Nika's Land

Amazing Year Ahead: 2012

2012-01-04T15:21:00.000-08:00

People who read my blog know that it's been at a stand still and that I love to write but have had a very exciting life and sometimes it doesn't allow me the privilege of contributing my time to the art.

I was using my blog as an outlet for one of my classes last year. That was exciting... ... ...

Anyway, school is almost over. I have started on a new path. TV, as much as I don't like to be on it, as much as I don 't really watch it, seems to be my future regardless of how much I avoid it. I recently began working a TV business...thus thrusting me into blogging about TVs. The irony.

If you would like to see that blog, visit http://pickettandsontv.blogspot.com . That's Nika's little brother.

Other adventures I would like to embark on include writing a book and possibly launching a recipe website that I have put a few thousand hours into. We shall see. The TV shop requires a lot of time and this semester is looking like it will be a doozy. Pray that I finish it all by May or I might be stuck for another semester. I just want to get my bachelors!!!! :D

Once again I am going to be posting interesting finds on here again, only I am a little bit more educated these days...I think...or so I've been told. I did just turn 30. :/

Thank-you anyone and everyone who happens upon my little blog. :D Have a great night!!!

Gawker.com

2011-04-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

Gawker.com was probably one of the funniest sites I have read in a long time.

Initially, I thought, oh great, here is another gossip blog. The layout has a main photo and a few photos of people who subscribe to it on facebook. So...it was looking sort of shoddy.

The stories are refreshing though. Different but refreshing. The type of language used is a lot more readable than the everyday news jargon. It was full of humor.

Advertisements on the site were minimal but relevant to the audience at hand. Pepsi was a sponsor.

Overall, I liked Gawker.com. It was a bit unordinary.

People Magazine

2011-04-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

This is a gossip magazine.I hate this crap. Vomit. Spew. Barf. Hurl.

Can someone please get me an i.v. drip? I am losing all of my fluids.

It's just a bunch of crap people think is news. I am not even going to waste my time.

Yahoo!Sports

2011-04-05T17:44:00.000-07:00

The photo choices exhibited by Yahoo!Sports were pretty interesting. Every face had an intense emotion. It's like the photographers really focus on getting a great moment.

The photos were then placed so that headlines surrounded them, drawing your eyes to the headlines as they left the photos. Great tactic!

Advertisements that were placed on the page were geared toward sweaty athletes and their fans. Fitting.

Dove and UConn were examples of advertisers.

I liked this site because of the lively photos. They did a really great job.

ESPN.com

2011-04-05T17:36:00.000-07:00

The layout of ESPN.com is very bright and colorful. There are lots of reds and the main leading photo is one of women basketball players. I liked that.

Obviously, Pepsi is a huge sponsor for this website, as there were tons of Mountain ads all over the place.

The site covers a variety of sports genres, NASCAR, NFL, NBA, NHL and so on, catering to every sports fanatic.

There were commentaries, radio stations and games for interaction.

The site was good in my opinion for the type of information it relays.

The Huffington Post

2011-03-14T16:38:00.000-07:00

The Huffington Post claims to be a "catalyst for engagement." I agree.

Every story posted on their page I wanted to read and all of the photographs were engaging to me.

On the other hand it was making me think to myself, "My God what is the world coming to?" It looked like hell had been photographed and posted on their website. If that is what is going on all over the world today, I will gladly take my simple life.

I loved the design and the slide show of photographs. There isn't a ton of color on the page but every word and photo stands out.

The content of each story and headline beckons readers to continue into the story. The stories were very stressful to read and the visuals of the tsunami are extremely disturbing. You can tell that the reporters do care about what they are writing. The feeling of urgency in some of the work is abundant. I liked it but I think there could be some more balance.

I noticed a lot of very strategic ad placement; Photos brandishing names of AT&T, celebrities with logos in their backdrop, etc. It was interesting to look at. Don't forget the newest Sprint smart phone.

Overall, I liked this website. I will read it again.

FoxNews.com

2011-02-21T15:59:00.000-08:00

Although the content of FoxNews.com can be appealing, the layout and design of the site is not.

Cluttered with photos and headlines everywhere, it's reminiscent of my children's bedroom on a Saturday morning after a sleepover.

The content is better than the design. There are several ways of interacting with the site, opinion columns, video, even a way to watch the newscast if you missed it, via DVR. A box for the stock market is even on the upper right hand corner of the page.

As for advertising, I noticed a Sprint and a credit score ad. Not really anything fantastic but things that still apply to the general public.

I did like some of the content on this site but found its' political views to be a little nauseating. I seriously hate reading Planned Parenthood rants. How many times do we have to read about anti-abortion fanatics? How many times do we have to listen to Mr. O'Reilly. Seriously? This guy is a huge hypocrite. Anyway, if they cut out a lot of their fat, they might be a better, more reliable site.

CNN.com

2011-02-21T14:15:00.000-08:00

CNN.com, as to be expected, has a wonderful website presentation. Not only is it visually appealing but the content of the photos actually draws you into the story. It is very easy to read and instantly includes you as part of the audience by bringing up your Facebook pals, enticing you to become a part of the site.

It's topics relate to everyone, worldwide. It discusses peer networking sites, automobiles, even plights for our furry (and not-so-furry) friends. The reporting is probably the most original and objective that I have seen so far. Video and i-report are both ways of interacting with the site and its creators.

Cars are the most advertised besides news in general. The audience is naturally the world at large, so they must cater to it. I didn't notice any pop-ups.

This site is very clean-cut and straight to the point. The visuals are appealing right along with the relative articles. CNN has always been a reliable source for information as it does not usually have any fat. It's one of my personal favorites, online or television.

The Atlantic, Review

2011-02-07T15:40:00.000-08:00

The Atlantic serves as a news website but it is kind of boring to look at.

Dark blue just doesn't really pop on the page and there are so many pictures...there aren't as many articles as one would hope. Content is lacking in comparison to other sites. The lines are all over the place, making your eyes wonder but never really focus. This site is not very well organized and the labels of the contents are vague. What does the label "culture" mean? I don't like that one at all.

There is some interaction on the site through video and email. Most of the ads are related to the site or job hunting. The site is pretty easy to navigate but it is not very appealing.

I am bored to tears just looking at the front page.

Review of Time.com

2011-02-07T15:11:00.000-08:00

There is a reason that Time Magazine has been around for so long. It's just great to read.

The site is visually appealing, with bright red and white contrasting colors and design lines that do not annoy.
All of the content is organized well, the pictures are smaller, leaving room for the many articles displayed.

The content is actually very interesting. It discusses national and international news, addresses opinions on a level that does not seem like reading a highschool gossip column and features fun facts on different topics. The writing style is formal, there are several original pieces, including one very curious story about the Bank of China. There are several ways to interact with the site, including Twitter and Facebook, going mobile and podcasts. A panel of links to contact the site producers is on the very bottom of the page.

As for advertisements, they were pretty limited. I noticed more advertising for Time Magazine than for any other product. There were many headlines with links to articles.

I love this site because there are so many articles. I saw so many interesting leads that I kept stopping to read them. It was pretty hard to continue to write this blog when all I want to do is go back there right now and read.

USA TODAY Review

2011-01-26T20:56:00.000-08:00

USA TODAY is a great example of a site that is well-organized, visually appealing and flows easily.

The designer made sure to draw the eye across the page with horizontal photos and repeated the process in a way that organized the information and created a pattern.

This site recognizes the different needs of its readers. There are entertainment, weather and hard news sections. It doesn't underestimate the intelligence of its audience, making world news and money two of its main topics. Reader polls address serious topics. There are various ways of ingesting the information, including videos and print. There is an option to become a member to the site.

Advertisements are strategically placed at the top and right sides of the page, making them the first and last things you see. There are similar ads from the same company, going with the idea of repitition in hopes of making an imprint on readers' memories. Thankfully, there weren't any popups.

I personally like the site. It shows a mature conglomerate of news and understands that the audience does not like to read garbage that they can get from their local gossip circle. It addresses real issues. The photography and design are well-done. It should be used as a model to other news organizations that are lacking.

Site Reviews: mlive.com

2011-01-20T13:48:00.000-08:00

I am currently taking a class in which I have to review sites and post them on a blog. I will be using this blog to do the site reviews. My first site review is http://www.mlive.com/ .

To begin with, it is pretty organized. Every category is listed horizontally across the top of the main page, including a way to share your favorite stories on facebook. I do not really like the color selection. There aren't very many stories on the main page either. It just seems cluttered to me, like a bunch of stuff has basically been thrown up onto the page.

The content of the site is okay sometimes. Usually the only time I use this site is when I am helping someone job hunt in the tri-city area. Also, I have found much of the information is a conglomerate of different news information from other news sources. I keep track of the Saginaw News and the Flint Journal via facebook and usually it's just regurgitated stories posted back and forth linking to a few sentences on mlive. Plus, it takes forever to load because of all of the junk links on the front page and never goes directly to the story. Not to mention it reads like a college newspaper when there are stories. Seriously, who doesn't know that gas prices are rising? Why can't you get the big wigs that run these operations to sit down and answer some real questions? Lets just keep telling people how the gas is fluctuating and maybe you can get your readers down so much that you can only publish a paper version two days a week.

There are a few gospel ads and the usual newspaper classifieds. There is also a section for interactivity. I couldn't get that link to work though. Not unusual. This wasn't even on my cell phone. Site maintenance is limited from what I can tell.

My opinion? Mlive sucks. Try harder guys.

Exciting New Discovery!!!!

2010-06-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

As a student, I am forced to find ways to reduce my spending and maximize my dollars. Therefore I have turned to the Internet in place of good old fashioned DVD rentals.

Upon doing so, I discovered two things: 1) www.hulu.com and 2) an endless supply of Chef Gordon Ramsay's reruns of "Kitchen Nightmares."

Thank-you T.V. gods!!!!

Fast Food Raps

2010-05-19T20:04:00.001-07:00

I was digging my way through Www.YouTube.com's endless supply of hilarious made-up music videos when I came across some crazily-hysterical clips: Fast Food Raps.

So this is what the youth of America do with their free time now. Classic. Here are the ones I thought were the best.

My Ringtone...LOL...I Just Love This Song!!!!

2010-05-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

[Chorus:]
My, chick bad, my chick hood
My chick do stuff that yo' chick wish she could
My, my chick bad, my chick hood
My chick do stuff that yo' chick wish she could
My, my chick bad: better, better than yours
My, my chick bad, better, better than yours
My, my, my chick bad, better, better than yours
My, my chick bad, better, better than yours

[Verse 1 (Ludacris):]
Listen!
I'm sayin' my chick bad, my chick hood
My chick do stuff that yo' chick wish she could
My chick bad, better than yours
My chick do stuff that I can't even put in words
Her swagga don't stop, her body won't quit
So fool pipe down; you ain't talkin' 'bout shit
My chick bad: tell me if you seen her
She always bring the racket like Venus & Serena
All white top, all white belt and all white jeans
Body lookin' like milk
No time for games; she's full-grown
My chick bad; tell your chick to go home!

[Chorus:]
My chick bad, my chick hood
My chick do stuff that yo' chick wish she could
My, my chick bad, my chick hood
My chick do stuff that yo' chick wish she could
My, my chick bad, better, better than yours
My, my chick bad, better, better than yours
My, my, my chick bad, better, better than yours
My, my chick bad, better, better than yours

[Verse 2 (Ludacris):]
Now your girl might be sick but my girl sicker
She rides that dick and she handles her liquor
I knock a bitch out and fight
Comin' out swingin' like Tiger Woods' wife
Yeah, she can get a lil' hasty
Chicks better cover up their chests like pasties
Couple girlfriends and they all a lil' crazy
Comin' down the street like a parade, Macy's
I fill her up, balloons!
Test her and guns get drawn like cartoons
Doh, but I ain't talk 'bout Homer
Chick so bad the whole crew wanna bone her!

[Chorus:]
My chick bad, my chick hood
My chick do stuff that yo' chick wish she could
My, my chick bad, my chick hood
My chick do stuff that yo' chick wish she could
My, my chick bad, better, better than yours
My, my chick bad, better, better than yours
My, my, my chick bad, better better than yours
My, my chick bad, better, better than yours

[Verse 3 (Nicki Minaj):]
Now all these bitches wanna try and be my bestie
But I take a left and leave 'em hangin' like a testis
Trash talk to 'em, then I put 'em in a Hefty!
Runnin' down the court
I'm dunkin' on them - Lisa Leslie
It's goin' down - basement
Friday the 13th, guess who's playin' Jason
Tuck yourself in, you better hold on to ya teddy
It's Nightmare on Elm Street and guess who's playin' Freddy
Chef cookin' for me
They say my shoe game crazy
The mental asylum lookin' for me
You a rookie to me
I'm in that wam bam purple Lamb', damn, bitch, you been a fan!

[Chorus:]
My chick bad, my chick hood
My chick do stuff that yo' chick wish she could
My, my chick bad, my chick hood
My chick do stuff that yo' chick wish she could
My, my chick bad, better, better than yours
My, my chick bad, better, better than yours
My, my, my chick bad, better, better than yours
My, my chick bad, better, better than yours

And when we all alone I might just tip her
She slides down da pole like a certified stripper
When we all alone I might just tip her
She slides down da pole like a certified stripper
When we all alone I might just tip her
She slides down da pole like a certified stripper
When we all alone I might just tip her
She slides down da pole like a certified stripper

Slum Managers Rule Restaurant World

2010-05-18T10:47:00.000-07:00

If you have ever worked in the restaurant industry you know that dealing with hungry customers can be down right crumby.

