Football – America’s Favorite Past Time

Am I the only one who doesn’t understand the big deal with the Super Bowl…really…is it that big of a deal? I know I am going to probably offend or frustrate many of my football fanatics on here, but what do you get out of it (if you’re not at the actual game)? When our “team” wins, what exactly do we get…because I am still looking for my door prize from the year of the JJ wardrobe malfunction. Lol.

To try to be more diverse in my favorite past times, this year, I decided to get more creative and attempted to throw a Super Bowl party. Yes, your girl is going to host a party that is actually centered on this year’s Super Bowl game. A little background, I am in no way a football fan, but will tolerate (yes I said it) this sport (meaning go to a game if invited and sit and watch on TV…again if asked). All those who know me know I don’t watch the game, but I have been slowly but surely learning the ins and outs of this sport (so if you were invited and come just know I will be asking a bunch of questions) and hope that in the future I can at least participate in the excitement that comes along with watching this aggressive game.

So for my first annual Super Bowl party, I advertised in advance that I will be serving a variety of healthy game foods (so be prepared). Now, one of my colleagues and friends question the notion of serving healthy snacks for the big game (like it was somewhat hypocritical); but I responded with “why not”. Why can’t this type of event have a few any fattening food items (for those healthy conscience people like me)? Can’t I be concerned about my guest physical well being? Can we enjoy this game without over indulging…I received a resounding NO, but still I will try to achieve my goal on Sunday?

For those who don’t know, it is a known fact that for the super bowl (and really any football game) we as American’s consume over 500 – 1,500 calories…..DID YOU JUST READ THAT….over 500 calories in one sitting? Are you kidding me? Keep in mind this is not including the “meals” you had that day (before or after the game). Knowing this fact, I decide to try a different attempt to enjoying America’s favorite past time. I will have multiple types of drinks (alcohol and non alcohol) and an assortment of low calorie, but good, desserts and appetizers. With that, I am experimenting with my new “Super Bowl Dip” for the party. Hopefully if this dish is a hit, I can start implementing it annual for the big game and possibly other sport events. If I get an overall good response from my guest, I may let you in on the ingredients.

In case I don’t post again before the game, for those who will be tuning in, enjoy the game and be safe…and try not to over indulge this year….

The orAKAle has spoken…………………….

In MY head...stuff I think about

Let me first say that this post is not being posted to demean or attack anyone. In no way am I referring to anyone one person in my life (professional or personal). I just have some questions /thoughts on my mind to speak on.....

Part of the purpose of me starting my blog was to share some of the thoughts going on in the orAKAle's head. I must admit that I had some reservations about even posting on this subject for it would give you the readers more insight into who I really am. But as always, with encouragement from those who care about me, I was moved to do so today.

Lately, I have been experiencing a lot of frustrations with my professional and personal life. These frustrations have been in the form of people, projects, personal disappointments, etc. In my young age, I've learned that we can be our hardest critic when it comes to personal achievement and success. Because of this, I really do try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. I know that this world is filled with different people and we should be more open to being accepting and understanding of others (and those we interact with)....but....

How do you distinguish between being taken advantage of and giving people a chance?

When do we stop using our age as an excuse for not keeping our word?

When does age become a factor in sloppiness, selfishness, forgetfulness, etc?

How much does your home life REALLY effect the job performance you are paid for?

Where does the line between work and play get drawn?

When do WE stop playing the blame game and start taking responsibility for our own actions?

Can we control our own destiny?

Does everyone have the same opportunity as others?

(get where I am going with this?)

I know your probably thinking that the above questions are all over the place (and you would be right lol ), but the goal is to get you all inside of my head and what I think about sometimes on a daily basis. Does it have to be this difficult or deep...no...but due to my daily interactions (especially professionally) I have to ponder these questions, which ultimately lead me into wanting answers.

See I am not only a very visual person, but I also have a tendency to overall analyze situations (and that can be positive or negative depending on how you look at it). Doing this leads me to frustrating situations and/or "sweating the small stuff" (random comment - if you haven't added this book to your bookshelf, I highly recommend it. Great read!) through out the day. One of my goals for this year was to not do this as much for it is not healthy AND you can miss out on a lot going on around you...for we all know that life is to short to give others or circumstances the POWER to control your destiny/future.

So what do you all think? Am I over analyzing, or do I just need to find other ways of relieving my frustrations so they don't manifest into bigger (and sometimes health) issues? Comments are greatly appreciated family!

The orAKAle has spoken.......

Busy Week

Hey family,

I want to apologize for the lapse in postings. Work has been crazy thus far....and doesn't look to let up anytime soon. For those who have subscribed to the blog and/or viewed my past posts, much love for your patience and confidence in me as a blogger (drammatic...I know).

The goal is to post something weekly at least of what is going on in my head and life in general. You will see at times that I may have multiple posts in a week. This usually means LOT'S is happening and I MUST share with you all.

Ok, I have to go back to work, but I wanted to give you some possible subjects to look for in the future on the SC:

~ Post inauguration thoughts....
~ MLK a day of service, a man to honor
~ 2009 Resolutions
~ Fitness guru's gone WILD!!!!

