It’s nearly 3:00 in the morning, and I am awake. I mean, I am wide awake. The baby and Mr. J are sleeping, and I am reasonably certain that a dog is curled up on my pillow in the bed, but I am here . . . awake. It just seems so peaceful right now, and I am enjoying the moment.
I have always loved my solitude.Â
I love having Mr. J here with me, and our child just seems to have enriched my life in ways that I could never have imagined, but I enjoy the quiet moments, too, when it is just me.
I should probably be in there counting sheep or something, trying to bank some extra Zs, but tonight, it’s not going to happen. It’s been a while since I had this.
I see that the new “Rich Text Editor” is done. Where is my “full justify” button? I don’t know whether I am just that OCD, or what, but I like the symmetry of the fully justified page. The left justify just seems . . . off balance. Guess I will have to learn some HTML now. Like I don’t have enough going on.
The baby is growing. She had lost over a pound after she was born, and I had to put her on a tight feeding schedule to try to get her to gain some weight. I took her to the doctor last week, and she had gained 6 ounces. Mr. J and I are going in this afternoon, as well, to see if she is back up to her birth weight, and I am fairly certain that she is. She is eating like we announced that we won’t feed her tomorrow.Â
I think feeding my daughter taught me one of my first lessons of motherhood: no matter how much I want what is best for my child, I can’t always make it happen. And it’s so frustrating! Coming into this, I wanted to breastfeed her. I’m not sure why my heart was so set on that, but it was something that I was very determined to do. After watching her lose so much weight, having a doctor recommend supplementing with formula, crying over dry diapers, worrying that she was becoming dehydrated, and having a representative of the local La Leche League tell me that the primary goal was to feed her, rather than clinging so tightly to my own preferences, I had to face the fact that I won’t be able to do what I wanted. At least not exclusively.Â
That was hard, because it made me face the fact that, although I firmly believe that she would receive the most nutritional benefit from me, I can’t give her that. I was talking to a friend about it over coffee yesterday, and we agreed that the hardest thing about it is that no one can do anything to change the fact that I can’t produce what she needs, which is very hard to accept. On top of that, no matter how much Mr. J wants to help, and wants to alleviate my anxieties about that, he can’t make me get “out of my own head,” so to speak, and to accept that I am doing everything possible for her.Â
I’m getting there, with the help of every wet and soiled diaper, the appearance of plump little cheeks and double chin, and every satisfied sigh she makes when I lay her down after giving her a bottle. It’s not what I had planned, but she seems to be thriving now . . . and that trumps the rigid plans I had for how I would feed her.
I think most people won’t really understand or care about this issue, but it had been consuming my life for the last couple of weeks. Writing about it helps. After today, though, I hope to never revisit the issue. It is what it is and I am dead certain that there will be bigger issues that will come up in the future. If I get fixated on every stumbling block that might come up, I won’t enjoy parenting her, and that’s what matters, really.Â
Isn’t it?
Sorry for all the domesticity that is consuming everything right now, including my writing. There are actually some non-baby related blogs I would like to write about at some point in the near future . . . just not tonight.
I have probably had enough quiet and should go back to bed. I really
hope all is well with everyone, and that life is treating you kindly.
Remember my weekly LIVE internet show I used to do with Scoop Deville? This is not a reality show it’s just a weekly thing we can do RAW & UNCUT either back on Nowlive or Ustream?
We decided Ustream!! We will be documenting my career LIVE. I have ALOT going on business wise that would be interesting for you to watch as it unfolds LIVE. After all I did and DO all of this on my own. I think it would be great
so you can get to know me better as my brand begins to surface in
mainstream on a SERIOUS LEVEL. Trust me yall are gonna trip on the deals I have 
:) God blesses all who believes.
Second show; LIVE from the recording studio. May 7th after 5pm ish. Exact times TBA.
