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Michael Jackson Memories

I can't let the passing of pop icon Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, go without mention on my blog. My preteen/early teen years cannot be described without mention of the Thriller album poster that hung on my bedroom wall for about two years. I just loved Michael...his hair and how simply fine he looked in that white suit. My Mom let us scratch up her album listening to "You are the Lady in my Life" and "PYT" over and over again. And, it was just this February that I sat down at the computer one day out of the blue and downloaded all of Michael Jackson's hits from Itunes. I reflected on how one summer I had puppy love for a boy in my neighborhood visiting his relatives, I fell for him because we all thought he looked a little something like Michael Jackson. I got so embarrassed and humiliated by this rotten boy when he told one of the older girls that he fell for that I liked him! I decided then that he was no Michael Jackson who I knew to be way nicer than that. Michael Jackson moved to music like no one else I've ever seen. Instead of him dancing to music it seemed to have played to him. He could bounce and pop to a beat in complete rhythm. I am in complete awe of his raw talent. He was pre hip hop, sold millions, no cursing or degrading. He created style after style, everyone wanted the glove, the jacket, the socks, and the moves! After Thriller my interests in Michael waned, but he had me once again with Dangerous. I remain in admiration of his philanthrophic spirit, love for those with less, appreciation for animals, and willingness to still love people (even though I think people's interest in him caused some terrible damage to his life). While what he did gave me so much in my teen years, I don't think he ever got a chance to experience life as a teen should. My life continues to be blessed by all the music he made so many of his songs stimulate me in a way that I do not get from any other artists' recordings. I know that Michael Jackson will live on and on through Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Rock with You, Wanna Be Startin Somethin, Off the Wall, Remember the Time, Jam, Can't Let Her Get Away, Bad, Man in the Mirror, ...the list goes on. I pray that heaven is blessing him with peace and the ability to just walk around freely!

Letter from Aunt to Niece

I have a niece graduating from middle school this month...I am the oh so proud Aunt who wants to be there every step of the way, but accept that that is an impossibility. She has been a good girl, gotten extremely good grades and stayed sweet and engaged through her young years. She just turned 14! I know many of us hold a special place in our hearts for nieces and nephews and feel in some way we can share the things we've learned and help them along a slightly easier road than the one we took. I have decided to share my letter to her with my readers.

Dear My Sweet and Beautiful Niece Tristen,

As you move on from Middle School to High School the best gift I could think of to give you was my love and my thoughts about things in life that I have experienced. I know you may have your own opinion about a “good gift” , but I hope you will understand why I thought this to be more valuable. I know that you may also have your own opinions on the things I write in this note, my opinion is not necessarily better than yours, I am just giving you some additional perspective...

High school is a good time to set a tone for your life…a prelude to the person you see yourself becoming…the intellectual, the athlete, the social butterfly, fashionista, conservative, politically /socially aware, flamboyant… a self created mix of them all. Explore what really interests YOU! Also, know that this is an ongoing part of life you will evolve into many personalities and personas over the many years, but there will always be an underlying theme.

Don't get too caught up in the small things – homecomings/proms, who said what, who's dating who, all that nonsense - because in the grand scheme of things it doesn’t matter. Keep focused on your studies and having fun with your friends… do what you think feels right , what you think is fun, stay friends with people who you know value you (because they demonstrate it) and keep in touch with them. You don’t need to be in a clique..just hang with people who are on your level of thinking and kindness…those who elevate you and themselves not those who say and do degrading things.

Your friends are just that, they should not and do not define you…be yourself and spend some time reflecting on who you really are and why you (and everyone else who loves you) like that person so much

Stay committed to your studies and good grades…but know that one bad score does not crash the world..pick your self up and do better on the upcoming tests, papers, projects…keep knowing that you can and will graduate at the top. As you go through each of the 4 years, keep in mind what you want out of life…college you want to attend, career you want to have, other goals.

School work first! But… then, friends, social activities, and other school activities should be prioritized in the way that makes you feel most satisfied and successful

Listen to your heart; people will say and do things - if it doesn't feel right - pay attention

It may be tough not to follow the trends, but it will be better in the end…do what Tristen enjoys not what everyone else is doing!

