I'm almost 44 NOT 4!

Now I know I harp a lot about not liking it when someone treats me like a child, but so what, here I go again.
Do you ever find yourself surrounded by people who act as if you were either born yesterday or simply have no idea what you're doing, even though you've been doing it for years? I do.
Without calling any names I'd like to just say this; if I do something differently from the way you would do it, it doesn't make if WRONG, it just makes it DIFFERENT, so stop suggesting I change the way I do it.
Not liking the way I do something also does not make it wrong, it just makes it not the way YOU would have done it, so stop suggesting I change the way I do it.
After 23 years in the military, you would think civilians would respect you for having stood in the gap for their freedoms and trust you know what you're doing for the most part and let you be. NOT SO!
I am in no way saying that I'm right in the way I do all things. What I am saying though is, don't try to teach me in a condescending way. I am NOT a child! Speak to me with respect and in turn I just may listen to your advice or suggestions. Don't scold me like you gave birth to me. I have parents, neither of which I allow to tell me what to do or to talk to me like I'm their child again. I can often to heard telling my mom my age, as if to say, "I'm old enough to do what I want." With her, however, I remain in a tone of joking because I know, at even my age, saying the wrong thing could get me hurt. With EVERYONE else however, I mean it. I ain't your child and I don't appreciate being treated like one. Don't talk down to me like I'm stupid. The era of Roots and the "Yesir Master, is over. My name is still Kunta Kinte, not Toby. If what I am is not WRONG, Stop trying to conform me to what you would have me to be.   Nuff Said! Maybe.

Military Retirement: Oh Happy Day!

After 23 years, I'm finally done! I was 19 when I joined the Army in 1988. I grew up and learned to be responsible quite fast. I traveled and went to one "war" while on active duty. In 1992, I left active duty at the age of 24, ready for the world, I thought. But less than 24 hours after I returned home, duffle bag still in the living room floor, the Rodney King Riots broke out. I questioned if I should have come home at all. I was really torn for some time after that. I mean, you expected to fight the enemy. You know you need to watch your back with them, but here I was looking out my front window watching my neighbors burn down our neighborhood. I didn't get it, and in that moment I really toyed with the idea of turning around and going back into active military.
But I didn't. I did, however, remain in the Army Reserves, where I attended weekend drills and continued to be "on standby" for my active duty comrades for the next 20 years. Thankfully, that never happened.
On March 15, 2012, I officially became a member of the Retired Army Reserves. Oh what a happy day. Don't get me wrong, I never hated the military. I got tired of it from time to time. I dreaded possibly being deployed again, but being in the military taught me so much and over the years I was blessed to met some amazing people, who are still my friends today.
In fact, just this past weekend, April 14-15, I was blessed to be able to travel to Huntsville, Al., to hang out with some of those military friends. It had been 20 years since I'd seen any of them. We all served together at Ft. Ord, Ca. and in Operation Desert Shield/Storm in Saudi Arabia. With these guys I can truly say I've developed a bond that will last a lifetime.
Even after seeing them for the first time in two decades, we fell back into the comfortable groove of friendship, as if we were picking up where we left off. Thank God for FaceBook, for it was there where I found most of them again.
For two days, 1 1/2 for me, because I spent most of my first day in the Chicago airport, (that's another blog) we sat around and remembered all the good times, the bad times, the bad things and the good things we did those many years ago. It was as if, I had never left these guys. They were the same. They were genuine. They were my friends. They are still my friends today. I love these guys. Jimmie Sprague, Kurtrell & Rosa Jackson, Michael Sloss, Dwayne Mayberry and Dave "The Boss" Ross. 8th Evacuation Hospital SUPER 8.

I look forward to getting together again next year.