I wont be able to approve all my comments here because I
will be on my phone in Hawaii. I’ll see you then
XOXO
Somaya Reece
I’m lovin this song right now by Taylor Swift - Love Story so cute awwwww
Hey everybody,
After you check out Michelle in Fast & Furious this weekend, swing by a post a comment right here in reply to this blog letting Michelle know what you thought. She’s always interested in the honest opinions of her fans, whatever they may be. Thanks as always and one love from Michelle to you all.
- Webmaster
There was a time in my life when Christians annoyed me. I remember them approaching me, thumpin’ their Bibles with their wide-eyed warnings and goofy grins. I was confused at how they could talk about the love and salvation of Jesus and the evil and destructive Apocalypse in the same breath. I remember them cautioning that I needed to prepare myself for Christ’s return because “the end was near”. I rejected their message and inwardly scoffed at how presumptuous and brainwashed I felt they were. Looking back, I realize that I refused to listen and study the Bible because I did not want the Christians to be right - my treasures were here on earth and I was not interested in focusing on the hereafter (“There are none who are as deaf as those who do not want to hear”). However, human beings are both flesh and spirit. Although my flesh was clinging to this world, my spirit ached for the eternal - and demanded that I do my homework.
So…
fast forward, here I am - a Bible thumper. I now understand the urgency behind the wide-eyed warnings and the love and hope behind the goofy grins. I understand that the Bible stands alone as God’s word to man and that no other book in human history speaks of the future like the Bible. Just as the B.C. generations were called to study Messianic prophecy in order to recognize Christ’s First Coming, we are called to study End Times prophecy to recognize the signs of His Second Coming. I have had amazing opportunities to learn from some of the best Bible prophecy/Middle East experts from around the world. How do they know that we are headed toward the tribulation hour? We are among the first generations to understand the following:
“Rise in scoffers/deception”
The Bible warns that near the End Times, there will be a rise in people scoffing at the Bible, Christians, and talk of Christ’s return. “Scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying “Where is the promise of His coming?” (2 Peter 3:2) If you’re scoffing right now â you are a part of prophecy fulfilled ;). There will also be a rise in false teachers, false prophets, cults, messages that contradict the Bible and appeal to people’s sinful nature. Many of us are frustrated with the blatant displays of evil and abhorrence of facts, logic, reason… how some people can’t see the obvious. Daniel 12:10 warned us that in the end “The wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.” 2 Timothy 3:6-7 tries to explain that ignorance of the Bible will lead to deception. As my pastor put it, “If you don’t know your Bible, you will be fooled.”
“Rise in pestilence, famines, earthquakes, natural disasters”
(Matthew 24:3-7) I recently had a government official at my school site. His job was to prepare/inform our staff of the procedures for lock down/quarantine concerning the spread of highly contagious pan epidemic flus/viruses. The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration stated that over the past 25 years we’ve experienced an increase in super storms and earthquakes like the world has never seen. According to Rev 16:18:“There will be such a mighty and great earthquake as has not occurred since men were on the earth.” Liberals have their scapegoat ready to go: Global Warming. The Left has appropriately renamed their religion “Climate Change”… and yes, our climate is and will continue to make some serious changes.
“Rebirth of Israel”
After the Romans sacked Jerusalem in 70 AD, the Jews were scattered across the earth - just as prophecy predicted (Deuteronomy 28:64). On May 14, 1948, after almost 1900 years, Israel became a state again and the Jews returned home. This event fulfilled Bible prophecy (Deut. 30:5, Is. 11:11-12, Ez. 36:24, Is. 66:8), and was nothing short of a miracle. Through his parables, Jesus cautioned that when Israel regains sovereignty, you will know that the End Times and Kingdom of God is near.
