Former Detroit Mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick….

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By SheelaR
Former Detroit Mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick will be been sentenced today. Now, I’m a firm believer in second chances, but never thirds. He a had second chance at redemption and he blew it. So here you are, Mr. Kilpatrick…. You will soon be standing before the courts still expecting yet another chance in the form of an abbreviated sentence. I believe you are well deserving of the 28 years the prosecution is asking for. You’ve not once taken responsibility for your deeds. Taking some small measure of responsibility for the mess you find yourself in today would have done wonders to redeem you in the eyes of the public and court. What an enormous fall from grace.

Mr. Kilpatrick, you had a sworn fiduciary duty to serve the citizens of Detroit and you failed miserably, not once but twice. After the slow brewing controversies of your first term you had an opportunity to turn things around, and yet you choose to continue on with behaviors unacceptable of a trusted elected official. So many people believed in you. You let an entire community down. The shame really is on you and not them for giving you a second chance. That was human nature at play, and you played on it.

I don’t’ have much hope or sympathy for you. I do however feel some sadness for your boys. Whatever time you get, is time away from them as they transition for boys to men. They will not have you there to witness that transformation. Every child deserves not one but two loving and supporting parents. My hope is that despite your absence, they will grow into dependable, respectable and productive men. It is truly sad because they don’t have much of an example to follow. I also hope that during your incarceration, you spend that time reaching out and helping those for whom you will share a space with… You’re an educated man and this will be the perfect opportunity for you to do some good for someone else.

Life

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By SheelaR

I’m moving into a new phase in my life.  It’s out with the new and in with the old.  Confusing, right? I’m returning my life to all things familiar.  I’m reconnecting with people and relationships that I’ve been neglecting as a result of a life spent in constant motion.  All my newest friendships are a result of that.  Most of newest friends are fairly superficial in nature and I need people who know and love me back in my circle. Lucky for me, my old friends still love me and have welcomed me back.  Reunited and it feels so good!  I love my nerdy boring circle of friends.  Friday nights spent on the sofa eating popcorn, talking world events, politics and watching movies is how we get down.

The great thing about old friends is, they accept you good, bad and indifferent. Cultivating new relationships can be exhausting and often times, have not been worth the hassle. Although, I would never tell anyone they should not make new friends, new friendships can be a beautiful thing.  It hasn’t necessarily worked for me.  I prefer the people I already know.  My new friends, and I use that term loosely, have their place.  However, I’ve met some awesome people these last few years and I hope that a couple of friendships can be taken to a deeper level, but now may not be the time for forging those ties.

I need like-minded, mature, reasonable and intelligent adults in my circle. I haven’t found much of that with most of my newer connections, with the exception of a couple of people, everyone else seems perpetually stuck at the age of 16, immature for their chronological age…if you will.  Their taste in music, television programming, and their social interactions in general…  The list really is endless. I’ve grown old before my time and I want those around me to reflect that growth.
It’s getting late and it is time for me to log off of my computer and into some quiet time. 

Just Because

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By SheelaR
I’ve been away from my blog for a little bit; suffering from writers block and I needed to step away and refresh. I’m refreshed 🙂 I’m running out of time to write and submit my Facebook article. I was struggling with what to include or not include and I’ve decided to include it all. I can’t be a serious writer if I’m afraid to write about serious things…right?

Some of the more interesting stories include people of whom I don’t FB associate with anymore, and that has made it a little easier. Also, I’m no longer FB friends with one of my major sources of info, but curiously enough, he’s still feeding me info. I don’t ask for it, but I do listen when he comes baring bits of salacious info.

I use to quietly question his motives for doing so, but I think I’ve always known what they were but decided that it didn’t require any further thought or concern. He’s never told me anything that wasn’t true and couldn’t be verified. He would be perfect as some sort of international spy. So unassuming.

