Thursday, April 30, 2009

Even a Robot Has a Heart

Mad props are certainly due to local production company, Pizza Infinity, for its film "Robot Love From Another World," making it to the famous Cannes Film Festival!

I've had the privilege of personally knowing some of the members of the cast and crew and I can't tell you how über cool it is to see how well they're doing!

Kudos folks! Your brilliant, creative genius is finally being recognized...on an international level!

Your hard work and creativity deserve it!

And even though, the film made it to Cannes, the PI gang hasn't. They still need lots of help to join their little baby in Cannes. Don't make a mama and her baby be separated by miles and miles of ocean!

If you'd like to help them out, go here.

And without further adieu...I present you "Robot Love From Another World"...




As Long As I'm Not Hurting Anyone...


Meet Noel Biderman.

Husband.

Father of two.

Founder and CEO.


His name doesn't ring a bell?

Well, you might have heard more about his "brainchild" of a company, AshleyMadison.com.

Never heard of The Ashley Madison Agency?

Well...take a look see...



Here's additional info about the company...in their own words:

Are you Married but Looking? Ashley Madison is the place for Married Dating.

Feeling neglected and in need of some excitement? You came to the right place.

Ashley Madison is the world' s #1 Married Dating service specifically for ATTACHED men and women who are looking to have an Extra-marital Affair.

Meet People Just Like You, in Absolute Confidence!

If you're looking to have a Discreet Affair use Ashley Madison - the ONLY certified Married Dating service that' s been featured on Oprah, Larry King, FOX News, 20/20, Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Phil and Howard Stern.

Just create a FREE member profile and in seconds you can start meeting other members from your local area or abroad. You'll have access to millions of member profiles, private photo sharing and live chat – all in a 100% SECURE and ANONYMOUS environment.


Where do I begin with this?

First off, let me focus on Biderman himself.

Here's a guy - a married, father of two - who claims that he didn't invent infidelity...he's just providing a more "honest," "upfront" service for individuals who want to engage in it.

Biderman was on The View today - gotta hand it to him for having such balls to go on that show, on that panel, with that audience - and claimed, "...monogamy is difficult for a lot of people because it's not in your DNA. That's just a fact. We're all human...when we put monogamy as the central tenet of a marriage, that might be really unhealthy. Marriage is so much more about than sex."

Ok. Did anyone else catch that? He said, "...marriage is so much more about than sex."

That's funny. He created a web site based solely on the purpose of strangers HAVING SEX!

Biderman's theory? The U.S. should de-emphasize monogamy and sex, like other countries such as Italy, Japan and France do, all of which have higher infidelity rates, but fewer divorce rates. He claims that infidelity will strengthen American families.

3.86 million.

That's how many members are signed up with the Ashley Madison Agency.

3.86 million.

This could only happen in America.

A land whose moral code is: "As long as I'm not hurting anyone...I should be free to do whatever I want."

If I had the opportunity to speak with Biderman, I wouldn't waste my time or his time with a lot of unnecessary debates.

I would just read the following to him:

1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom,
listen well to my words of insight,

2 that you may maintain discretion
and your lips may preserve knowledge.

3 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil;

4 but in the end she is bitter as gall,
sharp as a double-edged sword.

5 Her feet go down to death;
her steps lead straight to the grave. [a]

6 She gives no thought to the way of life;
her paths are crooked, but she knows it not.

7 Now then, my sons, listen to me;
do not turn aside from what I say.

8 Keep to a path far from her,
do not go near the door of her house,

9 lest you give your best strength to others
and your years to one who is cruel,

10 lest strangers feast on your wealth
and your toil enrich another man's house.

11 At the end of your life you will groan,
when your flesh and body are spent.

12 You will say, "How I hated discipline!
How my heart spurned correction!

13 I would not obey my teachers
or listen to my instructors.

14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin
in the midst of the whole assembly."

