Category: Topic

Post about diversity, what it means and different types of diversity.

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Topic

Independent by Choice or Force

Independent by Choice or Force
Photo by Nicolas Thomas on Unsplash

Independent by choice or force, which are you? Someone who is independent does not rely or count on outside things. An independent person may also be considered self-sufficient. Being independent comes with both positive and negative judgements. Let us look at both sides of the coin.

Independent by choice

I got this
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels

A person who is independent by choice may be seen as egotistical, head-strong, unyielding or even arrogant. People who choose to be independent are those who feel they have something to prove. They have to show others that they can do for themselves without assistance from anyone else. They have it in their mind that if someone helps them, they are weak. Maybe people will see them as incompetent. On the other hand, they may feel like they owe someone who lends a helping hand. Having access to resources but not using them is another way to exhibit being independent by choice. If you have a support system but choose to do everything yourself and not accept help, then this would be a choosey independent.

Independent by force

Mom working at home with the kids
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto: on Pexels

Being independent by force is more of a survivalist style of living. If you are independent by force it means that you do not have a support system and have to mostly rely on yourself. There are no close friends or relatives in easy reach that you can call on. In this case, you only have you. It takes a lot to deal with and handle everything that is necessary for everyday life. Especially, if you have medical and/or physical limitations, or are economically strapped for cash.

In some of these cases, people will just give up because they are tired. Mentally and physically exhausted. Even when local resources are available, you may not be able to get to the place to receive services. For example, someone without a car does not have a ride to sign up for services. Some individuals may not have fare to ride public transportation, even if this is available in their area. It is difficult to be in this situation, but some people manage just fine. They have it in their mind that they have to get it done and find a way.

Independence in relationships

Man offering helping hand
Photo by Robin Kutesa on Pexels

In relationships, this is a topic that rears its ugly head. Some of our sistas are out here being strong and independent. That’s cool, that is great, but… don’t overdue it and make your man feel that he cannot do for you. I know it can be hard at times to let the wall down and let someone get close to you. This mindset of having the wall up and being independent comes from being a product of your environment, in some cases.

Meaning, we have single mothers taking care of the kids alone. The fathers are not around for whatever reason. Sista’s in relationships with men who are not holding up their end of the relationship. Being a bum and letting the woman carry them. This behavior is enabling and can only have a negative effect on the relationship in the long run.

Holding your own is a wonderful thing and gives you purpose and a feeling that you can do for yourself. Beware, shutting your partner out will cause a divide. Just know that your man wants to feel like a man and be there for you too. Let him in. Let him feel important in the relationship, like he can be there for you, the same way you are for him.

Independent by Choice or Force

Sometimes we can’t help our circumstances. We can only do our best to make sure that we maintain our livelihood. Just remember, there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Especially, if you are in a position to seek assistance from those close to you. We all can use a helping hand at one time or another in life.

On the other hand, there are individuals who do not care to do anything for themselves. They just wait around and if something happens it happens but if not, then oh well. This type of mindset does not make for being a productive person. Life is so short. We have to try our best to make things happen.

Let us be a participant in life and not a spectator.

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Info Topic

Hello October

Image by Screamenteagle from Pixabay

Hello October! This time of year we see the leaves changing colors. We feel the cooler weather. After all, Fall is here. October brings light to some health concerns and social issues. October is also a good time of year to go through closets and make room for the things we need for the colder weather. Continue reading to see what’s happening this month.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Pink Ribbon
Image by Satheesh Sankaran from Pixabay

October helps to bring awareness to breast cancer and the people affected by it. Early detection is key in treatment for this health condition. Various health organizations educate about the importance of screening. Also, they provide resources about how and where to obtain mammograms. It may not be the most comfortable thing to discuss with a health care provider, but this exam is very important. Supporting a friend/family member with breast cancer is no easy feat but the internet has information about how to support a loved one who is affected by it. Breast cancer affects both men and women.