When you feel like you don't belong and you're unsure of yourself, don't forget that everyone else feels the same way, even if they don't show it

Don't put anything on Facebook or Flickr you might regret later

Get involved and try new things. There are things outside of high school that help teenagers realize that there is more to life than what happens within those walls. Challenge yourself to focus on the things you want, not the things you think other people want you to be….making your parents proud will be a direct result of making yourself proud! You'll make mistakes and learn lessons beyond the books and lectures, but life is long and 4 years will never define one person. Enjoy the friendships and embrace the challenges and you'll cherish the memories for the rest of your life...even the bad ones that will help turn you into a well rounded person.

Identify some people who impress you…identify those qualities that you most like and implement them for your self….for example your Mom, Dad, grandparents, even ME, someone like Michelle Obama or Oprah, Harriett Tubman, Sojourner Truth!…people past/present you think you look up to. Anything they’ve accomplished you can too!

Get the most out of your classes. Take advantage of the good grades you make that will lead to free trips, memberships, conferences, events and “once in a lifetime” opportunities.

Keep doing modeling for as long as you like it!

HS is a fun and positive time that involves friends, some drama and work. You will be shaping the next decade by your behavior, so try hard to think before you act. Talk to your parents everyday. Stay connected to trusted adults. Know that you can talk to them, your grandparents, or me about anything!

Be a teenager, enjoy being young without taking on any adult responsibilities or problems.

Dating….there is no hurry to start…be smart and selective…ask and be open to your parents’ feedback and advice on when and who to date. Contrary to what’s popular, dating is NOT a must in high school there are plenty of other things to keep you busy.

Take great pictures of all your fun times so you can look back on them, laugh a lot, stay committed to being healthy and happy!

I think you are special and precious, one of God’s greatest gifts and I look forward to watching you go through high school, come into your own, and enjoying the best of what life offers!

I am so happy for what God has done to bless you.

Congratulations on your accomplishments!

R U Thinking about buying Real Estate...then let's discuss your credit and savings

I meet people everyday who would like to buy real estate and find that they cannot get approved for a mortgage, because they have credit issues. Some are things that will take years to address, however, some may be fixed by taking the right steps over a 3 or 4 month window of time. First, take action, you deserve good credit and you deserve to have the home you can afford and you want to own. Look at your credit report and credit score. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com . Contact a non-profit credit counselor who can help you put things back in order. They are available to help you get your credit straight. They also can explain the financial peices of the home buying process, and help you qualify for grants if you are eligible. You will have to attend their required session(s). Make the time!!!! I also recommend a great book "Girl, Get Your Money Straight" by Glenda Bridgford...yes, even for the fellas! I am excited about the opportunity for First Time Home Buyers to qualify for the 2009 $8,000 credit home buying tax credit, but I am starting to worry that many will wait too late to clean up credit issues or save the downpayment and closing funds to really get in on this phenomenal smart money move!

Why stop Renting???

Many people have been encouraged to keep renting their homes by the news of late about the housing market. In fact, many renters have been breathing a sigh of relief thankful that they are not amongst homeowners who have lost equity in recent times. But, who's really better off in their lifelong financial disposition? Well, each individual will have specific reasons why one situation better fits them than the other. However, time and time again the real numbers look better for homeowners. Here's my rationale. You need a place to live and it is going to cost you something. Well, a prudent person will determine what their income allows them to pay each month whether it is for rent or mortgage. Let's say it's $1,000 per month. That person will find a rental or purchase a house that amounts to that monthy payment. They will each have an upfront cost either a down payment and closing costs or first and last month's rent. Now, a good renter does get that money back when they move out. Conversely, perhaps the down payment and closing costs will be more, but perhaps it won't. In today's environment FHA is qualifying people with satisfactory credit with a 3.5% downpayment. On a $100,000.00 you put down $3,500.00. Many sellers are offsetting closing costs and Housing Counselors are providing similar assistance. Now, what happens with the $1,000.00 paid every month in the two scenarios? Well, the renter's full $1,000.00 goes to the landlord. For the homeowner a portion goes back into their pocket toward their equity in the house (principal) and the interest goes to the lender. Both people get something...a roof over their heads. But, the homeowner gets a little something more. In the end, with closely the same amounts invested as the renter, the homeowner has a house he/she can put on the market and sell. With this ownership there are insurance, tax, and maintenance costs, but a renter will also have insurance costs albeit those are normally lower when you rent. Additionally, the homeowner will be deducting the mortgage interest they pay each year when they file their annual income tax return. Many people use a Rent Vs. Buy Calculator to help make a final decision. Keep in mind you need to compare apples to apples when using one...don't put in $1,000.00 on the rent side and then compare it to a $300,000 home purchase. Give it a try and let me know what you determine.

