Hello Good People,

I am so glad that the snow is melting. I am afraid for the bushes in front of my house. It looks the like the snow is dragging down the bushes in the wrong way. I am dreading seeing the damage. I pray that I am wrong.

Today was a busy and tough day. I am glad that it is Tuesday evening and not Tuesday morning.

Highpoints of the day:
1. Talked to my crush. He is so handsome and cute. He always says something that makes me smile.
2. I found a formal dress for my daughter. I was about to purchase the dress when I saw the perfect pair of earrings. Glad to have that off of my list.
3. I bought a couple of work dresses and a cute skirt for myself. Made a hair appointment for Thursday. I am upgrading myself. Slowly, surely, I am taking better care of myself. It is not what I went to the mall for but I am satisfied.
4. This months Redbook and Barbie Collector magazines came in the mail today. I can’t remember a time that I didn’t love Barbie. On the real, when my daughter was ready to give away her Barbie’s, it hurt me more than it hurt her. I have a couple of Barbie’s tucked away still in their boxes. We can keep that between us.
5. Economics isn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. I understand the concepts. For the most part, that “A”, I’m striving for is within my reach. It is not going to be a piece of cake. I’m definitely going to work for it. I am going to feel good about my accomplishment.
6. I’ve decided to resurrect my book for the last time. I’m working on a chapter a week. Whatever I write is it. I’ve been working on making it perfect. Really, I’ve been procrastinating on my dream. Honestly, I want the money for my retirement.

Also, I am developing into a business woman. I am becoming more equipped to handle the business side of being an author.
I am grateful for the people that God brings into my life. I am grateful for the people that pray for me and support me. I am glad when I am able to be a blessing to other people with my words and deeds. This year, I am sowing seeds and putting the work in. Did I mention that I finally caught up with the rest of the world and saw Avatar. It was a really good movie. It has something for everyone. I have completed my cup of tea. It is time to pray and go to sleep.

May you have peace and blessings, stay strong and guided by the Holy Spirit.
Kenya

Today was a Kanye day. I haven't heard either of these songs in months. Today, I heard them on the radio and saw the videos on tv. Enjoy.

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Hi Good People,

I have completed my first course at the University of Phoenix. I am giving myself two presents for graduation: a trip to Phoenix, Arizona and chocolate diamonds. I got my eye on that diamond. I am getting a bracelet and ring. I haven't picked it out yet but I know that it is on it's way. I start a statistics class on Tuesday. Pray for a Sister. I have always been intimidated by math. This is my sowing seeds and conquering fears time. I am facing a lot head on these days.

I had a great weekend. Really recharged my battery. I finally caught up with the rest of the world and saw Avatar. It was really good. I liked the message. I had lunch and walked the mall with my friend Andrea. We caught up and talked about life. I slept to nine yesterday morning. I woke up at six this morning. Went back to bed at six thirty and woke up at 10. I obviously needed rest. Tomorrow is going to be a great day. I am looking forward to a productive and peaceful work week. I am about to have a cup of tea and two crackers. I'm watching "How To Make It In America" on HBO. This must be a free weekend. I have the Showtime channel as well. I'm watching while I can. Show is ok so far. When it goes off, I'm going to bed.

Have a good one,
Kenya

PS, Here are three songs I am feeling right now. Enjoy.

Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart @ Yahoo! Video

Sex Therapy @ Yahoo! Video

It Kills Me @ Yahoo! Video

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Hello Good People,

This has been some kind of month for me. As you know, when you take on a new challenge that may elevate your life to another level, the devil gets busy.

As you know, I started taking a class towards my Master’s degree with University of Phoenix. I have awesome classmates and even better teammates. I am working with three great women that always ask the right questions and are not afraid to do their part on projects. We accomplish great things together. I am thankful to God for them. I started out shakey.com because I had posting anxiety. Once I got over it, I was able to understand the course work better and contribute to my group and class overall. I am not an “A” student, more like a high “C”. The fat lady hasn’t song so I am expecting a “B” when the curtain closes. It is a six-week class, and I am in week five. It has been a challenge but I’ve conquered it.