Handbag Day- Oct 10th

Handbags
Image by TJ Free from Pixabay

Handbags are for everyday use. You can also showcase your style with a handbag. Some people call it a purse or pocketbook (where I come from). They come in many different colors, styles, shapes and sizes. What is your personal style? If you don’t have a favorite bag, maybe you want to buy the one that you have been eyeing for a while. Why not, treat yourself. Today take a minute to show off your favorite handbag on social media.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day- Oct 10th

Image by Daniel from Pixabay

The second Monday of October is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. A day to commemorate and recognize the history of Native Americans. President Joe Biden made this a holiday in 2021. Currently, only 14 states and D.C. (District of Columbia) recognize this as a holiday. This is a day to stand up and honor their history and culture. The indigenous people have endured atrocities, often omitted from formal teaching in schools. Some ways to learn more are to listen to podcasts, watch on-demand videos and documentaries, visiting a museum that has exhibits about indigenous people and reading books written by indigenous authors.

Global Handwashing Day- Oct 15th

Handwashing
Photo by Monstera on Pexels

Handwashing Day is a simple but important concept. Most people wash their hands regularly which helps to prevent the spread of illnesses. Just think about how “germy” everyday things we use are. Remote controls, cell phones, light switches, toilets, steering wheels, elevator buttons and doorknobs. All these things are heavily touched. Therefore, the quick and simple process of washing our hands with soap should not be ignored. Before/after eating are good times to wash hands. After using the bathroom is very important. Before/after preparing a meal are good times to wash hands too. Gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses can be prevented by washing hands.

Happy Birthday Libras and Scorpios

Libra
lmage by Dorothe from Pixabay
Scorpio
Image by Dorothe from Pixabay

International Internet Day- Oct 29th

The internet has changed the way we communicate with each other. We can instantly stay in touch with people, complete work assignments, and promote our businesses. Keeping in touch with friends and loved ones is easier and more convenient. Another perk that the internet provides is the ability to shop online. This is especially helpful for seniors and people who do not have a car.

Can you remember the days before the internet? People actually called each other on the phone. Now, they just text. Kids played outside with each other and talked to each other, face to face. Imagine that! These days, you can just sit behind your screen and have very little in-person interaction. Although, the internet has created significant benefits it has some downsides too. A couple of things are the significant amount of time wasted using the internet and decreased socialization. You get the idea!

Halloween- Oct 31st

Image by Alexandra_Koch from Pixabay

Every year kids and adults alike, get dressed up in costumes. Lots of pumpkins are carved to celebrate this day. Streets are lined with Halloween decorations, like ghosts, witches, black cats, spiders, and bats. On this day, children dress up and go trick-or-treating. Going door to door to collect as much candy as possible. Adults get dressed up and have parties. People even buy costumes for their pets too. What is your favorite Halloween tradition or candy?

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Topic

Majestic Observation

Image by Arleen Wiese on Unsplash

Majestic Observation

Majestic eyes
see many a thing
some of which
makes my heart sing

People take one look at me
they often wonder
is this a fierce beast
or do I see majesty

A big lion with small eyes
eyes that observe much
from a vantage point fit
for the likes of a lion and such

Such beauty in the wild
things that we ignore
slow down, take stock
these things you will flock

Flock to observe these majestic creatures
their imposing size, big mane
mighty roar, intoxicating gaze
among other features

A fierce beast or a big cat
what do you see?

---O'Nika McGill---

Written in response to Sadje's picture prompt #153

What do you see # 153 September 26,2022

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Topic

Love and Acceptance

Love and Acceptance

Image by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Holding you close
Showing you love
Is what mothers do
A bundle of joy, so pure like a dove

As Mom’s doing our best
Protecting from the elements
Of hurt, pain and disappointments
Is something that one must not jest

A child and their mother
Is a lifeline like no other
Hearing your child’s laughter
Is a sound not comparable to another

Seeing your child grow
Acceptance encompassing you both
Supporting notions and dreams
Sharing with each other, letting them know

Through a mother’s embrace
You are loved and accepted

– – -O’Nika McGill- – –

In response to picture prompt what do you see #152

What do you see # 152 – September 19, 2022

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The Game of Life; Are You Playing Offense or Defense?

