10 Reasons I am Voting for President Obama

A few weeks ago, during a friendly wine party, I mentioned to a Romney supporter that I not only support Obama but believe his supporters should volunteer for his campaign by, at minimum, going door to door reminding local citizens of the progress we have indeed made in the last four years.  His response?  "What could you possibly say? [...] He is the most incompetent President our country has ever seen..."  Anyone who knows me knows I had to walk away ... wine was involved so emotions were high and besides he was clearly under the influence!  While many bipartisan sources have recorded up to FIFTY accomplishments, I am going to name the top 10 as they are important to ME:  a 33 year old, single woman, defined by my income as middle class, $23k in student loans for undergrad and graduate education.

And for Romney supporters, this blog is NOT for debate.  All statements written here are fact checked and of public record:

10.  He saved the U.S. auto industry.  The bailout of GM and Chrysler re-created 160k jobs.  This may not directly affect you but I have friends whose family members greatly benefited from this - going from unemployed to employed. 
9. Passed the Lilly Ledbetter Act (equal pay for equal work).  Ladies, what does this mean for you?  It means that if you discover you are being paid less than men for the same work, you have the right to sue your employers -- even if that discrimination happened years ago.  Previously, the statue of limitations was 180 days.  While this may not affect you, the message is clear:  women deserve equal pay!
8.  Passed Student Loan Reform Act (lowering heavy student debt) also, doubled funding for Pell Grants.  Again, as I pay my monthly dues to Sallie Mae I am grateful that the interest was not allowed to increase.  Secondly, doubling the funding for pell grants means more youth will have access to a higher education.  Education leads to better job opportunities, higher pay, better lifestyle...  Is this not what we want for the upcoming generations?
7.  Passed middle class tax cuts (saving an average of more than $3,000 per family).  Does this need more explanation?
6.  Improved America's image/reputation abroad.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am a world traveler with my travels taking me to various countries in multiple continents.  Since 2009 I have visited Amsterdam, London, Paris, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Vietnam and Haiti ... and in every single country, I can honestly say I was proud to be an American.  People hugged me, spoke highly of America and a people that would not only vote in their first Black President, but a Black President that is strong, smart, well spoken, highly educated and as a White Parisan commented, "the classiest representation of an American Presidential family since the Kennedys..."  Not only does he represent our country well, politically, in the eyes of world citizens, but he has also served our country with no personal scandal.  No watergates, no sexy blonds singing Happy Birthday, no interns giving him blowjobs ... not even an unloving, scowling look at his wife or children.  When he is photographed with his family we get a picture of warm embraces, deep connection, sincerity, sexiness, hand holding, close dancing, tons of laughing, undeniable love for his family.  It is clear he is not only America's President, but also a family man.  And do not take my word for it, next time you are abroad, bring up the name of our President and see the reaction for yourself.
5.  Passed credit card reform.  I am of the ignorant group that opened my first credit card account as a freshman in college.  The deal was sweet - $1000 limit and 0% interest!  The limit was raised biannually and by 2003 I was looking at over $10k in credit card debit, assisted by every increasing interest, ultimately peaking at 24%.  My credit card was paid before 2009 but this reform prohibits credit card companies from raising rates without advance notification, mandates a grace period on interest rate increases, and strictly limits overdraft and other fees.  Who does this assist?  The middle class ...
4.  Expanded health care of children.  While I do not have a child as of yet, this is important!  Smokers may not be happy as this act, signed in 2009, allows the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to cover health care for 4 million more children, paid for by a tax increase on tobacco product.  It is clear that our President understands that the education and health of our children should be and is a priority!
3.  Expanded Hate Crime Protection. President Obama signed Hate Crimes Prevention Act (2009), which expands existing hate crime protections to include crimes based on a victim’s sexual orientation, gender, or disability, in addition to race, color, religion, or national origin. Every person has the right to live, walk the streets feeling safe, pursue a livelihood and happiness...
2.  Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) was passed.  Obamacare means no caps on lifetime limits, no denial for pre-existing conditions for adults and children, savings on prescription drugs (in many cases, free generics!), children remain on their parents’ insurance policy until 26 (a reality for young adults who after college still need health insurance), free preventative services (ladies, this means free pap, mammograms ...).  And for those who think "I run every day, I eat healthy, I do not think I should have to pay for the unhealthy persons healthcare."  Let us look at how insurance companies define "pre-exisiting" - it is not limited to only cancer, diabetes and / or heart disease.  At insurance companies discretion, it could and has included hay fever, past several severe sinus infections, anemia, asthma, previous sports injuries ... in essence, a pre-existing condition is simply a condition that existed prior to enrollment in a new policy.  Under Obamacare insurance companies are prohibited from refusing coverage because of someone’s medical history or health risk.  Finally, if you think that your neighbor's health does not affect you - you are wrong!  A healthier nation is a working nation, a working nation is a tax paying nation, a tax paying nation is a financially healthier nation.  And every economist will tell you that when the gap between the poor and the middle class becomes smaller, the the overall financial health of a nation improves.  However, as this gap increases the threat of becoming a 'developing nation' looms...and while you bitch about your taxes increasing to cover Obamacare, keep in mind Canada pays 40%, countries in Europe pay 43-46% ... and let us not forget that five Presidents before Obama attempted to pass a similar bill.  This includes Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Carter, Clinton (TWO REPUBLICANS?! *gasp* No way!)  Yes way!  But President Obama is the only one that got it done! #justsayin
1.  Found and killed Osama Bin Laden, ultimately, ending the Iraq War with the last of US troops leaving on December 18, 2011.  Maybe you do not have a family member or friend in the armed services, but I can tell you that ending this war and bringing all of these men and women home PLUS eliminating the original threat equals a 'win / win' for me and those who were able to hug their loved ones upon their return...

