I'm following my passion!

   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

    It's been awhile! You've finally found your mate.  Just looking at him gets you aroused.  He makes you drip. Lol Now, you are tired of holding out and want to test the water.  You do and it is great.  Then, you notice you're itching.  You nix it. You keep having sex and every time you are itching afterwards and you start to notice a burn.  You go to the doc's office and he says, "You're allergic to him". You turn your head, give him the side eye, and that Gary Coleman, "What you talking about Doc"? He states you may have a allergy to his seminal fluid. You're bummed because you really like him but there can be no more of that "GOOD GOOD".😂      Yes, there is a such thing as a sex allergy.  According to the article, "Genital Contact Allergy:  A diagnosis missed", Human seminal plasma HYPERSENSITIVITY is defined as a spectrum of systemic and or localized symptoms after exposure to specific proteins in seminal

     41 year old, "Brian", came to my facility after doctors diagnosed him with colon cancer and there was nothing further that could be done.  Brian was in late stages of the illness when first diagnosed unfortunately.  When he came to the facility, he was one of the kindest, sweetest and very thankful people evernight the night progressed, Brian's condition began to deteriorate.  I put a call into his to let them know and just in case anything happened to Brian, it wouldn't be a surprise.  They were so distraught and afraid to come to the facility.  They couldn't bare watching him take his last breath.  Every thirty minutes to an hour, check on him.  But, the last time I walked into his room, I knew it wouldn't be long and it was going to happen that night.  After I completed my rounds, I sat down briefly at my desk.  The lights on the desk flickered. I told myself, he's gone.  I went into the room and yes, he was gone.  I pronounced him dead and prepare

 This is one of my best races.  If you are looking for a great half marathon in Alabama, The Mercedes Marathon is the place to be!  Highlights Small Expo Great Goodies Bag Water/Powerade stations every 1.5 miles Chafe Station Beer Support was phenomenal Great Gorgeous MEDAL! Hilly course but not too bad Convenient Parking for a small  fee There is an after party but I did not attend As with any physical attention, check a doctors approval. If you have done this race, how was it for you? 

     After a terrible bout with vertigo, I was absolutely terrified.  Vertigo felt like a plane taking a dive with alot  of spinning. I know, some may say, "Oh, It's dizziness". Wrong!  You are so wrong! It's dizziness on steroids!! Only  I was so sick, my only recourse was to run to the ER.  Only, I couldn't drive and I had vomited so, I had to wait for a dear friend.  My episode lasted for more than an hour.  When I did get to the ER, I was still sick. Doctors and nurses tried everything.  Their last resort was Valium.  Oh my GOD! Valium that day, was a GODSEND! I'm not one for taking meds of any sorts but that day I was willing to try anything.  Valium worked wonders.  I was finally well enough to leave the hospital. What is vertigo?  A sensation of spinning.  It's usually a symptom not a medical condition. (Mayo Clinic) What is Valium?  Valium is a sedative used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures.  It's a controlled substance an

Blinded by a big butt, big breasts or a beautiful face, men could care less if she is a stripper or a doctor. Why am I saying this? I see it too often.  Youbmeet a woman, she's fascinating and gorgrous. So, you take her out to dinner or maybe even a few dates.  Now, you're romantically involved and sex is the 💣!   Then, it's business as usual.  You both go off to your jobs. You're really a hardworking man that really wants the relationship to evolve.  So, the dates continue and so does the hanky panky! You may be smitten.      But, mom is not feeling her. There is something about her that's just not right. Uh oh, here comes the momstigator!! She delves in and starts asking all kinds of question. But, you assure her you have a good girl.  She's just as hardworking and trustworthy as you? Or is she?     Next, you start talking to some friends about some small things that are going on and you need a little advice.  You're friends start talking like your moth

A Tennessee Tyson chicken supplier had to confiscate 73,500 chickens due to Bird Flu according to the associated press.     Bird flu comes from sick birds and can be passed to humans thru airborne droplets such as a cough or sneeze. It does require medical attattent as soon as possible as it could be potentially deadly for humans.  It is treated with antiviral drugs.  Signs and symptoms are similar to having a cold/flu:  Cough, fever and sore throat.  Lab tests are required for diagnosis. What's surprising is there was a recent outbreak in China of the Bird Flu, 460 people have been infected since October according to the CDC(Center for Disease cntrol). The CDC is currently working or vaccination as precaution.(NBC news March 3, 2017) Resources Mayo Clinic NBC news ABC news

It seems as if everyone and their mommas were accepted into the Chicago Marathon.  It was the complete opposite for the NYC Marathon.  There was A friend that was accepted. 😂 I'm so excited for her as it will be her first! But on the other hand, I feel bad for the others that weren't accepted.😢  For me, I'm still debating if I will ever run a marathon again. My poor knees. Oh well, tomorrow is a new day!

What exactly is being healthy.  According to Merriam-Webster's dictionary, healthy is the absence of disease or pain.  But is it really? Let's look at the second definition of healthy according to Webster's.   It is described as       showing physical, mental, or emotional well-being. Both definitions can describe being healthy but in my belief, healthy to me is a state of mind.  There are plenty people with HIV/AIDS that are living perfect lives.  Sounds cliché, I know but its factual.  In fact, many people are living each day with some form of disease that has not been yet diagnosed such as Multiple Sclerosis.  This illness may take years to be diagnosed. Nevertheless, those that are not aware of their affliction would say yes if asked are they healthy.  Those that are afflicted and know of their illness may reply yes also. It would also be accurate.  As long as they can run and jump with the rest of us, who am I to say they are not healthy. SN: Docs often say I'm hea

I knew by the time that I was nine, I wanted to be a nurse. I just knew I wanted to be somewhere helping someone. To this day I'm not sure if was my parents caress or being bullied that led to my decision, perhaps both.      My mom would constantly say, "You're going to college".  I was eight and not really sure what college was but I wanted it.  They way my mother spoke about it as she paced, it was as if this was a jackpot.  I wanted it! I excelled in school.  I was always an honors student but couldn't color for nothing! That led to corporal punishment.  Yep! The teacher beat me, class, because I went outside the lines. Anywho, I knew I was going to make momma proud and go to college! So lets see, I had to go to college and I wanted to be a nurse. By nine years of age, I was watching a special on ABC about the prestigious doctor, Dr Ben Carson. Oh my, a new word I thought. H Hmmmm. I wasn't really sure what prestigious was but I wanted that too.😂😂  I pu

I love running.  I have another half marathon coming up in LESS than two weeks. Sucks! Because my knees are still hurting. I have not run since my last half, The Mercedes Half.  Ugh😒😢😢😢.  This is a terrible feeling, having the motivation to run but lacking the ability.  But, my reality is between work and running, my knees are taking a severe pounding.  Yes! I could also stand to lose a few pound.  I bought a new pair of sneakers (Brooks Ghost) that I haven't warn except to go for a practice walk.  I don't really like the shoe will prob take them back and get the New Balance. Siiigh.... I will soon go see an orthopedist.  I really doubt want to hear any bad news.  But this is my running woe! Get your run on. P..S.  I also won a great pair of compression socks that I can not wait to run in.  I just wear them around the house. Sad! Just sad! Anyone else got the run blues?