The Game of Life; Are You Playing Offense or Defense? Do you live your life on offense or defense? Usually when we hear these two words we think of sports. You play offense when you have the ball, and you play defense when your opponent has the ball. In this post, these two words will refer to your style of living. How you operate in your daily lives.

How do you play your cards in the game of life?
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Living Offensively

Living life on offense is when you are always preparing for what is to come. Essentially, you stay ready. You try to anticipate what might happen in the future and get things in order. As we all know, we cannot see what the future holds. We can only try to navigate and guess what things might come up. Living offensively helps to keep the stress down.

Examples

  • Establish an emergency fund by saving. This enables you to have a safety net for those unexpected occurrences.
  • Keeping car maintenance up to date.
  • Servicing the HVAC unit before it breaks down.
  • Change your passwords often and create strong ones in an attempt to keep accounts safe.

Defensive Living

Alternatively, defensive living is when you react to things that come your way. You are good at rolling with the punches. Handling things on the fly comes easily. Becoming frazzled by the least little thing that happens, is not a concern for those who live this way.

Examples

  • You have engine trouble due to not performing regular oil changes. Now, you have to take the car in for repair to fix the problem. This causes a small disruption and inconvenience in your travel.
  • You have to go to the ER. The bill comes in the mail. You have to wait until next paycheck to cover the expense due to not saving. Or you are stressed trying to figure out how to take care of the bill.
  • The passwords you use are generic and can be easily guessed. Your privacy is violated by an unauthorized third party. Now, you have to scramble to protect your private information.

The Game of Life

The one thing we know about life is that it is uncertain. We can control some things but then there are others that are not within our control. At the moment of truth, when it all goes down is when we tap into our inner self. The choice to take a defensive stance or an offensive one, I think, depends on our personality. Who we are at the core.

There is no right or wrong way to handle these situations that arise. We just have to do it in the way we know best. So, how you livin’ the game of life; are you playing offense or defense?

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Diversity Topic

Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight on Sports, Music, Writing, Politics

Hispanic Heritage Month is underway. Take a look into some influencers from the Hispanic and Latin American communities.

Sports- Roberto Clemente was a Puerto Rican professional baseball player.

Baseball
Video by Tomislav Jakupec from Pixabay

The Pittsburg Pirates is the team for which he played 18 seasons of major league Baseball. The first Latin-American player to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. During the off-season of Baseball, he would deliver food and baseball equipment to those who needed it. Roberto Clemente died at the early age of 38 in a plane crash. This plane crash happened while on the way to help victims of an earthquake in Nicaragua. Not only did he make his mark in Baseball but also he will be remembered as a humanitarian.

Quote- “A nation without heroes is nothing.” Roberto Clemente

Music/Entertainment-Jennifer Lopez– A Puerto Rican singer, dancer and actress.

Performer
Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Jennifer Lopez also called J Lo, has been going strong for many years. She has released music, starred in movies and also was a dancer on the show, In Living Color as one of the Fly Girls. While encompassing motherhood and married life, J Lo has not shied away from her aspirations. Not only has she acted in movies but also produced several of the same. Most recently she has won the Icon Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards this year. She also has clothing and perfume. Needless to say, Jennifer Lopez is successful in her multi-faceted career. She has many accolades to her name and is a very influential person in the music and movie industries.

Quote- “Doubt is a killer. You just have to know who you are and what you stand for.” Jennifer Lopez

Writer-Julia Alvarez-A Dominican American writer.

Writer
Image by Chen from Pixabay

Julia Alvarez writes poems, essays and novels. Her poem, Exile reflects upon the time her family had to run to the United States. In 2013, she received a National Medal of Arts award. This award was presented to Julia Alvarez by president, Barack Obama. The highest award given by the United States government for artists and art patrons. Some of her notable works include, In the Time of the Butterflies, How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents and Yo!.

