I'm following my passion!

The Goriness behind the Rose      Women love roses.  They are beautiful and smell equally as nice.  The 🌹 today represents love and friendship.  But, do you know what the rose was initially used for? Ladies beware.  If you see a man with a 🌹 tattoo, WATCH OUT! It could have a different meaning that what you perceive.  You may see it and think how sweet! But it could mean he is sentenced to death.  Chances are this is not true today but in the 16th century, men who were sentenced to death were branded with a rose tattoo.  Whoa!   Comment Below! ❤🌷

A New App That Helps Treat Substance Abuse The reSET is an app that is NEWLY approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).      The Purpose of the app is to help treat alcohol,cocaine, marajuana and stimulant medications.  The app is NOT intended for OPIOID dependence.  It is intended to deliver behavioral therapy that will lead a person to abstain from substance abuse and encourage an increase in outpatient therapy. "The Reset device is indicated as a prescription-only adjunct treatment for patients with SUD who are not currently on opioid replacement therapy, who do not abuse alcohol solely, or whose primary substance of abuse is not opioids." (FDA 2017)      In a 12 week clinical trial including 400 people that used the app, 40.3 abstained from alcohol, cocaine, marajuana or stimulant medications. In my opinion, I am very optimistic about the reSET app.  Many use digital technology to get motivation. I use the NIKE app  Apps have the ability t

ANGER ON THE NET       Anger is an emotion.  At some point,  everyone will feel this way. No one is exempt.  It's how you cope or deal with the anger that sets you apart from all others.        Last week, I ordered a Jersey from an online store.  Then, I received an email stating my product had been delivered.  NO ONE informed me that the post office delivered invisible packages.   So, quite naturally,  I was upset.  I called to find out where the package was.  They responded with the unusual, "We will do an investigation and let you know".  Needless to say, they claimed to have put it in my mailbox (the one that requires a key). Now, I hate to say this BUT somebody is not being truthful and it is not ME!      Next step was to call the store itself to inform them of the matter at hand. OMG! They no longer have my product in stock!!😡😡😡  Anger Mode!!!  SMH.  Pay for Jersey,  JERSEY STOLEN and now, there are no more in stock. This suuuuucks.  But, the good thing

Wayback Burger      I try really hard to eat right!  As a nurse, I know all about fat, cholesterol and heart attacks.  The sum of its parts equal a whole. Right?       As I runner, I know better.  To be an efficient 🏃 requires a healthy diet!  Every time I finish a race and see my time, I tell myself the next race will be better.  But, it happens.  Food calls me.  I'm not talking about the healthy stuff.       Funny this is, after a workout, my body goes into eat mode.  On this particular day, I went to Wayback Burgers.  I bought the Triple Triple for my brother and the cheesy burger for me.        Let's talk about the Triple Triple.  That is a 9 Tier burger.  Did you hear me? 9 beef patties with a bun.  I must admit their burgers are ROCKING!! My brother tried to devour that burger but ummmm No! The burger won.  Waybackburgers are a better quality burger than other fast food restaurants such as 🍔 king.  The Triple Triple burger was approximately $17.00.  

Monday Motivation      It is said that art is the imitation of life. What picture are you painting? Are you a mural of love?   Is your aura so potent that others want to emulate?  Be the paradigm of love and hope.  Beseige hate of all realms, even that which resides within you.  Let your fears wither . So that your that your soul blooms,  exuding peace and strength.  I am praying for everyone in that they will have a very productive week.  May you surpass all your goals! I pray for your safety and an overall abundance of health, peace and kindness.  Your biggest subjugation may actually be you.  Get your thoughts together.  Think positively . Be well. Peace, Love and Blessings! 

Are Your Hands Causing Death?      Runners love their volunteers but what exactly are they giving you? Is that fruit really healthy or is it contaminated?  Or better yet, when you eat out, is everyone cleansing their hands properly? Your answer should be Yes to both of these questions because if not,  you are putting your life and the lives of your family and friends  at a huge risk for illness or maybe even death.      I’m sure many of you have already heard of Hepatitis C.  Hepatitis C is a chronic disease of the liver.  But, what is Hepatitis A?  According to the WHO (World Health Organization), Hep A is a viral liver disease that is closely associated with unsafe water or food contaminated), inadequate sanitation and poor personal hygiene.      This is scary because as a runner, we rely on our volunteers.  Many of them are standing out there for hours, passing out food.  Some use the porta -a-potty just as the runners.  This makes one think about how effectively are they was