It's even worse when the people behind the counter are just as bad. Sure you have the occasional coworker that you just don't see eye to eye with but management?

Today's ethical standards for managers have sunken very low. The amount of the abuse of power they allowed to get away with is insurmountable. The economy is so terrible that there is an endless sea of unemployed workers willing to take the dive into whatever job is available, thus making it very easy for an employer to look at you, roll their eyes and say, "Next!"

There is no respect for the workers at the bottom or even the workers who have dedicated a year or five to the establishment.

Take the case of Ashley Johnson, who was fired for merely complaining about a lousy tip she received from a couple who held after her shift was over, only to give her a five dollar tip when she had waited on them for three hours!!! I would expect a five dollar tip for one hour of my service but for three? I imagine one of her "friends" from work let management know about the complaint and viola! she was ousted.

Who cares anymore about the struggle we everyday people have to just make ends meet but then we have to come to work and deal with people who do not appreciate us. It makes my blood boil.

This rant is not only for the ignorant, egotistical blood-sucking managers who think they rule the world...because if it were not for us hardworking employees you would be doing the work yourselves...but it is also for those dumb jerks who think they are somehow more intelligent because they are standing in front of the counter or sitting down at the table. Get a clue. A good portion of your service workers are only doing so to move their way up the ladder. Who knows? One day we could be the nurse taking care of you at the retirement home.

Think twice before you treat the people who are going to be cleaning up your poopy diapers with disrespect. You need us more than you think.

Places I think need to improve certain aspects of management and why:

Brixx Pizza: You cannot inhibit a person's freedom to speech and you cannot trust informants who would pretend to be a person's friend and then turn on them for their own selfish purposes. Poor management.
Wendy's International: Race relations and lenient gossiping policies which breed hostilities amongst employees. It is not good business to use people and then fire them.
Denny's: The entire atmosphere screams underpaid and under-appreciated. Not to mention the food is horrible. Most people who go there don't notice because they are drunk. I noticed. I wasn't drinking. Gross.

To the credit of these companies, not every store you enter is exactly the same. However, all changes must come from the top. If a store notices such frequent turn over or similar complaints about a particular store manager, one must wonder why things are not being done to change the people and the policies. I know for a fact that at least one of those above mentioned stores has so many levels of corporate corruption, it is definitely a case of trying to "beat the man."
I do have one honorable mention. The owners of Ihop do a wonderful job maintaining a great restaurant, in particular the one in Mount Pleasant, Mich. I literally make a new friend every time I visit. I spoke with the manager and told her this. I also discussed with an employee the importance of their gossiping policy. She assured me that it was a very strict policy there and that it helped to maintain a friendly working environment. Bravo to Ihop!!! Plus, what an awesome menu!!!

Giving Back to Your Community

2010-05-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

I recently began a hunt for an organization that I could work for that is dedicated to giving back to their communities.

The economy is making lives difficult for everyone and being in a dead-end job does not help a person feel motivated, so I decided to take a different route. I had noticed one of my girl friends from college was always talking about how happy and blessed she felt doing her job.

I remembered the feeling I used to get when I was involved in fund raising for The Heifer Project. The Heifer Project is a world renowned organization that raises money to buy animals to send to underdeveloped countries. The purpose was to send an animal that would help to provide food and a source of income for a local village to build their economy on.

We would send cows, initially. Then as the program grew, bees, water buffalo and various other animals were added to the list to accommodate each regions needs.

Then I thought about all the other volunteer work I did: being a Big Sister, fund raising for Jerry's Kids...the list goes on. I asked myself, "Why am I not involved in these things any longer?"

I had no answer. It left me feeling like I had no purpose. So I went back to my friend's facebook page and asked her. She said she had just googled urban ministries and this link to tech-missions under the Peace Corps came up. So I did the same. I found that there are several opportunities in the City of Saginaw that were right up my alley. It is a lengthy process.

I have been submitting my application to several agencies that are non-profits. I am going to keep submitting until I find something that is just right for me. I can no longer go on doing a job that serves no purpose other than to feed someones selfish desires. I can no longer go on doing a job that serves only to put money in my pocket and leaves me feeling empty.

My purpose in life is much greater than that.

For those of you who feel the same, I have compiled a list of organizations that need volunteers and employees.

Www.GoodWill.org
Www.SalvationArmy.com
Www.PeaceCorps.Gov
Www.VOA.org
Www2.GuideStar.org

If all else fails, go to Www.Google.com and type in your location and the word "non-profit," you will find something or someone who needs your assistance. Happy hunting!!!

Find the Right Job for You

2010-05-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

Jobs are not easy to find in today's economy but we all want to be doing something we love.

Some people like to work outdoors, in all sorts of weather. Others are great working with people. Still others enjoy working with animals. Our different skills and preferences make us qualified for different careers.

In high school we are given aptitude tests to gage what types of careers we are best suited for. Later we may find that those careers are not to our liking. So what do you do when you find that you cannot stand the career field you chose to pursue?

1. Determine what it is you all ready love doing.

2. Investigate the job online. Talk to people who have been doing it a long time.

3. Ask if you can shadow someone for a few days to see the ups and downs of it first hand.

4. Speak with a guidance counselor at your local community college or university to see
what the job market is like and where it is going. There may be changes others are not
aware of.

5. Start volunteering your time at places of interest that may be added to your resume.

Seriously Funny Stuff

2009-07-14T18:15:00.000-07:00

I was reading on my Www.Facebook.com homepage and I saw a link to this really funny website called Www.DontEvenReply.Com .

If you are interested in a few good laughs, check this out. I was cracking up.

By the way, I missed writing an Independence Day article because I was soaking in the sun on a beach somewhere up north, so Happy Belated Fourth of July!!!

News of the Day

2009-06-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

I am just going to say this one time because if I don't I will feel like a jerk, Michael Jackson rest in peace.

I said it. Now I can go on with my day listening to all of the radio stations playing all of the songs we used to listen to before he became a creepy old man.

Adios Amigos!!!

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

2009-06-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

Didn't you ever hear your mother say that?

I had a discussion with my oldest daughter recently about her going through the awkward stages growing up. You know, how your nose is too big for your head or your butt is too big for your body?

I told her, "Angel, the things you think are ugly now will be your greatest features later in life. You will learn to appreciate your body for it's uniqueness."

When I was younger, I had a large nose and huge butt. Thankfully, my nose doesn't stand out quite as much and well, the butt is an asset. Hardy har har.

Recently, I came across a group that I really love, called The Suicide Girls, who do not want to look how Hollywood has depicted as beautiful, they just want to be themselves. I love you Suicide Girls. You are what we all should strive to be- proud of our own unique beauty.

Feelings

2009-06-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

It's a funny thing your feelings.

Some days your feelings run you and other days logic takes the lead.

I have become a person that is trying to be one hundred percent honest with the people around me. I am not a liar but I have had problems expressing how I feel to people and sometimes it is to my own detriment.

There have also been times when because I did not say how I feel other people have taken my actions to mean something entirely the opposite of what I felt.

As of this day forward, I am not going to hold back. I will say what needs to be said when it needs to be said, how it needs to be said.

There is a VirtuaGuy!!!

2009-06-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

Maybe some of you are wondering how I found out about this in the first place.

Let me explain. It was my little brother.

There it is. The cat is out of the bag.

Anyway, I did a genius move and typed into the toolbar Www.VirtuaGuy.com and viola!!! Magic dancing man all over my desktop!!!

So here you are ladies, it's raining men!!!

By the way, KT, doesn't this one look like that georgeous soccer hunk we have been dreaming about???

Strippers in the Dust

2009-06-09T17:21:00.001-07:00

Many of you might be a bit intrigued by that title.

No more paying outrageous amounts of money to have a girl dance for you. In the past few years a new, more technological woman has been found: VirtuaGirlHD.

This is a software that features half naked to naked women dancing all around your desktop and other software as you are flitting around your computer screen. This morning, to test drive the product, I played my Windows Media Player along with a dancing girl. It was actually pretty funny.
She hit almost every beat. Of course, I listen to some pretty fast-paced music.

I don't have the naked ones though. It costs for that and frankly, I am not paying anyone for jollies.

For those guys (and girls) stuck at the computer at all hours of the night and day, this may be an interesting way to lighten the mood. I am in the midst of looking for the male strippers as having half-naked women prancing on my desk top is bound to raise some questions eventually.

If you are interested in this product, check out http://www75.virtuagirlhd.com/us/index2.php or Www.VirtuaGirl.com . This link leads right to it as well.

How Not to Date a Married Man

2009-06-08T17:51:00.000-07:00

Okay, so maybe you are wondering why I am posting this. Well, it recently became a major factor for me to investigate whether or not a guy who was interested in me was really a married cheater.

He was definitely acting strange.

I only had a cell phone number. He only usually would text me in the evening, very late and then would cut me off short in the middle of conversations. Very strange, indeed.

I am not dumb. I have dated a few other married men, unbeknownst to me at the time. I know what the signs are...now. It was becoming obvious. Then, I just found an article about the signs of a married man and he fit them to a T!!! Aaaahhhh MEN!!! So for all of you single ladies out there trying to avoid the cheater, here is what I found:

1. You've never been to his house. How could you? You would run into the wife and kids.
2. You only have a cell phone number, so as not to disturb the wife and kids.
3. He does his own dishes and such. Trained.
4. He always wants to have sex. Yeah. Sounds kind of normal, except that it's CONSTANT. You go Bob.
5. Tighty whiteys. Nothing sexy because the wife will know something is up.
6. He pays for everything in cash so as to keep things on the dl. Nice. No paper trail.

Oh, yeah, I don't really know about the tighty whiteys because it never got that far. He did however start acting like a jerk when I told him I want to get to know him a while longer before I had sex with him. Yeah. NEXT!!!

There are also ways of checking public records and when I researched this particular man, he didn't have a criminal record but a woman's name kept appearing with him. Yes, I do criminal background checks and to see if a man is married because for some reason, I attract every jerk within a hundred miles. All you have to do is go to your local county website and look under clerical records, then criminal or family or probate. It varies from county to county. Check the sex offender lists as well. You just never know.

Good luck ladies!!! It's slim pickings.

Road Construction

2009-06-05T04:50:00.000-07:00

If you live in Michigan then, you know what time it is: Road Construction.

I am going to be doing a lot of driving this weekend so I can't wait to get in line!!! :D

Anywhere you go it is the same, long lines, pot-holes and men in orange and yellow suits. Kind of sounds like a horror movie. If you have ever been caught in traffic for an hour in eighty-degree weather with three kids in your backseat tired, hot and sticky, then maybe you can relate.

That is why before I hit the road I am going to load up on food, drinks and lots of entertainment.

I was thinking, what are some good car foods and entertainment and I came up with these:

Pretzels, pecans, peanuts, Twizzlers, apples, jerky, meat and cheese sandwiches, Bug Juice, apple or white grape juice, water and for entertainment, Nintendo DS, the DVD player of course, books, Hannah Montana anything for the girls, not sure what all the boys are into, crossword puzzles, coloring books, Ipods, and lots and lots of car games and songs.

Happy Road Construction!!!

I love Italian Food!!!

2009-06-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you know I am addicted to anything with noodles and/or cheese, so you also know that I love Italian food.

I have found such a wonderful little website that I wanted to share with all the other Italian food lovers out there. It is called Www.ItalianFoodForever.com.

It features a blog, recipes, journals, a glossary, cookbooks and even a photo gallery.

Talk about heaven!!!

Here is a recipe for Sausage Spinach Ravioli with Tomato Cream Sauce featured on their site:

Dough:

2 Cups All-Purpose Flour

3 Eggs

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Filling:

8 Cups Fresh Spinach, Cleaned And Coarsely Chopped

4 Large Italian Sausage Links, Removed From Casings

1 Medium Onion, Chopped

2 Cloves Garlic, Peeled And Minced

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

1 Egg

Salt & Pepper

Sauce:

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

2 Cloves Garlic, Minced

1/2 Tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

1 (28 ounce) Can Crushed Tomatoes

Salt & Pepper

1/2 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream

1/4 Cup Chopped Fresh Parsley (Or Basil)

Additional:

1 Egg

Grated Parmesan Cheese To Serve

Combine the flour and salt on a flat work surface; shape into a mound and make a well in the center. Add the eggs and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to the well and lightly beat with a fork. Gradually draw in the flour from the inside wall of the well in a circular motion. Continue to incorporate all the flour until it forms a ball. Wrap the ball in plastic wrap and let rest 30 minutes.

While the pasta is resting, prepare the filling. Steam the spinach and drain well, pressing the spinach to remove all excess liquid. In a heavy frying pan heat the olive oil and saute the onion with the sausage meat until the onion is tender and the sausage meat lightly browned. Add the garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Place the sausage mixture, spinach, egg and cheese in a food processor and pulse just until the mixture is combined. You want to retain a coarse mixture so be careful not to over process the filling.

Cut the ball of dough in 1/2, cover and reserve the piece you are not immediately using to prevent it from drying out. Dust the counter and dough with a little flour. Press the dough into a rectangle and roll it through a pasta machine, 2 or 3 times, at widest setting. Pull and stretch the sheet of dough with the palm of your hand as it emerges from the rollers. Reduce the setting and crank the dough through again, 2 or 3 times. Continue tightening until the machine is at the second narrowest setting; the dough should be almost paper-thin.

Beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Dust the counter and sheet of dough with flour, lay out the long sheet of pasta, and brush the top surface with the egg wash, which acts as a glue. Drop 1 tablespoon of the filling on 1/2 of the pasta sheet, about 2-inches apart. Fold the other 1/2 over the filling like a blanket. With your fingers, gently press out air pockets around each mound of filling. Use a sharp knife to cut each pillow into squares and crimp the 4 edges with the tins of a fork to make a tight seal. A fluted pastry wheel also works well to make an attractive edge around the pasta. Dust the ravioli and a sheet pan with cornmeal to prevent the pasta from sticking and lay them out to dry slightly while assembling the rest. If not using within an hour or two refrigerate until needed.

To prepare the sauce, heat the two tablespoons of oil in a heavy pot and cook the garlic for just a minute. Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes and cook over medium low heat for 10 minutes. Add the cream and fresh, chopped herbs and mix well. Cook over low heat an additional 10 minutes. Keep warm while you cook the pasta.

Cook the ravioli in plenty of boiling salted water until tender. They will float to the top when ready, so be careful not to overcrowd the pot. Drain the ravioli and return to the pot. Pour half of the sauce mixture into the pot and carefully stir until the ravioli is lightly coated. Serve the ravioli with a spoonful of additional sauce and a sprinkling of grated cheese. Serve hot.

Buon Appetito!
Deborah Mele 2008

We Made You by Eminem

2009-06-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

Junk Food Junky

2009-06-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have put on a few pounds since I came home.

Mostly because my family's diet is cheese, cheese, more cheese and noodles with cheese. Oh, yeah, and potatoes.

Then you add to it that I work at a fast food establishment and that doubles the impact.

I am always on the road. Triple whammy!

So I am taking a good, long look at my diet and have decided to start eating like the bird that I am. Tweet, tweet. Flit, flit.

Back to my healthy diet of meat, veggies and nuts and berries, lol. Sounds horrible but it really is good. I just need to stay away from the CHEESE!!!

Oh, yeah, and the chocolate. :(

No worries, I am only in a size five, one size up from the four. I think it's all in my hips. lol

Top Stalker Song List

2009-05-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

Over the years a girl acquires one or two stalkers. I think I have had one particular stalker since about 2004. It was strange back when I started dating my now ex-husband I used to get these phone calls whenever he wasn't around. Someone would call and hang up. Very irritating.

I kept telling him, "It only happens when you aren't here!" Someone must know when you aren't around to call me.

It never dawned on me that it might actually be him. Until now. Yeah, and he is still checking up on me, reading my blog and keeping tabs any way he can. I wish I had not had so much faith in him. So here's to you stalker! I especially love number one.

Thank-you to Www.Telewatcher.com for their input on this as well. They had a list of Top Ten Stalker Songs that I really couldn't beat, so I just modified it slightly.

Living In a Bubble

2009-05-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

As the mother of a mixed child I find myself not fitting in to certain circles.

As a family we don't necessarily fit into the white community or the black community but not because we don't have things in common with either. It is what they don't have in common with us all of the time. The ability to see past one's color or ethnicity and the ability to surpass the fear of asking questions they may not know or are scared to ask. Tolerance of other people's beliefs is a very hard concept to achieve for some people. I strive for it. Although for me it is hard to tolerate a belief that may be damaging to another human being.

So I find myself living in a bubble, trying to steer clear of certain groups of people who I know are haters and just outside the reach of everyone else who tries to understand but cannot. I don't mind though because when I meet people who are like us we are just fine. However, it is few and far between. Not many have Nigerian babies. Though the African-American community is very accepting of us.

Not many white women live the way I live. Some of the things I do are considered "black" but to me it is just foreign to some people and they are afraid of breaking their norms. I say, if it works for me, I do it. I like my hair braided, so I do it. I like listening to rap, so I do it. I like listening to rock and some country (very little), so I do it. There's nothing stopping anyone from doing things from other cultures than our own that are not damaging. I don't understand what the big deal is. It doesn't mean I am not proud to be who I am or that I am ashamed of where I am from. It just means I am open to the world. There is a vast world of ideas and things to do and I do not want to limit myself because of a fear of rejection.

I live in a bubble of understanding. Some people are afraid to go outside of their comfortable zone but I try to do it everyday to expand my horizons. Fear is only a concept. If you believe in it, it will become you.

Importance of Your Surroundings

2009-05-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

My life is great right now! I have to say that it is because of all of the really awesome people I have been surrounding myself with that I am so happy.

I am meeting people from all different walks of life. I know musicians, club owners, police officers, reporters, burger flippers, business men and women...well, the list goes on.

If you ever find yourself starting to take a downward spiral, take a look at the people you are surrounding yourself with. You really need to be in a positive atmosphere to thrive. You could be the poorest person on the block but if the people on that block are loving, you will be all right.

I look at my life a year ago and I know that is not what I want for myself. I just keep thinking that with how great things are now, I can't wait to see what life will bring me for the next year!!!

To everyone who has helped to make my and my children's life one hundred percent better, thank-you!!! I love you!!!

Sincerely,
Nika

Restaurant Trends

2009-05-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

"This is not a restaurant!" a seemingly angry customer yells at the poor front counter girl as he walks into Wendy's at the Flying J.

He had expected a regular sit down restaurant with pretty little waitresses floating around.

Well, it's expected that restaurants use new tactics to draw in customers and so locations, menus and restaurant themes are all changing at a rapid pace. You may have noticed the cafe-style look that McDonalds has taken on or KFC and Taco Bell hanging out in the same spot.

It's all about sales.

To thrive in an economy where you can get just about anything over the Internet and delivered to your doorstep, creating an atmosphere that people want to be in is a top priority for the food industry. That and experimenting with locations seems to be one of the latest trends in fast-food and other sit-down restaurants.

Choices are also at the top of the list. The ever-growing market for health foods has prompted several food chains to add salads, wraps and low-fat and sugar-free items to their menus. Keeping a competitive menu with competitive prices is key to maintaining your customers. If they don't like either, they are out the door, almost as quick as they came in.

You will notice different themes as you enter a restaurant, such as have it your way or hospitality. Customer service is the most important but then you have a certain way it is laid out for you. Those themes change more often as the popularity of it dwindles.

So the next time you notice something odd or innovative, realize it is the marketing department doing their best to catch your attention. You should appreciate that. In the information age, consumers have seen just about everything. If it catches your eye, it must be worth at least one spin.

Originality: Lil Wayne's Middle Name

2009-05-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

When I listen to Lil Wayne I don't hear other people's music.

When I watch him I don't see anyone other than Lil Wayne.

I love this about him.

I haven't noticed any sampling but I could be wrong.

I recently read an article in Rolling Stone magazine that described him as being very eccentric. I will have to agree with that. I love his hair, his look and his rock hard abs. I like the new twist he puts on everything and the unique tunes such as in A Milli and Mrs. Officer.

Just so you get a taste of Lil Wayne first hand I have embedded his latest music video, "Prom Queen."

Hope it is music to your ears.

Prom Queen

I write what I know

2009-05-24T17:07:00.000-07:00

I write what I know. Right now what I know is the impossible world of men.

Let me clarify this.

The dating scene is a nightmare. I don't even like to think about what it's going to be like when I actually say, "Yes, we can go on a date," or, "Yes, I'd like to be your girlfriend," or whatever.

I meet all kinds of people where I work, where I travel, at the grocery store, through friends and family and we all have issues. The question is, are they issues that are worth my time?

Do I really want to deal with anyone who has substance abuse issues? No.

Do I really want to deal with anyone who is married and using me as their girlfriend/sex toy? No.

Do I really want to deal with anyone who is a pathological liar? No.

That is why I am taking the time to get to know people. You can bet your butt I am going to ask you questions and pry into your life and your mama's. I need to know you are not a creep, a scam artist, player or a regular old psychopath. Just do us both a favor and if you fall into any of those catorgies or are into games at all, walk away. I am going to break your heart if you think I will put up with any of it.

There is something to be said for older men though. Lately I have had many of them approaching me and at first I was a little hesitant. I have always attracted them but lately my curiosity has gotten the best of me. So I have been doing a little research. Here are a few things that women have said about older men:

1. They are more mature.
2. They are more stable, emotionally and financially. God knows an emotionally and financially stable man is at the top of list. I am so sick of vampires.
3. Older men are said to be more giving sexually. They are less concerned with themselves and more interested in exploring. (Raising eyebrows here.)
4. Confidence is much more abundant. An insecure man is the last thing a beautiful woman needs. We like confidence. Not arrogance, CONFIDENCE.
5. No drunk calls in the middle of the night. Substance abuse has either passed or is non-existent.

There have been a few concerns mentioned though. For instance, what if it became serious? Well, I have younger children and the fact that maybe an older man would not want to deal with babies is an issue. You always have to check to see if the man you like is interested in your children anyway. Also, there are concerns about an older man possibly still being married. Well, I worry about the younger ones there, too. It stinks being the other woman. It stinks knowing that you are the other woman especially if you were a wife and there was another woman. Eh, I don't want to be a part of that at all.

Another argument is that an age difference of fifteen or so years is too great, that we'd have nothing in common. I beg to differ. Personalities make the difference here I believe. I could have a young boring-ass man who all he likes to do is sit at home and watch t.v. and play video games. Let me tell you, that is not exciting at all. Or I could be with a man who likes to travel, tells me crazy stories and jokes, is always doing something- even if it's not with me and has a fascinating personality. Just talking to someone who is interesting makes all the difference.

Anyway, all in all it is situational, just like everything else.

As far as I am concerned, the fact that I haven't started dating is a good thing. I have learned to screen out some of the nut bars out there and even saved a few friendships. I just hope the one I am interested in doesn't turn out to be a nutty older fruit cake. :)

P.S. I realize that Hew Heffner may not be the best example of the kind of man I would like but he is an older man who dates younger women.

The Mississippi Squirrel Revival...HILARIOUS!!!

2009-05-24T13:00:00.001-07:00

Going Ga Ga

2009-05-23T20:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/ladygaga

Should I Date Interracially?

2009-05-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

Coming out of a divorce with a man who was very abusive and from a different culture and race has raised a lot of questions and concerns with my family and friends.

I am Irish, German, Dutch and Cherokee. My ex-husband is Nigerian. We have a daughter together.

His mother is Igbo and I believe his father is Yaruba. Please correct me if I am wrong in the spelling or anything I am about to type about these specific cultures.

I am under the impression that the Yaruba men are abusive toward their women.

Now when we were dating this didn't seem to be an issue. He had a few angry outbursts and showed a little bit too much of public affection. I just thought he had a few quirks to work out. I was extremely disappointed.

Anyway, as I am resocializing myself into American culture, I am surrounded by many different kinds of people, including African-American men, who happen to be very much attracted to me. It may have something to do with the fact that I am still behaving like the woman my ex-husband has programmed me to be. In fact, many of the things they comment on are things that I have changed about myself just to suit him. I had to restrain myself one day when a man commented about how thoroughly I cleaned the lobby and that he liked that a lot. Then I had to remind myself that he probably just thought I was a very hard worker and was totally innocent.

Living with an African family has definitely put me in tune to the roots of our society though. Some negative and some very positive.

I want to comment about the positive because I feel it is important to hear the whole truth. I am extremely good at cleaning now, lol. I have learned how to cook one hundred percent better, improving on my own recipes because I learned tricks that only a seasoned veteran would know. I listen with such diligence that it is sickening. People around me will do just about anything I ask them to do because the emphasis that is put on the idea of respect in their culture is so ingrained in me now that I cannot not greet and give salutations without feeling like a complete jerk.

This might seem a little bit strange to anyone from the United States but to people from other countries it might seem like a relief that anyone from here could understand the importance of these things. By no means were any of my skills lacking before. However, when you are treated like a slave the importance of perfection is key. If you mess up it is worse than if you had never completed the task in the first place.

So now I am faced with the problem of whether or not to date anyone outside of my race and creed, etc. It actually terrifies me. I do not want to put my children through this again. I am not discriminating to hurt anyone but to avoid being hurt myself. Who can really blame me? Don't get me wrong, there are still some very handsome black men who also seem nice to me. My ex fell into that category as well. What holds me back is the fact that the African culture is so ingrained into our society now that most people don't even recognize it, unless they are an outsider looking in. That is me.

So what is a girl to do? Any suggestions?

Why Are You Really Unemployed?

2009-03-03T19:07:00.000-08:00

This might sting a little but it has to be said.

Have you noticed that our jobs are being outsourced to places like India, Pakistan and Burma for much less pay to people who will work until their fingers bleed?

Have you noticed that many of the only jobs still available in the U.S. are those that require direct service to those who live here?

Let me explain this to you: Ask anyone around who their hardest workers are. They will tell you it is the Mexican guy or the Indian guy or the Italian guy who speaks very little English but has the work ethic of someone who must be a former slave. They will work from dusk until dawn, until you tell them to leave or until they literally pass out.

Now why do you think we are losing American jobs to other countries?

We as Americans ask for higher pay and we don't get even half of the work done. This is in general.

Now I work in fast-food and I know that there aren't that many people who bust their butts even a quarter as much as I do. They actually complain that I am working too hard and making them look bad. That is sad, especially in an economy where there are very limited jobs.