Dining Out for Less

I want to shout out a website that I think has great potential. Restaurant.com is a concept that makes a lot of "cents". Here's how it works...On the site you are able to search for local restaurants and purchase a gift card for that restaurant at a price that is significantly less than the face value of the gift card. Example, buy a $25.00 gift card for just $10.00...basically getting $15.00 worth of food for free when you dine. I love the idea. The site will be better once they are able to secure more restaurants. I find it convenient when I don't really have any particular venue in mind, but simply want to go out and have a good time with family and/or friends. Now, I check this site without fail anytime I have plans to dine. Additionally, I have signed up directly on sites of my favorite restaurants and found they many are offering $25 certificates for doing so! I hope you will give Restaurant.com a try because maybe with more success the site will get more restaurant owners on board! Plus, in this ecomony this is a smart way for you to save money and still enjoy yourself!!! Let me know what you think!

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SMART MONEY TIPS

Sell items that you purchased but no longer use!

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Visit Your Local Library!

You can check out books, cds, and dvds!!! It's FREE and easy. You save not only the cost of the items, but possibly shipping, gas, and time! Most libraries are now on line and you can conveniently select your items and have them waiting at the check out desk for pick up.

Thinking of Buying a Home

If you consider yourself a smart forward thinking consumer, you may be looking to buy a home in 2009. With a new low mortgage rate of 4.68% for qualified buyers and around 5% for even average buyers; a $8,000 homebuyer tax credit, and affordable homes on the market...NOW is really the time to buy!!!! With all this in mind, taking the first step of checking your credit is essential. Go on line to www.freecreditreport.com to retrieve your credit reports for Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax for free!!!! What a great idea to check your report annually for free and get prepared for making a major purchase like a home!!!

Women of Courage

Life in Philly....walk through City Hall

I am feeling a great affinity for the City of Philadelphia today! I think this is an awesome shot that will be recognized by all Philadelphians as a walk they've probably made over and over again themselves in one of our most historical and familiar places in Philadelphia. Most of you know that as a long time DC resident, I have loved all things Washington DC for a long long time, but this may be evidence that I am falling for Philly too! One day, I will post my top ten favorites of both DC, Philly, and maybe even a few of my hometown Milwaukee, WI favs too!

Mrs. (First Lady) Obama's official White House Picture

What a lovely photograph! I love the simple black dress and pearls. Mrs. Obama is quite simply regal and elegant. A sleeveless First Lady in "the" official picture is reportedly a first. However, we have seen many other pictures of another very regal First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, looking lovely in sleeveless attire. I give Mrs. Obama a thumbs up and commend her on being confident, at ease, and proud of femininity. Way to go Mrs. Obama!

SHOPPING SMART TIP

Buy used For items such as books, CDs and furniture, buy online at discount and auction sites. Take advantage of free shipping offers!

PBS delivers more quality television

Here I am baby, signed, sealed delivered...

I am always grateful for PBS television and I have been an avid watcher since childhood. It is no surprise that this network delivered last Thursday night the airing of Stevie Wonder In Performance At the White House. If you missed it on local television, the full broadcast is available at this link http://www.pbs.org/inperformanceatthewhitehouse/. With the incredible Stevie Wonder as their honored guest, the First Lady, President Obama, and artists such as India Arie, Martina McBride, Mary, Mary and so many more made this an incredible and memorable event to watch. Enjoy!!!

Laura Izibor

Live at North Sea Jazz: I took a liking to Laura Izibor back in late 2006! I immediately liked her music and loved her style and Irish accent. I just heard her song being played on local Philadelphia radio 105.3 a couple of days ago and then saw her video being aired on BET. This young lady is very talented! She's been doing performances in clubs and other small venues in Europe and in the States on the east coast for the past year. I hear she is now going on a global tour with John Legend. When they are in Philly...I will definitely be in one of the seats. Check her out for yourself.