There is no need for me to say anything negative about Romney in this entry.  If anyone reading this can seriously close their eyes, think about things he has said, then open them and still believe his intentions are truly to move this ENTIRE country forward ... well then my breath / words would be wasted. 

What I am asking everyone reading this blog to do:

1. SHARE! Knowledge is power!  Do not depend on the media, your family beliefs, drunken political conversations, etc. drive how you think about President Obama.  This brings me to #2 ...
2. Read the FACTS.  No President is perfect - never will be.  We are under a President, not a Dictator.  Therefore, our President must work with the opposing party to  "git'erdone" as they say.  So for those saying "Well he said he was going to do this, but he didnt ..." please take the time to remember what was blocked by the opposing party.  I definitely give President Obama an A for effort. And take a look at what Republicans have blocked ... does absolutely none of these effect you?  #thinkaboutit
3. VOTE!  Regardless of who you are voting for, get out there and vote!  Blacks and Women ~ our ancestors were tortured, killed, brutalized and more for our present right to vote.  Do not take this for granted.

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On November 6, 2012, President Barak Obama was re-elected as the President of the United States.  I am proud to not only be an American but to also be born and bred in the great state of Virginia which for the second time, went "blue" to ensure the victory.  Four more years.

Destination: Ethiopia

It has been 1 year and 7 months since my first trip to Ethiopia.  I am so happy to be back!  Ethiopia is one of the most interesting countries I have had the privilege to visit. 

Ethiopia is a landlocked country located in East Africa.  With 85 million people, it is the most populated landlocked country in the world.  It does not appear to be so on the world map you find in school, but is is only slightly smaller than Texas ... times two!

Doro wot - injera serves as "plate" and "utensil"

Ethiopia is not known for yummy foods and 5 star restaurants.  However, I am quite a fan of the food!  And my waistline is too as appetizers and desserts are not common in traditional restaurants.  EVERY Ethiopian meal is served with injera.  Injera is made from tef, a sour-wheat-like grain that is mixed with cool water and a pinch of yeast. Injera is not only edible (and to me, delicious) but also serves as your utensils as you use pieces of injera to scoop the delicious food into your mouth. My favorite dish is 'doro wot'.  It is one of the most recognizable dishes in Ethiopia and is known as the "official" dish of the country.  As I was sharing this meal with friends from Ethiopia, I was told that because the dish takes time to prepare / cook (an entire day apparently) and with many ingredients, the dish is considered an expensive (time and money) one to make.  It is also the main dish shared after two months of fasting.  Therefore, when a woman wants to impress her boyfriend (meaning, get him to put a ring on it!) or husband to be's family (she must got skills .. in the kitchen .. if she's the fiancee), this is the dish she makes!  Eating local cuisine alone is definitely not as fun - reaching over each other during fun, light conversation, competing for the yummy goodness and then pushing it into your mouth with friends ... THAT is the way to enjoy Ethiopian cuisine.  Just an opinion.  Because you do eat with your hands, please be sure to wash your hands first! 