True friends

True friends are a thing of beauty, but are also very rare. I believe that if we all had just one person in our life not afraid to lovingly tell us the truth about ourselves, and some of the stupid things we do and say, this would be a much better world. Today, I plan to tell the truth, even though I may not be your friend.
While many of us can’t seem to imagine what we’d do without social media, there are times when I wonder if some of us would be better off, maybe even safer without it. With the invention of social media, avenues of communication have expanded beyond what anyone could have ever thought. But, while it can be a good thing, like finding loved ones or friends you haven’t seen in decades, it can also be a reputation buster.

In the three years since I joined FB, I’ve accumulated nearly 700 FB “friends.” If I’m being honest, nearly half appeared when they found out I was #NateDogg’s sister and then only after his death. But, back to the other truths I’m here to share. Unfortunately, I’ve had to UNFRIEND several people for an array of different disrespectful reasons. And my un-friending, has no respect of persons - from blood relatives to people I’ve only known through FB, I can delete you with the best of them. For vulgar language to extremely provocative photos, I MUST delete them for not only my eyesight, but for those of my toddlers, who can often be found on my lap as I browse the computer sites.

I have found myself private messaging to tell others about themselves concerning some of the stupid things they post on Facebook. Why is it so hard to believe that disrespectful decisions, whether to yourself or to others, do come back to bite you in the rear? For example, what happens when that great career opportunity or a relationship possibility comes along and up pops some photo of you half naked in a provocative pose as if you are soliciting yourself on Pacific Coast Highway? Those of you from the #LBC know what PCH is all about.

I just want to take this time to share a few ways to recognize true friends:

1.      They tell you the truth no matter how bad it hurts.

2.      They tell you the truth BEFORE you embarrass yourself in front of thousands.

3.      They tell you the truth to help you avoid the consequences that come with bad decisions.

4.      They tell you the truth, but still love you when you make stupid decisions anyway. J

Now, if you want to know what triggered this blog, all can say is this, If you post a pic of yourself on a social media outlet, looking like you are either stepping onto the Boulevard or on your way there, don’t be surprised about the repercussions sooner or later. And if your “friends” are posting things like, “Girl, you look good,” or “That’s a cute outfit,” or “You are so Fine,” or “You go Girl,” or my favorite, “Sexy,” then you need to rethink those friendships because somebody is lying.

If you’re STILL my FB “friend” meaning, I have not deleted you and, after this you have not deleted me, J and you think I might be talking to you, I probably am.

One of the best things I heard, sometime in my early 20s, after learning for myself that being half naked was NOT sexy, was “there’s a difference between TRASHY AND CLASSY!
Ladies, you got respect yourself before you can expect a REAL MAN to respect you.

Grammy's or Garbage?

Was anybody else as bored as I was watching the Grammy's Sunday night? I mean 3 hours of who knows what. Literally, I didn't know most of the people performing or getting awards. Either I'm old or I'm watching way too much Nick Jr with the kids to notice other things. At times I felt like I was watching the CMAs (Country Music Awards). That means way too much praise for country music when it's suppose to be a diversity of music. Also, I don't feel like African-American, blacks or coloreds, whatever we are at the Grammy's, were represented at all. There was very little Gospel, as if it doesn't sell and very little anything else. Adele sweep the floor with all the American artist. Now, I ain't hating, cause the girl can sing, but it was as if the same 4 or 5 people/bands were nominated in each category.
Who are the people who sit on the board of decision makers and vote for who wins or who performs at the Grammy's? Seriously, what in the world was that mess #NickiMinaj did at the Grammy's? Whoever invited her should have been fired immediately following her exorcism. I mean really? The Grammy's was NOT the setting for that satanic foolishness. That should have been saved for her own personal concert, if she's even good enough to hold her own at a full concert. Doubt it based on that performance. First, I didn't get it. Second, couldn't understand a word of it. And third, I'm sure there were kids watching and attending who didn't need to see that stupidity. And don't get me started on the parents who actually DO let their kids listen to music like that. You ever wonder why little Johnnie is a hellion? And don't try to soothe your conscience by saying "music doesn't make people do stupid things."