15 Drink water from your own cistern,
running water from your own well.

16 Should your springs overflow in the streets,
your streams of water in the public squares?

17 Let them be yours alone,
never to be shared with strangers.

18 May your fountain be blessed,
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.

19 A loving doe, a graceful deer—
may her breasts satisfy you always,
may you ever be captivated by her love.

20 Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress?
Why embrace the bosom of another man's wife?

21 For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD,
and he examines all his paths.

22 The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him;
the cords of his sin hold him fast.

23 He will die for lack of discipline,
led astray by his own great folly.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Karma's a Bitch, Ain't It?





UPDATE:

Friday, April 24, 2009

You Say I'm Crazy? Well, I Got Your Crazy!



So my tweep, Mark, tweeted a tweet
yesterday that caught my eye:

"If you want this product, you have officially crossed the "Crazy Cat Person" threshold: http://bit.ly/2yPsb"

To which, I immediately, of course, responded:

"not gonna lie. i would SO TOTALLY buy one of these. i even thought about getting something similar built for our backyard, so my cats could roam around in the grass. we crazy cat people have to do what we gotta do.

SO SUE US!

>^..^< "


Now, I'm VEHEMENTLY against caging animals. That's why I hate zoos and circuses (besides other reasons.) I think
it certainly qualifies as a form of animal cruelty.

There's a BIG difference in keeping pets in your house or in a secu
rely fenced-in property - and letting them have full range to roam freely when and where they so choose - and keeping them in a cage in your house or yard. Any...humane...dummy can see that.

And since I really don't have any plans to build a fence any
time soon, having a SunCATcher (Get it?! God, I love genius marketing play on words!), such as the one above, seems like a great alternative. Though anyone could argue that building a fence, for less than an acre of land, would probably be less or round about the same price of the Basic SunCATcher. (Am I wrong? Any carpenters out there? I don't do well with wood...or lumber...guesstimations.)

ANYWAYS...I digress...

Fiona and Kitty LOVE going outside.

They're always sitting in the windows, longingly gazing out at the swirl of activity going on and they smell the grass t
hrough our door cracks, and end up going crazy, meowing and pawing to be let out.

So, being
the kind mommy that I am, I indulge them, often, weather permitting.


Fiona loves rolling on the walkway, eating grass, chasing after leaves, stalking birds, sneaking away into the neighbor's yard,
while Kitty loves smelling pine cones, dive-bombing Fiona, and eating then throwing up (in that order), grass.

It's a common sight around my neighborhood, to see me and my babies outside on my front lawn. My one neighbor - the same one who came and...creepily...cleared our driveway, yelled out to me the other day, "Walking your cats again?!" I turned to him, pumping my chest, "And what?! SO SUE ME!" (No, it's cool between us. Swear. We're neighbors.)

Walking my cats involves time, supervision and duration restrictions, and sometimes I just want Fi and Kitty to be able to come and go outside, as they please. And not feel like they are locked up in the house.

That's why the SunCATcher appeals to me so much. The company couldn't have said it better:

"Finally...your indoor cat can enjoy the freedom of the outdoors! Our revolutionary SunCATcher Outdoor Cat Enclosures allow your cat to come and go outside as it pleases and bask in the sun's natural rays without the fear of escape!"

Installing one of these beauts in the backyard would make Fi and Kitty SO happy!

And that makes momma happy!

So until some burly, hunky man comes along to build me and my babies our dream fence, I have the SunCATcher to drool over. (Hey! Maybe I can get creepy-neighbor dude to build it for me?! *proceeds to scheme*)

In the meantime...*puts in order for catalog*



Thursday, April 23, 2009

A Few Words About Me...


Scarier Than the Craigslist Killer?


So, there's no denying that Phillip Markoff, the Craigslist Killer, is one pretty scary dude. He's been accused of some pretty horrendous things.

But know who's even scarier than Markoff?

His fiancee Megan McAllister.