“Wars and rumors of wars”
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” (Matthew 24:6-7). Wars are occurring all around the world, but the ultimate and final battle will be for Jerusalem. The demonic ideology of antisemitism is on the rise again. The Bible warns us of God’s punishment on the nation’s that divide Israel’s land (yet that is EXACTLY what we are trying to do) and that in the end, ALL nations will rise up against Israel and be punished for it (Zech 12:3, Joel 3:2). Revelation 9:16 discusses an army of 200 million that (combined with pestilence and natural disasters) will wipe out a third of mankind. As the world’s population rises above 6 billion, it is increasingly possible to amass an army of 200 million, but this would have been unthinkable even 100 years ago. In Zechariah 14:12, concerning the final battle it states “Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet, their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets, and their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths.” Past generations did not understand this type of instant and complete destruction, but we do â it’s describing how the human body reacts when exposed to an H-bomb.
“Knowledge Explosion”
The book of Daniel describes a great increase of knowledge that the world will experience towards the End Times. Revelations discusses how people from around the globe will be able to access knowledge instantly and simultaneously, that people from all over the world will watch the apocalyptic events as they are unfolding. While this was incomprehensible to past generations, it is common practice for us today thanks to television/internet/satellite (can we say web cams, cell phone videos, You Tube?). Our generation also understands how technology has paved the way for “the mark of the beast” (possibly a micro chip) that a person will have to have in order to “buy or sell”. This mark will also show your allegiance to the anti-Christ and his One World Religion. According to Rev. 20:4, those who refuse the mark will be beheaded. How is it that something as barbaric and ancient as beheadings will be common practice in the future? Here’s a possibility: “I will cast dread into the heart of the infidels: Strike off their heads then, and strike off from them every finger-tip” (Koran, Sura 8:12)
“Every single country mentioned in the Scriptures, regarding the end of time, that God punishes, for attacking Israel, is Muslim today⦠Do you have 365 days, eight hours a day, so I can show you what the Bible says about the coming Islamic invasion of the world? It’s all over Scripture! God didn’t forget to tell us. You forgot to read the Bible. It is all in there.” ~Walid Shoebat
Walid Shoebat is an ex-PLO terrorist and converted Muslim. As he studied the Bible he realized that Islam’s savior, Mahdi (aka: the Twelfth Imam) is the anti-Christ of the Bible. According to Shoebat, the Bible names the anti-Christ as ruler of the world, but specifically names: “Assyrian” (Syria),”Persian” (Iran), “King of Babylon” (Iraq), “Prince of Tyre” (Lebanon), “Pharoah of Egypt”. The anti-Christ will want to change time (hello lunar calendar), change laws (hello Sharia), will have a disdain for women (hello burka) and persecute Christians, Jews and all others who refuse to accept him (hello infidels) (Daniel 7:25, 11:37, Revelations). The Islamic world has announced that Mahdi will be returning soon. According to Islamic belief, Mahdi will dominate the world, confirm a peace treaty, abolish the treaty half way through (what is known to Muslims as hudna and al-taqiyya), persecute the infidels, attempt to destroy Israel… sound familiar? It’s not only Bible prophecy (Zechariah, Daniel, Revelations) it’s Islamic prophecy as well.
Jesus says that although we will not know the exact hour, we will know He is returning by the signs. “So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near â at the doors”. (Mark 13:29)
With wars raging, the dollar falling, Islam rising, natural disasters and pan epidemics looming, our choice of candidates for the ’08 elections - why the goofy grin? I have found the ultimate treasure and it is not of this world.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-20
For those who are interested, I have posted a short blog about the day Cate was born here. If Myspace says the site is spam, I assure you that it isn’t, but if you need to cut and paste the address, it is
http://chronicles.weebloggity.com/2009/04/23/the-birth-of-the-baby-formerly-known-as-the-blob/
REPOST - Steph MGMT
My sis took NINJA STYLE! She didn’t tell me she was filming. I was all taking pics on the beach 4 ya. It was on video lol
My best friend got married this weekend. Congrats to Giancarlo and Celines!