Some good things I did like about the Grammys: Bruno Mars' performance was very entertaining. He was like a mixture of Elvis, The Temptations, The Four Tops and James Brown all in one. Jennifer Hudson did an outstanding job on Whitney's tribute song. And I was touched by the fact that they listed my brother #NateDogg among those we lost last year in death. I know, he was known in the music industry, but with all his talent, he didn't get his props while he was living. Some in part to Suge Knight's greed and stupidity, really, how you gonna be a business gangster? You ain't the mafia. You from the hood. Learn how to make money, invest money and give back to those around you. Oh, that's right, it's too late to give him advice, he's broke, busted and disgusted. Now, while much of my brother's music was vulgar and used too much profanity for my personal taste, seeing as how I don't curse anymore, the music industry has yet to embrace good semi clean hip hop or even to take those with true talent, like my brother, under their wings and teach them the ropes of what the big wigs want in the music game.

Well, after 3 hours of that, those are the only things I can truly say I enjoyed. Grammy staffers, you missed the mark this year, really. Better luck next time. You got an entire year to listen to ALL music, despite race, color, creed or genre. Try to make the Grammys look like the melting pot this world really is and get the minority music off the back of the Grammy bus.

Condo Complex Parties - Really?

Hey Neighbors,

If a large number of your party guest spill out into the front (quad area) of your condo complex, RENT A PLACE to host your party. It only makes sense, because not only are they taking all the parking along the street they are double parking in your complex area: Can you say inconsiderate? Why do I have to come to a party I wasn't invited to? Not that I would come anyway. I can hear you asking, How do I pay for renting this place? Well, if all these guest are you friends who so badly wanted to come to your party - CHARGE A COVER!
Now, for the parents who insist on having their kid's party inside the complex - you rent the huge jumper which you have blown up in the parking area of the complex (BLOCKING PARKING SPACES). The kids run wild throughout the complex like it's a playground, NOT! And then there are the really bad kids who let the air out of the jumper, WHILE OTHERS ARE IN IT! Where are the parents you asked: inside chillin'.
Is it stupid of me to expect people to be considerate of others? No, No, let me answer, YES it is because these are the days which the Bible describes as the last days when people will be LOVERS OF THEMSELVES! In other words SELFISH!

Don't talk, just walk

Why you got to get mad at me because I won't give you the time of day? First, I'm married and you don't seem to care, even with a visible rock on my finger. Second,  you sagging nearly to the knees and you actually thinks it's cool. You are unemployed (by choice or by force and ain't even looking for work) and lastly you're walking and talking on a cell phone. My advice: save the cell phone money, get a job and then save for something more useful like, a car.

All I've got to say is PLEASE, don't say or do anything. Just keep walking.

CHP officer convicted of killing husband in Compton

So this CHP officer kills her husband. She tells the cops she shot him in self defense. He was driving the car, she was apparently in the passenger seat and she said, "he became verbally and physically abusive," and she shot him in self defense.
First, they were coming from eating at a restaurant - Why did she have a gun? Sound familiar? Robert Blake.
Second, he was driving the car, how abusive could he have been while driving? AWD
I'm not disputing his being abusive at some point or maybe even all of their marriage, I don't know, he ain't here to defend that, however, I do know it ain't a whole lot I can do while driving, let alone beat somebody's butt to the point they get so mad and shoot me.
What did they talk about at dinner to where she seems to have gone from 0 to 60 in a second and shot the man to death. Her husband. The father of her children. Yes, unfortunately they had a 4-year-old and a teenager. Now they are parent less, because of her lack of planning. Let's see: Divorce, counseling, separation, restraining order, have him arrested. Surely she knew this, she's a cop. I mean she was a cop. Now she's a convict, a felon. WOW. 
Now, the judge convicted her and she faces some serious decades in prison. But, after hearing the verdict, she fainted. Really? What happened to the hardcore cop chick who locked and loaded and shot her husband in the head while he was driving them home from dinner? Having worked as a cop for several years, did she really think she was going to get away with it? Did she think they wouldn't investigate and look into all the evidence. Really? Come on now, it's Compton, law enforcement would investigate a jaywalker in Compton if they crossed the street funny. Just kidding. :) Sad, Sad. A family is torn apart and these kids will suffer for a long time to come.