On Tuesday, the day Markoff was arraigned on charges of murder, kidnapping, and armed robbery, McAllister stood by her man.

She told ABC News in an e-mail: "Philip is an intelligent man who is just trying to live his life. ...We expect to marry in August and share and wonderful, meaningful life together.”

McAllister also sent an email to People defending Markoff: "Philip has not been convicted," she wrote. "A policeman who wished to make money off this story sold it to countless companies. Philip is a beautiful man inside and out and did not commit this crime. Unfortunately, somebody else did and needs to be penalized. Philip was set up and you are wrong to be asking me for stories."

I understand that in the American justice system, someone is considered innocent, until proven guilty, but I really can't see how
McAllister remains so loyal in spite of all Markoff's current legal woes.

Obviously, the authorities have substantial evidence to arrest Markoff as a suspect, and according to the reports, that evidence is pretty damning.

That's why
McAllister is even more scarier to me than Markoff will ever revealed to be.

Why?

Here's a woman - for whatever reason, whether it be mental issues, initial sock and numbness about surfaced reports - who is willing to see past the damning evidence and hold on to the vision of the man that she thinks she knows.

That kinda of loyalty is scary. The kinda loyalty that makes you do, say, believe ANYTHING the other person wants you to.

There's no turning back from that place.

There have been numerous psychological studies about criminals...and the women who love them, as in the cases of Scott Peterson and Drew Peterson (though Drew Peterson's engagement was revealed to be a stunt later), but what can be said about a woman such as McAllister?

Now, I'm not the type of woman who'll bail on her mate, when the tough gets going, but I wonder if McAllister is really just numb or in the throws of extreme denial.

Has she been brainwashed completely by Markoff?

Or is this just a case of love being blind?

Either way, it's pretty scary stuff I tell ya.


Wednesday, April 22, 2009

And God Saw that it was Good. Happy Earth Day.



1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

3 And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.

4 God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.

5 God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

6 And God said, "Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water."

7 So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it. And it was so.

8 God called the expanse "sky." And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.

9 And God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear." And it was so.

10 God called the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters he called "seas." And God saw that it was good.

11 Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so.

12 The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

13 And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.

14 And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years,

15 and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth." And it was so.

16 God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.

17 God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth,

18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good.

19 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.

20 And God said, "Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky."

21 So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

22 God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth."

23 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day.

24 And God said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so.

25 God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."

29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.

30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food." And it was so.

31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

Genesis 1 (New International Version)



Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Serenity...Now


God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.

Amen.

- Reinhold Niebuhr

Monday, April 20, 2009

Jesus Believes in Satan...Do You?



Nightline aired an interesting show a week go.

It posed the question, "Does Satan Exist?"

Somehow, this question seems ludacris to me. Why it was even up on the table of debate is beyond me.

As a believer, how can one not believe that Satan exists?

How can there be a God without Satan? I'm not implying that our Almighty God's existence is dependent on Satan.

But let's take spirituality out of the equation for a second shall we?

Can we say that light exists?

Then, can we say that darkness doesn't?

Can we say that positive energies/forces/charges exist?

Then, can we say that negative energies/forces/charges don't?

Can we say that the sun exists?

Then, can we say that the moon doesn't?

Can we say that hot temperatures/climates exist?

Then, can we say that cold temperatures/climates don't?

Can we say that beauty exists?

Then, can we say that ugliness doesn't?

Can we say that males exist?

Then, can we say that females don't?

You see, we live in a world of polar opposites. They are all around us.

Without polarity, the world we know, wouldn't exist and crumble around us.

The battle between Good vs. Evil is as old as existence itself.

It's the stuff that blockbuster, epic Disney movies are made of.

It's the stuff that a good ole horror movie is made of.

It's the stuff that fairytales are made of.

But since, I'm a fair-minded individual, I'll let you, the masses, watch the debate and decide for yourselves...