The capital city, Addis Ababa, is where I will be working, socializing and sleeping.  It is the third highest capital in the world  at over 8,000 feet (weez weez as I walk up hills in this country)!  Sometimes referred to as the "Capital of Africa", Addis Ababa is the home to the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.  Addis Ababa is home to quite a diverse population which is apparent through the large variety of churches, mosques and museums, including the Ethiopian National Museum which houses the fossilized skeleton "Lucy" discovered in the area in the 1970s.  Making themselves "at home" are also a large number of ex-patriots from around the globe. 

Addis Ababa, economically, is fascinating.  If you are in a car and looking out of your window there is so many contradictions which catch the eye.

In one moment you are on a paved alignment friendly road.  The next minute you are bouncing back and forth (buckle up for safety) on a gravel road which is accentuated by prominent  (and sometimes quite deep) potholes ... then of course there is the road construction, busted water pipes and damaged telephone lines... 

Keep looking out of the window ... you will see tall, new office buildings, nice, well built family residences, beautiful cathedrals or mosques, a sprawling hotel (Sheraton or Radisson Blu to name two ...) but take note of the small homes made of tin on every side, buildings which were partially constructed but are now abandoned, dilapidated houses with a leaky roofs, inside of which dwell people on the brink of being homeless.


Walking the streets you will see women decorated in gorgeous cotton wraps, business men in suits sipping on local coffee as they have their shoes shined, students crossing the streets in their uniforms ... but amongst these people, look out for the homeless man in front of the mosque, wrapped in a tattered blue blanket with his eyes closed, praying the next day will be a better day.  Or notice the old woman with no shoes who is selling that small cup of local coffee to that business man so that she can look forward to eating a meal and feeding others that may depend on her.  Look out for the young men who are not in a school uniform, but instead are covered in debris, no helmets, no gloves, no work goggles - who are busy constructing the newest office building or hotel.


Close your eyes and hear Addis:  car horns, prayer in the local language, laughter from the school children crossing the street, gossip from the ex-pats who sit next to you in traffic or look into the eyes of the homeless woman who has wrapped her child around her.  Listen to her when she approaches your car window, holds out her bony hand to ask you for a few birr as she supports her child whose forgotten tears of hunger are still traceable on his face.

None of what is in this blog is not to discourage anyone from visiting Addis Ababa if you are blessed enough to visit Ethiopia.  In fact, its mix of wealth and poverty it is reflective of many cities we see in the "wealthy" United States or anywhere else in the world.  I have been here for one week and look forward to the second week!  While being a single female is not the ideal ex-pat situation in this country (um because WHO wants to compete against the gorgeous Ethiopian women?!), I absolutely see the charm of what this city has to provide and would consider living/working here ... with my man (future tense, still single) in tow! haha

So, if you plan to visit, keep your mind and your senses open because there is so much to notice, to hear and to taste in the "Capital of Africa" ~ Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  

Destination Atlanta: The Prodigal Man

It has been quite some time since I posted anything about my dating life.  Since the breakup with William I have taken wise advice:  do not date one man at a time ~ date three at a time ~ always remember I am beautiful, strong, living in my own place, no kids, amazing job which allows me to experience the world ~ yup, I have plenty of options!  Clearly the mistake I have been making is dedicating all of my time to one person and when the cracks / red flags begin to show I stay longer than I should, becoming more and more unhappy and resentful.  This is not to say the men were bad ~ they were just not for me.  And "dating" does not mean sleeping with so please erase that from your mind.  It means getting to know people slowly, observing them and how they treat me, how they react to situations in their lives and in our situation, realizing what I like, need and want in a man & in a long term relationship.  The men that do not step up or do not provide me with what I need are outta here!  The men that do step up, give me what I need emotionally and go out of their way to give me what I need ... they can stay around for a bit.  Ultimately, the goal is to whittle down my choices to 'the one' that is my personal perfect fit long term.

It is hard to balance work and dating when you are only in town ten days between trips.  It has been interesting to say the least (I will post more as weeks go by in regards to some of the good and ridiculous) but today's post is about a man we shall name Mr. Prodigal. 