Micah”s Honors      Only eight years old but Micah is a brave soul.  She is good at taking matters into her own hands. But then she is eight and totally aloof to life’s dangers. A Glorious Morning   It’s 6:30 am and Micha is wide awake lying in bed.  She is not sleeping, just waiting for Mom’s morning call.  As soon as mom, Kia, walked into the room, Micah pranced out of bed.  She ran to mom, gave her a hug and said, “I can’t wait to see if I’ll get an award today”!  Kia just gazed and smiled at her little girl and replied, “Oh my prodigy child, I am so sorry I can’t be there but I can’t wait to see them”. Looking confused, Micah ran to get her dictionary to look up the word prodigy.  “Mom, don’t worry I will bring it home and tell you all about it”.  Micah hurried to get ready for school and waited patiently to mom to finished getting ready for work.  She was downstairs lying in front of the door with her head propped up on her book bad as if it was a pillow.  Kia could

       Don't Fret Friday      Ok Ladies and Gents,  you have made it to Friday! Yippie Yahoooeeee!! First lets be thankful to have made it to this day.  TGIF!! Someone will be upset I am praising God for another day . But, that's ok .  It's Don't Fret Friday!!      Go to work, smile at everyone!! Say hello to the enemy. Add some 😱 value to your enemy's life.  It's about taking back control over your happiness.  Remember,  "He that angers you control's you". If someone accidentally spills coffee on you, offer to buy you and her a cup.  What buy her a cup but...? Yes, because believe it or not, she is probably just as upset as you. Even if that person meant to do it, Don't Fret! She is not worth the sweat.      Guys, if your coworker steps on your fresh kicks, Peace it up! Heck, Give him a pound and hug. Shrug it off!!   Don't Fret! Let it Gooooooo.            Be safe and enjoy your day. Keep all demons at bay.  Don

BUBONIC PLAGUE: THEN AND NOW 📷: Courtesy of Alchetron      The Bubonic Plague, also known as “The Black Death”, was one of the most catastrophic diseases in history.  This disease originated in China in the 1800’s and lasted until 1959.  “Black Death” is known to have  spread to Europe killing 25 million people. It is believed to have caused 75 million deaths worldwide.   The illness eradicated entire cities, leaving no living souls.  Corpses filled the streets.  Mortality rates were high and occurred rapidly.  Historians believe that due to the high mortality rates, those living were forced to develop new ways in which to survive thus advancing technologically, economically and socially. These advancements led to the Renaissance of the 14 th Century. CAUSES      Plagues are caused by the bacteria, Yesenia pestis.  The bacteria infects small rodents such as rats and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected fleas. The Plague is categorized by the area in whi

The New Nursing Student   📷: Courtesy of Amazon      Congratulations!  You have made it.  You have graduated high school and have been accepted into nursing school.  What should you expect?   First and foremost, make sure you are in  the right program.  You may not be aware but there is a shift in nursing.  There is a greater demand for nursing for Registered Nurses than Licensed Practical Nurses.  Finding a job as a LPN may prove to be more difficult than those having a RN license.    Many hospitals are no longer hiring LPN's.  there is a notion that RN"s have a better understanding and a better skill set than LPN's thus reducing the chance of medical errors.      Secondly, nursing is Hard!  Don't choose this major just for the money.  You must have a great deal of patience.  while one can certainly make money in nursing, you will EARN every penny.  I knew at the age of nine that I wanted to help people.  My parents bought me a nursing kit and I promise

Are You Airing Out Your Baby?                               Pic:Courtesy of Getty Images      In the 1920's to 1930's, airing out your baby was very popular.  Getting the proper amount of air was   paramount to cleanse the blood, build an immunity to certain illnesses as well as an adaptation to cold.  This belief was in all the parenting magazines in the early 20th century.      Dr. Luther Emmett Holt wrote a book called, "Care and Feeding of Children", in which he coined the term "airing".  Dr. Holt explained that the child should be dressed with a bonnet and a light jacket, put in a crib  and placed in a room with all the windows open and the doors shut.  Dr. Holt believed that fresh air is wss important as food with regards to health and growth.  It was believed that this practice would toughen babies.      Now, there are no reports that Dr. Holt actually condoned putting a baby in a cage and sitting the child condone but that's

                                           My Oxymoronic Addiction      I like to think of myself as a strong willed person.  I constantly find myself in a reckless, confused and weak state.  How and why do I constantly fall victim to a can of soda?  I'm not sure if it's the fizz, caffeine or great taste that has me in a tangled mess!      For one, it is loaded with sugar.  Could this be the reason I'm struggling with my weight? Secondly,  it contains caffeine which is known to be addictive, leads to an irregular heartbeat and terrible headaches.  Lastly, it contains caramel color of which studies have linked it to cancer.  Caramel color is only used for aesthetic reasons in soda.  The color is allegedly appealing to the eye. Well it is downright appalling.  What's packed in this can is potentionally harming me and I hate it for that.  Studies report that soda containing less than 29 micrograms may not be harmful.  Knowing that soda can lead to a horrible death, one