Here’s an exclusive pic of the me with the bride:
(Photo credit: greenhoodstudio.com)
There was a time in my life when Christians annoyed me. I remember them approaching me, thumpin’ their Bibles with their wide-eyed warnings and goofy grins. I was confused at how they could talk about the love and salvation of Jesus and the evil and destructive Apocalypse in the same breath. I remember them cautioning that I needed to prepare myself for Christ’s return because “the end was near”. I rejected their message and inwardly scoffed at how presumptuous and brainwashed I felt they were. Looking back, I realize that I refused to listen and study the Bible because I did not want the Christians to be right - my treasures were here on earth and I was not interested in focusing on the hereafter (“There are none who are as deaf as those who do not want to hear”). However, human beings are both flesh and spirit. Although my flesh was clinging to this world, my spirit ached for the eternal - and demanded that I do my homework.
So…
fast forward, here I am - a Bible thumper. I now understand the urgency behind the wide-eyed warnings and the love and hope behind the goofy grins. I understand that the Bible stands alone as God’s word to man and that no other book in human history speaks of the future like the Bible. Just as the B.C. generations were called to study Messianic prophecy in order to recognize Christ’s First Coming, we are called to study End Times prophecy to recognize the signs of His Second Coming. I have had amazing opportunities to learn from some of the best Bible prophecy/Middle East experts from around the world. How do they know that we are headed toward the tribulation hour? We are among the first generations to understand the following:
“Rise in scoffers/deception”
The Bible warns that near the End Times, there will be a rise in people scoffing at the Bible, Christians, and talk of Christ’s return. “Scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying “Where is the promise of His coming?” (2 Peter 3:2) If you’re scoffing right now â you are a part of prophecy fulfilled ;). There will also be a rise in false teachers, false prophets, cults, messages that contradict the Bible and appeal to people’s sinful nature. Many of us are frustrated with the blatant displays of evil and abhorrence of facts, logic, reason… how some people can’t see the obvious. Daniel 12:10 warned us that in the end “The wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.” 2 Timothy 3:6-7 tries to explain that ignorance of the Bible will lead to deception. As my pastor put it, “If you don’t know your Bible, you will be fooled.”
“Rise in pestilence, famines, earthquakes, natural disasters”
(Matthew 24:3-7) I recently had a government official at my school site. His job was to prepare/inform our staff of the procedures for lock down/quarantine concerning the spread of highly contagious pan epidemic flus/viruses. The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration stated that over the past 25 years we’ve experienced an increase in super storms and earthquakes like the world has never seen. According to Rev 16:18:“There will be such a mighty and great earthquake as has not occurred since men were on the earth.” Liberals have their scapegoat ready to go: Global Warming. The Left has appropriately renamed their religion “Climate Change”… and yes, our climate is and will continue to make some serious changes.
“Rebirth of Israel”
After the Romans sacked Jerusalem in 70 AD, the Jews were scattered across the earth - just as prophecy predicted (Deuteronomy 28:64). On May 14, 1948, after almost 1900 years, Israel became a state again and the Jews returned home. This event fulfilled Bible prophecy (Deut. 30:5, Is. 11:11-12, Ez. 36:24, Is. 66:8), and was nothing short of a miracle. Through his parables, Jesus cautioned that when Israel regains sovereignty, you will know that the End Times and Kingdom of God is near.
“Wars and rumors of wars”
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” (Matthew 24:6-7). Wars are occurring all around the world, but the ultimate and final battle will be for Jerusalem. The demonic ideology of antisemitism is on the rise again. The Bible warns us of God’s punishment on the nation’s that divide Israel’s land (yet that is EXACTLY what we are trying to do) and that in the end, ALL nations will rise up against Israel and be punished for it (Zech 12:3, Joel 3:2). Revelation 9:16 discusses an army of 200 million that (combined with pestilence and natural disasters) will wipe out a third of mankind. As the world’s population rises above 6 billion, it is increasingly possible to amass an army of 200 million, but this would have been unthinkable even 100 years ago. In Zechariah 14:12, concerning the final battle it states “Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet, their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets, and their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths.” Past generations did not understand this type of instant and complete destruction, but we do â it’s describing how the human body reacts when exposed to an H-bomb.
