How did I get here? That is a question that I often ask myself. Sometimes, in a good way. Other times not so good. I can pin point the timeframe when I started on the path to where I am now. The summer of 1994, I graduated from college, became a mother and turned 21, in that order. I wasn't the most confident person in the world. I made most of my decisions based on what seemed like the safiest thing to do at the time. Or, I was very fearful and didn't think about the effect of my decisions on the overall big picture called my life. I second and third guessed myself all the time. In hind sight, I should have went with my gut feelings at the time. The best thing about living that way is that I realized that the sidewalk isn't going to open up when things go wrong. Believe me, things went wrong a lot. I have a greater understanding of the power of tomorrow. Thank God they come every 24 hours. I am not quit there but with each day, I'm gaining more and more confidence to take my self some place else.

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This was a good weekend. You know Friday is a good day because it ushers in the weekend. I dragged myself into the office as usual. What was unusual was that I had beautiful multicolored roses sitting on my “How may I help you counter?” as I approached my desk. I thought that they were for someone else. I thought that maybe someone couldn’t find the cube of who they belonged to. And, they belonged to me. LOL. Plus, I had hand dipped chocolate covered strawberries on my desk. Linda surprised me because it is Administrative Assistants Week. Yesterday, I went to get my oil changed. It turned out that I also needed my engine flushed. I wasn’t expecting the expense. I got a 12% discount on my total bill. God is good. On top of that, my bug is humming like when I first got it. Today, I took Destiny and her friend to Hershey Park. We went on a tour of the chocolate factory and everything. Afterwards, I drove Destiny’s friend home. I hopped in the shower. Now, I’m winding down so I can get a good night sleep. Prayerfully, this isn’t the end of a good weekend, but the beginning of great week. I'm surprised that I'm still awake. The Celebrity Apprentice was so good that I couldn't stop watching it.

I am in a Musiq Soulchild mood. That is unusual for me. Here is a double play. Hope you enjoy.



and



Make the most of the day,
Kenya Abney

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bug

I am really not into cars. I never know the name of the make, model or year. I know what I like when it is in front of me. As a kid, I always wanted a Volkswagon Bettle. That is what I currently drive. At first, I absolutely loved it. I'm getting to a point where I may need another car. Any suggestions?

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Hello,

Clean clothes are in the house. I made it to the laundromat.

What really matters?: Your thoughts about your self and what you think your place in this world is. A lot of people hold themselves back because they don’t value their skills or their unique qualities that make them who they are. Many dynamic people settle for jobs, relationships and situations because they don’t think that they deserve better. Or, they don’t feel that their voice is worth listening to. Yet there are some people that feel the world owes them something and they are more important than everyone else. Their actions support their beliefs so other people treat them like they are right.

Do you know someone that makes a difference in her community? L'Oréal Paris is proud to continue their longstanding commitment to support women's inner beauty through the fourth annual Women of Worth grassroots awards program. This year, 10 Women of Worth honorees will receive $5,000 for their charitable causes and a matching donation will be made on their behalf to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, L'Oréal's charitable partner since 1997. Additionally, one National Honoree will receive an additional $25,000 donation to her cherished nonprofit organization. For more information about the Women of Worth Program and to nominate a woman in your community, please visit www.womenofworth.com. Here is a video about it.



Make the most of your day,
Kenya Abney

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I've been dreading doing laundry all day. When I finally, separated the clothes, I had 6 loads. More than average but less than I thought. So, I was pleased with myself that this wasn't going to be as bad as I thought. I went to wash my first load and my washing machine started washing but it won't do a spin cycle. With that said I have to go to the laundry mat. I am not looking forward to working all day and than sitting in the laundromat all night. The life of a mother.

My daughter loves that new Beyonce song, Halo. I think it is all right. I saw the video and I like a little bit more. It features Michael Ealy aka Mr. Cutie on Duty. It is officially my favorite video this week. He is so handsome. Here is the video. Hope you enjoy it.



Thembisa Mshaka wrote, "Put Your Dreams First" as a guide for getting the career you want in the entertainment field. Let's say you don't want to get into the entertainment business. The stories are still informative and inspiring. You may read something that helps you take your life to another level. The free pdf version is only available for a short period of time. Check out the press release here.

Business Plus to Distribute Free Pre-Publication E-Book in Collaboration With Interactive One, the Digital Connection for Black America

Lastly, Here is a Beyonce and Jay-Z flashback. Can you believe this song was out in 2003? Not me. This is actually one of my favorites.