Just a little piece of advice, if you are going to complain because you have no work then maybe you should try giving people a reason to hire you in the first place.

Trucks, Trucks and More Trucks!!!

2009-02-24T16:41:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I am seriously in love with trucks these days.

Ever since I test drove the Durango at a dealership in Flint, I have been in love. Ever since I saw the 2009 Ford F-150 cruising down that beautiful highway on my way back from Pontiac, I have been in love.

All right, so a Durango isn't a truck, it's an SUV. Whatever. I like it. I want a vehicle with some kick. If you have ever tried to floor it in a Contour, you know what I am talking about. Although, that little car did have some get-up-and-go. I definitely dig the V-8 a whole lot more.

I have been scouring the web and the car lots for something my family and I can be comfortable in. I have tried Jeeps, Rendezvous's, Durangos...and one of these days I am going to get behind the wheel of that big beautiful beast the F-150, oh yes, I will. It's enough to make a girl believe she will never need another man in her life, lol.

Yes, I still do love the Avalanche but it is nothing to my beloved Ford F-150. That is the Lady Godiva Chocolate Raspberry candy bar of trucks. It is HOT!!!

Enough of my shameless gushing. Check out the photos.

The Self-Esteem

2009-02-21T06:13:00.000-08:00

It's a funny thing, your self-esteem.

Becoming a "Divorcee" has been an interesting experience. You realize that you aren't exactly alone and that maybe you aren't a pariah after all.

There seems to be three categories: people who just aren't thriving as a couple, people who are manipulative jerks and people who bent over backwards to kiss the other person's ass and received no reciprocation what-so-ever. I fall into the third category, of course. (Note to future mates: this will never happen again, so don't even think about using me.)

My self-esteem took a pitfall because I kept thinking it was all my fault and that I must be doing something wrong. Well, what I did wrong was always do whatever my husband wanted. As it turns out, greed played a pretty large factor in that. Anyway, I'm not going to go into detail, that is just my opinion.

So I have this new job and well, frankly, I am taking better care of myself and I think I look and feel pretty darn good. So why is it that whenever I get a compliment, get asked out or someone hits on me that I kind of cringe a little?

I keep thinking it's the fear of the unknown, mostly because what I thought I knew for the longest time turned out to be exactly the opposite and, quite frankly, my worst nightmare come to life. I had married someone whose beliefs countered mine on so many different levels it was treacherous. Of course, that's not how they were presented to me in the beginning. As it turns out, it was all a lie. So now I am always wondering if I am being lied to. Thanks again honey.

Anyway, I am starting to get over this fear as I realize that probably most people aren't habitual liars or consistently indecisive, whatever floats your boat. I have decided to take most things with a grain of salt and believe only half of what I see and none of what I hear. Didn't my grandpa tell me that years ago?

I have also come to the conclusion that yes, I am a pretty damn fine woman and most men would kill to have one like me. That is not to sound arrogant, please. I am just saying, hey, I'm not so bad after all and I'm finally getting the credit I deserve. Thank-you to anyone who has helped me come to that conclusion. You made me feel pretty. Wink Wink. :)

Signs of an Abusive Partner

2009-01-29T15:49:00.000-08:00

The information I am about to share with you comes from a book called, "Healing the Trauma of Domestic Violence: A Workbook for Women," by Edward S., Ph.D. Kubany. I have taken shorter excerpts from the list but you may find the full information by purchasing this book on http://www.amazon.com/.

1. Possessiveness. A potentially abusive or predatory man tends to be very possessive or overcontrolling sometimes causing his female partner to feel like he owns her. It is often mistaken as flattery.

2. Jealousy. Jealousy is a huge red flag. If a potential boyfriend is even slightly jealous, go the other way. Jealous men are insecure and tend to be very possessive and controlling and are at high risk for becoming abusive.

3. Dislike of your family or friends. This sign and two other warning signs we have identified thus far-possessiveness and jealousy- result in a woman becoming more and more socially isolated and vulnerable to abuse.

4. In a hurry to get romantically involved. Rushing a woman into a relationship is akin to stalking or obsessively checking up on you because if a guy is spending a great deal of time with a woman he always knows where she is and knows she cannot be spending time with other men.

5. Lying. Lying is another huge red flag. If you catch him in even the smallest lie then drop him like a hot potato. Predatory men are pathological liars and even when there is no reason to lie. Consider the following example:

Woman: Why did you say you weren't at the shopping mall yesterday?
Man: Because I wasn't there.
Woman: My sister saw you there!
Man: Your sister is nuts.

6. Secretiveness. Is he secretive about his activities or whereabouts? Are there large gaps of his time that you can't account for? Sometimes this can signify that he is involved in some illegal activity, such as using or dealing drugs. Some women do not find out until well into a relationship with an abusive man that he was using drugs or was a drug dealer.

7. Imposition of his opinions or beliefs. Does he try to impose his opinions or worldviews on you? Abusive men are opinionated often with traditional sex-role beliefs favoring the dominance and authority of men in relationships with women.

8. Belittling of your opinions or beliefs. "You really don't know what you are talking about."

9. A bad temper. Many abusive men are explosive. Does he have a bad temper- even if most of the time he seems to be so happy-go-lucky or mellow?

10. Physical agressiveness with someone else. Abusive men who are violent outside the relationship as well as with their girlfriends or wives are as a group the most maritally violent.

11. Verbal mistreatment of other people. If a potential boyfriend is being nice to you but you see or hear him being verbally abusive to someone else such as an employee or relative, this is a cause for concern.

12. Blames others for his problems or mistakes. Abusive men tend to blame others for their own mistakes or problems.

13. "Playful" use of force during sex. Some abusive men get unduly rough during sex in the name of "fun."

14. A regular or past heavy user or alcohol or drugs. Many men with histories of heavy alcohol or drug abuse are sociopathic with inclinations to become abusive with their intimate partners.

15. Reputation as a womanizer. If a potential boyfriend has a reputation as a womanizer or if you know he has cheated on someone in the past be very wary.

16. Unreliability. Many abusive men are irresponsible and extraordinarily unreliable.

17. Acts differently when you are alone then when you are with others. What if a guy is sweet and loving toward you when the two of you are alone but is somewhat aloof or stand-offish when you are with your girlfriends or other women? What might this behavior pattern signify? He may not want other women to know he is taken. If other women know he is going with or seriously involved with you they will become upset and offended if he starts hitting on them.

18. Invasion of your privacy. Many men have no problem invading their girlfriends or wives privacy and accuse them of making a big deal about it.

19. Cruelty to animals or children. Does he mistreat animals? It has been estimated that approximately half of male batterers mistreat or even torture family pets (Ascione 2000). Does he expect children to do things that are far beyond their ability to do? Does he tease a child until he or she cries?

20. Charm or charisma. Be suspicious if a man is extremely complimentary-for example, if he tells you how absolutely wonderful you are before he really knows you.

Annual Snowfest in Frankenmuth, Michigan

2009-01-26T08:42:00.000-08:00

Left: The Man in the Moon snow sculpture.

Below: Men entering the annual ice sculpting contest.

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to go to Snowfest in Frankenmuth.

My family and I had been looking forward to this for about two months and it certainly met our expectations.

We did freeze but it was worth it.

Every year in mid-Michigan Snowfest is held and they have ice sculpture and snow sculpture contests from different schools and companies in the region. There were snow sculptures of Jaws, Dragons, fairytales and modern art. The ice sculptures were mostly magestic looking creatures and business logos. All were very impressive.

People from every part of the world came to see the ice sculpting contest where a man takes a three-hundred pound block of ice and carves it into whatever he desires. It takes a lot of patience and skill.

When we finished walking through the lanes of sculptures we ventured over to the Bavarian Inn where we feasted on a German appetizer plate, their world famous Bavarian chicken, breads, relishes and potatoes. There was so much food the children were taking bites from every plate that passed them, not to mention the endless icecream.

Frankenmuth is most definitely one of the best places to go on vacation if you are looking for fun, friendliness and good food.

Kickboxing is Healthy and Fun

2009-01-23T06:28:00.000-08:00

I know people usually are like, "Wow, you kickbox?" when I tell them that's how I work out but really it's not that big of a deal. It is however, a great workout. I always feel awesome after twenty minutes of hooks and round-houses.

So far, I haven't found a place to actually get some sparring in but I know the university where I will be attending does have a kickboxing club. I might do that on the days I am on campus. It doesn't hurt for a woman to get a little extra experience under her belt.

Here is my routine:

1. Standing and sitting toe-touches, butterfly stretch and I put one leg up onto my knee while standing then move down and touch the floor. I do that while laying on my back as well. I do a whole serious of yoga stretches, the warrior, triangle, etc.

2. I stretch my arms by interlacing them behind my back and in front of me. Then I reach up high and cross over and down to my toes. I also pull them across my chest.

3. Once I finish stretching I do 100 leg lifts, 100 crunches and 100 pushups.

4. Then I begin with forward punches, cross-over, hooks and upper cuts.

5. I begin adding my forward kicks, roundhouses and back kicks.

6. I end with a series of combos and more yoga.

I have included a photo and a link to where you may find more in depth information about kickboxing. http://www.nskenpo.com/school/programs.html

The House Bunny

2009-01-22T11:15:00.000-08:00

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The trick is to find someone who understands what true beauty is.

Often the most photogenic person is really a lying, scheming schmuck who only tells you what you want to hear so you will do what he or she wants. And the one who doesn't go out of their way to be the center of attention...that is the one who is truly beautiful.

Will the economy recover in 2009?

2009-01-22T10:27:00.000-08:00

I have read that some people believe the economy will begin to recover in 2009.

I have also read that the economy will not due to the fact that people want to save their tax refunds or spend them on old debt.

What did you spend your tax refunds on last year? I can tell you: my ex's old student loans. That's right, the government high-jacked it. I was all set to pay down my credit card and WHAM! Got the door slammed right in my face. Apparently, unless you file injured spouse, they can take whatever your spouse owes and apply your money to their debt. I was not too happy about that at all.

It would have gone to my old debts instead. Doctor's bills, a credit card...maybe a car loan...these are the things people need to pay on that aren't necessarily at the top of the list like rent and your energy bill.

Considering the depth of the economic problems, I am not sure a tax rebate or suped-up refunds will do any good this year. It may ease some slack at the pump or heat your house a little while longer but I don't think it will get people into the malls, out to the festivals or going on vacations to Disney World.

I do believe that they are taking the right steps in re-evaluating bankruptcy and mortgage loans.

I do shiver at the thought that 2009 may be another rough year.

A very cold, rough, lonely year.

Buuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

~Nika

Seether

2009-01-21T09:02:00.000-08:00

Here is a band I really like. Every once in a while a truly talented group will come along and surprise me. It is sad to see that most of today's stars are just regurgitation artists. This group is definitely not one of them. Here is the song that most recently caught my attention, "Breakdown."

The sun is gone and the flowers rot
Words are spaces between us
And I should've been drown in the rivers I've found of token lost
And I should've been down when you made me insecure

So break me down if it makes you feel right
And hate me now if it keeps you alright
You can break me down if it takes all your might
'Cause I'm so much more than meets the eye

And I'm the one you can never trust
'Cause wounds are ways to reveal us
And yeah I could have tried and devoted my life to both of us
But what a waste of my time when the world we have is yours

So break me down if it makes you feel right
And hate me now if it keeps you alright
You can break me down if it takes all your might
'Cause I'm so much more than all your lies

Hate me, break me down
So break me down
So break me down
So break me down if it makes you feel right
And hate me now if it keeps you alright
You can break me down if it takes all your might
'Cause I'm so much more than meets the eye

Here is the link since it is IMPOSSIBLE for me to get any videos from YouTube anymore.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhBQTpPfUAc

Barack Obama in Da House!!!

2009-01-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

The Whitehouse that is.

I just thought I would take a moment to congradulate our very first African American president on his victory.

It is nice to know that our country is moving forward. Today I am very proud to be an American.

I come from a military family and there have been times when I doubted the intentions of the U.S. government, only because I do not believe in unneccessary war. Don't get me wrong, I would fight if it came down to it. I just don't believe in invading a country based on unproven facts or old family rivalries.

Today I am proud to be an American because no one can come into our country and say we are not free, we are not fair and we are shams. If they do, they are just simply a liar.

America voted Barack Obama into office. They voted the Republicans out of the House of Representatives and they are taking back their rights.

We are finally seeing the Declaration of Independence in motion, the original version.

And now there isn't any reason why the rest of us cannot strive to succeed at our dreams because what we thought was impossible has become reality.

Thank-you God for that!!!

God Bless America!!!

Blastro: A New Place for Music Videos

2009-01-20T11:49:00.000-08:00

If you like HipHip and R&B, then Www.Blastro.com is another site you can go to find it.

They feature all of the latest music, as well as Latin.

I recently came across it while searching for lyrics.

Another great feature of their site is the Dance video section.

Check it out.

~Nika

Why I Hate Being Single

2009-01-18T09:32:00.000-08:00

Now I remember: the lonely nights, the weird men (and women) constantly hitting on me, no one to snuggle with and the fear that the next person I meet is going to be a psychopath, womanizer or worse yet, abusive and controlling forever after.

I hate being single. What I hate more is being a single parent.

You have to be so careful who you hang out with. Gone are the days of trying to get to know just anyone. Fear for your children takes first priority.

