Is It Thanksgiving?

It seems like just yesterday, I was buying candy at Target and searching for a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Costume. I am always amazed at how quickly Halloween ends and Christmas begins. Overnight the stores transform from Halloween to Christmas...

Did they forget, what is the most important holiday of all.

Thanksgiving is the ONE day set aside to give thanks for the blessings that we have received. This is a day when we should be bringing awareness to something that can relieve stress and bring greater happiness and contentment to all of us: GRATITUDE.

Thanksgiving comes at the best time of year for me. The air is crisp, the leaves are turning vibrant with varying shades of red and orange with a hint of green, the chirping of migrating birds drown out the monotony of the day, and people turn their attention to feeding the hungry with the giving of food baskets (I must add that feeding the hungry the other 364 days of the year isn’t a bad idea either).

No matter how you celebrate, take some time to really reflect on the things that you are grateful for in your life. From the major things--your health, your loved ones, your special talents--to the subtle-but-still-important things--your favorite movies and t.v. shows, the beautiful sunsets that you can enjoy for free, and ice cream.

I am extremely thankful this season for the couple that I was able to help purchase a home this past week. The husband realized the importance of getting his family situated before he leaves for Iraq in January. Despite not thinking he had the necessary finances, we were able to get him the home of his dreams with no money down. It was truly a great feeling to see the beam of sunshine when I handed them the keys to their new home.

HAPPY REFLECTIVE THANKSGIVING SEASON 2008

History was made today!

I am completely in awe over the history that was just made today. As I sat and watch the acceptance speech, I was reminded of those who helped to build this country.

Barack Obama created a unity in the United States that has not been seen since 9/11. I keep hearing the credit being given to African-American voters. Realizing that we are truly talking about approximately 13% of the population this is not possible. This election was about more than race but it is true indication that we are ready for change. This was evident by the 338 electoral votes that were won.

I wonder if we should thank the Redskins for losing their home game. According to the Redskin Rule, how they perform in their final home game determines the presidential election. This rule has an accuracy rate of either 94 or 100 percent depending on how it's applied. Every time the Redskins win their final home game before a presidential election, the candidate representing the incumbent party remains in office. Every time they lose, the incumbent party's candidate loses as well. It's a predictor that has worked in 16 of 17 presidential elections since the Redskins arrived in Washington.....

The White House is in for an overhaul so I encourage everyone to get ready.

Wake up everybody....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTIAAZZXyrc&feature=related

To Vote or Not to Vote

You are probably asking yourself, "Is this really a Question?" Believe it or not it is. I met a young woman today who stated that she was ashamed that she did not even take the time to register to vote. I was completely flabbergasted that she was just starting to feel ashamed. Why did she not feel ashamed as she walked past the many volunteers who have been registering people? Why did she not feel ashamed, when she heard the pleas and cries of many of the importance of voting?



This conversation lead me to think that maybe she did not understand the importance of voting. It is more than voicing your political opinion but a right that many died fighting for. Not to mention the millions of people around the world who have no say in who governs them, so why squander your own power. Can one vote truly make a difference?



I truly believe so especially when I think back to the election of 2000. This was the closest election in the United States to date. Polls indicate that the upcoming election could be even closer yet. If you're not convinced that your vote can make a difference, consider these results from the 2000 presidential race: Nationwide, Al Gore won the popular vote by less than 1 percent and George W. Bush won the electoral vote--and thus the election--by less than 1 percent. Gore needed just four more electoral votes to become president.



I ask you to consider how you will feel on the eve of November 4th after the polls have closed and your candidate did not win, by a mere one vote, how will you feel?



I am committed to get one more person to cast their vote. Can I ask you to do the same thing? Will you offer someone a ride to the voting booth? If they say they are going “later” make a friendly lunch bet with them which one of you will get your “I Voted!” sticker first? You could even have a race to the voting booth. Second one there has to buy lunch!



Don’t present a candidate or an issue. Don’t tell them they have to vote. Ask them to join you in voting on Election Day. You might be surprised how that little nudge is all some people need.The perception that our individual vote does not matter has been perpetuated by the mainstream media. Many legitimate candidates and valid issues have gone unnoticed because of this misunderstanding. You know your vote matters. So does your friend’s vote...and your neighbor’s vote. It is not about the candidate, it is about you exercising your right to vote.



On November 4, 2008 exercise your right to vote. ...and remember why you have that right.