*Note to self: What the hell happened to
Carlton Pearson?! I remember watching him on TBN, back in the day, casting demons outta people! I blinked for a second, and before I knew it, he went and become a "radical heretic!" Geesh! I gotta pay more attention around here.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Being Vegan: It's Greener, Tastier and More Hip Hop-Tastic than You Thought!

My Personal Creed


This weekend, the Vineyard kicked off a new series, Creed.

Which got me to thinking...how do I define my personal life creed?

My creed*:


Nothing -

and I mean nothing...

family member, lover, mate, offspring, friend, foe, acquaintance, animal, career, money, fame, wealth, fortune, dream, aspiration, ambition, health, sickness, test, temptation,
trial, tribulation, want, need, including my own self or life itself

- comes between me and my God.

Nothing.




This is what's at the core of me.

Mridula Maureen Chandy Jacob...in a nutshell.

Take it or leave it.


*loosely based on
The Nicene Creed:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.

Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.

And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Friday, April 17, 2009

I Swear I'm Not Gay...


(
...and not that there's anything wrong with that.)

...but have you seen Kim Kardashian?

Dang! This woman is smokin hot.

I think she experiences spontaneous combustion at her own hotness.

Oh and yeah...Reggie's not that bad looking either.





Thursday, April 16, 2009

A Prayer of Blessing


9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him "Jabez," saying, "I gave birth to him in pain."

10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel,

"Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!
Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain."

And God granted his request.


1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (New International Version)

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Another Testament to Humanity's Gluttony




Gluttony makes me want to vomit. (Pun intended.)

I've alluded to my detestable repulsion for it, before.

The scientists in the video brag about the gene manipulation in these breeds of cows as some sort of great technological advancement.

In reality, it only reveals just how primitive and base humanity truly is in its undying quest for satiating its gluttony.

Technological advancements? I think not...

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

- Mahatma Gandhi, statesman and philosopher

Million Dollar Question: What is Your Intent?



Ok, so maybe no one will walk away with a million dollars in the end, but maybe we can make world peace a reality if we could figure this question out...

What constitutes as a man's* inappropriate behavior in a relationship?

Sure, there are the obvious signs: blatant gawking of other women, lipstick stains/wafts of perfume, actually catching him in the act, etc., etc., etc., but what about the other not-so-obvious..."gray" signs?...

Is it inappropriate for a man in a relationship to have numerous female friends, of which some of whom he's had past sexual relationships with?

Is it inappropriate for a man in a relationship to send sexually-charged messages through email, Facebook, Twitter and in the more recently-coined term, "sexting?"

Is it inappropriate for a man in a relationship to engage in phone sex with other women? (ok, maybe not so "gray.")

Is it inappropriate for a man in a relationship, either married or engaged, to send nostalgic Facebook messages to past crushes or girlfriends?

Is it inappropriate for a man in a relationship, either married or engaged, to send Facebook messages and friend requests to women who are complete strangers, based on their picture alone?

Is it inappropriate for a man in relationship to meet other women for coffee or any sort of meal?

Is it inappropriate for a man in a relationship to give his number out to women?

Is it inappropriate for a man in a relationship to rekindle previously lost connections with women he's had a sexual history with?

Is it inappropriate for a man in a relationship to have numerous female friends, even if he's never had a sexual history with them.

Is it inappropriate for a man in a relationship to have a female confidant, other than his mate, whom he bares his soul and deepest and darkest secrets to?

Is it inappropriate for a man in a relationship to financially help his female friends in their time of need?

Is it inappropriate for a man in a relationship to post blogs, updates, photos, comments that are sexually suggestive?

Is it inappropriate for a man in a relationship to not disclose he's in a relationship to his female friends?

Is it inappropriate for a man in a relationship, either married or engaged, to take interest in certain female bloggers versus other female bloggers?

Just a few questions I've been pondering lately.

For me, I think what draws the clear distinction between inappropriateness and appropriateness lies in one word: intent. Oh, and also, if the woman he's in a relationship with, knows about the above-mentioned scenarios.

