions and it made for a great interaction.

As always with these types of events, whenever I pull out my measuring tape and show them just how far 22" 4' is, people are always shocked. It actually seems unbelievable to me too at times because somehow when you measure it indoors it just looks further than it does outside in a pit. I think it has something to do with the visual perspective.

Anyway, it was a great privilege and honor to talk to the kids and parents and it's humbling to know that perhaps I could have had a positive impact on just one of them in attendance today. That makes it all worth it!!!

On another front....NEW SHOES UPDATE!!!! Got these last week...another pair of comfortable heels! What's a girl to do??

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MOM AND MY BROTHER!!!

2009-02-17T00:10:00.000-08:00

Today is my mother's birthday so I wanted to take the time to wish her a beautiful day!!! She is the kindest, most generous, most loving person I know and I'm so grateful that God chose her to be my mother. I remember the days when I was growing up and she would drive me to the track EVERY day and sit in the stands and watch and wait for me to have my practice even if it took 2 or 3 hours. Then she would take me home and ensure that I did my homework and help me whenever I needed it. I didn't realize at the time how much of a sacrifice she had to make in order for me to become the athlete, the student, the woman that I am today.

On Saturday I drove up to Bakersfield and surprised her with flowers and my dad and I took her to dinner. I think she enjoyed it all but she really almost had a heart attack when she turned around and saw me just standing there in the middle of her bedroom!

She is funny and supportive and thoughtful and I hope and believe that I've not fallen far from the tree and I couldn't be more happy about that. Here's a picture of when she was in her thirties and I superimposed a current picture of me next to her. I think we look a lot alike!

Here's another picture of her. I think she was in her early 20s in this one.

Tomorrow, the 18th, is also my older brother, Dr. John Edwards' birthday, my only sibling. I couldn't be more proud of anyone. He's worked so hard and accomplished so much and I wish him nothing but success. He certainly deserves it.

Here's a picture of me and him at my Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Stanford last year.

So Happy Birthday to you both!!! I wish I could be with you respectively but know that my heart and my thoughts are with you. Your loving daughter and sister....

TOP 12 REASONS I LOVE MY BLACKBERRY

2009-02-15T13:57:00.000-08:00

12. Voice Notes. I like the fact that you can record and send voice messages back and forth on blackberry messenger. I don't use it enough though!

11. The memo pad. I like having the option to jot down notes and numbers and other information whenever I need to.

10. The calculator. I do the bills where I live and so I'm always adding, multiplying, dividing something between the three of us...

9. I use the alarm whenever I have to wake up early.

8. I like the fact that I don't have to scroll down the entire page to get to the top or bottom of any screen - I can just press T or B and presto!

7. I love how clear the images are on here. A picture on here is as clear as a picture I take with my digital camera. (I will have to say tho that it sucks that the Sprint World Blackberry, the 8830, which I have does not have a camera on it!) But when my friends send me pictures or I look up an image online, it's REALLY clear.

6. Being able to mapquest whenever I need to.

5. The game BrickBreaker. I used to be addicted to this game. I had to go cold turkey lol, in order to break the habit but I'm sure once I get back on the road traveling to meets again this summer, I'm gonna need BrickBreakers Anonymous, lol!

4. I can be in Glasgow, Beijing, Orlando, Australia or Timbuktu for that matter and still have service.

3. Being able to google something at the drop of dime

2. Getting my email when I'm on the go

1. BBM!! (Blackberry Messenger) - Where would I be without it? I get to talk to my favorite people all the time:)

****Big thanks to Dave and Joice who were instrumental in convincing me that I needed to get one. I was really reluctant at first - thank God I finally heeded their advice!****

LIFE's TOO SHORT......

2009-02-13T15:13:00.000-08:00

As I'm typing, I'm sending out a message to an old friend of mine. Something happened in the past and that "something" caused us to go our separate ways and for some reason today, with Valentine's Day right around the corner, I've just decided that enough is enough and I'm over being hurt and upset. I could just carry this burden around with me for years to come, but why? Life is too short! It actually takes MORE work to be upset with someone than it does to just make amends.

I know Valentine's Day is supposed to be for couples and married folk but in my opinion, it really should be for friends, or family, or lovers or spouses or whomever you love or care about. At least that's how I see it. There's no special time or day designation where your love should mean more or less. I REALLY try to show the people that matter to me ALL the time how I feel, whether it be with a text, a smile, a joke, a word of encouragement, or a phone call - whatever they need.

It's not always reciprocated but then again, that's not the reason why I show my love. It's just in my nature I think. I do it because I want to. I do it because that's who I am and I hope that in some way I can brighten that person's day. Sometimes it's been enough. Sometimes it hasn't. You can't control that. You can only keep smilin', keep shinin' and let your friends, family and loved ones know just how much they matter!

AGREE or DISAGREE?

2009-02-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

I was reading a book last night called "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olson. It's a pretty good read actually and in there is a quote which I find interesting so I thought I'd share and ask whether you agree or disagree with his assertion.

He was talking about the fact that if you want to raise the quality of your life, you should hang out with people who have been there and done that.

So he writes something he calls The Law of Association and he says: "You are the combined average of the five people you associate with most."

I thought about it and perhaps he just might have a point.

What do you think?

PAN-AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL

2009-02-07T16:46:00.001-08:00

Last night, my boy Chris Spencer gave me a last minute call to attend a movie screening at the 17th Annual Pan-African Film and Arts Festival that is being held here in Los Angeles. Lucky for me, the theater where the screenings are is right down the road here from where I live at the Culver Plaza Theaters.

The Pan-African Film Festival is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the advancement of cultural diversity and education through the exhibition of positive and realistic media images. They basically screen numerous independent and recently released or re-released films that don't have the backing of the bigger studios. Sometimes small films like Slumdog Millionaire, which I recently saw by the way - awesome!!, get screened at these types of festivals and then some big company sees them, word spreads and they become huge big-screen successes.

The movie we saw was called Killer of Sheep and it was actually filmed in 1977 and in black and white but it was never released for the cinema because the producers could not afford to pay for the rights of some of the music. I think they said a couple years ago Steven Soderbergh paid something like $100,000 to buy the music rights and so the film was finally released. The director was Charles Burnett, a UCLA film-school alum.

It was an interesting movie to say the least - somewhat of a "Blacksploitation" feature. To be honest, I'm not sure I totally understood what was going on, lol but nevertheless I enjoyed myself. The star of the movie was there and so there was a Q & A after which helped me to figure out a few things:)

The Festival goes until the 16th and hopefully I'll get a chance to go check out a couple more films.