Quote- “A book does not discriminate against anyone. All are welcome to the table of literature.” Julia Alvarez

Politics-Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez– A very visible political figure.

Politics
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was born to Puerto Rican parents in the Bronx, New York. She was on the campaign trail in 2016 with Bernie Sanders. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) attended the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in North Dakota. Also, AOC was there in support of the Flint, Michigan water crisis. In 2018 she was elected into the House of Representatives. In support of climate change, she has been outspoken and is involved in the Green New Deal. The Green New Deal encompasses the reduction of air and water pollution, addressing wages and union jobs. Creating green jobs and ending use of fossil fuels is the goal.

Quote- “I don’t think any person in America should die because they are too poor to live.” Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

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Topic

Movie Time-Guess the Line, Pt. 2

Movie Time
Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay

Can you guess the movie title and/or who the actors are? I will update the post with the answer next week. Put your movie skills to the test. Have fun!

Based on a true story, this movie is about a family. A family, who beat the odds against them. Togetherness, unity and love are what kept this family afloat. Even if you do not aspire to the same professional goals of a trio in this family, you can still relate in some way. For this to be a drama, it will keep you engaged. You will not feel bored with this film. Heart-warming story.

  • Movie is a drama and based on a true story
  • This movie has a one-word title
  • Started streaming in 2022

—Answer—

The movie described is Rise. This is a biographical drama about the family of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Also known as the “Greek Freak”. He is a basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks. Rise is streaming on Disney+. Starring in Rise are Dayo Okeniyi, Yetide Badaki, Uche Agada and Ral Agada.

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What’s Happening in September?

World Beard Day- September 3rd

Sport your beard on World Beard Day. Whether you wear it neat or let it do its own thing. No matter if your beard is longer or close cut to your face, it’s your day!

Beards have been around for many years. One of the best things about a beard is that you can wear it how you want. Add your own personal touch. Wear it the best way that fits your personality.

You can let it grow naturally, dye it, cut it close. Wear it any length you want. In the winter months, a beard helps to keep you warm. It also provides some skin protection from the sun during the warmer times of year.

Labor Day- September 5th

Labor Day is a day to remember the rights that have been won. The rights for working conditions that are safe, fair working hours, time off from work, etc. People have fought and won rights for the working class. All around the world we celebrate Labor Day by spending time with friends/family. Usually, at a cook-out or picnic, some people use fireworks on this day. Some parts of the world have parades. You might also attend a party in celebration of this day. There is no right or wrong way to commemorate this important day. New York City was the first to hold a parade in support and celebration of their union members and also in recognition of other unions being formed.

National Day of Encouragement- September 12

National Day of Encouragement implores us to encourage people around us. Say a few positive words to those in our lives who may need just that. This day has been around since 2007 and is a way to lift people’s spirits and spread positivity. Spread good cheer. Encouragement can be in the form of words or deeds. Taylor the positivity to the individual person or situation.

Hispanic Heritage Month- Sept 15-Oct 15

Late September into early October is the time of year for recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. The Latino and Hispanic American community has made many contributions for the betterment of America. Originally, it started out as a week-long celebration in 1968. Two decades later it became a month-long celebration, declared by President Ronald Reagan.

The reason Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September, is because it coincides with independence of countries like Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile and others.

We can see the added value in education, music, food, and the entertainment industry. The contributions by the Hispanic and Latino culture go hand-in-hand with the success of America.

National Situational Awareness Day- Sept 26th

National Situational Awareness Day is about personal safety. Being aware of what and who is around you. These days people are consumed with their electronics and are walking with their head down looking at a device. It is important to pay attention. Especially when out alone, do not be distracted. In just a few moments a predator can catch someone in a vulnerable spot.

Things you can do are to walk with your head up. Take inventory of your surroundings. Notice body language of people. Visualize an escape plan. Lock the doors of your car and house behind you. You get the idea. Just be on the lookout for anything or anyone suspicious. Stay woke.