The White House is Black, Deal with it.

With the latest disrespectful act of Arizona governor, I find it amazing that sooo many people (I shouldn't pull the race card, but what else can it be?) hate Obama when he inherited all the drama that is Washington. I have never seen a president so disrespected as much as he. Presidents cheating on their wives in the Oval office and are praised - for WHAT?! Bush puts us in a financial hole so deep we can nearly see hell. And let's not forget these guys got 8 years to continue screwing up. And still no one seems to CALL THEM OUT! Just the Black guy, because God knows full well THOSE people can't run a country. Obama barely got sworn in before the "I'm not racist," people start thinking of a way to get him out of the real BIG HOUSE! It's about time the black man runs the plantation. Suck it up and get over people the White House is BLACK and there's no going back.

Butt word Pants; Fashion statement or Fashion Stupidity

Who thought it was a good idea to create pants with words on the butt of the pants? Here's the problem, or  should I say the problems with that -- it's stupid. I mean drawing attention to one's butt -- Really? with words like juicy, precious, cute, and some even more stupid words. I personally would find it very uncomfortable to know people are reading my butt cheeks because I intentionally put a word across them. And then, there's the fact that I don't want to look at another woman's butt, but when you walk by with these pants on, I find I can't help but read it. It's just like weird and makes me feel YUKKY. The other problem with this fashion, or lack there of is people don't seem to know what size they should be if and when they wear these pants. If your four letter word is now stretched to a six or eight letter word, you should not put the butt word pants  on -- EVER! And I'm not making fun of any one's size because I ain't exactly the size I should be at 5' tall,  but at least I know I shouldn't have a word wrapped around by butt cheeks in public trying to make a stupid fashion statement.
This is definitely one fashion I can't wait to see go out of style.

Must have military connection

why is it when a person, a civilian more specifically, realize u r n the military they feel the need to tell u their uncle, their dad or their best friend's dad's uncle served? Really? @ 6 a.m. when I'm trying to get gas & trying to make 645 a.m. formation, I DON'T CARE IF UR DAD WAS GEN. ROBERT E. LEE. Walk away.

then on the military side, why do some soldiers actually look like the judge said join the Army or go to jail? I just want to say WRONG CHOICE now drop & give me 50.

Busy weekend

Had a busy weekend at military duty so I didn't have a lot of time or energy left to write anything at the end of both days. I was up by 5 and not home until about 6 both nights so, kinda tired. Hopefully I can get some rest tonight and come up with an interesting subject tomorrow.

Laziness is a sin - or at least it should be

Have you ever been around a person who is so lazy it makes you want to gag? You know, the Bible says "if a man don't work, he don't eat. (yes, I know that is not grammatically correct) but that's the way to make it plain. Now, if that rule were really a literal thing, can you imagine how many skinny people there would be? Unfortunately, there are just enough easily swindled people who somehow become care takers (paying all the bills and providing the place to live and food to eat) of these LAZY people, that often no efforts is made to be productive. Sad, Sad!

Yes, I'm talking about this based on experience. I've worked since my junior year in high school and the sight of a lazy-I-refuse-to-get-a-job person, sickens me.
I'll be back, because I've got so much more to say about being lazy, but as you can see by the time on this post, it's late or early and I've got to go to WORK in the morning.

Newbie on the blog scene

I'm new to this whole blog thing, but since the demolishing/demise of my religion column 4 years ago, I have so missed expressing my views and feelings on so many different subjects. Over the years it has been so freeing to just write out what I think. I welcome anyone to ask questions, share opinions and views with me. I'm excited about where this blog will lead me and about all the new subjects and people about to cross my path.