     Best Advice  From a Psychologist      Siiiiiigh.  It's time for class!  I don't want to gooooo.  I fought! I tried talking myself out of going that night but no matter how many excuses I could come up with, they didn't make sense. Why? No, they weren't whimsical like, a bicyclist ran over my foot and blah blah blah.  The fact remained I was already out of the house. So, I got out of the car, dragging my feet, stomping up the stairs but I was present. Yaaay.       As soon as I walked in, the professor was standing at the door welcoming everyone.  Needless to say, I was the last one in, so he shut the door behind me.  Guess what? I woke up.  Um hmmm.  The energy in the room was so jovial, I had no choice but to wake up.       The Professor started his lecture right away.  His words were, "Get yourself an eclectic friend and you will never need a psychologist"  WHOA!  I never imagined hearing this from a Psychologist.   According to Mer

     Making Sense of your Urine Scents      Pay attention to your urine.  It can be indicative of many ailments going on in your body.  Or, it may not be nothing at all.  We've all eaten some asparagus and then when it is time to urinate,  your urine is malodorous.   Yes, this can happen after certain food you eat and or medications you take.      Do you know that sweet/fruity smelling urine can mean you may have Diabetes?  YeYesit's true. No, it's not because you are made of sugar and spice and everything nice.  Click this link http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/urine-odor/basics/causes/sym-20050704  , to learn more. Seek medical attention if any symptoms are persistent. A quick check up does more good than harm. This is just my two cents.😂 Please comment and follow

               Workin' til Death      You are doing it.  You are a boss. Not only are you a boss but you are a phenomenal wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend.  Whew, that's alto of titles.  But let me ask a serious question, how's your sleep? Are you getting enough?      While I had the fortunate experience of working as a Hospice nurse, I was blessed to meet so many people of all races, cultures and many socioeconomic groups.  One patient I will never forget is a beautiful Asian doctor.  She had two children, a husband and a host of siblings.  A beautiful family indeed. It hurt my heart deeply to see someone in her late forties lying there breathless.  I wanted so much for her to wake up and hug her children.      Listen to her story.  She was a doctor, wife, mother, sister, homeowner.  Basically, she carried a heavy load.  When she got off work her family had to eat.  She was the cook.  So, she bought home the bacon and had to cook it too.  She dropped dead in f

              MINORITY WOMEN LISTEN      First, let me address what I mean by minority women. If, you are not ANGLO-AXON, blonde haired blue- eyed white, I am speaking to you.       This Cam Newton incident really has me perturbed.  I watched Trump degrade women on national TV and was elected President of the US.  Howbehavior Trump's behavior is indicative of how many other men act.  But why is this happening.  Trump knows like I know, women throw value out the window when penis and money come into play.  Cam Newton is being destroyed due to the fact that he said, "I'm surprised a woman is asking me...".  This is ludicrous. Stop jumping on that bandwagon and learn to think independently.    This overly sensitive nature is the exact reason why Hillary Clinton is not President.       I am infuriated at the fact that this is being blown out of proportion knowing that if Cam came to any of the complaining woman, most would drop their panties and accept what he was sa

              Living your Life after Vegas      We've all read about what happened in Las Vegas, Nevada.   It is horrific.  Yes, we can't deny that fact.   My plea to you is stop watching this story.  Why am I saying this? You're getting fixated on what happened.  Is that wrong.  It very well can be.  You are putting yourself at risk of sending yourself into a deep depression or a nervous breakdown.  Perseverating over this story bad for your mentality.   Give yourself a break.  Watch it once.  Get outside spread some love.  Say hello to your neighbors. That is why we are here.  There must be evil to drive us closer to each other.  Evil is like a fire that can not be put out with WATER.  But, the two are synonymous.  Fire requires oxygen in order to get bigger.  Without oxygen it will extinguish.  DON'T breathe life into it let's extinquish it.  Let's suffocate it.  Let's add some detergent to it.  We are the cleaning agents, putting out fires before they