Make the most of the day,
Kenya Abney

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Central Park is special and unique because it seems like it doesn't belong in the city. Trees and flowers. It seems so big. Everyone looks like they are enjoying life whether they are jogging, roller blading or just sitting in the grass reading a book. On some nights they have free concerts. You can spread out a blanket or stand on your feet, the sky is your ceiling and the ground is your floor. The sun feels good on your skin and sounds of life going on surround you.

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Happy Thursday,

Watching the local news before I officially start the day. A teacher was arrested for drug dealing. She had crack in her car. I know that the drug dealers moved from the corners to the schools buildings. I never think of teachers. What is this world coming to?

In case you were wondering which Rick Ross song, I was referring to yesterday, here is the video. I really like John Legends vocals on this track.




I used to love Renee and Angela. Music is missing a strong male/female duo. Here is one of my favorite jams:



Post later,
Kenya Abney

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This is turning out to be a long week. I didn't get home until after 8:00. I didn't wash off the day and lotion on my evening until after 9. I did brain dead activities like surf the net and watch tv. I meant to do so many things. I ended up doing nothing. Now, I'm tired and I can't go to the sleep.

I was in the car with my daughter and All The Above came on the radio. I said, I wish they'd play the Rick Ross song. How come they don't play "You Can Have Whatever You Like". My daughter said, "I saw the video and listened to the words. You'll probably like this song if you watch the video." I just listened while it played. She was right I liked it. Here is the video:





I didn't know it was Maino. I liked Hi Hater. Maino is trying to get my money with songs like that.

Make your day count,
Kenya Abney

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Pennsylvania's Quest for Freedom Live and Learn Weekends Continue With a 'Song Yet Sung'

I already have my plans for next weekend sewed up. In case you want to do something different. I read "Song Yet Sung". It is a great read. If I had known about this before now, I would have made plans to go.

Kenya Abney

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Bank of America Begins Mortgage Refinancing under U.S. Treasury's 'Making Home Affordable' Plan

I've heard about this program on the news. The only thing that I didn't hear about was the details. Please don't procrastinate on this one. Bank of America and Countrywide customers can call the following phone numbers for more information on refinancing and loan modification opportunities:

Bank of America Customers
Refinancing: 888-256-7683
Loan Modifications: 800-285-6000

Countrywide Customers
Refinancing: 800-593-7798
Loan Modifications: 800-669-6607


Kenya Abney

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It is the weekend!!! My big plan for the day: clean my house. I am for real this time. The sound went out on my tv in the kitchen. I have a tv upstairs that refuses to turn to channel 3 so I can ‘t hook it up to the cable. The only working tv is in the basement. So, I’m starting at the top and working my way down. Watching television is going to be my reward for cleaning. Well, watching tv while doing laundry. It is a rainy dreary day in Baltimore. I was originally going to hang with some friends but that got cancelled. So, I’m going to do chores.

Check out this list of The 25 Funniest Women in Hollywood. It has Wanda Sykes on it, of course. And a lot of others that you would expect like: Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Maya Rudolph and Nicole Sullivan.

Some of the women that I am glad are getting some shine are Mindy Kaling, Rashida Jones and Octavia Spencer. I love Octavia Spencer’s work. I never knew her name. Check it out. Let me know what you think.

Kenya Abney

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What is Easter? What do Christians Celebrate on Easter?
By Mary Fairchild, About.com

On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ. It is typically the most well-attended Sunday service of the year for Christian churches.

Christians believe according to Scripture, that Jesus came back to life, or was raised from the dead, three days after his death on the cross. As part of the Easter season, the death of Jesus Christ by crucifixion, is commemorated on Good Friday, always the Friday just before Easter. Through his death, burial and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, thus purchasing for all who believe in him, eternal life in Christ Jesus.

In Western Christianity, Easter marks the ending of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline in preparation for Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. Eastern Orthodox churches observe Lent or Great Lent, during the 6 weeks or 40 days preceding Palm Sunday with fasting continuing during the Holy Week of Easter. Lent for Eastern Orthodox churches begins on Monday and Ash Wednesday is not observed.

Because of Easter's pagan origins, and also because of the commercialization of Easter, many Christian churches have begun to refer to it as Resurrection Day.