“Knowledge Explosion”
The book of Daniel describes a great increase of knowledge that the world will experience towards the End Times. Revelations discusses how people from around the globe will be able to access knowledge instantly and simultaneously, that people from all over the world will watch the apocalyptic events as they are unfolding. While this was incomprehensible to past generations, it is common practice for us today thanks to television/internet/satellite (can we say web cams, cell phone videos, You Tube?). Our generation also understands how technology has paved the way for “the mark of the beast” (possibly a micro chip) that a person will have to have in order to “buy or sell”. This mark will also show your allegiance to the anti-Christ and his One World Religion. According to Rev. 20:4, those who refuse the mark will be beheaded. How is it that something as barbaric and ancient as beheadings will be common practice in the future? Here’s a possibility: “I will cast dread into the heart of the infidels: Strike off their heads then, and strike off from them every finger-tip” (Koran, Sura 8:12)
“Every single country mentioned in the Scriptures, regarding the end of time, that God punishes, for attacking Israel, is Muslim today⦠Do you have 365 days, eight hours a day, so I can show you what the Bible says about the coming Islamic invasion of the world? It’s all over Scripture! God didn’t forget to tell us. You forgot to read the Bible. It is all in there.” ~Walid Shoebat
Walid Shoebat is an ex-PLO terrorist and converted Muslim. As he studied the Bible he realized that Islam’s savior, Mahdi (aka: the Twelfth Imam) is the anti-Christ of the Bible. According to Shoebat, the Bible names the anti-Christ as ruler of the world, but specifically names: “Assyrian” (Syria),”Persian” (Iran), “King of Babylon” (Iraq), “Prince of Tyre” (Lebanon), “Pharoah of Egypt”. The anti-Christ will want to change time (hello lunar calendar), change laws (hello Sharia), will have a disdain for women (hello burka) and persecute Christians, Jews and all others who refuse to accept him (hello infidels) (Daniel 7:25, 11:37, Revelations). The Islamic world has announced that Mahdi will be returning soon. According to Islamic belief, Mahdi will dominate the world, confirm a peace treaty, abolish the treaty half way through (what is known to Muslims as hudna and al-taqiyya), persecute the infidels, attempt to destroy Israel… sound familiar? It’s not only Bible prophecy (Zechariah, Daniel, Revelations) it’s Islamic prophecy as well.
Jesus says that although we will not know the exact hour, we will know He is returning by the signs. “So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near â at the doors”. (Mark 13:29)
With wars raging, the dollar falling, Islam rising, natural disasters and pan epidemics looming, our choice of candidates for the ’08 elections - why the goofy grin? I have found the ultimate treasure and it is not of this world.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-20
I don’t know if Chris Brown hit Rihanna, or not, but I have thought about this story all day today.Â
Honestly, I am not even sure why I listen to that show in the morning. Usually, someone on the show makes me want to put my head through my medicine chest mirror. Today, as I was listening to the rumor about Chris Brown, it was a statement made by one of the personalities along the lines of, “How do you hit a woman as hot as Rihanna??”
Now, my first reaction was to physically turn to my radio and ask, “How do you hit any woman . . . asshat?” But, really, that’s not the right question, either, I think. Although you don’t hear as much about it, the fact of the matter is that there are women who abuse men, as well. I’m not sure why that seems less offensive and doesn’t garner as much attention, but the fact is that it does happen. Either way, it’s not right, and it has nothing to do with whether the victim is drop-dead gorgeous, or not.
But what does this mean for Chris Brown and Rihanna?
I read a really interesting blog earlier, which I recommend to you for your consideration. In this blog, the author, Billy Johnson, raised some very good points. According to Johnson, if Chris Brown did hit Rihanna, his career could be in jeopardy . . . or not. And I completely agree with him.
