Verbal Medication

“I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Michael Jordan
If the second best NBA player since the 80's (behind only Magic) has a concept of necessary failures, why shouldn't you.
It is much easier to offer this advice than it is to put into practice. I have recently grasped the concept of necessary failure and now better understand how to use this to achieve success. During the last two years I have matured in leaps and bounds. I have grown much more than the calendar reveals. Life's lessons are often more significant than any other type. I've been told "Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain." This quote may provoke different reactions for each of us. Whatever your reaction, keep it in mind. The next time you contemplate quiting, go back to that reaction...remember what you vowed to do next time...now DO IT.

Daddy's Little Girl

Okay, I must start by saying I am not a Daddy (except to my dogs). However, I do have nieces and a few god-daughters. The relationship with one of my nieces is rather unique. For various reasons there is a great bond between the two of us. She is currently spending her SPRING BREAK (I miss those) with me. Just my luck...her first morning with me she gets some bug. It appears as though it is just one of those 2-3 day stomach bugs. These quickie viruses seem to be more annoying for the care-taker than the bug carrier (at least from my view point).
It is my opinion that many children view non-parents as potential victims; or at least I did. Two of my three nieces (one more than the other) often test how many hoops I'll jump through at their command. I think I'm somewhere on their wrist, not totally in the palm of their hands. As I stated, one niece is currently ill. For the last 24hours she has appeared to be helpless. The first 12hours involved a fever, vomiting, and a lack of energy. This morning I am questioning whether or not she is faking. I am having a difficult time knowing I may be getting punked by an eleven year old. Is this a Man Thing? I'm really asking, please answer. Why are guys so shook when children they're caring for get ill? I've followed Grandma's rules for caring for sick children... you know... rest, ginger ale, and soup. So far, I'm not sure if its been enough.
Something tells me that I'll add to this posting in the upcoming hours. This chapter doesn't feel finished. I almost expect the faker to attempt to convince me that home-made Chicken Noodle soup is the only thing that can help her. Although I have plenty of hair, I don't want to start pulling it out.

How Important Is It To You

Below is a great poem written by Linda Ellis. It was shown to me by a friend. It is very similar to a poem of mine, which may be posted soon. I am curious to know if you have read this poem prior to me posting it and your thoughts after reading the poem. The concept behind the title of the poem is the thought behind the name of this Blog. I am currently at a stage in my life where my life's meaning is a hot topic (probably to me only). It wasn't long ago that my biggest decision was STUDY or PARTY. Somehow, I am now concerned with how can I contribute to improving my community. This started before the country got high off of Obama (it has intensified since though).


The Dash
by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
With your life's actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

© 1996 Linda Ellis

Last Exit On The Road To REDEMPTION

The following article was taken from http://www.cnn.com/
I've stayed away from inviting conversations regarding T.I.'s situation. However, I do have a strong opinion on all that has transpired since his most recent arrest. I am curious to know what all of you think. Feel free to comment on the charges, trial, community service, and sentencing. This weekend I will post my comments and share my thoughts.


By Lateef Mungin of CNN

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- World famous rap star T.I. was sentenced in Atlanta federal court Friday to one year and one day in prison and ordered to pay a $100,300 fine on weapons charges related to purchasing machine guns and silencers.

T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, has mentored at-risk students as part of his community service.

The rapper, whose real name is Clifford Harris, reached the terms of the sentence in a plea agreement with prosecutors last year.
He also was sentenced to some property forfeiture, supervised release for three years after his prison sentence, 365 days of home confinement (he has already served 305) and 1,500 hours of community service (1,030 served).
He also must undergo DNA testing, drug counseling, cannot own firearms and must submit to reasonable searches and a financial audit.
The plea agreement, which federal authorities called unique, allowed the rapper to remain out of prison for a year while he performed community service.
In that time, he mentored at-risk students at 58 schools, 12 Boys & Girls Clubs, nine churches and many other nonprofit organizations, according to court documents.
Meanwhile, T.I., 28, has released his sixth CD, "Paper Trail," which has sold close to 2 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
The multiplatinum rapper also has starred in the MTV reality show, "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: 45 Days to Go," which chronicles his efforts to shave years off his sentence by completing his community service. The show features him talking to students and community groups "about how to avoid the trouble he now finds himself in," according to the network's Web site.
"It's been rewarding in the sense that it takes my mind off my own personal circumstances when I focus the attention on helping others," he said about his time spent doing community service. "And that way, I've definitely been able to appreciate the ability to turn my negative part of my life into a positive."
Harris recently talked to CNN about learning from his mistakes.
"You shouldn't take the things that I've gone through and the negative parts of my life and admire me for that," Harris said. "If anything, admire me for how I've accepted responsibility for the part I've played in placing myself in these situations and what I've done to recover from it."
Harris starred in the film "ATL" and could be seen in Chevy commercials with NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. Harris was named to the Forbes list of top-earning rappers in 2006, banking an estimated $16 million.
Later, Harris' fall from grace was sudden and dramatic. He was arrested in October 2007 in an Atlanta parking lot hours before he was to perform at the BET Hip Hop Awards.
Harris was caught in a federal sting after his bodyguard-turned-informant delivered three machine guns and two silencers to him, prosecutors said.
Harris had provided the bodyguard with $12,000 to buy the weapons. Harris was not permitted to own any guns, however, because he was convicted in 1998 on felony drug charges, including possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute in Cobb County in suburban Atlanta.
For his court hearing Friday, Harris' attorneys submitted more than 100 letters from officials who thanked him for his community service since the weapons arrest.
One of the letters was from Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears, who said Harris did an "outstanding job" talking to a group of teenagers about not breaking the law.
"If only one young person in that courtroom listened to Mr. Harris, and I believe they all did, we are all better for it," Sears wrote. "He was honest, humble and inspirational."

Why I'm Here

My purpose for blogging is to provoke some thought. Some topics will be deep and controversial, while others are clearly just what I'm thinking at the moment. Either way, I hope the purpose is achieved. I recently learned that writing soothes me. On occasion I will share some poetry, mostly mine, that will help to convey my thoughts. Playing with my dogs (literally, not slang for friends) is the other major stress reliever / mind clearer for me.
If it isn't clear yet, I want to admit now to being new to this BLOGGING PHENOMENON. When I ask myself if I can create a buzz, my answer is YES I CAN (you have to know where that came from). Well, now you have a slight idea of my intentions. I hope I have piqued your curiosity enough for you to return.