Determine a man's intent, in any of the scenarios above, and it'll be clear where he stands.


*Can be applied to women as well.


Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Never Judge a Book by its Voice


How is it that when someone sings...beautifully and passionately...it has the ability to send shivers through you?

How can someone's singing voice...and we're not talking about their speaking voice at that...elicit such an emotional response from humans?

If we saw these two people in a crowd or passed them on the streets...or even actually engaged them in conversation...their hidden, mesmerizing powers would be completely lost on all of us.

But as soon as they open their mouths...and sing...we are enraptured.






What a PowWow



The Transfiguration*
28About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30Two men, Moses and Elijah, 31appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.)

34While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.35A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." 36When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what they had seen.

Luke 9:28-36 (New International Version)


Can you just imagine the disciples witnessing this scene?

What a lineup! God, Jesus, Moses and Elijah.

I've always wondered just what exactly was said between Jesus, Moses and Elijah. The verse says they talked about Jesus' impending crucifixion, but I want the transcript version please. Verbatim.

And I've always been envious of Moses and Elijah. I yearn and ache to be in the midst of God. To be the one who gets the privilege to be in His presence and His glory. I want to be one of the few members of that secret society. I want God to love me so much that He gives me privileges not privy to the masses. So, right now, I'm extremely jealous of Moses, Elijah, Enoch...and oh yeah, that guy, David.

How come they got to sit in (or hover) with Jesus and God and no one else did?

It's just not fair. I guess it has something to do with God burying Moses and Elijah being taken in a whirlwind.

But if supernatural "endings" were criteria for those joining the group, then how come Enoch didn't get to join the powwow?

These are just some of the thoughts that course my head...frequently.


*The word "transfigured" is a very interesting word. The Greek word is "metamorpho" and it means to transform, literally or figuratively to metamorphose, or to change. The word is a verb that means to change into another form. It also means to change the outside to match the inside. The prefix "meta" means to change and the "morphe" means form. In the case of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ it means to match the outside with the reality of the inside. To change the outward so that it matches the inward reality. Jesus' divine nature was "veiled" (Hebrews 10:20) in human form and the transfiguration was a glimpse of that glory. Therefore, the transfiguration of Jesus Christ displayed the Shekinah glory of God incarnate in the Son. The voice of God attesting to the truth of Jesus' Sonship was the second time God's voice was heard. The first time was at Jesus' baptism into His public ministry by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:7; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22).

Therefore, the transfiguration of Jesus Christ was a unique display of His divine character and a glimpse of the glory, which Jesus had before He came to earth in human form. This truth is emphasized for us in a passage in the Apostle Paul's letter to Phillippi. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form (morphe) of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form (morphe) of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:5-11).

The Son of God came to earth in the form of a man to be the true servant of God and to gift mankind with the greatest gift ever given, eternal life. The transfiguration of Jesus Christ was a visible sign in the presence of reliable witnesses of the reality of the power of God and the glory, which is Christ Jesus. Source.


Monday, April 13, 2009

Interview Ready



So, I have my first interview, in more than two years, coming up later in the week.

It's for a job that I really, really want and am excited about. Am I nervous? Sure. Am I anxious and worried about how the interview will go? Not really. Interviews don't intimidate me.

Do I worry about whether I'll get it or not? Absolutely. Especially since I really want the position.

But, as with everything in my life, I'm leaving everything in God's control. My duty is to act on the faith that I have in Him for my future.

That's typically how I prepare for any interview.

I was looking through some old photos I brought back from my parents' home in the Caribbean and I found the picture above.

It looks like I was going on an interview. For a tennis instructor position. Pigtails and all. I was 7. How could my mother dress me like that? How could my mother allow me to dress myself like this? How could my mother let me leave the house looking like this? How could my father then make me pose for a picture to document it for infinity?

Wonder if I went in the same gettup for this week's interview, if I'll bag the gig?