There is always the schmuck always hitting on you, always calling you sweetie or honey, trying to be a player because he thinks you are easy. There is always "Superman" who is so arrogant he thinks he is saving you from your "miserable life." There is the guy who plays nice to your face and then has five other women on the side. There is the guy who all he wants to do is play. Or maybe there is one who is all of the last three combined.

I just want to hurl. I hate being single.

Why can't there just be someone who likes to talk about life and drink cocoa? Why can't there just be someone who will go out on the town once in a while and introduce me to a few nice, unknown jewels?

I haven't even started dating (because the divorce isn't finalized and God knows I don't need anymore drama) and I am weary.

I hate being single.

However, it is definitely better than being someone's slave.

~Nika

P.S. Freedom is awesome but what about freedom with someone who loves you? Can you feel me???

Winter Chill Precautions

2009-01-17T06:59:00.000-08:00

Michigan is one state that is being hit extremely hard this winter by low temperatures.

Recently someone's cat froze to death because it stayed outside overnight. Construction sites are being shut down due to the equipment not being able to start. Work is being lost. Children have to stay indoors during recess. Garbage day is a nightmare.

These are only a few things that I have experienced so far.

Around the house we have had to do some other things, such as turn the heat to a steady sixty-four degrees fahrenheit and wear an undershirt, long-johns and a sweater with socks and slippers. Propane is expensive when you are not able to even go to work because the weather is so horrendous. Cutting back on the one thing that you need during the winter is okay for me. It's not okay for many others, especially the elderly who have to have their temperatures set higher in order to remain healthy. We supplement with an electric fireplace. It is warm and not as likely to start a fire as other types of portable heaters.

Traveling is another doozy. The roads are frozen solid. Black ice is everywhere. Travel is slow. I always keep a couple of bottles of water, snacks and a few blankets...just in case. Thank God for cell phones. Mine works everywhere.

Illness is prevalent during the winter because of the close confinement that you must endure to remain warm. Taking a multi-vitamin, lots of fluids and hand washing are key elements here. Soup really is the best thing because it has lots of nutrients and keeps you hydrated and warm. Resting when you are home is a very good idea, too.

All of this is common sense but many people get too caught up in their daily activities to apply it all of the time. My hope is that it will serve as a good reminder.

Good luck to everyone in keeping warm and healthy!!!

~Nika

You're Gonna Go Far, Kid

2009-01-15T17:25:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRxHHZEqwpw

For the LIFE of me, I cannot get YouTube to embed any of their music onto this site. So...here is the link to You're Gonna Go Far, Kid by The Offspring. If I actually had the time to design a big middle finger for YouTube for the trouble I have gone through to try to get a simple music video, I would. It might be beneath me to do that though. So here's me sticking my tongue out at you. :P

~Nika

2009 is a Good Year

2009-01-15T16:35:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but for me, 2009 is a good year.

All ready I have had several job prospects, the sea is looking good to fish in and I am seeing a light at the end of the dark, dark tunnel. Of course, I cannot divulge too much about my personal life because I don't really like the idea that my soon-to-be ex-husband is reading my blog, quite frequently.

I am optimistic about life though. It probably has a little to do with the fact that I am finally able to listen to music whenever I want. I am a music junkie and I was starting to feel deprived, lol. It also has a lot to do with my freedom. I am able to do my writing and research. I am able to go out whenever I want to. My children are safe. I have a lot to offer the world and I am starting to feel like I can do that without any trouble.

I have finally figured out what my New Year's Resolution is:

To live free without drama and to be as giving as I can, to show compassion and not judge.

I know, it's a bit of a jump, no one is perfect but I am feeling happy that my life is going in the right direction. I am not hesitant anymore. That is a good feeling.

Rock on 2009!!!

Napster's Downloads Easy to Use

2009-01-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

I recently got an MP3 player for Christmas (THANK-YOU GOD!!!) and took the opportunity to use a gift card I had gotten with it from http://www.napster.com/.

It was pretty easy to use, except the computer system I was using has what is called CyberPatrol on it and that made it a little tricky to navigate. However, I did get fourteen of the fifteen tracks downloaded. There is still one track that I have to get from the computer because my little MP3 player just couldn't take the heat.

Napster has some software you can download but you can just use Windows Media Player if you don't want the hassle. Download your music to your music folder and then copy and paste it to your media device. Viola! It is music to your ears! Cheesy, I know.

Here are some of the songs I downloaded:

1. Californication by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
2. Soul to Squeeze by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
3. Under the Bridge by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
4. Give It Away by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
5. Around the World by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
6. Low by Flo Rida featuring T-Pain
7. Elevator by Flo Rida
8. Pop Champagne by Jim Jones and Ron Browz
9. A_Milli by Lil Wayne
10. Live Your Life by T.I.
11. Buy You a Drank by T-Pain
12. Turnin' Me On by Keri Hilson
13. Mrs. Officer by Lil Wayne
14. Whatever You Like by T.I.
15. Disturbia by Rihanna

P.S. If you hadn't noticed by now, the Red Hot Chili Peppers is my favorite band. He he.

Nika's Top Eleven Favorite Movies of All Time

2009-01-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. You are probably wondering why I have my top eleven favorite movies of all time.

The truth is, I just couldn't delete any of my top ten and replace it with Casino Royale but I could not leave it off the list.

These are some of the greatest movies I've ever seen. They are well written, beautifully directed and the acting is untouchable. Not to mention, I didn't fall asleep during a single one of them. That says a lot.

1. Casablanca
2. Brahm Stoker's Dracula
3. Happy Gilmore
4. The Mummy
5. Blue Hawaii
6. Bloodsport
7. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
8. Friday
9. Forrest Gump
10. Rambo: First Blood

11. Casino Royale

Slammerkins

2009-01-03T16:17:00.000-08:00

I was able to actually get through a book recently called Slammerkin by Emma Donoghue.

To say it was interesting is an understatement.

Slammerkin is a historical novel based on the life of a real woman named Mary Saunders who basically led the life of a prostitute on the streets of London in 1748.

It tells of a young girls struggle to gain wealth and notoriety growing up the daughter of a pauper. The story line is basic but the events that lead to her death are definitely worthy of a novel.

I believe that the struggle for women to survive is a story that echoes many womens stories throughout the centuries...Coming up from poverty myself I have seen women who have led similar lifestyles- always trying to survive, get what they perceive as nice things and to do so without becoming someones, in a word, slave.

There are women right now out there selling themselves in some way. In this story there are two characters that the author compares, one who is a wet-nurse and the other lead character who is a prostitute. It seems as if the author wants to justify what the prostitute is doing by the comparison. I would also say that she wants you to think about what it means to sell yourself- that there is a higher price, irregardless.

All of the trouble Mary Saunders must have experienced didn't seem to be worth simple fabric, i.e. the slammerkins. However, the author does repeatedly stated that "clothes make the woman."

It is a shame that a woman had to go through so much just so she could receive a little respect.

To preview this book, visit: http://books.google.com/books?id=lBqtXFaePX4C&dq=slammerkins+by+emma+donaghue&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0

Lots of Love,

Nika

Detroit Metro Airport Security Managing Well

2009-01-02T16:38:00.000-08:00

I had to make a trip today to Detroit Metro Airport to pick up some very special people.

What I discovered is that the airport isn't quite as bad as it used to be. Security seems to have gotten things under control, even with the whole shoe-removal deal. As long as you follow the rules, you can get along all right but don't bring any camel-packs with water. They will make you dump it out.

Even at Christmas time it wasn't too crazy. Of course, this isn't Chicago either. Now I've been to that airport on a normal day and it was nuts.

Parking was easy. You just have to remember your level and row. You go into the terminal and the security gaurds are friendly enough. They will direct you if you have any questions but it's not a very big airport so you can pretty much see all of the levels and figure it out for yourself. There are several electronic directories if you miss any of the road signs from the highway.

It's encouraging to see travelers starting to pick up and go again. It's encouraging because it brings back that old feeling of security and fun that you are supposed to have when you want to travel for business or go on a vacation with your family.

One more thing to be thankful for. Things are really starting to look up now.

Have a great weekend!!!

Love,

Nika

Photo compliments of http://farm1.static.flickr.com/28/36238922_3b09139dd9.jpg

A Cool Place to Visit

2009-01-01T10:33:00.000-08:00

I happen to live near one of the largest tourist destinations for Christmas lovers anywhere- Frankenmuth, Michigan.
Since I spend a majority of my time applying to jobs in the area and praying the fiscal freezes will thaw, I decided to take a walk down Christmas Lane.

Frankenmuth is known as Little Bavaria. When the Bavarians came to mid-Michigan to spread Christianity to the Chippewa tribes here, they formed a little colony called Frankenmuth. The end result is a fairy-tale German-town that is possibly one of the friendliest places on the planet.

When you visit their Country Store, you see flags from every nation, I made a point of looking because I was curious about a few of them. They also have the largest collection of trinkets and candy that I have ever seen. At the Visitor's Center you will find pamphlets in every language and again, a very friendly staff.

My little crew and I could not miss out on watching the fudge being made and, of course, sampling it. We also watched a taffy maker. Then we made our way to the Cheese Haus where they make the most delectable cheeses and mustards in the world!!! Mmm...a world where I could live forever...chocolate and cheese everyday!!! It's no wonder us German descendants are bit on the rounder side.

We found our way up and down Main Street going in and out of the little shops, talking to the different store owners and meeting people from all over the world. It is a fascinating little place. It reminds me of what I call, "Little Switzerland," a.k.a. Vail, Colorado, except much more festive and from what I hear, a little bit smaller these days. I don't care. I love it!!!

Dating Tips...LOL

2008-12-31T18:00:00.000-08:00

I'm so sorry but I have been listening to so many songs on the radio. It got me thinking.

For what it's worth, I'd like to share some knowledge that I've collected over the years, guys.

1. No matter what any of the young females say, we still like you to behave like a gentleman. Don't grab us, hoot and holler or act like a "playa." It's immature...and gross.

2. Don't hate on our family and don't expect us to like your family if they hate on us. Hate is a pretty nasty thing to do to a person.

3. Get it straight, most women don't care how much money you make. If a girl is a "gold-digger", why are you dating her in the first place? You are obviously the type that only goes for looks as you wouldn't date a girl who was after your money if you weren't. So, why then, you ask, do we still like you to pay for things? We want to know that you will do anything for us, duh. If I break the bank for you, don't buy me a cheap-a** journey necklace and call it real. We know real from fake. It's in our DNA. Yeah, I did, I said it.

4. Lying is just not cool. Every relationship is built on trust. Even the one I have with my little brother. If I lie to him, he's going to think I'm a punk. If you lie to me, I'm going to know you are a punk.

5. Be a giver. If you think a woman has to do all of the work, all of the time, you all ready lost her. Sometimes giving means receiving...information. You have to listen to the words that are coming out of her mouth. If she says she doesn't like you to touch her toes, leave them alone. If she likes backrubs, hello!!! Give her one. Most women will return the favor. You will know if you don't do those things because she will simply be turned off from you all of the time.

Now, young men and women, do me a favor and treat each other with common courtesy. It's really hard to be nice to someone who is mean to everyone all day long. I sure hope this has been helpful to SOMEONE. LOL. Good luck out there!!!

Here is one of the many songs I have heard that make me think that maybe people have lost touch with one another:

Turnin Me On by Keri Hilson featuring Lil Wayne

Please don't turn me off
Yeah Like this
Where you at shawty
You fly as hell, swagga right, brown skin poppin
You know just how to talk to me
Know just how I like it
You turnin' me on, you turnin' me on, you turnin' me on

Now wait a minute little buster
You got one more time to feel on my booty
Better recognize a lady
That ain't the way you do me
You turnin' me off, you turnin' me off, you turnin' me off
Better recognize a real woman (aaahhh)

You ever try to get that close to me
You better come correct how you 'proachin me
Dime divas give it to me (aaahhh) I gotta be feelin' your energy
I gotta be for sure that you're into me
Recognize a real woman

Goin up on it, you actin like you want it
And you stuntin like your daddy checkin for this little mama
You turnin me on, you turnin me on, you turnin me on

Wait a minute little buster
Now you don't even know me but you wanna take me shopping
You a lame, I can tell it ain't big shit poppin
You turnin me off, you turnin me off, you turnin me off
Better recognize a real woman

All you wanna do is
Holla at the cutest
Broad to get up in them draws
Got money
Don't try to buy me
Bottles, got my own dollars
I could buy up the bar if I want it (aaahhh)

You ever try to get that close to me
You better come correct how you 'proachin me
Dime divas give it to me (aaahhh)
I gotta be feelin your energy
I gotta be for sure that you're into me
Recognize a real woman

[Lil Wayne:] Eh eh eh I'm I'm fly as hell swagger right, brown skin poppin like dynamite
Raw like china white, mami I dig your persona right
You dat baby mama type
I know I got you kinda hype
My ices elbino white
And I hope that ur vagina tight I go underwater and I hope your parana bite hot carter,
Ima kiss the spot for you
Ima kiss it to you scream
Wait a minute motherf**ker turn you on like a handle
Like the television on a weather channel cause
I make it rain girl
Now call me wayne girl
You just been on earth but you never been to wayne's world
I play to win, and i bait em in
I just do my thing now you're in love with an alien
Polow on the beat and yeah, weezy f is on the plate again
Keri if you pitch it at me i'm a swing away at it
Someone better play the fence, someone better tell them bout me
Baby I'm the shit and that's the only thing you smell around me
Weezy f baby and don't forget the F around me
And if you do then get the F from round me, you're turnin me off yeah yeah
Polow I told you I got you Ms. Keri Baby (2x) (aaahhh)

You ever try to get that close to me
You better come correct how you 'proachin me
Dime divas give it to me (aaahhh)
I gotta be feelin your energy
I gotta be for sure that you're into me
Recognize a real woman
[Lil Wayne:]uhuu yeaah Ms. Keri baby young Weezy baby, it's young money baby..