I’ve been writing feverishly for two hours every night for the last three days and it is adding up quickly. Although I’ve kept copious written notes, the ones in my head have thus far been the best. I’m glad that I’m a consummate observer.

Sometimes we get so caught up in talking, we forget to listen.

Anyhoo…

It’s Monday evening and I’ve tons of stuff to do. Catch ya later!

Private Matters, public People

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By SheelaR

I’m trying not to judge, but I really don’t understand messiness.  For example… LeAnn Rimes & Brandi Glanville’s epic Twitter fights.  Both of you need to grow up and keep your private affairs out of the public news.  Clearly, Eddie Cibrian likes dumb messy girls.

Get over it, Brandi! Whining about LeAnn and your children publicly is not only bad for you, but it is also bad for your children.  You may not like her but she is a relevant factor in their lives and it is time to stop bashing her and your ex-husband in public forums.  Your sons will be young men one day, and they’ll be able to read all your vitriol filled rants.  They will be embarrassed and hurt. Shut your mouth and have some class and dignity.  Your boys will love and appreciate you for it.
LeAnn, considering your role in Eddie & Brandi’s marriage mess, you should just sit there, look pretty and sing.  We don’t need convincing that you and Eddie are in love, nor do we care. Maybe it is you that you’re trying to convince.  Stop fighting with Brandi over her children. Despite what you think, you are not their mother and they’ll never love you the same, especially after they find out the truth.  You maintaining your class and decorum in this, will be the one thing that redeems you in their eyes.
Speaking of class…
I must say, I’m proud of Khloe Kardashian for how she’s handling herself in public, considering her marital mess with Lamar Odom.  Keep your chin up and continue to stay above the fray.
Now that we’re talking about the Kardashians….
I’m fed up with Kanye West and his epic rants again the world.  He is not that smart or talented.  More importantly, his behavior is frightening. It distress me to think about how you and your media loving girlfriend are responsible for that baby’s innocent little life. I hope you do a better job as a father than you do as a man and a public figure. Stop getting in street fight with the Paparazzi, you look silly.  You alone will never stop them from taking your picture.  Smile for camera, you chose that life.

Uninspired

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By SheelaR

It’s been a Roller Coaster type of day.  I’m so glad it’s over with.  It started off harmless enough and out of nowhere, things just didn’t seem to come together. It wasn’t the worst day of my life, but it could have been better.  

I’m suffering front a horrible case of writers block.  I’ve got 3 weeks to finish all 4 parts of my 4-part Facebook series, and I’m nowhere with it. I’m feeling uninspired. I don’t know where it came from and I don’t know how to get rid of it. I’ve been staring at a blank screen for two weeks. The thought of not being able to get it done and submitted on time is haunting me.

In other news…

I’m going to see my beloved Detroit Lions Sunday afternoon. I’m excited about that. I made some special plans for Sunday evening 😦   I was hoping to end the day with something special, but… I struck out on that.

I finally finished up my project budgets.  At least that worked out.  Hand-delivered them to my clients and they were pleased.  Thank goodness for that, I wasn’t prepared for any more disappointments. 

I ate a ton of junk food this week and I feel so guilty.  With the weekend ahead of me, it looks like I’ll be consuming more.  I need another mini-break from life.  A few weeks of nothing but vegetating.  I cram months worth of stuff into a few weeks of life and then I burn myself out.  I need to find a balance.  The good news is, I’m finally conquering my insomnia. I’ve been sleeping through the night for at least 2 solid weeks, except for the occasional bathroom runs.

It seems like I was more creative when I couldn’t sleep. To be honest, I’d rather be creative, but I know my mind and body is better off with all the great sleep I’m getting.  Well, I’m slowly slipping into sleepiness.  Lately, I’m listening to my eyelids, so I’m wrapping this up for my date with Sandman.