Now Mr. Prodigal and I dated three years ago.  We met online and eventually dated long distance.  And it was amazing!  My career had just taken off and before we could hang out consistently I was in Vietnam.  12 hour time difference did not affect us at all ~ our communication was consistent and allowed us to talk about things that we both wanted, what mattered to us long term and what we were look for romantically.  When I finally came home we met in Baltimore for the weekend.  Everything clicked and we continued dating for several months long distance, visiting each other two weekends a month.  During this time he ran into some financial issues and all of a sudden became distant.  He stopped communicating with me which I was not used to ... then one day he just "disappeared" no goodbye, no explanation ~ nothing.  I was SO hurt.  We went from talking every day, seeing each other ... to nothing.

Fast forward three years:  almost three months ago I received a message from Mr. Prodigal.  He apologized admitting that he took the cowardly way out, the easy way ... his approach was neither right nor mature.  It was f*cked up but he is reaching out and would like to get to know me again ... I was hesitant at first.  Responding to his emails/messages in one sentence - no more than two.  I eventually expanded the length of my communication and we started talking more about on our lives presently (our jobs, our last relationship, our families, etc), moving into light flirting ... well we have been talking every single day since that message and three weeks ago he suggested we meet for a long weekend. My heart dropped ~ am I ready to see him?  Am I ready to like him all over again?  He is easy to like:  a gentleman, a sweet, affectionate man, respectful, amazing kisser ... the point is he makes me nervous.  Of course I immediately wondered if he "run" or disappear again if something he is not prepared to deal with happens.  He says no but right now he is living a good life.  He has established himself in Atlanta, living in a nice neighborhood and stable employment.  He never brought it up again - no pressure.  We continued talking and I made a decision three days ago to take him up on his offer.  Since I have friends in Atlanta I suggested we meet there.  I know the city, I can get around and socialize with my friends if the weekend goes sour.  He is really excited and was not expecting me to say yes!  We did not take long to finalize plans and we finalized my itinerary last night:  arriving Friday Nov 1 until Monday Nov 5.  He is working on our " social itinerary" as he wants to make sure "I am happy" and have a good time with him.

I do not have any expectations for the weekend or what this may mean for Mr. Prodigal and I in the future.  My current plan is to simply get to know him in the space he is in now, have a good time, laugh a lot, eat some good food (he loves to cook) and then take everything day by day after the weekend.  As it stands now, I return November 5 and then November 8 I am off to Ivory Coast for another two weeks of work.  Not to mention he is still long distance.  But I would regret not taking this trip.  I would always wonder about Mr. Prodigal and I.  And if it does not work out this time then I will know...no regrets either way.  So keep me in your prayers ~ wish me luck!

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UPDATE:

This past weekend was my trip to Atlanta.  The trip started off AMAZING as he greeted me with a huge smile on his face, a warm hug and a super sweet kiss.  That evening we went grocery shopping after he was home from work.  As he proceeded to make me a delicious dinner of chicken parm, pasta, garlic bread and salad, he poured me a glass of delicious red wine and wouldn't allow me to lift a finger to assist.  Instead we spent that two hours talking, laughing, flirting and a few kisses here and there ... 


During dinner we ate in front of the TV to watch the Knicks game.  The good times continued - we laughed, caught up and I believe, truly enjoyed those hours in each others presence.

But this was not to be the theme of the weekend.

As physical chemistry was still present, hormones were super high but I was very hesitant to become physically engaged during this trip. Initially the reason was my cycle did not end until Saturday (I arrived Friday afternoon).  However, once things did not 'pop off' the first night I started to notice changes in his behavior.  He was less flirty, less talkative, more distant and at one point, mentioned that I should spend some time with my friends in ATL as he is used to living alone and not having to entertain guests so ... *DISCLAIMER:  please excuse my language...* But WHAT IN THE HOT DAMN?!  This trip was HIS idea.  It was HIS idea for me to be in his space, in his apartment, in his city.  This weekend was HIS suggestion THREE times! I specifically asked him about his expectations for the weekend and help with managing mine as I did not want to assume this was a romantic weekend if this was in fact a booty call weekend.  He adamantly denied it being anything close to a booty call weekend - he has feelings for me, he missed me and he cannot wait to spend time with me blah blah blah bullsh*t ... As the classy lady I am (Ok, am working on being), I did not fuss or yell or cry.  I called up my girlfriend and did what I needed to do to make the best of this weekend:  I went shopping (thus the fabulous leather Coach bag and Michael Kors wedges), ate some delicious food, indulged in Godiva, sipped on some drinks and allowed myself to be flirted and complimented by two new men.