P.S. Here is a link to the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcgrzP_CBlI

Droppin' the ball!!!

2008-12-31T16:27:00.000-08:00

I am excited to be able to bring in the new year with my readers. :)

What is even more exciting is that Nika's Land is getting more readers every day.

It has been difficult for me to find a focus to write about on the blog because I love to write about everything. That is why I write about so many different things. Hopefully it only serves to keep you curious about what I might be writing about next.

If you do find yourself not enjoying the content, feel free to leave me suggestions about what you would be interested in learning about. I am always open to constructive criticism.

Thank-you everyone for your interest and support!!! MUA!!!

Your's Truly,
Nika

Spoof!!!

2008-12-30T13:37:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jqmcb1jRwtM

This is a really funny spoof on Lil Wayne's "Mrs. Officer." You should check it out.

Stalkers: Who are they? Why do they stalk?

2008-12-27T17:19:00.000-08:00

There isn't one stereotypical stalker.

Stalkers come in all shapes and sizes, cultural backgrounds and economic classes.

One thing they do have in common: obsession.

Several characteristics and situations factor into someone becoming a stalker. Does that excuse the behavior? Absolutely not.

What has been determined is that most stalkers are male. They often have a history of criminal, psychiatric or substance abuse. Immigration is also a deciding factor in whether or not a person may become a stalker. A person who has immigrated may be experiencing culture shock, acculturation or a sense of loss. Relationship problems, defense mechanisms (i.e. blaming), loss of a loved one and sexual disfunction are also common triggers. Stalkers are also very likely to participate in domestic violence.

The definition of stalking as provided by http://www.stalkingbehavior.com is:

"a persistent pattern of conduct that is not wanted by the person to whom it is directed, and may include, but is not limited to, any of the following behaviors:

Telephoning
Surveillance
Following/Pursuit (e.g., by car, on foot)
Culturally inappropriate courtship behaviors (e.g., bluntly asking for sex)
Trespassing
Sending unwanted letters
Cyberstalking (e.g., unwanted and harassing e-mail, or instant messaging)
Sending unwanted gifts/items (e.g., romantic, bizarre, sinister, or perverted)
Attempts to “save” or “rescue” (e.g., from an "immoral life" or an unpleasant situation)
Spreading false rumors about the alleged victim of stalking
Threats to harm the alleged victim, others, or oneself
Property damage

Stalking behavior can best be conceptualized as existing on a continuum, from low intensity to high intensity. In other words, at one end of the range the behaviors are mild, less intrusive and non-persistent behaviors perceived by others as inappropriate, problematic, and harassing. At the extreme end of the continuum are severe, persistent, or aggressive forms of pursuant behaviors.

If you are being stalked, contact your local authorities immediately. If you are a stalker, it is a crime. You can be charged with a misdemeanor and must pay a $1000 fine. It is considered a felony if you violate a PPO, a condition of bail or probation or if it's a second offense or there is a credible threat. For more information, visit http://www.stalkingbehavior.com , http://www.stalkingvictims.com or http://www.ncvc.org .

2008-12-26T20:22:00.000-08:00

This is an amazing recipe from Lydia's Italy. Her food makes my mouth water just reading the ingredients. I think I was supposed to be Italian. Visit http://www.lydiasitaly.com/ to find more of her delicious recipes.

Chicken Cacciatora with Eggplant

Pollo alla Cacciatora con Melanzane
Serves 6

2 or 3 small firm eggplants (1 pound total)

2 teaspoons coarse sea salt or kosher salt, or to taste

3-1/2 pound chicken (preferably organic), trimmed and cut in pieces

1 cup vegetable oil

1 or 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

½ cup bacon, chopped into small bits (2 thick-cut strips)

6 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled

½ teaspoon peperoncino, or to taste

1 cup dry white wine

3 cups (or a 28-ounce can) canned Italian plum tomatoes, preferably San Marzano, crushed by hand

2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

Recommended equipment:A heavy-bottomed skillet for frying the eggplant and chicken, 12-inch diameter
A heavy-bottomed saucepan or saute pan, with sides 3 or 4 inches high and 12 inches in diameter or wider, with a cover.

Trim the eggplants and slice them (skin on) into chunks 2-inches long and 1-inch thick. Toss them with 1 teaspoon of salt and drain in a colander for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse and pat them dry with paper towels. Rinse the chicken pieces, pat them dry as well and season all over with ½ teaspoon salt, so they’re ready for frying after the eggplant.
Pour the vegetable oil in the skillet and set over medium-high heat. Sprinkle flour over the eggplant chunks, dusting them on all sides. Spread them in the hot oil in one layer, leave them in place until sizzling, then turn and toss until nicely browned on all sides, about 4 minutes. Lift out the eggplant chunks with a slotted spoon, leaving the oil in the pan, and spread them on paper towels to drain.
With the skillet again over medium-high heat, lay in all the chicken pieces in one layer in the hot oil. Let them sizzle in place for a minute or two, coloring the underside, then turn to brown another side. Fry the chicken, turning frequently, until each piece is golden all over, 6 minutes or longer. As the pieces are done, lift them and let the oil drain off and set on a platter.
Meanwhile, start the sauce in the deeper pan (or wait until you’ve finished frying the eggplant and chicken, if you prefer). Pour in the 2 tablespoons olive oil and set the pan over medium-high heat. Stir in the chopped bacon and cook until the fat starts to render, then scatter in the garlic cloves and peperoncino flakes. Cook, stirring and tossing, until the bacon and garlic are lightly colored.
Pour in the wine, stir well and raise the heat. Boil for a minute or so until the wine is reduced by half. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Slosh a cup of water in the tomato container to rinse them clean and stir in along with another ½ teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil and adjust the heat to keep the sauce perking steadily.
One at a time, submerge all the browned chicken pieces in tomato sauce and pour in any juices collected in the platter. Return the sauce to a bubbling simmer and set the cover slightly ajar. Simmer the chicken for about 20 minutes, then drop the eggplant chunks on the top of the sauce. Don’t push or mush the eggplant down but shift the chicken aside so the eggplant chunks fall into the sauce and are completely covered.
Heat until simmering again and cook 10 minutes or so, until the chicken and eggplant are cooked through and tender. Leave the pot uncovered if you want the sauce to reduce and thicken. Near the end of cooking, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the dish rest for 20 minutes before serving. Or let it cool in the pan and reheat slowly, gently turning the pieces in the sauce. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken and sauce.

Spicy :P

2008-12-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

Is it the woman's fault?

2008-12-26T17:22:00.000-08:00

Violent Behavior is an Abuser's Choice

Reasons we know an abuser's behaviors are not about anger and rage:
He does not batter other individuals - the boss who does not give him time off or the gas station attendant that spills gas down the side of his car. He waits until there are no witnesses and abuses the person he says he loves.
If you ask an abused woman, "can he stop when the phone rings or the police come to the door?" She will say "yes". Most often when the police show up, he is looking calm, cool and collected and she is the one who may look hysterical. If he were truly "out of control" he would not be able to stop himself when it is to his advantage to do so.
The abuser very often escalates from pushing and shoving to hitting in places where the bruises and marks will not show. If he were "out of control" or "in a rage" he would not be able to direct or limit where his kicks or punches land.

Source: Mid-Valley Women's Crisis Service

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm

*****A personal note to all of my readers: From now on, I am going to be posting FACTS about domestic violence from time to time. I will site the source and the link.*****

New President Brings Good Changes

2008-12-16T15:42:00.001-08:00

We all know that Bush is the oil man.

I am so happy he is out of office. I have to admit, I wasn't a 100% Obama Mama. I would have rather it had been Clinton but you will hear no complaints from me. Gas prices are down. Let's hope they stay down.

I live in a shopping mecca and still we struggle to find work. It's unfortunate but maybe with the decrease in gas prices there will be an increase in demand in other areas which will stimulate the economy.

For those of you who are strapped, hold on tight, we will make it through. I feel the pressure of lack of funds daily, as I have children who have needs. School activities, diapers, clothes...those are only a few things that I struggle with.

I think as the year goes on, despite what the economists say, we may see things get a little brighter. Jobs are scarce, true. It will be a long time before we have a surplus of money in the national budget. I still have hope. Obama has given me some hope.

God Bless!!!

You Can Have Whatever You Like by T.I.

2008-11-21T08:04:00.000-08:00

You know the old sugar daddies
they be trickin,' they tell them girls

I said, you can have whatever you like (You like)
I said, you can have whatever you like (You like, yeah)

Stacks on deck, Patrón on ice
And we can pop bottles all night
And baby, you can have whatever you like (You like)
I said, you can have whatever you like (You like, yeah)
Baby, I can treat you so special, so nice
Gas up the jet for you tonight
And baby you can go wherever you like (You like)
I said, you can go wherever you like (You like, yeah)

Any time you want to pick up the telephone, you
Know it ain't nothin' to drop a couple stacks on you
You want it, you can get it, my dear
5 million dollar homes, drop Bentleys I swear

Yeah, I want your body, need your body
Long as you got me, you won't need nobody
You want it, I got it, go get it, I buy it
Tell them other broke joker, "be quiet"

Stacks on deck, Patrón on ice
And we can pop bottles all night
And baby, you can have whatever you like (You like)
I said, you can have whatever you like (You like, yeah)
Baby, I can treat you so special, so nice
Gas up the jet for you tonight
And baby you can go wherever you like (You like)
I said, you can go wherever you like (You like, yeah)

Shawty you the hottest, love the way you drop it
Brain's so good, I s'pose you went to college
$100k deposit, vacations in the tropics
Everybody know it ain't trickin' if ya got it
And ya ain't never ever gotta go in your wallet
Long as I got rubberband banks in my pocket
5'6", drives with rims and a body kit
Ya ain't gotta downgrade, you can get what I get

My chick can have what she want
And go in any store, buy any bag she want
I noticed you ain't never had a man like that
To buy you anything your heart desire like that

Yeah, I want your body, need your body
Long as you got me, you won't need nobody
You want it, I got it, go get it, I buy it
Tell them other broke joker, "be quiet"

Stacks on deck, Patrón on ice
And we can pop bottles all night
And baby, you can have whatever you like (You like)
I said, you can have whatever you like (You like, yeah)
Baby, I can treat you so special, so nice
Gas up the jet for you tonight
And baby you can go wherever you like (You like)
I said, you can go wherever you like (You like, yeah)

I'm talkin' big boy rides and big boy ice
Let me put this big boy in your life
Girl, you smell so fresh and look so nice
Let me put this big boy in your life, that's right

I want your body, need your body
Long as you got me, you won't need nobody
You want it, I got it, go get it, I buy it
Tell them other broke joker, "be quiet"

Stacks on deck, Patrón on ice
And we can pop bottles all night
And baby, you can have whatever you like (You like)
I said, you can have whatever you like (You like, yeah)
Baby I can treat you so special, so nice
Gas up the jet for you tonight
And baby you can go wherever you like (You like)
I said, you can go wherever you like (You like, yeah)

What's Going On???

2008-11-21T07:27:00.000-08:00

I know my readers are thinking, why has this blog been so sporadic?

Well, I can tell you why. I was married two years ago and ever since then I have not been able to do the things that I like to do, such as journalism, such as my photography, such as being around people that I like, friends and family.

As of October 18, 2008 that was all over. I chose to leave. I had a heck of a time actually getting out of the house in one piece but I did it. So here I am, alive and well. I have my children and we are safe. So from here on out, I can take care of the things that are important to me:

1) My Children.
2) Work.
3) My Bachelors Degree.
4) My Journalism and Photography, any websites I manage.

I just want my readers to know that my life is not going to be on hold any longer and that I encourage you to stay with me. I just mailed out my divorce papers, so I guess that means I am free.

I am updating all of the sections of the site now. Have a great weekend!!!

~Nika

Beautiful People

2008-10-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

Life is giving me many great opportunities right now. One is that I am living in the Detroit area and coming into contact with some phenomenal artists. I am starting to experience life the way I always wanted to, surrounded by naturally talented people, people with heart and soul. People, that if you took away all of the gadgets, could function with just their bare hands.

I am working on my photo business and with some help of a few great friends and family, it is taking off. Time seems to be an issue, along with getting all of my work together but I am going to take that time and use it to keep focused.

I wanted to thank everyone who has supported my photography and writing all these years. When I was in school, many people said, "you can't do photography and journalism AND have children." You people suck. Those of you who stood by me, rock on!!! I can and I will do it. I am a different breed.

Thanks again for your support!!!

~Nika

Love Quotes

2008-10-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

Even after all this time

The sun never says to the earth "you owe me".

Look what happens with a Love like that!

- It lights the whole Sky. (Hafiz)

“I was in love with love.” (St. Augustine)

"Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are.

Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two.
- Captain Corelli's Mandolin.