Sleep peaceful and deep 🙂

Miley Cyrus AKA Hannah Montana…

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By SheelaR

I’m fascinated and disappointed that some Detroiter’s are happy that Miley Cyrus has blamed her ill-advised corrupt behavior on some brief time she spent here in the city, as a minor no less, filming a movie. I hate to be the one to point this out; you can’t biologically or emotionally grow up after a few weeks in a city filming a movie. My guess is, you grew up long before you got here, in Franklin, Tennessee and the glare of the Hollyweird. You decided to blame Detroit because they’re already sporting a black eye for so many other dysfunctions. Why not? Who’s going to care if you throw them under the bus? It’s just Detroit, right? Shame on you!

Getting tattoos, hanging out in nightclubs and drinking. Good job, Detroit! You’ve raised yet another fine citizen…according to you and Miley Cyrus. I don’t understand why someone would revel in that ignorance. Detroit, you should be insulted by the mention. Frankly, she owes you an apology for that outright lie and sneak put down. I’m calling BS on Miley Cyrus and those of you who are happy for the negative shout-out. That is nothing, and I repeat, that is nothing to be proud of.

Detroit is a city in the midst of bankruptcy, poverty, high crime rates, a break down in city services and so much more. Give Detroit a break, Miss Cyrus and blame the environment where your formidable years were spent. When you were video smoking Salvia from a bong as a teen, my guess is, you didn’t pick that habit up while you were here. Twerking, licking out your tongue while chasing some man around on stage with a foam finger, are also not talents you picked up in the ‘D.’

The very last thing you need is more negative attention. The next time you need a reason for being the person that you are, Miley Cyrus, blame the people that actually raised you…your parents. They raised you far from the inner city of Detroit. You grew up in a life of privilege in Franklin, Tennessee and Hollywood. My guess is, they were so busy trying to be your friend, they forgot to give you the morals and values you so desperately need.

You are young woman in transition and we’ll give you a pass to make some mistakes, we all do. I’m not judging you for those things. However, I’d like for you not to point the finger in the wrong direction. Don’t blame Detroit because it’s acceptable to kick them while they’re down.

Nightly wrap-up…

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By SheelaR

Working from bed tonight.  I’m getting behind with my article, which is due in 6 weeks.  I don’t know how I’m going to do it. I’ve got so much on my plate.  It doesn’t help that I’ll be moving in two weeks.  I’m always taking on more than I can handle.  It’s the overachiever in me. Anyhow…

It was actually a pretty laid-back work day.  The worst part of it was having to fight through a significant amount of traffic to get home this evening, it’s adding to my stress.  Road construction is everywhere. However, all was well after
I finally got home, because mom came over and made me dinner and then served me in bed.
Speaking of bed…
I’m still here working and watching TV. The new season of ‘Black Ink Crew’ premiers tonight…another guilty pleasure.  I have a love hate relationship with reality TV.  I hate the stereotypes and contrived story-lines, but I can’t stop watching.
There are definitely story-lines that I can relate to.  For example… The Chad & Evelyn story of domestic violence.  I feel really bad about Evelyn on ‘Basketball Wives’ and her encounter with domestic violence, but how ironic it that she finds herself in this situation?
It appears to me that Evelyn has failed to realize is that domestic isn’t just about a male on female abuse.  All the fighting that occurred on the previous seasons of ‘Basketball Wives,’ is also domestic violence and it is equally unacceptable. I can only hope that she does get it and isn’t just crying crocodile tears for her own plight, but for all the women and children who are also victims of domestic violence at the hands of people like herself and Chad Ochocinco.
I guess I’ll get back to working on my article and psychoanalyzing reality TV.

Monday morning reflection…

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By SheelaR

I had a great weekend.  My beloved Detroit Lions beat the Washington Redskins and I made another $100 bucks from betting on the game.  They are 2 and 1.  Not so bad considering their reputation.