                 Oooooooouch!!!     Omg!! I thought I could handle pain until September 6, 2017.  Yeeees Honey! Surgery Day.  I was thinking the anesthesia would hold out at least until I got home. NOPE!  That did not happen.  I was aching from the time they woke me up until two weeks post surgery.  Doc prescr NARCO for pain.  Maaaaaan, I'm still giving my fog the side eye.                      Pre Surgery      I arrived early only to sit and wait.  Thought there would be some labs drawn but UUUUM NOPE! That didn't happen.  Nurse sticks IV in my arm, an alleged anesthesiologist came to talk to me and then a few nurse. Prior to being zonked, they were all acting as if we were going to a club. "You gone feel real good girl. You ate getting Dilaudid".  I was like, "Nooooo, I give that to patients and they go 🍌"  You think they listened, well let me tell you, NOPE! As soon as that Dilaudid was put in my IV I was sick as a DAWG!!  It felt as if my chest was

   While a teacher was absent from a NJ elementary school, the substitute teacher continued the lesson plan with a huge FAIL! Or did she??      An African American fifth grader was sold in an auction by white students in her class.  This was a mock slave trade.  Allegedly, cash only posters were hung up.  Whoa! Needless to say, parents are fuming.      This story opens my mind to the great educational drbate, W. E. Dubois vs. Booker T. Washington".     Booker T. Washington was born a slave but became a very prominent historical educator.  He founded the Tuskeegee Institute to educate teachers. Washington believed blacks should accept discrimination, work hard and gain material prosperity.  On the other hand, W. E. Dubois, decorated sociologist and civil rights activist, disagreed with Mr. Washington.  Dubois is a founding officer of the NAACP. He believed change would come thru education.  In other words, one believed in learning by doing and the other was more classroom bas

         After complaining for about a month and walking like Quasimoto, I finally took my behind to physical therapy.  I'm thoroughly happy with the outcome. I freakin' ecstatic!!!  Good News. Good News!! Doc says there was no sign of a meniscus problem nor a mcl tear.  Its Norse of a structural problem.  He stated that because I run long distance my hips don't want to. Lol. They tighten up and therefore puts alot of pressure on the knee.  I got a massage to remove some of the swelling. He said there was a significant amount of swelling in there.  After the massage, I did some really light exercises and was free to go.      Overall, I am very pleased with the outcome and glad I chose PT rather than going to the orthopedist. I saved a crap load of 💰.  Why? You ask.  Well an ortho probably would have run a lot of tests then come to the same conclusion as the PT. So, for now I will work on strengthening my hips. I love this run journey. You learn so much about yourself.

   I made it to the CNN Tower to pick up my bib for the GA Publix half Marathon. I limped all the way there.  I did ask about deferring but the answer was no.😭😭😭😭.  My left knee is ruining my life!!  After I picked up my bib and tee, I had to put my foot up on a garbage can and chill!   I love my Saucony sneakers but...😢😢😢.God willing I will get to do it next year.  The good news is I got to drop Mrs. Ruby off for her 1st marathon.  

        "THE CASE OF THE POOPY RUN"      By now, we've heard of the runner, Mikal Ekvall, that poooped himself to finish his half marathon. He finished 21st Let me say first that I respect him and applaud his finish. Afterall, the slogan is "Finish Strong". No one said you have to finish clean !😂😂😂     To those that don't know of him, you have question.  Why did this happen? and How can I prevent this from happening to me? Well, Holy Crap! I got info for you.       First, if you have any abdominal ailments such as Irritable Bowel Syndrsome or  Chron's Disease, these may be triggers while running. According to, TheMayo Clinic, some other possible cause may include: movement of the organs, decreased blood flow to the intestines, changes in the intestinal hormone secretion and preface anxiety or stress.  As with anything, get a physical beforehand.        After, you have been medically cleared to run, Prep! Prep! Prep! Yes, preparation is key

                 The Deadly Dentists      Ben Ellis, Marcellous Robinson and Jerry Coleman are dead after having their wisdom teeth extracted.  Now, their families are left heartbroken and grief stricken.  The three died in separate incidents 16 hours to three days after their procedures.      The article details how we can try to prevent this from happening again. Make sure if you (or your child) are having wisdom teeth extracted, you're using an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, not just a dentist.  Schedule a consultation appointment where the risks and benefits are thoroughly explained to you by the surgeon and/or one of their staff members.  Ask if there are specific risks in this case.  For example: Are your teeth close to nerves or sinus cavities?  You should not feel rushed nor feel that the surgeon has no time for your questions.  Get another opinion if the surgeon is brusque, rude or seems distracted.  Check for complaints against your surgeon by contacting the