"In real love you want the other person's good. In romantic love you want the other person."
--Margaret Anderson

"In my wildest dreams, you always play the hero. In my darkest hour of night, you rescue me, you save my life."
--Bliss and Cerney

Here is a Game I found...Be Careful...

2008-10-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

Simple Game from Albino Blacksheep

Be Prepared...

2008-10-12T20:12:00.001-07:00

This is October, ladies and gentlemen...Halloween is near. This is one of my favorite times of the year because I get to get all of the creepy, gross, make-your-skin-crawl type of stuff out of my system that has been simmering for the past eleven months. Hers is a tribute to my most favorite season of all, next to Christmas, of course...Thriller!!! P.S. YouTube does not allow you to embed the original Micheal Jackson version, so here is something fun that I found instead. :)

Mmm...True Blood

2008-10-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

What can I say? I missed my show tonight and I really had to watch the main vampire again...ahh...first blood. Lol. If you know me, I am a horror fan. There is just something sexy about the undead. I know, that's creepy. So what?!

~Nika

Respect

2008-10-08T06:35:00.001-07:00

How do you know if you have disrepected someone?

It's not an easy thing to please everyone. You don't know everyone's boundaries, culture, class, morals, etc. You don't know how sensitive a person can be given certain situations. I am not an easy person to offend.

There are certain things that should make you question yourself if you find yourself always doing them and always ending up with the same results. I'm not a preacher. Quite frankly, I am a sinner. I have bad thoughts pretty much all day long, dispersed amongst thoughts of kindness, guilt, empathy, love, sadness, anger and all the others.

There is something, that yes, I learned about in Sundsy School. It's called the Golden Rule. It basically says "Do unto others as you'd have done unto yourself."

Then along with it come the Ten Commandments and the story about Jesus that says "An eye for an eye," which does not mean take revenge, it means to offer them your other eye, for the one that they've all ready poked out.

Where I fall in all of this is not quite defined. I have found myself in the past wanting revenge. That doesn't suit me anymore. I have tried offering my other eye, only to find that it does get poked out. I am looking at the middle road, the grey area, where the answer is not definite but it's not evil either.

How do you continue on after being disrespected in such a deep way without hurting the person who disrespected you? I think the answer is quite simple: don't pay those thoughts any mind anymore. I am just going to have to carry on doing what I think is right and nevermind what anyone else thinks.

When I was in school, my mother told me not to ever start a fight but to finish it or at least make sure I can protect myself. I will protect myself and if that means I have to finish a fight, so be it but I vow that I will not hurt anyone out of revenge or spite or hatred.

I just want to be respected.

Detroit City in Da House!!!

2008-10-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but I have been noticing that Detroit is coming ALIVE!!!

When I was little, my mother and my aunts and cousins always warned me that Detroit was a dangerous place to go and would tell me about their experiences when they had been brave enough to venture down there.

Honestly though, I love Detroit. Every time I go I have a blast. I love the city lights. The people are so interesting and friendly. I feel beautiful just walking down the street.

Sure it has it's junkies, it's prostitutes and homeless people. It has it's run-down, spooky looking old houses and buildings but the city has some bang!!!

Detroit has undergone a severely needed facelift within the past few years and I am proud to say that, well, it's not exactly where I live but if I were single, it is exactly where I would live.

I have recently had the opportunity to visit some of it's clubs, casinos and stores, get to know some of it's fascinating people and just enjoy the view.

This post seems eerily familiar...It feels as if I have written something similar to it before, bragging about Detroit. I don't know...but I just wanted to say that I think it has a lot of potential and is going to be offering me many opportunities in the very near future. Cheers!!!

~Nika

Some places to visit downtown:

1.Ignite- MGM Grand Casino
2.Squindles African Restaurant
3. Bleu Room Experience
4. Motor City Casino
5. Comerica Park

James Bond: Quantum of Solace

2008-10-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

The First Five Years

2008-09-30T14:46:00.000-07:00

In today's society, a good marriage is not easy to come by.

People just don't understand how much hard work being married is. Marriage is not just about sex. It is not just about communication. It is not just about children or money. It is so complicated. It involves emotions, life decisions, both of your families, your friends and your lifestyle. If you are getting married, be prepared to give up your old life. Be prepared to change.

I decided to do a little research, being a married woman myself, and see what the "experts" say about the first five years of marriage. Well, that just about sums it up. You have to learn to change, to accept another person's quirks, to deny yourself a few things along the line and to become a dependable,loving, unselfish person. One person cannot fill your every desire at the snap of your fingers. Marriage takes time. You have to learn how to navigate and how not to give up.

I think one of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming that just because you don't feel the same way about the person that you did when you met them means that you don't love them anymore or that they don't love you. I can tell you, if you've loved someone, you've definitely hated them at some point. People who are always around you will eventually get on your nerves for some reason or another. I'm not a marriage counselor or any kind of an expert at all, shoot, I've only just been married two years. I can tell you this much though, if you want to stay married, you had better be one determined couple.

The things married people have to go through just to get to know one another is just outright ridiculous sometimes. We have so much depth as human beings. We also, as humans, have many, many flaws. Some of us talk too much. Some of us don't talk enough. Some of us cannot listen to save our life. Others just choose to ignore everything and do things their own way. Factor in all of the men and women just waiting to break up your marriage, your parents, your in-laws, your children, money and just life itself, I think you need some major cajones to even make it to committed.

Before I was married, I was counseled to read the book, "The Five Love Languages," and I found it helped me a lot. The problem was, I wasn't quite sure what my husband's love language is. I think I know it now. For me, it's verbal. I have to have compliments. Call me conceded but I thrive on his compliments and other's as well. The only other thing that I know has kept me as deeply committed as I am is pure determination and general knowledge of the sweet side of my husband. When he is good, he is fantastic but when he is bad...oy.

Another factor of marriage is love. So many people think love is a feeling. I do not agree. If it was, then it would come and go just like the rain. Love is a combination of things: honesty, trust, respect and devotion, to name a few. And you can't just pick to love one person, you have to be a loving person to love. I think it then transcends to finding someone who you really click with. Love shouldn't be mistaken for that giddy feeling you get in the beginning of a relationship. It is much, much deeper than that and it requires nurturing.

Anyway, back to my point, the first five years can spell serious disaster for those people who do not respect them. It is my opinion that to stay married, you have to really spend a lot of time in those first five years learning as much as you can.

The Bad Credit Drug

2008-09-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

Would you like to open a charge account and save 10%?

In every line in every store across every town in this country you hear that question.

As an American, I am guilty of falling for the credit card. It is a drug. You think, oh, man, they just gave me a credit line of $2,000!!! Do you know what I can buy with that? I know it's going to take me the next two years to pay it off with only a $20 per month fee but hey, I really want that plasma t.v.!!!

Luckily for me, I only have one credit card that's ever really done any damage. It only happened because the company handling my account pulled a dirty trick. They changed my payment date from the 21st of the month to the 20th and never even told me.

On the other hand, I have student loans and car loans that are all racking up hefty fees.

How on earth are we ever supposed to get out of debt with all of these creditors breathing down our necks making us crazy? It just makes us want to go out and spend more money to get away from it all, on credit, of course, because all of our real money is tied up in bills.

Well, I am finally owning up to my addiction and getting some help. I found a company called Christian Credit Counselors who, within ten minutes of my application being submitted, called me and got right to summing up my bills.

I plan on not making any purchases unless I have the cash. That was how I did it in the good old days, before I decided to "build my credit." (The sound of creditor's hysterical laughter in the background.)

You can check them out at http://www.CCCFree.com

E! Best Bikini Bodies of 2008

2008-09-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Season Premieres

2008-09-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

1. True Blood, Sunday night at 9 p.m. on HBO (This one was new three weeks ago.)
2. Life, Monday September 29, 10 p.m. on NBC
3. Two and a Half Men, tonight 8 p.m. on CBS
4. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles tonight at 8 p.m. on Fox

These are my favorites in order from the one I cannot miss to the ones that I switch in between. I hope you will give them a try and enjoy them as much as I do!!!
Check them out on www.HBO.com , www.NBC.com , www.CBS.com , and www.Fox.com

Problems with Photos

2008-09-17T11:00:00.001-07:00

For those of you interested in seeing some of my photos, I am currently having a problem uploading them to Blogger.com. I will fix this soon. Thank-you for your patience.

Sincerely,
Nika

Disturbia

2008-09-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

To Boob or Not to Boob

2008-09-16T11:05:00.001-07:00

Today's society requires that you look your best at all times or you will simply be humiliated. When did being a woman become so hard? I remember when the boys only cared that you had jugs, not that they were perfect.

Let's face it, it's a real drag on the self-esteem.

That is the reason for this whole discussion. Sorry, but it has to be discussed.
I am looking into getting a "Mommy Makeover" due to the fact that I have had three children and it is wreaking havoc on my body. Working out can only do so much. It doesn't get rid of stretch marks or darkened aeroles. All it does is put muscle behind where your boobs used to be.

Currently, I am down to the same weight as I was in high school, a whopping 115 lbs. I am actually trying to gain weight. My hubby has been great about helping me find good workouts that actually achieve results. Crunches, leg lifts, push-ups and yoga...your basics...they all work...but they only do so much. They cannot fix all of the damage that childbirthing does.

I'm not looking to undue everything...just this one little area. The one little area that seems to make the world go round.

The question that I have is, will it be worth it? Am I going to feel better about myself? Or am I going to think to myself how stupid and superficial am I that I have to do this to make myself feel good anyway? Am I just like the other bimbos walking around Silicone Valley?

Over the years I have thought these things about women who go and get breast procedures. I think they are only doing it to get attention, unless of course, it was done after a mastectomy. I even wrote a term paper about why I would never get one. At that time, it was dangerous due to the silicone implants on the market.

Here's a thought though, whether you were born flat as a board, you nursed or you had to have your breasts removed from cancer...all of the above have done nothing but utterly destroy your self-confidence and made your feel like less of a person and therefore, you deserve to feel beautiful again.

Here are a few sites to look at if you'd like to see the procedures: http://www.michellehardawaymd.com and http://www.anewyou.com

Photography

2008-08-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know me very well, know that I am in love with photography. Why then, haven't I been doing my photography lately? Well, as much as I love to photograph my family, I simply cannot photograph their every move. They get annoyed. Besides that, I like to photograph things that you have not seen before. I like to play visual tricks on people with the camera. I need to diversify.

I recently started working at a photo lab so I could gain more experience. If you are a photographer, then you know that you can never get enough experience. Any experience processing film is worth it if you plan to open a studio yourself one day.

For giggles, I found a blog that showcases the interesting kind of photography that I enjoy. I have it listed in my "Sites I Visit Ever Week" section. It is called "a picture a day keeps the doctor away". This guy has such a wonderful eye. Yes, I am rhyming. Call me nutty, call my funny, call me Dr. Seuss for all I care. Just go to the site.

A Sample from AlbinoBlacksheep.com

2008-08-21T10:53:00.001-07:00

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/bushsound

You will love this!!!

Is Prostitution a Crime?

2008-08-17T11:08:00.000-07:00

I recently had an experience of which both surprised and disgusted me and although I have been advised not to gossip, I do need to have an outlet.

I came across some persons who I thought were in the business of trading sex for money. The people were of very different backgrounds and age ranges. It was pretty obvious to me and others who were around what was going on.

Just like the rest of society, I have my own opinions about things. I try not to be a judgemental person. This situation makes me question a few things though.

I have to know what it is that drives people to do things like this. And not from a judgemental view, from a health view. From a self-respect view. From a mother's view.

I am a writer. I'd like to consider myself a history buff, too. A humanitarian and a loving person. Definitely a sexual person. A person with the some wants and desires as the next and maybe even more.

I commend the men and women who have to do this because they have no other options. I don't think I could. There are just too many things at risk. I apologize to anyone reading this that is offended. It is not meant to be offensive, just thought provoking.

There are many countries and even in some parts of Nevada where prostitution is legal. I have seen documentaries about it that discuss the pros and cons of the job. I have read books. "Why?" you ask. It's just an interesting topic, like the legalization of marijuana. I typically don't see things in black and white,therefore, these kinds of things cross my mind from time to time. I believe there is an exception to every rule. So, I tend to side with the underdog on occasion.

So what is my opinion? Well, I know many people who have been in the business all of their lives and some for portions of it. It is dangerous, on all counts. It can be rewarding knowing that you did help someone. It can help you feel better to know that maybe you kept someone from being raped or kept someone who was very lonely from being alone. But I don't like it. I believe the body is a treasure, to be kept safe from all harm. There is an exception to every rule I say, so as long as no one is in danger, I don't see the need to keep it illegal.

I wish that everyone was honest though. I continuously see news reports of married people going behind each other's back cheating with a prostitute. That's not fair. It's not easy to be married, I know that. But cheating is cheating. You are hurting someone and that I do not agree with.

I am going to leave this up to my readers to decide for themselves. I hope that a lot of thought is put into your words before you comment because you never know who you could be hurting.

Caring for the Elderly

2008-08-13T19:08:00.000-07:00

This is a topic that is seldom thought about or talked about by anyone that I know. At least, it doesn't come up in conversations as often as say, alcohol, does. Know what I mean?

Old people. According to my recent medical training, there are three types of old people: the young old, the old and the old, old.

"What does that mean?" you say.

Well, it means that the elderly are categorized a bit so we can have an idea of what we may be in for as caregivers. Although, I think they tend to surprise us more often than we'd like to admit.