Of course, with stories like this, there is usually outrage against the alleged aggressor and predictions that his career is finished. Certainly, if the allegations are true, he is going to be faced with the consequences of his actions, which will include the potential loss of endorsements, such as his most famous one with Wrigley’s Doublemint Gum. His sales will probably diminish significantly, and he will lose fans. His reputation will forever be marked by the fact that he hit his girlfriend, but is that fatal?
I don’t think so. Unfortunately, I think that Dave “Davey D” Cook, who was quoted by Johnson, might have a point when he theorizes that the music industry will protect Brown. He cites the glamorization and glorification of pimps, a profession that is hardly worthy of glorification. Cook also pointed to other celebrities who have been accused of domestic violence, yet emerged relatively unscathed, such as Ike Turner, Dr. Dre, and Big Pun. To that list, I would add James Brown. But is the forgiveness that has been shown to these celebrities due to their status as celebrities, alone, or is it based, in part, on the fact that people do make mistakes.
Yes, I am mentioning domestic violence and mistake in the same blog.Â
Why?
Because I think there are those who will always be “abusers,” and then there are those who make mistakes in the heat of the moment, learn from those mistakes, and never repeat them. Does Chris Brown fall into that group? I don’t know. What I do know is that he is nineteen-years-old, and that is an age at which one’s recklessly impulsive actions are hardly indicative of one’s true character.Â
People make mistakes.
When I was younger, I called someone a racial slur. I knew that it was unacceptable when I used the slur, but I was young, and I was angry. Does that careless comment made when I was so young reflect who I am today? I certainly hope not, but it doesn’t change the fact that I said it. I think the analogy here is appropriate if one is not a repeat offender.Â
That’s probably not the most popular view, but I do think one’s age is relevant.
But only if Chris Brown is able to prove that he is young and made a stupid mistake. If this incident is merely the first in what will be a pattern of violence, all bets are off.
I would want someone to give me the benefit of the doubt in that situation.
One thing I do know, however, is that the victim should not be blamed. I don’t care who the victim is and how hot she may be. I don’t even care if she acted like the biggest bitch in the world. According to Cook, however, that is exactly what is happening. He said that some people are lashing out at Rihanna for “snitching” on Chris Brown.
O. M. G.
Have we not moved past that ugly part of society that blames the victim yet? That ugly part that puts such shame on the victim that many crimes go unreported?Â
“If you tell, no one will believe you?”
“Keep your personal business personal.”
What. the. hell?
If Chris Brown did hit Rihanna, notwithstanding my own willingness to give him the benefit of the doubt, it should have been reported. He should have turned himself in. He should have been charged with a crime. He should deal with the consequences of his actions. And the blame for putting all that out there should not be put on the victim. Even if she provoked an argument, as some are speculating, did she make him hit her?
If the events played out like I have heard, there was a line that was crossed and any blame for the publicity that resulted from the crossing of that line is on the person who resorted to domestic violence, not on the victim of that violence. An argument between the two of them should remain between the two of them. I think that most couples argue and God knows I don’t want the private details of my marital spats in the news. Once the line is crossed into the physical, however, all bets are off, and to call that “snitching” on the part of the victim is simply reprehensible. Forget the hot singer. What does that tell young girls and boys who might find themselves in that situation who don’t have the benefit of the media to jump to their defense? That telling is snitching and should be avoided?
I do think that people make mistakes, and that this might have been one by Chris Brown. I also believe that one’s life and career does not have to be completely ruined over such mistakes, as ugly as they might be at the time. The key, for me, is whether it was an aberration in one’s character, or a symptom of psychological problems that will manifest itself in future domestic disturbances. No matter what, though, the blame should not be put on the person who was the victim of the violence, even if the altercation giving rise to the violence was initiated by the victim, in the first place. And we have to encourage such incidents to be reported, investigated, and prosecuted, rather than trying to push the ugliness back under the rug. Not only does that remind the agressor that domestic violence is not acceptable, but it could also teach the victim that he or she doesn’t have to live in shame like that. Hopefully, two, not just one, ugly cycles will be broken that way.