My Dad was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital. He ended up having brain surgery. I did a lot of traveling between New York and Baltimore to be there for my family. After a trip back from New York, I started having car problems. A couple of days after getting it fixed, on a sunny Friday morning I had a flat tire. I had a mini-break down than got my tired repaired and went on with my life.

Nothing is going on with the guy that I have a crush on. He likes women. He probably wants to share his life with someone magnificent. That someone is not I. It is ok. I can’t be everybody’s type. He is still a nice guy. I am still attracted to him. I have had a lot of other things going on in my life to distract me. My crush is fading.

One day, I was having a horrible day at work so I decided to take lunch to get some fresh air. After spending way too much money at bath and body works, I bumped into a guy that always chats me up but never asks me out. To make a long story short, he said that I give off the vibe that I am either married or a Cat Lady. Yes, he called me a Spinster. He said that I give off the vibe that I have at least five cats at home. Those words made me feel good about myself. LOL He told me that I need to work on wanting to be desired. It was really the wrong day for this “coaching”, I had on my “fly betty” boots and a cute outfit. I wasn’t having a good day but I was feeling good about myself. In all honesty, he hurt my feelings. I didn’t let him know that he hurt my feelings. I was on the edge for a couple of days. I am a 36-year-old woman that has never been married before. One of the last things that I want to hear is that I have a “Cat Lady” (aka Spinster) vibe. I don’t want to have more children but I do want to get married and be a wife before I take my last breath. A part of me feels like he wanted to bring me down a peg. I noticed that whenever he saw me, his third sentence was always, “How come you don’t call me?” Now I am definitely not calling him because I think that he thinks that I am a “Cat Lady”.

January has been an emotional long month. Here are some positive and less detailed highlights:

1. My Dad is at home recovering with lots of family surrounding him.
2. My Friends that feels like family that live in Haiti are safe and accounted for.
3. Deborah and Ola got married. Congratulations!!! I watched the ceremony over the Internet.

I’ve come to the realization that this is a sowing seeds year. I am working. Working towards being closer to God. Working towards living and enjoying my life. Working towards taking care of myself. Working on renewing my mind. Working on being better today than I was the day before.

Have a great one people,
Kenya

PS. I promise that I will post more than once a month.

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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

Posted using ShareThis

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File this one under: Who doesn't need money? You may win.

Overstock.com Family Bailout

Kenya Abney has been a featured writer on the web.

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Hello Good People,

I hope you had an opportunity to enjoy good food, friends and family. If that isn't your thing, I hope you enjoyed the solitude that you were looking for. I've had a couple of Thanksgivings that I went to the movies and climbed into bed with a good book. I didn't feel like being bothered with people. This year, I am into the holiday season and all of the fesitvities that come with it.

I am grateful and thankful every day that I am blinking and breathing. In the Spirit of the holiday, here is a list.

Jesus Saves. I am glad that Jesus saves me from harm seen and unseen. He brings into my life what I need, at all the right times. I am under His umbrella of Grace and Mercy.

People that love me. My family and friends love me. They care about me as I am today. I am comfortable with them to show whatever side of myself decides to show up.

Laughter. I love to laugh. I make jokes about things that happened to me in the past that I am over. I make jokes to lighten the mood. Sometimes, I laugh just to make myself feel better.

Good conversation. I will talk to just about anyone. I like to learn about people and their personal journeys. I talk about movies, TV and pop culture issues.

The gift of music. I love music. I like to listen to it, move to it and sing along with it. Some songs take me back to a happier time, others lift my spirits; I like so many genres of music that I can radio surf when I take long drives.

For mental breaks in my day. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, or just want to be somewhere else, a song will come on the radio or someone will stop by my desk. Those few moments will pull me away from my current situation, by the time I get back to work, I am up for the challenge.