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Topic Words of Wisdom

21 Years After 9/11 and Compassion

New York City Skyline
Image by David Z from Pixabay

September 11, 2001 was a day of mass casualties and destruction. The United States was attacked by a terrorist group known as al-Qaeda. This act against the country not only changed the landscape of the City but also the landscape of people’s lives.

Compassion is what we need. Not only for people we know and people closest to us. But we must have compassion for everyone. I know it is not easy to do in every situation, but a simple kind word or smile can do wonders.

COMPASSION

Image by Goran Horvat from Pixabay

Compassion, outweighs, malice, plus, A, simple, smile, infuses, our, nation

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Topic Words of Wisdom

Grateful

Image by John Hain from Pixabay

Grateful

Giving, respect, abundance, takes, effect, fears, ultimately, leave

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Topic

Movie Time- Guess the Line, Pt. 1

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is movie-1673021_1920-1024x695.jpg
Movie Time- Guess the Line, Pt. 1 –
Image by Jan Alexander on Pixabay

Movie Time- Guess the Line- Pt. 1

I’m going to describe a scene from a movie and give a few hints. Can you guess the movie title and/or who the actors are? I will update the post with the answer next week. Put your movie skills to the test. Have fun!

A cute, little lady gets off the train. She turns around and says to a man, “If you are a real prince, I’ll marry you”.

  • Movie came out in the late 80s/early 90s
  • Romantic Comedy
  • The sequel came out in 2021

—Answer—

Coming To America is the answer. The movie starred Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Shari Headley and a host of other actors and actresses. The cute, little lady who gets off the train is Birdie M. Hale.

Thank you for guessing and I’ll be back with another movie.

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Can You Answer This? Name One of Your Favorite Cartoon Characters

Photo by Lalith Thomala on Unsplash

Can You Answer This? Name one of your favorite cartoon characters and tell us why.

Back in the day cartoons were something that most kids looked forward to watching on Saturday mornings. After school was a popular time to watch too.

One of my favorite cartoon characters is Wile E. Coyote. He was a villain, but I admire his tenacity. No matter how many times he was run over, smashed with a boulder, hit in the head and blown up with dynamite; he never gave up!! He had some determination in his quest to catch Road Runner.

Even though Road Runner outsmarted him, Wile E. would plot out his attempts and see them through, no matter what. He didn’t let any obstacle stand in his way! I can’t count how many times he has fallen from a cliff and still came back. He is resilient! Gotta love that. 🙂

Tell us who you pick and why.

Scooby-Doo Image by InspiredImages from Pixabay
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Re-create; Dare to be You

Time to re-create ourselves. Let’s do something different. Dare to challenge the norms and go outside of your comfort zone.

Photo by Valentina Conde on Unsplash

Re-create means to create again.

Transform your life by taking up a very different job or adapting a new way of life. Re-create is a verb which means that we have to take action. We can’t just sit on our ideas. We have to take action toward our goals. I know you heard the saying, “don’t talk about it, be about it”. It is not easy to start something new. Sometimes we need a little push or some motivation. The good news is that once we act on our vision and ideas, it gets easier every day.

Speaking from experience, it is hard for me to start something new, or just keep up with something that I know I should do. But once I get started it makes it a lot easier to keep going. After I force myself to do something I feel a lot better afterwards. Yes, I said force. Meaning that I went against what my mental was saying at the time and did the physical work.

Re-creating ourselves can come in several forms. We can take on a new hobby, start a business, adapt a new lifestyle, exercise more, eat a healthier diet, and we can elevate ourselves mentally also. Thinking in a different way can change our whole outlook on life.

Painting– Image by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay

Where to begin

  • Start by writing or typing some things that you have been wanting to do but never had a chance to start. Use regular pen and paper, use a note app on your cell phone (tread carefully with this one), use a whiteboard or your computer. Whatever is best and most convenient. The goal is to make it as visible as possible.
  • Next, think about the things you are good at. Think about your strengths and the things that just come naturally. After that think about the things that you are not so good at and would like to improve. Write it down.
  • Ask your closest friends and/or relatives to name at least 2 things about you that they think you are good at. By doing this, it may give you some insight as to what direction you want to go.

