Words From B

As you can see I am having some difficulties getting back into the groove of posting. Give me a few more days while I learn how to juggle my new and overwhelming schedule. In the meantime, check out this video from B. It's got a good message. Listen and learn...

A Page in History

Today at noon the world stood still. Today Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America.

It was such a treat... just awesome. I went to campus around 11:30am to park in front of the diner's flat screen at have my taste of history. The area was crowded; people were packed in every corner. I found a little spot on the floor and soaked up every moment. The next hr and a half was just amazing. Everyone was silent and still with their eyes glued to the television. The last time I remember things at a standstill like this was during 9/11. This of course was a much happier occasion.

On the television you saw what was estimated between 1 and 2 million people waiting to hear Obama's speech.

"This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive ... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America."

Rev. Joseph Lowery gave the benediction and added a little humor in closing. Some found it offensive. My mouth dropped slightly but hey... it is what it is. Here's what he said in closing...

"Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around... when yellow will be mellow... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen."

That's just a piece of the day. I would take up a lot more space if gave all the details. Wherever you were today, whatever your political views, I hope you took the time to watch this monumental moment in history. I am so proud to be here and to have been able to experience this day.

Thankful

You ever find yourself lost for words? This occassion is seldom for me and yet I find myself there tonight. I had someone special to me pass away a few hours ago and I have no idea what to say. It does make me thankful for those that are still around. Sigh. Night.

Back From Hiding...

Some people were beginning to think I had fallen off the face of the earth...

It's time for me to start blogging again. The holidays came and I disappeared. I made my way home and that was it. I got caught up in hanging out and sleeping (boy did I sleep). I was in my own little world (not quite the kitten up there, but you get the point). As a result, the blog got pushed to the back-burner. I'm back though.

Without going into a million details, I have to say that my break was FANTASTIC. I enjoyed every single second of it and would give one of my pinkie toes (I think) to do it all over again. Coming to Boston was more difficult this time that it was the very first time. I started thinking about my return about a week before it happened and each time felt compelled to cry. I held the tears back until the night before and the day of my return. I cried in the security line and during the first ten minutes of the flight. I miss home.

I'm good now. My friend let me know I needed to be a big girl. I think I'm going to try that on for a while. :-) On the real, I've got a million things to get done in the next few months. If I concentrate on all the things that need to happen, the time will fly by and before I know it I will by flying back to Southern USA.

So what's up this semester??? Classes include Histology, Human Physiology B, Elementary Biostats, Endocrinology, Behavioral Medicine and Biomedicine Information. Heavy plate, isn't it? I'm going to do it and at the same time I'll be studying for the MCAT and PCAT. Beyond that I don't think I'll be doing much else this semester. That's ok.

I've got lots more to update you on. I'll get to it before the week is out. I just wanted to stop in and HOLLA!

Hello 2009

As we are fast approaching the year 2009, I thought it was appropriate for me to find some time to reflect on the things that transpired in 2008. Starting a new year means reflecting on your successes and failures and planning for the future. While I refuse to go in details about some things (a little too personal), I have decided to share some... Here's a recap of 2008: my life and the a little outside world action.

~ I lost 29 lbs. WOOOOO HOOOOO.

~ I quit my job at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No more tubes and cholesterol! I miss my coworkers though!

~ Against a lot of fear and anxiety, I moved everything I own into storage (except some clothes)and moved to Boston.

~ I've completed one semester of the graduate program. ONE MORE TO GO!!!

~ I began and ended a relationship that I had hoped would have been much more.

~ My girlfriends and I started what we hope to be an annual girlfriend's getaway tradition.

~ I lost a few loved ones: Tony, Uncle John and Uncle Charlie.

~ We elected Illinois senator Barack Obama as the 44th President of the U.S.A.

~ California legalized same-sex marriage and then had it overturned by voters.

~ Unemployment rates spiked... still going.

~ The Senate passed the Bailout Plan. Bailout who? Many have asked...

~ I managed to get even closer to those I love: family and chosen family (friends)... great stuff!

Overall the year as been a good one. It has definitely been very significant and one that won't be easily forgotten for a lot of reasons. I've learned a lot this year and can only hope to continue learning from not only my mistakes, but my victories. Onward 2009...