Again, any ideas or topics you want me to discuss, please feel free to pass them along and again thanks for your patience as I continue to grow as a blogger.

The orAKAle has spoken......

Guest bloggers on "The Silky Chronicles"

Happy Weekend!

I hope everyone is getting rest and enjoying whats left of their weekend....I sure am. So, one of the neat things about having your own blog is that YOU can determine who and what is posted or discussed. I am so blessed to have many affluent individuals around me with a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to share. So I decided why be selfish and keep them all to myself....why not feature them on my blog....SOOOO because of this, The Silky Chronicles (SC) will be featuring guest bloggers in our discussion.

I'm asking that all my subscribers and viewers welcome them with open arms and be respectful (of course you all will,but still I had to put it out there). I promise all featured guest on the SC will be just as enlightening (if not more) as me and up to par for your review.

Ok, well its late and I'm getting sleepy so be safe if your still out and about and have a great rest of the weekend!

Post Inaguaration Thoughts.....where you there?

First let me say that I had to work today, so I originally missed the swearing in ceremony. I had to watch it AFTER the excitement was over (I guess). I did however see live footage of President Obama escorting President Bush to his helicopter. Lol.... that was funny.

Unlike most people on this historic day, I did not cry or catch the Holy Ghost over the festivities. Lol. I instead stopped and reflected on what God allowed me to view...... the first black family to live in the White House....the US Commander in Chief to look like someone in my family....AMEN....

My goal and wish is that every child had the opportunity to witness the event, because now they can aspire to be the President of these United States.

If you have kids, younger cousins, younger siblings...small people around you (lol), Did you take time to talk with them in detail about what was taking place? What did they think of today's event? Did you all attend the event? Was it cold on the mall in DC (this was a joke...lol)?

The orAKAle has spoken......

"My President Is Black" - to partake in the inaguaration or not.....

On November 4, 2008 we experienced an unprecedented event in this country...the first black president was elected! Along with this, we got to meet, greet and except the soon to be first black first family (try saying that ten times). How exciting...how honored many of us were (and soon will continue to be) to A) be able to vote in this controversial and important election, B) see Barack Obama (BO) not only accept the nomination as the democratic nominee for president, but then also graciously his historic thank you speech the night of the election and lastly C) watch this man get sworn in in less than a week in Washington, DC. 2008 was definitely the year to be alive and of age to participate in one of the most important rights we have here in this country...the right to choose and vote.

So after all that is said above, your probably wondering "Why question if you should attend the inauguration next week"? I am questioning if you should attend this event because due to the popularity of this election and momentous (yes I am bringing out all the big words on this one...lol) barriers that were conquered, EVERYONE and they momma, daddy's, grandparents, kids, etc will be trying to overtake DC next week! While I am excited for all those who thought they would never live to see something of this caliber, I must remind ya'll that BO and the family WILL NOT SEE YOU out there cheering and yelling.....and snapping pics on your camera phones. LOL. Now as someone said to me recently, "orAKAle it's about being there in the place to witness this event..not at home on the couch, not via web, etc...but there in DC". OKAY then....if you must be there to see this event then do so. But for us meager small people....we will be at work, trying to make a difference...and watching the event streaming live via the web. Lol.

No I am not hating on those who can and will be attending in DC, but I do want us to remember to be realistic and also to be safe as we make the trip to the inauguration. The entire country (no literally....a lot of people) will be attempting to attend this historical event and there is no need to put you and yours safety in jeopardy. With that, it will be like heaven to the "crazies" that will be live and in effect.....you know exactly the type of people I am referring too...those who prey on visitors/travelers/tourist, etc (I'm not going to get into if they are doing it out desperation vs selfishness/laziness, etc....another post...another day).

For all those who are preparing to travel to DC for the inauguration, I really do hope you enjoy yourself, take some pictures and post in the comments of this entry. Please be careful, bundle up and make sure to use the restroom BEFORE you get there; cause them lines for the "mobile restrooms" will be super long. Haaaaaaaaaa!

Big shout out to the Obama family! The orAKAle has spoken.........

Introduction

I told myself that I would never have time to create let along consistently do a blog...yet we find ourselves here...me typing and you reading my VERY OWN BLOG now. Creating this is something that I battled for an entire year...whether to create one, subscribe to others, etc. I mean what do I have to say that anyone would possible want to read? What would I say? How big is the commitment (get my drift)?

See, technology (to me) has gotten out of control over the last few years. What ever happen to speaking in person or over the phone (with distance)? From my observations, as people we now only use the following forms of communication: text messaging (the devil at times), electronic communities, instant messaging (I'm guilty of this one) and smoke signals....wait we don't really use that one. Despite all this, I still decided to sign up and start blogging what thoughts, feelings, advice and hopefully make an impact on the world...along with fostering some good discussions.

So...I know this first post is short and probably all over the place with subject matter BUT give me a break people! Its my first entry on my first (and hopefully only) blog. I am making a promise right here and now to attempt to check all spelling and grammatical errors BEFORE posting. Try not to burn me at the stake on that please. Lol.

Leave your comments as many of you will, take my poll question below and most importantly...be positive and enjoy life.

The orAKAle has spoken.......