I can encourage other people. I like to be supportive. I try to be the listener that I want. I think of things that I would want someone to say to me if I were feeling down or looking for assistance; a kind word goes further than people think.

Hope you didn't eat too much turkey, Thanksgiving dinner is always better the day after.

Have a good one,
Kenya Abney

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Hello Good People,

I am not a Halloween person. I had to post this video. It isn't halloween if I don't hear it. Do you remember Dana Dane? He was the man. My favorite part of this song was when the receptionist gets excited when she hears his name. LOL



Love life and it will love you back,
Kenya Abney

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Hi Good People,

Back in the day, I used to love Michel’le. I liked that she had a squeaky speaking voice and a larger than life singing voice. When her songs came on the radio, I would think about all the great things that people have inside themselves. Many people have great things that would surprise others. I hope that she is on a come up. I liked her voice than and she sounds pretty good now. I never saw this video before. I think it might be a new song for her.



Have a good evening,
Kenya

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Hi Good People,

Two posts in one day, I know that you can't believe it. I'm working on doing better.

Item #1
I am a Glamour magazine reader. I am happy to report that Michelle Obama is going to be on the cover of the December issue. The profile is the debut of award-winning journalist Katie Couric. In her sit-down with Couric, Mrs. Obama answers questions from Glamour readers and shares her advice for women on everything from the importance of finding mentors in their own lives to dating. Here are some highlights that peaked my interest:

On finding career mentors: "I was blessed throughout my entire career. I had people rooting for me. It started with my parents, but it extended to almost every teacher that I had. When I was a young lawyer, there were other women and men in the firm who took me under their wing. Look for those mentors, because sometimes mentors don't find you -- sometimes you seek them out. Oftentimes, they're flattered and glad to lend a hand."

On how she keeps her sanity: "I have always tried to put my kids first, and then...put myself a really close second, as opposed to fifth or seventh. One thing that I've learned from male role models is that they don't hesitate to invest in themselves."

On her dating advice for women: "Cute's good. But cute only lasts for so long, and then it's, Who are you as a person? Don't look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul.. When you're dating a man, you should always feel good... You shouldn't be in a relationship with somebody who doesn't make you completely happy and make you feel whole."

Item #2
I've been a fan of Robert Townsend since Hollywood Shuffle. He sealed the deal with me with the Five Heartbeats. I don't know if I ever mentioned that I'm interested in television and film. Film Life, Inc. is sponsoring Robert Townsend's "The Ultimate Pitch Master Class" lecture series. The first installment of the master class will be held at TheTimesCenter stage located at 232 West 41 Street in New York City on Saturday, November 21, 2009 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Additional cities to be announced in January 2010. Tickets are available at www.ticketweb.com - prices are $75 (if purchased before November 7) and $125 (starting November 8th). For additional information e-mail info@thefilmlife.com or call 646-375-2144 ext. 1.

You know that I have to post at least one video. These two songs helped me get through a rough period in my life. I was in a relationship that wasn't working out. I needed to get out of my own way and move forward. I would listen to these songs every day until I stopped complaining and started planning.





Making the most of my days,
Kenya Abney

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Hi Good People,

I am former t tv-holic. Dancing with the Stars is sending me back to rehab. Four hours a week is too much. I'm only watching because I'm a Mya fan. I'm not excited about tv until Wednesday night. I looked forward to Modern Family. That show is so funny. The only issue I have with it is it makes me miss the first half hour of Glee. Here is one of my favorite clips from the show.

Enjoy

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Good People,

Today was long, for a variety of reasons. It left me longing for the weekend. Yesterday evening was such a good time. The Word that I received was powerful and inspiring. I now know that I received it on Sunday evening for a reason. I needed the encouragement to get me through the day.

I am feeling these three songs this evening. You may not remember them. Get ready to be transported to the late 90's and early 2000. That was not that long ago.