The next day I flew home with ZERO regrets!  Not only did I enjoy the time I spent with my girlfriend, but I also had a chance to relax, spoil myself and to see once and for all that this man is NOT the man for me in any capacity - romantic or platonic.  There is no looking back.  And when he does return (because he will - they always do) there will be no fatted calf or gifts in the form of my attention, time or oxygen space.  This is a PAYASO FREE ZONE!

Besides, upon my return home I was greeted with more roses.  Ain't he sweet?  I think he may have missed me ...

Destination: a "bucking" good time in Tanzania

Karibu! (You are welcome!)

It has been two years since I had the pleasure of visiting Tanzania.  I was in Tanzania for work but arrived the weekend before to ensure I had some time to "play".  We attended an event I am sure you are only to find on the continent of Africa:  the self proclaimed premier event in Tanzania:  The Annual Charity Goat Races.  Yes.  Goats.  Racing.  Around a track.  People placing bets on those goats.  All in the name of charity. But please note, over the last 12 years over 544 million shillings (almost $350k) has been raised for local charities - well done goats!

Cheering for Goat Nads...

Tickets to enter the event is 5,000 shillings (approximately $3).  Various organizations, prior to the event, have procured a local goat, named their lucky animal (i.e. Goat Nads, Makers Choice, Baaaaaazooka, Pasajero, Go Tee, etc.) and stand in the middle of the race track to cheer on their sponsored goat.  Visitors place bets on the goat of their choice.  There is no 'rhyme or reason' to choosing the goat - there are not past races which mark winning or losing streak of the goat.  You place your bet on the name you believe is the most clever.  There are 7 races, ran every 30 minutes so you have more than one chance to lose money er I mean "donate" to charity.  Each race is sponsored by an organization and each race has 10 goats and jockeys.  Dear Freaks:  Do not get excited ~ there is no short man riding the goats LOL Instead there is a man behind each goat running to keep the goat on track and to "force" the goats to run.

When Goat Nads was focused on winning!

It was amazing!  Quite entertaining and I found myself with (losing) tickets in hand cheering for my goat, "Gooooooo Goat Nads!  Come on Goat Nads! You can do it!"  Goat Nads was in first and then found something of interest to his left and decided that was more interesting then my making a profit off the 5000 shillings I bet on that goat!  I blame his jockey ...

All in all it was quite an experience.  Besides the racing there are food vendors, the Savannah tent was quite lively with music, people dancing with beer in their back pockets for later.  A man in a condom suit walking around with sunglasses, children playing on moon bounces in the "kiddie area" and local dishes being served.  One of them consisted of ... goat.  It was a very nice event and if ever you are in Dar es Salaam during this event I would recommend attending!

I definitely had a "bucking" good time!

Food Destination: Negril Jamaica

Well I have been gone for quite a long time...

Between work and healing emotionally after the breakup, I eventually needed a vacation.  August 2 the ladies of my family (plus cousin's boyfriend and his mom) and I were destined for Negril, Jamaica.  This weekend was apparently ideal as it was Jamaica's 50th Anniversary of Independence.  

The scenery was perfect.  Jamaica was HOT but serene and each night the sunset was perfect.  But what was more amazing (besides the dark, shiny Black men of the island hmm) was the food and drink!  We truly enjoyed each day with amazing cool beverages and each night with amazing, gluttonous dinners.  

First of all I must say that I am a huge fan of anything with jerk seasoning slathered on it!  But my favorite meal was definitely jerk pork accompanied with rice and beans,rinsed down with a ginger flavored Red Stripe light beer.  And I didnt have to go to a fancy schmancy restaurant to get this delight.  It was easily found on the side of the street for about $5 and easily a meal enough for two.  Dinner at restaurants located along 7 mile beach can run expensive - $20/plate - but are equally delicious.  