The biblical account of Jesus' death on the cross, or crucifixion, his burial and his resurrection, or raising from the dead, can be found in the following passages of Scripture: Matthew 27:27-28:8; Mark 15:16-16:19; Luke 23:26-24:35; and John 19:16-20:30.

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KODAK Gallery Launches First Ever Mom-a-Thon by Giving Away One Million Free Photo Cards* for Mother's Day

File this under: It's free and why not? Maybe your Mom will be presently surprised.

Kenya Abney

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Web Site Opens Teach Children to Save Campaign to Everyone

This is a good resource for teaching children to manage money. Even if you don't have kids, this is good for you to learn. We all need help in these unsure times.

Kenya Abney

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Enter for a chance to Win the Ultimate Family Reunion Vacation at ESSENCE Music Festival(R), New Orleans

File this one under, "You Never Know". This may be your opportunity to reconnect and renew family ties. At the very least, you can enjoy the Music Festival.

Kenya Abney

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Unemployed to Entrepreneur - 5 Businesses You Can Start for Under $5,000

The business ideas are fresh. Click the link, you may discover a way to make your first million. When you do, I want you to take me to dinner. Who doesn't want to eat with a millionaire?

Kenya Abney

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Jackson Hewitt Outlines Important Tips for Last-Minute Tax Return Filers

You have a few days to get it together. Hopefully, these tips will make the process easier for you.

Kenya Abney

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Right now, I have a slight headache. I'm tired and ready for bed. I have a lot on my mind. The words running through my mind won't let me settle into an easy slumber. I don't want to take melatonin. I don't want to put on the tv or radio so my mind could be occupied by something other than my thoughts. I do it almost every night. Sometimes I read to relax, other times I'll write about things that bothered me during the day. Mostly, I lay awake. A big part of me doesn't want to let my feelings out. A slightly smaller part of myself feels that I don't deserve to sleep. I am grateful for tomorrow. It is my Friday. I have a dentist appointment on Friday. Not looking forward to that. I am looking forward to tomorrow morning. I anticipate waking up without a headache; feeling refreshed and ready for the day.

Kenya Abney

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Did you know that tomorrow is the American Heart Association's National Start! Walking Day? Me either. It is a day when people decide to walk for 30 minutes on paths that cities across the country deem "walker friendly." The American Heart Association has made it easy for you to participate. You can sign up for their free program at The Start! Walking Program. At the site, you'll find downloadable walking plans and a supportive community.

Start! is sponsored nationally by SUBWAY® Restaurants, Healthy Choice® and AstraZeneca. For more information, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit startwalkingnow.org.

Let me know how it works out,
Kenya Abney

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Who couldn't use tips? I'm all for saving money and being healthy. Click on the link to read the article. TIPS FOR LIVING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE ON A BUDGET

Kenya Abney

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Laid Off? Tell American Laser Centers Your Story for a Chance to Win a Pink Slip 'Pick-Me-Up'

The funny thing about life is, you never know when you are going to reach a turning point. This could be a corner that helps someone turn their bad luck around. So, if you fit the bill, get to writing. You could be the winner.
Kenya Abney

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Hello Good People,

I had a great weekend. I had good company, good food and good times. I couldn't ask for much more. I wish it didn't end.

Before I slide into another work week, I read about Motown celebrating Marvin Gaye's 70th birthday. I am a huge fan of Marvin Gaye. I can never get enough of his voice. Check out this video:



Speaking of great male singers, I am watching Unsung. It is about Donnie Hathaway. I like his music. It is not Christmas time, if I don't hear his version of This Christmas. I didn't know much about him as a person. This show is revealing a lot of interesting facts about him. If you get an opportunity, you should watch it.

By the way, I assembled a vanity and stool all by myself. I am truly proud. I am definitely not a DIY Diva but I'm on my way to being a Diva in training. Hope you had a great weekend.

Post later,
Kenya Abney

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I can cook. I just don't like to. I am actually a good cook. I never tried to create a recipe but I can follow one like nobodies business. With that said, like everyone else in the country, I am looking to cut corners. Buying lunch and sometimes breakfast can be a big cash waster. The free Betty Crocker® online cooking club at www.BettyCrocker.com/TheMixer is now open for registration. At the very least, I'll try something new. At the most, I'll have new recipes and cash in my pocket. You should try it too.

Check out the promo video:

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On-the-Job Training: Recession-Proof Your Mindset

You should read this, especailly if you're sitting at your desk humming, "Y'all going to make me loose my mind, up in here, up in here".

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