Speaking of reputations…

One of my former ‘friends’ has quite the reputation for being a liar and I feel conflicted when people bring him up. A part of me wants to defend him as I have in the past, but we’re no longer friends and I don’t know what role, if any, that I should have.  Do I continue to defend the man I think he is or do I step away and continue to remain silent?  My heart wants to protect him and my mind says “not so fast.”

How do you define your role in someone’s life once you are no longer welcomed to it or have chosen to no longer be a part of it?  A simple disagree in philosophies’ can change so much, yet the affection you have for your friend is still there.  Although, I will admit… I don’t really think about him until someone else feels the need to bring it up.  I don’t want to have a hand in people getting hurt.  It is not a role I like having in other people’s lives. 

I’ve done my share of hurting and I don’t like it, and I’ve chosen not to be the kind of person to do it willfully. I know what it is like to be on the receiving end of malice and it is not a good place. However, if everyone’s’ else’s perception of my former ‘friend’ is that of liar, where does that leave me?  I’ve come to the conclusion that I will not defend him any longer, but I will not participate in any conversations about him or his perceived character.

We are not friends and it is not my battle to fight. Not because I don’t think he’s worthy, but because that is the role I shall reserve for the friends that reciprocate my love and support.

 
 

My new iPhone

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By SheelaR

I got the new iPhone 5C yesterday and I totally love it. I went from being a die-hard Blackberry user to having them both, now I’m a die-hard iPhone lover. My beloved Blackberry finally died 😦  I don’t know how I ever lived without an iPhone. 

I have the white one because I don’t think that I can look at those other colors on a long term bases. The 5C is much sleeker than my 4. It is thinner and lighter.  I like how it feels in my hand. Another great feature is the camera. I’ve already taken crisp clear photos with it. The panoramic photo feature is awesome. Once I have an opportunity to purchase a silicone case, I think I’m going to love it even more. It feels a little slippery and I’m afraid I’m going to drop it. 

Apple did a great with the IOS 7 operating system. It functions well and looks beautiful, right down to the security code screen. I love the clean minimalist look. The new tones aren’t that bad either. I like having more choices. 
What I don’t like, is that the ear-bud jack is located on the bottom of the phone.  I don’t know the purpose for that, but it is going to be a little awkward when I’m running or walking.  The phone will have to go head first into my pocket or pouch. It’s not the worst thing in the world, I’ll adapt. 
I can’t wait to do some accessory shopping. I would order online but I like having the experience of touching and seeing my purchases in real time. Overall, I’m content with switching from a beautifully designed 4 to a much simpler 5C. I think it will fit my active life much better.
Anyhow…  I’m off to get my weekend started 🙂 

I’m Free!!!

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By SheelaR

I got sprung from the hospital today.  I’m so happy to be able to sleep in my own bed tonight and to gorge on junk food, how I’ve missed my junk food.  I’ve not had time to watch the news since I’ve been back.  I feel somewhat out of the loop. I stayed away from television and most of social networking while hospitalized.

I feel super good and I’m looking forward to tomorrow and all the things that lay ahead of me. I can’t wait to live out loud tomorrow.

Speaking of living out loud…

I love “Roar” by Katy Perry.  It’s my new theme song.  I love her sense of individuality and confidence. I also love Solange Knowles (Beyonce’s little sister).  She’s has a wonderful sense of style.  It takes a lot of confidence and a high degree of self esteem to step out with your own unique style in the shadow of such an enormously famous older sister. Solange keeps it classy and I totally respect her for that.Talk about playing by the beat of your own drums… These ladies have that on lock!

Speaking of style…

I’ve been rocking my natural hair for a while now and I’m in love with it more and more with each day that passes.  I like experimenting with my hair and I’ve lucked up on what looks best on me.  I’ve added a hint of color to it. I’ve gotten tons of complements. I may never wear my hair straight again…yeah, I’m natural for life.

On another note…

I’m about to make some popcorn and settle in for the night with a movie or two. It’s a perfect Friday night for it 🙂