$10 plate:  BBQ jerk chicken with rice, beans, pasta salad and coleslaw

$1.50 for 2 fresh mangos - juicy, sweet and delicious! Perfect!  There is a side of pineapple.  This pineapple was the best pineapple I have tasted in my 33 years #justsayin'

Fresh salad with homemade dressing (lime, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper)

$20 plate:  BBQ jerk braised short ribs.  Meat was tender but sauce was a bit sweet.  I had to add Tabasco :)

$15 plate:  Jerk chicken with rice, beans and fresh veggies

$5 plate:  Jerk pork, rice, beans and coleslaw.  I could have eaten this every day if my blood pressure was not a concern LOL

The food is as delicious as the beverages offered on the island.  My favorite "discovery", hands down, was the ginger flavored Red Stripe light.  It is cool, refreshing, light and with a delicious ginger flavor - it was perfect during the extreme hot and humid days in Jamaica.  

Various other delights included a refreshing, slurpee like daiquiri spiked with Appleton rum.  And of course no trip to Jamaica would be complete without sipping (slowly) on the super strong rum punch. 

Do you want to know HOW strong this rum punch can be?  Take a look at the ingrediants:

• Myers Dark Rum
• Malibu
• Pineapple and Orange juices (I have pineapple juice removed from mine)
• Lime Juice
• Grenadine
• Topped with a shot of Bicardi 151 

Needless to say you are not walking down the beach in a straight line after consuming a glass of this rum punch!

The younger cousins decided on another adventure:  Flaming Bob Marley shot.

Due to the varying densities of each liquor, layers are created in this flaming shot.  Here is how to make it:

• Fill the lowest third with grenadine syrup
• Middle third with creme de menthe, 
• Float the 151 on the top
• Our waitress took a lighter around the rim to light the drink. 

My cousins submerged a straw into the shot and enjoyed the drink through the straw in one long sip.   #youth

As I mentioned earlier in the blog, this was a much needed vacation.  The room did not have a TV or phone (or hot water, but I digress) and I did not use my cell phone the entire trip.  Instead while in my room I enjoyed reading selections on my Kindle Fire or enjoying rum/coke and laughing with my family.  During the day, while out and about, I walked the beach,  or sat with my mom and cousins at "Mama Flos and Papa Cocks" beach side restaurant.  Some of the scenes I absorbed with my eyes and through my camera lens are seen below.  It was my first trip to Jamaica and I was surprised at how much I truly enjoyed the island.  Going back is quite a high possibility!

The beach ...

My destination as seen from the road

Driving along the coast

A house on the hill...

One of many sunsets

Another beautiful sunset

Goodbye

Saturday William and I ended our relationship.  Sometimes two good individuals are not good together.  And while there may be love there, love is not enough to maintain a relationship.  So much more is needed in the ingredients of the "glue" that keep a couple together long term.  And when various main ingredients are missing (i.e. communication) the "glue" is bound to be a child safe sticky Elmers glue versus a "super bonding" glue.  Some individuals are better loving each other separately.  William allowed me to see where in my life I can be a better person and I know I have grown while being near him for which I will always be grateful.  I also have a ton of happy memories which were shared with this man ... too many for me to be bitter in any way.

And just when I thought that William would be the only one I would have to say "goodbye" to I had to also say "goodbye" to my colleague Amaka Ojugbana of Nigeria.

Amaka and her 10 month old son, Christopher, died suddenly as their plane crashed on Saturday in Nigeria - 11 miles from their destination.  When I met her in 2009 she was a training participant who spent the breaks planning her upcoming wedding to the love of her life.  She was not the most focused participant, needless to say, but she would "glow" even though she was stressed planning a wedding so far away from home and her fiancee.  In 2010 the Nigerian field office hosted me for the first time as a colleague and I came to provide training and an internal file review.  During work hours Amaka and I did not always see eye to eye but she was determined to make sure I experienced the best of being a woman in Abuja:  dresses and getting my hair done.  She said Nigeria was the first "real African country" I had been to as she did not count the plush South Africa as a true "African experience."  She insisted I get a true African dress made and braids to "prove" I had experienced Africa on this trip.  I had spoken to her Friday about a work matter and to wish her safe travels ...   

This has taught me is LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BE:

• NOT FINDING A REASON TO SMILE EVERY SINGLE DAY
• WORRIED ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE THINK
• CRYING MORE THAN LAUGHING
• AT HOME WHEN YOU CAN BE OUT EXPERIENCING LIFE
• STRESSED ABOUT THE THINGS YOU CANNOT CHANGE
• ARGUING ABOUT THE "LITTLE STUFF"
• NOT EXPRESSING LOVE
• NOT TELLING SOMEONE YOU MISS / NEED THEM
• NOT APOLOGIZING
• NOT LETTING GO / HOLDING GRUDGES and above all ... 