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Veganversary



veg·an. n.

One who practices veganism and does not consume or use animal products, notably meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products. People become vegans for a variety of reasons, including ethical concerns for animal rights or the environment, as well as perceived health benefits and spiritual or religious concerns.

Three years ago on 4-11-06, I made a momentous decision and commitment in my personal life.

During my lunch break, while having chicken n’ dumplings soup, I came upon Jennifer McCann’s blog, Vegan Lunch Box. McCann is a stay-at-home mom who lives, cooks, and eats in Washington State. The blog showcases an amazing array of entirely meat-free, egg-free, and dairy-free (vegan) lunches that McCann prepares for her then 8-year-old son Shmoo.

On the blog, McCann had the link “Why vegan? An introduction to veganism." Clicking on that link radically changed my life.

After spending my entire lunch break browsing the entire site, I made a decision right then to stop eating meat and become a vegan; I even threw away the rest of my lunch, that’s how disgusted I was by everything that I had just read and seen about animal cruelty. I didn’t realize what I was getting myself into, and how it would radically change my life, but all I knew was that I couldn’t continue being a part of a society that contributed to the cruelty of animals. I just couldn’t.

I'm a person of extremes, so for me, when I decided to do my part in reducing and eventually ending animal cruelty, I wanted to do it big, so I went from being a complete omnivore- eating everything (I have even said before in the past “How come there’s no meat at this breakfast!”)- to taking the plunge head on into complete veganism.

I've always been an animal lover, we had numerous pets when I was growing up, but I never transcended that compassion and love for animals into my lifestyle. I said I loved animals and was against animal cruelty, yet I wasn’t even a vegetarian, let alone a vegan, I was eating hamburgers and buying P&G products like everyone else.

So why the sudden change back then at the age of 26? I had just seen the documentary Dealing Dogs. I couldn’t believe that such heartlessness existed. I was shocked and numbed. From there, I started doing more research and then, I came upon the Vegan Outreach site. In addition, my darling Siamese cat Fiona was also a major reason why I made the switch. How could I love her so much, yet continue to eat meat?

That was three years ago.

And I hope to continue my compassion.

God willing.

A lot of people ask me, "What do you eat?" In response, I came up with my vegan guide for the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. You can find it here.

I hope that my life can be an example for others. It is easy. It can be done. If I can do it, anyone can. Trust me.

If you want to make a difference, then I recommend this site:

GoVeg



"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

-
Mahatma Gandhi, statesman and philosopher

"Whatever you do unto the least of my brothers, you do it unto me."

(Matthew 25:40)



What a Beautiful Day






1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

8So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

Matthew 28:1-10 (New International Version)

Friday, April 10, 2009

Never Forget


On this day, more than two thousand years ago, a man died.

It wasn't just any mere mortal man. It was God's son incarnate. Jesus who became man.

He died for us for one reason: He loved us. He loved me. He loved you.

We didn't deserve it. I didn't deserve it. You didn't deserve it.

He didn't have to do it. But He did.

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:6-8 (New International Version)



Everyday, I let Him down with my humanity. And everyday my humanity mocks what He did for me.

For that, I hate myself.

Two thousand-something years later, I don't want to ever forget what Jesus did for me.

I want to remember every lash, punch, kick, spit, stone, nail, thorn, sword, beating, insult and painful step He endured for me that day. (Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23 and John 19.)

By remembering, I recommit. And I'm re-enveloped in His Love.
















I have made the choice to never forget.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The Object of Her Affection



If this story had aired on Good Morning America on April 1st and not today, April 8th, then
maybe I would've bought it.

Who knew that Objectum Sexuality (OS) even existed?!
Geesh! What is this world coming to I tell ya?!

A woman falls in love and marries the Eiffel Tower and then changes her name to reflect the union?! Now, that's hardcore lunacy.

Some people who have OS claim that their feelings aren't perverse, but rather a form of asexualism.

