When you lose someone......

This last week was a pretty tough week. A lot of unfortunate things happened to me and my family this week, but with the grace of God, I have been able to concentrate some.  The worst thing that happened to me this week was the passing of a very good friend of mine. His name was Trent Roberts. He passed from medical issues that I prefer not to say, but they were health and lifestyle related. The worst thing about it all is that, he would call me and if I was busy, I would sometimes push ignore and get back to him much later than I should have. He would always cuss me out on my voice mails in a joking manner , calling me the worse friend and saying "He could be dead in the streets" for all I know. About two weeks before he passed, he left a more serious message saying call him, so we played phone tag back and forth. Then, as I left the hospital from my own drama on Monday night, I get a call from a mutual friend who says he is gone. Immediately I started to cry a in front of my children and my husband with no hesitation. I cried most of that night. I know he is in a better place, but I cried because I could have been a better friend by maybe picking up every single time. Even just to say I will call you right back. I realize that I get so wrapped up in school and my album and my family and own self challenges, that I forget what's important. My friends. Trent has taught me to cherish every phone call, every email, or text message a person sends, because you never know when God has your number. Even though he is gone, I still have his memories of jokes and fun. He was an awesome friend and comedienne, and I will never forget him. I love you Trent and will miss you. You taught me how to be a better friend. . .

How Do you feel about selling things on EBAY?

Hello, this week I have discovered the great concept of EBA. My Husband has always said that it is the way to go, but I have always been very skeptical of if it really works. This week, I found two boxes of my Chapter 4:Labor pain Cds, and so I decided to experiment to see if people really buy things from EBAY. So I posted them on there for 10 dollars with the intent to autograph each one:). In one day I have sold 5 already. People over seas didn't have access to purchase Chapter 4 because it wasn't released overseas, but I have lots of fans in Italy that I know really wanted it:) Now I am having friends tell me that I should sell my costumes from videos that I was in like my black leather out fit from "Guess What". Others have encouraged me to sell my white dress from my Chapter 3: The Flesh album jacket. I have so many cool costumes and outfits that I wore, I wouldn't know where to begin. . . However, some of these items were sentimental to me, and I am not sure that I can detach from them. What do you think? Does it really matter? Or would it be cool as a fan to have some of these original keepsakes for yourselves? What are your thoughts about EBAY?

What are your thoughts on the reelection of President Obama?

Ok, I know this one is gonna get heated. I am an avid Obama supporter and I think he is doing an awesome job, but I hear tons of unsatisfied Americans complain about him everyday. Why? He has only been in office for 2 1/2 years now and already they want to throw him up under the bus and criticize every little thing he does. When Bush was in Office, he was actually making a huge mess, but we reelected him. Does this mean that the republican party just had more connections and revenue that made his reelection happen? Or are we to blame ourselves for either NOT voting, or voting for the wrong guy? Is it fair for us to blame EVERYTHING on the United States government, or are "We the people" somewhat responsible for our own outcome as a country? If you don't think Obama is doing a good job, I would LOVE to know detailed reasoning why you think so and how you have come to this conclusion. If you believe that he has, please explain why you think this also. Most people are afraid to speak on politics because it tends to get so heated. However, it is up to us to understand what we need in this country, and if we don't address our issues ourselves, we will never be satisfied! Let's talk:)

What is REALLY happening to the music Industry?

As a singer/songwriter I am appalled at the state of the music industry! I just heard a rumor that Kim Kardashian is getting ready to create an album. Now, unless she is an awesome singer and never had the courage until now, I think this is a sad day in the music industry. It means we have traded the need for real talent in for the possibility of how much money we can make off of "Blue smoke and mirrors." There are hundreds of artists that I know in the Chicago land area alone, that are super talented and record labels turn them down, time after time again. They have been singing for years, recording for years, and filled with the passion of music and what it brings to their souls. So, when a person who doesn't even know the craft very well, and just says hey, "This is anybody's game now, I can make a record too", it decreases the integrity of what true artist who were born to do, and stand for.  The only thing that I can commend is that she is really working this stupid industry because she wouldn't be the first one who decided to make a record and did so. This makes her  a smart business woman, but with absolutely no class in my opinion. If I didn't go to medical school, I am not going to apply for a job as a doctor in a hospital, unless it has PROVEN that I have saved lives and I am naturally talented and blessed by God, and I have been doing it for years! However, it's the people that perpetuate this kind of foolishness, so I need to know from you! What is happening to the music industry? Have we given up?

Eating right is expensive!

Have you ever wondered why eating right is so expensive? It is actually unfair. It almost seems as if the government doesn't want you to eat right so that you can get sick and need doctors and medication that they can gain money from. It almost seems as if they are NOT for preventive health care, but then they turn around and raise our health care insurance plans. What do you think about the state of our economy and how much it costs to eat right? I mean with organics and having to buy fresh fruits and veggies at least once or twice a week, eating right could get REALLY pricey. What are some of the things that you do to cut corners and save money, but still eat right?

Going back to school after 30!

As I sit here waiting for my next class, I start to become overwhelmed at the many things that I have to do today. I have three classes today, three postings that I must do before they day is over, I have to clean the chicken legs in the refrigerator for dinner later, write the proposals for my vocal training business, create a schedule for my entire family, create a guest list for my baby shower, wash clothes, unpack form a trip I took, and go through various tracks to begin writing a song to. Even with this laundry list of things, I can go on for about three more sentences of what needs to get done before the week's end. I just want to scream! Suddenly, a ray of hope shines through when my 3 year old so rudely busts through my office doors to show me that he drew the letter A. Then it hit me. Going back to school was one of the best things that I could have done not just for myself, but for my kids too. If mommy is studying, then he will want to study too. As I gave him tremendous praise for his sensational works accomplished in kisses and hugs, I notice while he walks out, he puts his slim water proof marker behind his ear. As cute as that may seem, it only proves my point exactly. When he closes the door behind him on his way off to create more letters, I took off my glasses to rub my eyes and what do you know? A pen falls from my right ear, and suddenly it's all worth it:)  Are you back in school after 30? What does it mean to you? Let's talk:)

Parents! Let's all wear Purple tomorrow the 10/20/10!

Tomorrow, October 20, everyone is wear purple to to promote the STOP of teenage bullying!! Let's all support and do this. Parents, what are your thoughts on the current state of bullying and how it has gotten out of hand? Let's talk!