      Free Education Movement      Tennessee Governor, Bill Haslam, a Republican, is the pioneer of free college education.  Three years ago, Haslam pushed for and passed a bill that allows all new high school graduates in the state to attend community college for free, making history. Tennessee was the first state to do so.      Te chnical schools are also free to residents, no matter how long ago they graduated. Haslam is at it again, trying to pass a law  that would make it the first state to offer free community college to nearly all adults who do not have a post-secondary degree or certificate.      TIts is great news. College is difficult.  A huge burden has been lifted as many will not have to worry how they will pay. On top of that they can save money and not have a huge debt to pay once graduating. Let me know what you think. Comment 👇  and Follow.   Resources News courtesy of http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/southern-republican-governor-leading-free-coll

    "The Microbes Are Coming; Look Out"      Ok, they aren't that big, in fact they can't be seen with the human eye without a microscope. But, big things come in small packages.  Cliché yes but truth indeed.  These tiny microbes pose a huge threat to society.  One deadly strain has already hit the U.S. in many of its major states including NY reporting approximately 28 cases.  Other states include: Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey.  The deadly infection of which I am speaking is called Candida Auris.  It is a fungal infection that once in the bloodstream can be fatal.  It poses a serious risk to those working in the Healthcare setting and some of its most vulnerable patients, those on ventilators.  This infections has already hit other countries such as Colombia, Pakistan Kowit, the United Kingdom and several other countries, killing 60% of those afflicted with it. News of this illness comes only one month after the WHO (World Health Organization)

      Gentlemen, who needs the blue pill when you a have a treadmill?  Even if you don't have one, there is  one near you at a local gym.  The hardest part is getting up to go get it.  But, if the girlfriend or wife is nagging you about fixing something up, you need a diversion, right? There you go.  Tell her you are going to get right for her.  Then, run! Run loooong.  I used to think all the time that my libido was going BANANAS when I first started back running.  I wanted to stop.  Men, I had no interest in started looking good as all HELL! So, quite naturally, I googled.   My theory was correct and in fact exercise is proven to increase circulation (bloodflow) to all areas of the body. Woohoo!  So now, you want to jump on the running bandwagon like everyone is on the Dallas Cowboys since they had a great season.  We welcome you.  No only is it good for the libido, your significant other will start looking at you differently.  Why? Because you will be SKRONG (SC accent)😂.  

     When I was in my twenties, hanging out with friends, I would dress provocatively.  I admit, I had big breasts and was not afraid to show cleavage.  Then one day, mom shouts "you dress to provocative, YOU'RE going to get raped? At this time I had a nice body.  Some would call it a figure eight, big breast, small waist and somewhat of a butt.😜  I could see the fear and worry in her eyes.  Her fear almost became my reality.  I was walking one day.  A Latino man came running beside me and said, "Don't come this way anymore, they are planning to rape you."  From that day on, I decided to cover up.  Then I made the conscience decision to gain weight! I thought if I gained weight, I would be unattractive and no one would rape me.      It want until years later and after research, I discovered rape wasn't about attractiveness but moreso POWER.  It's about the attacker taking control over its victim.  I was just wondering if anyone ever had the same fear. 

     What's the fascination now with feces and urine?  There used to be a time when scientists and researchers believed that consuming either of the two would lead to death.  Some genius has now figured out a way to get great tasting coffee from feces.  If that came as a surprise, the price, $80 per cup in the US is stifling! I love coffee but NO! I will not go there.  Kopi Luwak is made in Indonesia and Sub Saharan Africa.  A cat, the Civet, eats coffee cherries. These coffee beans can not be digested so while in the stomach, enzymes change the structure of the proteins in the beans.  This lessens the acidity and allows for a milder cup of coffee. Uuuumm... Who is sitting there plucking these beans out of that poop?! How much are they getting paid? Next, scientists are growing tomatoes in a lab derived from urine.  Why? So it can be grown  successfully on the Moon or Mars .  Liquid waste from washing, sweat and the toilet is being recycled.  Some of the urine used is bot

    Why don't I talk about Trump?  It's for obvious reason, EVERYONE is talking about him.  Most of it is negative.  Many disapprove of him and a hashtag, #notmypresident, is spreading like a pandemic virus.  Despite popular belief, he is our President.  Like it or not, he is.  It is scary as hell but we have to deal with it and possibly for the next four years. Hush, don't even mention eight.  Trump wants to dismantle everything that Obama has put into order.  Everything is Obama's fault.  Why is he so obsessed with our former President? Anyway, I don't talk about him because I had to accept the fact that he is President of the US of America.  He is doing a great job at berating himself that I don't need to.  Furthermore, it is disrespectful. Yes, I said it.  Many will say with all the hatred he has spewed, he deserves to be disrespected.  Well, in other countries such as North Korea, you could be murdered for such things.  We are blessed to be in American