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http://my.barackobama.com/page/invite/presidentaddress

President Obama's address to Joint Session of Congress

The night before last, President Barack Obama stood at the podium in the Chamber of the House of Representatives and addressed Congress and all of the American people. Not officially a "State of the Union" address because this speech taking place just one month following his oath of office is not a reflection on a year of his presidency; but, wow, it felt like a "State of the Union" address. It certainly had all the mechanics and mannerisms of one. The President, flanked by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Joe Biden, spoke directly to the People! I can with much detail recall his stern, frank, and serious talk of how Americans played a role in creating economic strife and the crisis we face. He stood firm that we as Americans have always worked through situations and we will work through this. The fact that he said this and other struggles of the coming years would be hard, hit a personal cord for me. I thought how I must embrace the "hard" things in my life and resolve to work hard and make the difficulty my reason for getting up earlier and working later. Wow, isn't this what we should all do everyday! I can't forget the way he addressed the plight of the Auto Industry in such a simple statement...the automobile was invented by this nation...we won't give that away and give up on what is ours! So, we'll transform it for the times and keep this nation great. And he candidly asked the Congress to have Regulation Legislation drafted and sent to him sooner not later! This is a President who intends to get work done and call on others to Work too. On education (I sent text messages to my 16 year protege and 15 year old niece to remind them they needed to be watching and listening) the President made it clear that a high school diploma is mandatory...no dropping out...but that all Americans must also be educated beyond high school. It is in his plan to make money available, change the costs associated with higher education, shore up community and 2 year colleges...but to simply get education for all of us...this is how we become a better positioned society! He said charter schools are important, the education of all children is now a real part of the national agenda! I was completely emotionally tied into the details of a letter he summarized that was received from a high school student from South Carolina. He echoed the words "we are not quitters, we are not quitters". I work with under served students in Philadelphia volunteer programs who say that on a regular basis and I like President Obama want the country to know that these kids deserve better. The President left me standing in front of the tv applauding his sharpness and wit as he asked Congress (all those esteemed folks in the Chamber that night) to send him the "Kennedy-Hatch" bill to finally get the work of these Senators to law...stop talking and get it done! To paraphrase, Health care reform can and WILL get done! By the time he reminded Republicans, with a wink and his legendary smile, that the deficit was spun out of control under their watch...I was fully entranced. With unbelieveable charisma and subtle humor he told the conservatives that they don't agree with him on everything just "yet". Nancy Pelosi could not help her self from smiling broadly and clapping non stop as President Obama spoke from issue to issue. By this time I was chatting a solo tune of "Obama, Obama!" Having a background as a Finance Executive in Corporate America I was impressed that the President is taking the budget planning process ten years out...this may have been missed by many watching him speak...but I know this is BIG. Budgets are complex and no one wants to budget to begin with but extending it is a very responsible move and shows a great deal of unprecedented accountability. His team has already identied $2Trillion to be saved/redirected. It's been two days now since the speech and moment by moment I continue to recall parts of the speech this is a first...I cannot recall ever remembering so much of a Presidential address. Once again, President Barack Obama has left me with a great deal of reflection and a spirit to get my share of the work done! Boy, I feel like we got the right guy for the job this time.

My Continued Obamania...let the pics continue to flow!

I am glad to have come across these pictures. The first one is simply cute and the Secret Service guys are trying not to "intrude" on the moment. The more recent pic shows a different hairstyle on Mrs. Obama that gives me the urge to change my look for today. I worked in hotels and always loved going to the kitchen to see the presentations for the high end dinners...so I love the shot of Mrs. Obama doing the same. Finally, the Obamas do look "stately" for the Govenors' Dinner.

Real Estate News

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Black History Month

Today, like any other, my mind is on Real Estate (where my passion lies) and so many other things. I am reflecting on the concept of Black History Month. How much it means this year that just one month ago Barack Obama took the oath of office becoming this great nation's first President of color. I often hear other people say and agree myself that Black history like all history is not about one month of the year but is important discussion year round. This morning I cherish the large scale accomplishments of African Americans, like Barack Obama. But I am feeling more in tune with what I have been given by those closest to me. My beautiful, strong, God-fearing mother who's ability to raise children, be a sister, daughter, aunt, grandmother, and wife all while carrying a spirit of love and kindness often gives me pause. I think of how she blessed me with making sure I knew her love for the Lord and making sure that I was raised to know his goodness and the power it could have in my life. I think of each of my aunts and older cousins...Beverly, Sharon, Nellie, Helen, Benita, Kay, Jeanie, Bertha, Viney...the list goes on. These women give me strength and a mirror. I continue to live my life, holding my head high, and offer the best of myself to those around me because of the Black History these women have made.