Re-create by taking on a new hobby

If you are a creative person who likes to make things, a new hobby may be just the thing for you. You might think about making clothes for yourself or other people. If you can draw you might become a tattoo artist. You might even think about painting portraits for people. If photography is your thing, start with that.

This newfound hobby may lead to you starting your own business. The possibilities are endless when you start receiving good feedback about your side hobby and people are liking what you do. Who knows where it might lead! Therefore, don’t wait. Start now.

Photography

Dare to adapt a new lifestyle

Adapting a new lifestyle will take some time but begin slowly. If you want to start exercising more, for example. Start off by walking or using a treadmill or stationary bike. Don’t try to do too much in the beginning. You have to work your way up and increase your activity over time. If you try too much in the beginning, it can cause injury. Also, you might feel frustrated that things are not progressing like you expected. This might lead to you quitting altogether before you even get started. We don’t want that.

Exercise keeps us healthy and helps us live longer. It keeps us out of the doctor’s office, and we are less prone to certain types of illnesses and/or injuries. Along with exercise we can also try to eat better. This is my struggle! I am a junk food junkie!!

Changing our way of thinking

Any action starts with a thought. So, as you can see, how we think dictates what we do. If we just try to see things in a different way and explore things from another angle, we discover so much that we have been missing.

Sewing–Image by Anita Smith from Pixabay

Remember to re-create, if we want a healthier lifestyle. We have to stop saying it and then keep doing the same things. When we fall back into our old habits of not exercising, just remind yourself that this does not lead to the ultimate goal of living a healthy lifestyle. If you come home and sit on the couch or in front of a video game, stop yourself and re-direct. Get off the couch and start moving, doing anything other than sitting on the couch. Alternatively, if you pick up the video game controller, put it back and do something more productive. We have to re-direct our old way of thinking to form new and healthy habits.

Healthy Lifestyle– Image by Vidmir Raic from Pixabay

In order to improve our diet, we have to do just that. When grocery shopping; don’t load the cart with a bunch of junk food. Try some healthier choices. Even though you might not like fruit, just think how much your body will love it and how much of an improved quality of life you will have. Indulging in a sugary or salty treat is ok, only on occasion. That is of course, if you have the goal to improve your diet.

Sum It Up

Think about it. Write it down. Research your ideas and any equipment you may need to get started. Take Action. Reap the benefits. You get the idea! It all starts with how we think. Making a change is not easy but we can do it! Do not expect immediate results, it takes time. Slow steady progress is better than no progress at all. So, start where you are and be consistent. You will not regret it.

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Topic

Strange Things People Do

Ever wonder why we do some of the strange things we do? I can’t speak for everyone else, but I wonder about some weird things I see these days. Check out these examples.

People standing at the drive through window at the fast-food restaurant. It’s a drive through for a reason. Then they get mad when the employees don’t open the window for them.

What about when people put on a jacket, but they have on open toed shoes and shorts??? If it’s that cold, put on some long pants and cover your feet!

You answer the phone at your place of business and clearly say your name. The person on the other end says, “Is this Jackie?”. First of all, my name has more syllables in it. Secondly, my name does not sound like Jackie or start with the letter J?!?! People don’t pay attention. Are you listening?

You be like…

Ok, this one I see men doing a lot. Why do men drive faster when the road is wet? So, the ground is wet, which means it is slippery. Why drive faster on wet ground?? Please explain this to me.

We have turn signals/blinkers in the car for a reason. They are supposed to be used to let other cars know your intention to turn left, right or when you are changing lanes. I love this one… How about when people use their blinkers when they are making an illegal U-turn?!?! You are making an illegal U-turn and then you have the nerve to put on your blinker. Just ask the cops to give you a ticket!!