I recently spent a week of clinicals working at an old-folks home. It was quite the experience. Yes, I had to change incontinence pads. Yes it was gross. No I would not like to share that experience with you.

But I got a lot more out of it than that. What I got was that these people really just want the same love and affection that you and I want but they seem to have been forgotten by everyone else. I do not understand it myself. I got the best advice that anyone in the past two years has given me from someone I barely know and will probably never see again, in just a random conversation.

The little lady said to me that people these days just don't put enough effort into their marriages. They let them fall apart. They don't nurture one another. She told me that if I ever had any problems that I need to remember to nurture. I know she was right. And I never even brought up the fact that I am in an interracial relationship and how many people have thought it would not work out because we have so many differences.

I encourage you to try to spend more time with someone elderly. The advice they give is timeless because really, what is time but man-made anyway? The only difference between our time and their time of life is what technology has made easier for us. We all still have the same problems and we all still strive for the same things.

Saucy Tunes

2008-08-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the opportunity to go to a concert with my friend and sister-in-law, Dee, to see John Butler, G-Love and Special Sauce and a couple of other bands.

Let me be honest, I was thinking that I would be in for some kind of John Mayor ho-down or something. I was happily disappointed. As it turns out, the two above-mentioned bands totally rocked and rapped the house. I was pretty surprised. Happily surprised. I would even go as far as saying impressed.

Their most famous song to date is, "Baby's Got Sauce," which I have posted here so you can decide for yourself if it is as good as I think it is.

I think what actually impressed me the most was the many talents that the lead singer of G-Love and Special Sauce had. He can sing, rap, play the guitar and the harmonic and I don't mean just play. I mean he can play.

It was clear to me that the bands involved were not influenced by just one genre of music. I heard reggae, rap, rock, blues and even a little bluegrass. It was nice to see a band perform that actually had talent. It gives me hope.

For a sample of what I heard go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6kGSN0P8HA

Return from Studies

2008-08-04T16:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry to have been gone for so long but I have been taking an accelerated course in some medical studies for the past three weeks. I am working on my clinicals currently and it has taken up every second of everyday this month.

On a good note, I am getting the highest grade in my class so far. :)

I am getting back to keeping my blog updated, so bare with me as I finish this course and return back to reality.

Sincerely,
Nika

The Family:La Familia:La Famiglia:La Famille

2008-06-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

I'm going to begin by showing you what the Merriam-Webster's definition of family is:

Main Entry: 1fam·i·ly
Pronunciation: \ˈfam-lē, ˈfa-mə-\
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural fam·i·lies
Etymology: Middle English familie, from Latin familia household (including servants as well as kin of the householder), from famulus servant
Date: 15th century
1: a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head : household
2 a: a group of persons of common ancestry : clan b: a people or group of peoples regarded as deriving from a common stock : race
3 a: a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation : fellowship b: the staff of a high official (as the President)
4: a group of things related by common characteristics: as a: a closely related series of elements or chemical compounds b: a group of soils with similar chemical and physical properties (as texture, pH, and mineral content) that comprise a category ranking above the series and below the subgroup in soil classification c: a group of related languages descended from a single ancestral language
5 a: the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children; also : any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family a single-parent family b: spouse and children
6 a: a group of related plants or animals forming a category ranking above a genus and below an order and usually comprising several to many genera bin livestock breeding (1): the descendants or line of a particular individual especially of some outstanding female (2): an identifiable strain within a breed
7: a set of curves or surfaces whose equations differ only in parameters
8: a unit of a crime syndicate (as the Mafia) operating within a geographic area
— fam·i·ly·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun

If you cannot see where I am going with this, let me explain. In the past, I have been with many families. I was born into a family. I lived with a family that was not technically my own but I became one of them briefly. I was adopted into a family and then I was married into a family.

To me, family is a group of people of which I belong. They accept me. Sometimes they don't like what I do but they still love me and want me to succeed. They help me get on the right path when I am going down the wrong one.

Family is always there. They don't leave you behind. They don't cast you aside. They pick you up when you are down. They may criticize you but they always show you the right way to do it. Even if it means holding your hand the whole time. They keep you with them so that they can guide you along the rocky roads.

It is important, that last sentence. Family stays with you no matter what.

That is all I have to say.

Obama's Blue Print for Change

2008-06-13T15:07:00.000-07:00

Finally I have found the link to Obama's campaign information. Hopefully you all will read this and make a more informed decision on who to vote for. http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/ObamaBlueprintForChange.pdf

One thing is for sure...if you are thinking that voting for McCain is a better choice (especially for women's rights) think again. He is Republican. I urge everyone to not set us back fifty years by putting this guy into office. We need reproductive freedoms. As for those of you less informed about this issue, even when abortion was "illegal" the government was still issuing them to mentally handicapped people and those people who were deemed crazy, once again, abusing their power.

And for those unlucky women who were raped or just weren't ready to have children, they had to go to uncertified doctors on the side who sometimes did hack jobs on them. I try not to be too pushy on this subject but really abortion is more a health issue than a religious one anymore. People are going to do it no matter what you believe. Although I have never been in a situation that merits the decision I feel that there is always an exception to the rule, therefore everyone deserves the right to choose for themselves.

Interesting Fact

2008-06-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

As I was googling my site's name to see if it came up anywhere (so far it has not) I discovered a website that has an English-Chinook dictionary on it.

In this dictionary, the word Nika presents itself. I thought that was neat, so I decided to take a look.

The word nika means my, mine or myself. I thought that was appropriate since the name of my website is Nika's Land or My Land.

Just a little tidbit I thought I'd throw your way. :)

Here's the site: http://www.cayoosh.net/hiyu/shaw6.html

~Nika

Sent From Heaven

2008-06-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

Song lyrics | Heaven Sent lyrics

I am dedicating this post to my husband because no matter all of the differences, we still have more in common. I love you and Happy Birthday!!!

Literature for Free

2008-06-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

I have discovered a website for all of you book worms out there. It is called www.DailyLit.com .

I love it!!! All you have to do is search for your book and it finds it, lists whether or not you must pay to read it, click and read!!! Several of the classics are free to read and those that are not free are very well priced.

A few good reads listed for free are, "War and Peace," "Women in Love," and "Three Men and a Maid."

I am tempted to read that last one. I think this site will be a great way to keep myself entertained during Michigan's long, cold winters.

Top Jobs

2008-06-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

There is no such thing as "economic problems" if you have the right job.

For all of those math and science geeks, you are probably on top of the world. In my two years in the city, I have noticed two things: the people making money are either working in the hospital, on computers or in the finance department.

Unfortunately, the rest of us will have to catch up to you. I majored in journalism and all it has gotten me is a husband and some student loans I have to pay off. I can't do much with it because it requires so much traveling and crazy long hours. Not to mention, that as a woman, some people are VERY intimidated that someone so pretty could be THAT smart. Sorry guys, it had to be said. Women tend to find more than one glass ceiling in this business. That is why I am writing this blog. The most successful journalists I know have all become professors at large universities. That, of course, requires more college and time. But you do make more money...

Anyway, that being said, I have found the top ten jobs for 2008 according to Yahoo.com .

1. Marketing and Promotions Management
2. Medical Assisting
3. Computer Networking Specialist
4. Teacher
5. Software Programmer
6. Educational Administrator
7. Graphic Designer
8. Paralegal
9. Nursing Administrator
10. Accountant / Bookkeeper

If you would like to find out more about these careers, copy and paste this link into your browser:

http://education.yahoo.net/degrees/articles/featured_10_hot_careers_for_2008_and_beyond.html

Time is Valuable

2008-06-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

No matter how long you live, you will never have enough time.

There's always something new that I want to do, something new to experience, something new to taste, to see, to hear, to feel...

My kids ask me, "Mom, can you read me a bedtime story?"

My husband asks me, "Honey, do you want to go have dinner and a movie?"

My family asks me, "So when do I get to see the baby?"

My friends ask me, "Are you going to have any time next week for lunch?"

Sometimes my head just spins with questions and responsibility. Do I have time? Yes, I have time. Let me see. Let me check with my husband. Let me make sure I have a sitter. Let me make sure the kids are going to be in school. Let me see if I have anything else going on.

I am a slave to time now. It is so weird. How does someone who is a stay-at-home mom have no time?

For those of you who manage to work in a few minutes with your significant other, I have made a list of things you can do to kill time. If you have little ones still home, you can take them to all of these places.

1. Go miniature golfing. It's fun, short and you can talk about things.
2. Grab a pizza and head to the park.
3. Find a museum.
4. Book stores are awesome "third places" to socialize, listen to music and relax.
5. Locate an indoor track and go for a run. Or go back to the park.

I have wasted a lot of time not doing the things that I want to do, not saying the things that I need to say and not being the person I want to be. I hope this blog inspires you to try something new and spend time with the special people in your lives before it is too late. Don't let your everyday responsibilities bog down your life. Don't get sucked into movie night and don't assume that you have to go on dates at night, only spend time with your kids during certain times or only visit your family on holidays. Call your mom and for God's sake, kiss your loved one when they walk out the door!!!

~Nika

Not Enough Love

2008-05-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

I am posting this poem because love is a very good but tumultuous thing. It comes and goes. It raises you up and then throws you to the pits of hell when it leaves. Even when you give and give and give, you seem to miss something along the way and that something comes back to haunt and torment you. So you forgot to say hello to Miss So and so, now she wants to destroy you. Or you happen to have said hello to someone that Miss So and so does not like and because you are showing love to someone else, she wants to destroy you again. Why cannot a person who is loving just be loved back? Why is love always so complicated?

Bertrand Russell:c

Three passions have governed my life:
The longings for love, the search for knowledge,
And unbearable pity for the suffering of [humankind].

Love brings ecstasy and relieves loneliness.
In the union of love I have seen
In a mystic miniature the prefiguring vision
Of the heavens that saints and poets have imagined.

With equal passion I have sought knowledge.
I have wished to understand the hearts of [people].
I have wished to know why the stars shine.

Love and knowledge led upwards to the heavens,
But always pity brought me back to earth;
Cries of pain reverberated in my heart
Of children in famine, of victims tortured
And of old people left helpless.
I long to alleviate the evil, but I cannot,
And I too suffer.

This has been my life; I found it worth living.

adapted

Kanamara Matsuri a.k.a. The Penis Festival

2008-05-28T20:32:00.000-07:00

As I was looking for new and interesting websites and places to spread the word about my new blog, I came across this article about Kanamara Matsuri or the Penis Festival, as called by foreigners.

Babibubebo.com says, "Every year Kanamara Shrine holds this festival on the 1st Sunday in April in Kawasaki, Kanagawa."

In case you are wondering, it's in Japan.

I have to tell you, this is pretty cool. I honestly did not know that the Japanese had such crazy festivals!!! You have to see the photos from this thing!!!

There is a legit reason why the Japanese in these photos are running around hugging and sucking fake penises and vaginas (in a very polite way mind you.) They are praying for protection against sexually transmitted diseases, married couple's harmony, business prosperity and so on.

A more important factor to take note of is that the people in this festival are celebrating their bodies, not shunning them. They are showing as much respect for their sexual organs as they would their face or their brains and they are not shy about it.

I think many western and middle-eastern countries should take note of this and learn how to love their bodies as much as they love their minds and stop treating sex like it is a disease. Stop treating sex like it is a terrible thing and learn to respect it. The human race and all other types of animals need sex to survive. Why can't we embrace it and learn how to have it in a safe, non-violent way?

If you'd like to read more, here is the link:

http://babibubebo.com/2008/04/07/kanamara-matsuri-festival-of-the-steel-phallus/

I love this festival. And now I'm going to get off my soap-box.

Cheers!!!

~Nika

Tapping Trees

2008-05-27T16:31:00.000-07:00

I know what you are thinking...What in the world is she talking about?

I'm talking about tapping trees for sap to make maple syrup.

It's not usually the kind of thing I write about but it's pretty interesting. I've always wanted to do it and it's pretty easy. Plus, I make a lot of pancakes and I really love fresh maple syrup.

You have to find a maple tree that's at least 31 inches in diameter, drill a hole into the side and collect the sap. Then you have to boil the sap (a pretty decent amount of it) until its sugar content is about 67%. It will take a while. Finally, you have to filter it and can it.

There is a really informative pdf file on a Maine university website I found while I was researching the topic http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/PDFpubs/7036.pdf . It gives you detailed instructions on how to make your maple syrup right at home without all of the fancy equipment.

We have a maple tree in our front yard, so I think I might give it a go.

Have a great week!!!

~Nika

Cherokee Tears

2008-05-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

As many of my friends and family know, I am part Cherokee, well, at least that's what my mother says.

I can see it though. I have found over the years that many of my thoughts and ideas are not exactly run of the mill caucasion -ish thoughts and ideas.

Anyway, this blog is not about me, I just wanted to say why I am posting this.

This blog is about remembering those who sacrificed their lives so that others can have what they have today.

On May 28, 1830 the Indian Removal Act was put into place so that any Native Americans living on this side of the Mississippi would move west of the Mississippi, thereby giving up the only homes that generations of Native Americans have ever known.

It is to my dismay that on May 23, 1838 the first "Cherokee Roundup" took place. This day is shared with the same day of the birth of my brother, we will call him Turtle.

Since May is the month that the Trail of Tears was born, I wanted to make a tribute to all of the people who suffered that trail.
May they rest in peace and may their children's children also have peace.

~Nika