Hello Good People,

I would be lying if I said that I’m not glad to say good-bye to ’09. I’m looking forward to peace, happiness, abundance and blessings in 2010. I don’t know who or how exactly but I want to bless other people with my time and resources.

I learned a lot about attitude in 2009. I spent most of the year renewing my mind and working on the way that I think about things. I had a hard year on a couple of levels but I kept an attitude of expectancy and leaned on God/Jesus/Holy Spirit. As a result, I had a lot of good things happen to me.

I reconnected with old friends, strengthened a few friendships, took up a new hobby (golf), got out of the house by going to concerts (Beyonce, Maxwell, Common, Chrisitte Michelle, George Wilborn, Joe, Chico DeBarge) and Brunch (Rusty Scupper at 11:00 on Sunday). I read lots of good books and saw movies. I’ve lived through the drama of a high school freshman. I celebrated my 10th year with Verizon. You read that right, 10 years. I can’t believe it either. I had a friend that reminded me that I met her 20 years ago. I still feel like the same person that went to P.S. 52.

This year, I took a road trip with my sister, Trina and daughter, Destiny. I called it Monique, Imani and Louise adventure; we drove from Maryland to Alabama. I am a more confident driver now. I witnessed my cousin Alex marry his Dana. I was a Bridesmaid for my Baby Sister. I have a crush on a guy. It has been years since I’ve felt this way about someone. It is nice to know that I can feel something for someone.

I stretched myself by teaching a public speaking class to teens at Grace AME church. I developed the curriculum and handouts. I didn’t really like teaching. I am ok with not being a teacher. I got mixed reviews on the class. One parent wasn’t satisfied with the program. Another parent said that the class helped her son come out of his shell. Her and her husband were very pleased with his progress.

My Sister’s and I are writing a book on being sisters; this project is going to bring us closer together. I am returning to school, I have registered for the Master’s of Management Program with a concentration in Public Administration with the University of Phoenix. I am scared. I’ve taken classes, like golf and writing, stuff along the lines of personal development. This is the first time in 15 years that I am pursuing a degree. Did I mention that I am scared? I am looking forward to overcoming the challenges that I have ahead of me in 2010. I am looking forward to the successes, friendships, laughs, miracles, blessings and good memories.

I used to make resolutions. Now, I strive to make each year better than the last. Since I’m being honest, I am better off this year than I was last year. If for no other reason than I believe in myself more than I ever have before. I am anticipating great things in my life. I have a lot of positive changes coming my way in 2010.

May God bless you,
Kenya

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Hello Good People,

I don't celebrate Kwanzaa. I do agree with the principals. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the following principles:

Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems, and to solve them together.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Imani (Faith): To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Click here to read Barack Obama's official statement on Kwanzaa

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Have a good evening,
Kenya

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Good Morning Good People,

The weather outside is frightful. I'm not going anywhere I want to go, so let it snow. This has been a productive morning. I paid my bills, had a great breakfast and wrote in my journal. I'm going to take a shower, clean my room and set up the spare room today. I feel happy and good about things. I bought myself 4 cd's for Christmas, am I wrong if I crack one or two open and listen while cleaning up? I hope not. That is my plan for today.

I want my daughter to travel abroad as a student. Here is a list of Smithsonian Student Travel’s top 10 scholarship application process tips. This may be useful to you as a parent or someone else you may know.

Loving Life 'cause it Loves Me Back,
Kenya


Top 10 scholarship tips

1. Start early
Begin your scholarship and grant search as early as possible. Getting an early start allows you to apply to the greatest number of scholarships and gives more time to complete the applications.

2. Organization is key
Keep a detailed list of deadlines, requirements and notes for all your grants and scholarships. Pay attention to deadlines and give yourself enough time to coordinate every part of your application.

3. Complete thorough research
Know the requirements of the scholarships and grants for which you are applying, and be sure to demonstrate that you fulfill those requirements in your application. Research foundations and write about why their missions relate to you. Many organizations have a “Frequently Asked Questions” website section, which is a great place to find background information.

4. Don’t count out small grants
Small amounts can really add up! Apply for smaller grants with all the energy and dedication you would use for larger grants. Many small grants can make a significant difference in the cost of a student trip.

5. Consider local grants
Oftentimes local grants are designed for residents to meet requirements and receive awards more easily. While local grants usually aren’t very large, the smaller applicant pool means you’ll face less competition. You can learn more about local grants available in your area at your town hall or library.

6. Look beyond Internet searches
Scholarships advertised on the Internet can be seen by anyone, anywhere. Diversify your scholarship search by looking for opportunities through print resources or with your local government.

7. Highlight what makes you or your class unique
Your application should be memorable, so make sure the scholarship committees understand how you or your class is special. Include information that showcases why this trip is important to your school.

8. Be specific about your goals
Provide specific information about your goals. Tell the scholarship committee why this trip is important for you as a person or for your class as a whole. Useful questions for students include: how does travel impact your overall education? What will you learn? Why do you want to travel? Teachers might consider: how does travel augment your classroom exercises? What do you hope to instill in your students by taking this trip? Make it clear to the people reviewing your application that you deserve the scholarship or grant.

9. Proofread your application
Check your application for errors more than once. Ask another person to review it to gain a fresh perspective. Your final application should be error-free.

10. Apply, apply, apply
Be persistent and apply to as many scholarships as possible.

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Scholarship Friday: Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, Eugene Borson Memorial Scholarships

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