What about this one; the light in the turn lane is green and the car in front of you just sits there. Sits there until, either someone beeps at them or they wait until the arrow turns red again.?!?! Why? Are they thinking about it? I don’t know… Maybe they are on the cell phone…

Car horn beeping

Don’t send your plate back to the kitchen at a restaurant if your order is not right. You never know what they are doing to your plate of food in the kitchen on the second go-around. They are already mad that you are not satisfied with your meal. You are messing with your stomach when you do this. Then you wonder what that extra “crunchiness” is in your food??? Hmmm?!?!

People who have an attitude at the drive through when ordering their food. Don’t ever talk BS to the people at the drive through. You know that they are underpaid and overworked, the last thing they need is someone putting some extra “stank” on it. You might see something “unidentifiable” in your food. Think back to how you treated the person on the other end of the speaker. Just sayin’

Now, think about which one of these that you have done. You just have to laugh. Enjoy your day!

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Info Topic

It’s August or Ya es Agosto

It’s August or Ya es Agosto! Can you believe how fast the year is going by? Check out some things happening this month.

First week of August-August 1-August 7 is National Simplify Your Life Week

National Simplify Your Life week means to make things easier for yourself. If you feel stressed or feel like your load is too much, cut some things out. Limit the number of tasks that you sign on to do. You are only one person and as such, you have to take care of you first. If you are no good, you can’t be good for anyone else. Simplifying can mean that you clean out your garage or closet(s). You might also consider simplifying your life mentally by saying no to new projects until you can complete what you already have on your plate. Cutting lose toxic or negative people from your life is another way to simplify things. If someone in your life brings you more strife and drama than happiness and good times, you have a choice to make for your own wellbeing.

August 3-National Watermelon Day

Watermelon is both a fruit and vegetable. You can eat the whole fruit, including the rind. It comes in seedless and seeded varieties. Eat it plain or try one of the many recipes online for watermelon treats. This melon not only tastes good but has health benefits. The high content of water makes it a great choice of fruit to help with lowering high blood pressure. It also has antioxidants which helps with the heart and eye health.

August 12- International Youth Day

This day brings awareness to the challenges that some children all over the world face. Education and poverty being among the top issues. Celebrating the achievements of the youth is also the purpose. Get involved by having conversations with both younger people and older adults. Mentor or tutor a child who may struggle with education and/or social issues.

August 14-National Financial Awareness Day

Financial awareness day is a day to assess where you are money-wise. Being financially secure means different things for everyone. Look at what you can do to improve your financial situation and make the steps necessary to attain that goal. Research finances. Compare your income to what your monthly bills are and make the changes to have more coming in than going out. Maybe, start a budget and keep track of spending habits to see what changes are needed. Around 50% of Americans are living check to check. That is a staggering number. It’s a good idea to have some kind of “money cushion” for emergencies.

August 16-National Rum Day

On National Rum Day, August 16th; celebrate by having a rum daiquiri, spiced rum drink or any number of rum cocktails. Rum is a distilled alcohol drink derived from sugar cane and molasses. It is one of the top 3 alcoholic beverages. You can enjoy clear Rum or dark Rum. It can be mixed to make Pina Coladas, Mojitos, and Daiquiri’s too. You can also add it to your baking recipes. Think Rum cake. Drink responsibly.

August 21-Poet’s Day

Poet’s Day is a day of recognition for poets and the art of poetry. There are different forms of poetry. You don’t have to be an expert to write poems. Even if writing poems is not your thing, you may enjoy reading them. Rapping is also a form of poetry, not often embraced by the masses.

José Martí was a poet and journalist born in Havana, Cuba. During the time he lived in New York City, he wrote in Spanish and English newspapers. Mostly about the difficult relations between Latin America and the United States. There is a statue of José Martí in Central Park South. It depicts him on a horse during his last times in battle.

August 27- National Just Because Day

National Just Because day is just that; just because. On this day, you might want to do something out of the ordinary. Do something just because you feel like it or just for no reason at all. Think of something that breaks up the monotony. Maybe go for a walk at a park you normally don’t visit. Gift someone something special for no apparent reason. When they ask, “what is this for?” You can say, “just because”. You get the idea. Run with it!