NOT PRAISING GOD FOR EVERY BREATH, EVERY SUNRISE YOU WITNESS, EVERY SUNSET YOU SETTLE DOWN TO, EVERY MOMENT YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES AND TAKE FOR GRANTED THAT YOU WILL WAKE UP AND EVERY MORNING YOU DO ...

Chinero, myself and Amaka.  May you rest in peace.

Destination: the Islands of Chincoteague and Assateague, VA

William's birthday was May 20 and I decided to take him to one of my favorite places in VA:  Chincoteague and Assateague Island, VA.

Chincoteague Island is located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.  I first discovered this place when my best friend Adam moved there with his family.  I had no idea there were islands off the state of Virginia!  Chincoteague is the perfect quiet getaway destination because there are no high rises, no Jersey Shore kids, no board walks, or traffic jams.  Instead you will find cozy B&Bs, small hotel chains with a spectacular view, wonderful customer service and even larger hotel chains (i.e. Comfort Suites and Hampton Inn) which offer a breath taking view of the Chincoteague Bay allowing you to wake up to witness a magnificent sunrise or cuddle on the balcony to fall in love all over again while watching a beautiful sunset. Chincoteague is quite busy during the summer months and especially during the last week of July.  Even with the crowd, the local business owners are still hospitable, the beach is still clean and instead of cars blasting music on the "strip" you will find families following each other on bicycles, scooters or three wheelers. Chincoteague is the gateway to the Virginia portion of Assateague Island, home of the famous Chincoteague Wild Ponies. 

Breakfast in bed

Learning how to play putt putt

Homemade waffle bowls for the homemade ice cream at Island Creamery

The Legend of the Wild Ponies of Chincoteague:  According to the legend, the first ponies arrived on the island when a Spanish galleon sank off the coast of Assateague. The ship was believed to have been carrying a live cargo of Spanish Moor ponies. The ponies that survived the shipwreck swam ashore onto Assateague beach and lived wild and free for many years.

The Annual Pony Swim:  Once a year the island of Chincoteague holds the annual Volunteer Fire Department's Carnival and Pony Swim. The tradition started as early as the 1830's, but was made an official event in 1925 after the town of Chincoteague was nearly destroyed by fire. Realizing the fire fighting equipment was out-dated, the town appointed the Volunteer Fire Department to organize a carnival and pony swim to raise money for new equipment. On the last Wednesday in July of each year, the volunteer firemen, nick-named 'Saltwater Cowboys', round up the ponies on nearby Assateague and swim them across the channel, at low tide, to Chincoteague. Once on land, they parade the ponies down Main Street to the carnival grounds where the younger foals are auctioned off to the the highest bidder. The traditional event has continued to sustain the fire department of Chincoteague, as well as the local economy. 

Assateague Island protects Chincoteague Island from the Atlantic Ocean and the entire Island is a wildlife sanctuary, protected from development. The northern portion of Assateague Island is in Maryland; the southern portion is in Virginia and is accessible via bridge from Chincoteague.  The island includes more than 14,000 acres of beach, maritime forest, saltmarsh, and freshwater marsh.  Caucasians love to venture here to camp on the beach / sand dunes.  They keep inviting me to do this each year and each year I tell them they can find me at a hotel on Chincoteague haha  

Birthday boy

Beach on Assateague

Beach on Assateague

Anyha, it is here I decided to take William for his birthday and our first vacation.  Both of us are always busy with very little “down” time.  We have not been communicating well lately and I thought this would be the perfect place to take a quiet walk, learn how to communicate, talk out our differences and to appreciate each others company.  If we can do this for two days, then we can do it for two weeks, two months, two years and so on.

Lighthouse on Assateague

Boo and I had an amazing time!  We laughed, walked, talked, indulged in delicious food at Bill's, enjoyed homemade ice cream at Island Creamery, he taught me how to play putt putt, I introduced him to Adam's sister and her lovely family ... we truly enjoyed the relaxation and our time together.  It was an amazing two days! Please enjoy the photos from our first vacation celebrating William's birthday.