Yeah, right!

Erika Eiffel, the woman in the GMA story, claims she's in love with the beauty of the Eiffel Tower mainly for its architectural and structural beauty.

One look at the Eiffel Tower and what anatomical part of the male body does it remind you of?

Asexual...my ass!

No wonder she fell in love!

Photo courtesy of GMA.

Who wouldn't?!

:)

*Side note: I wonder if Pure Romance will pick up on this new trend and start a new line of products?!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS! I LOVE YOU!


Sisters
By Joyce C. Lock

God made us sisters,
Our hearts made us friends.
Love keeps us bonded
Thru thick and thru thin.

Being family
Gives permanent ties,
For which I am grateful
To be in your life.

Though our paths may lead
Down separate roads,
God gave us each other
To help with the load.

God had a great plan,
As He always does.
Growing together
Was the best for us.

I can't imagine
My life without you.
Sisters are for keeps
And forever true.


Sisters Heart to Heart
By Joanna Fuchs

From the time that we were little,
I knew you’d always be
Not just a loving sister
But a caring friend to me.

A shoulder I could cry on,
A helping hand in times of need,
A cheerleader to lift me up,
My angel in both word and deed.

We told each other secrets;
We giggled and we cried.
We shared our joys and sorrows
We were always side by side.

We have a very special bond;
I knew it from the start.
You’ll have my love forever
We’re sisters, heart to heart.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

What You Waiting For (You Stupid Ho)?!


I'm at a point in my life where I feel like I'm in a holding stage.

Sometimes I even feel like I'm in a decompression area of sorts, waiting to hear from mission control to suit up for the mission ahead.

I'm not sure what direction I should take with my life or what the mission ahead will entail, but one thing I do know...I gotta do something.

I've prayed...and prayed some more...then prayed again...about what I should do. I'm not sure if I've received any clear direction...yet.

But that's the thing with faith...you believe, then you act. That's the only way it can work.

So I've done the "believing" part, now I'm going to do the "acting" part.

I'm applying, connecting, researching, meeting, writing...all in active efforts to move forward...and take a chance.

I'm only about to turn 30, but
time is short. Who knows how long I'll have here on earth? I have to do something.

Don't be a stupid ho Maureen!

What you waiting for? Just go for it!...

And that's what I've decided to do...

What you waiting
What you waiting
What you waiting
What you waiting
What you waiting for!?

Tick tock
Tick tock
Tick tock
Tick tock

Take a chance you stupid Ho!


Thursday, April 2, 2009

Song of the Workout #1: Battleflag


So, I've come to the conclusion that an amendment of sorts is in order round about here.

As you know, I have my Song of the Days (SOTDs), but I've noticed that more often than not, the original SOTD, will inevitably be replaced by a SOTW.

And pray tell what exactly is a SOTW?

Song of the Workout, is a song that is so fierce that it trumps the original SOTD, just by its pure awesomeness and power to get me through my strenuous workouts.

These songs help me take that next step, next jog, go that extra mile, go that extra minute. The song that I keep on repeat, because I just can't get enough of it. I couldn't fathom working out without music. How do some people do it?

So, henceforth, such songs will be labeled/categorized accordingly.

So which tune gets the honor of being the official inductee?

The song below helped me through my first post-Caribbean vacation workout today.

Running on the treadmill just isn't the same as running on the beach with salty sea foam spraying your face, as you trudge through warm crystal sand, under a glaring Caribbean sun, with a dazzling blue sky and teal waters fanning your face with a cool Windward breeze.

It just isn't.

It's kinda ironic that the song came up in my iPod que today, since the first time I heard it was during the E.R. episode in which Dr. Carter gets stabbed. Ironic, since tonight just happens to be the series finale episode of E.R. on NBC
(and I swear I didn't plan it.)

Pretty ironic...hey didn't some chic come up with some song about irony? hmmm...

Anyways...here's the song...