I still get up and dance to this one. This used to be the jam for real.





Did he have to take the dog, too? LOL Did you notice the next chick at the end holding the dog? LOL All jokes aside, when feelings are raw this is a good song to listen to get unto the next phase of a break up.

Have a good evening good people,
Kenya Abney

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Hello Good People,

I can’t speak on the workweek, but the weekend has been fabulous. On Friday, I went to the Maxwell concert. Chrisette Michelle and Common were the opening acts. Everyone knows that Chrisette is a songbird, she did her thing. Common is a sexy dude that could do no wrong as far as I’m concerned. The highlights of his performance were: Tribute to hip hop, brought out Bilal and he had a DJ tear down the house on the turntable. Let me not forget to mention that he brought all the sexiness that you see on TV and hear in the records.

I was really glad to see Bilal. I understand that he has a new album coming out. I still listen to the album he released a couple of years ago. If you don’t know whom I’m talking about, here are two of his videos:


Here are my three favorite Common Videos. Yes, I have favorite Common videos.



I LOVE Maxwell. He doesn’t have LL Cool J status. He is getting close, though. If you get a chance to see Maxwell in concert, please go. He has a phenomenal band behind him. The horn section will blow you away. He sang a lot of songs from his new album; be prepared to be acquainted with Maxwell in a way that you haven’t been before. Check out his latest and one of his greatest videos:



Saturday was raining, so I didn’t have my golf lesson. I went to the mall. I bought Faith Evans book, Keep the Faith and a pretty box that I’m using as my hope chest. I haven’t started it yet because I’m reading, Wake Up, I’m Fat by Camryn Manheim. There is a book exchange at the train station I go to every morning. This is my first time picking up a book. So far, it is a pretty good read. I don’t know why I picked it up. It is a good lesson in self-acceptance. I went to a 40th birthday party that was 70’s themed. It was a blast. The birthday girl entered the room to Disco Lady. She made a grand entrance, she had a dance routine down and everything. Some people went all out on their costumes also. It was a real fun evening. This afternoon, I am going to support my friend by going to her Usher Anniversary program at her church.

I feel Blessed, Highly favored, and wealthy with an abundance of riches. I am truly grateful for the experiences I had this weekend.

Loving Life because it loves Me,
Kenya Abney

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Hey Good People,

It has been a minute since I posted. I was so busy living that I didn't get to write. Highlights:

- Saw Ricky Smiley and George Wilborn. Thought George was really funny. Ricky was ok. It was a fun night. I went for free.
- Started golf lessons. I do many things easily, connecting with my inner Tiger Woods is not one. I need a lot more practice. I can hit the ball off the tee. The ball just doesn't go far. I am at the very basic stage, still learning those fundamentals. Check out this picture of me. That is the day thought I purchased my golf clubs. I was so excited.
- Got a great new "main" boss. I support 3 Executives and 2 of their Teams in my work life. Some days I want to holler and throw up my hands. She is very supportive. I am going to be sad when one of us gets another job.
- I have a crush on a guy. He is handsome. For a crush, that's all I need to know. Hopefully, I will get to know him and it'll be more. If not, I can always catch glimpses of him throughout the day.
-I don't know if I mentioned my Sister's wedding. We had a blast. Her wedding day was actually a three day event. We had her rehearsal dinner on Wednesday night, bachelorette party on Thursday and the wedding on Friday. Everything turned out as it should. Everyone had a fantastic time.
- Went to my Friend's 40th birthday party. It was a great celebration of life. I was so glad that I went. It was great to see Nadine. She has a warm and welcoming family. I also hung out with my girl, Charisse.
- LL Cool J aka Todd Smith is on NCIS: Los Angeles and I haven't missed an episode.
- My daughter started her first year of high school. I have mixed feelings about that. She is no longer a baby. Her childhood is practically over. The time flew by.
- Lastly, I am praying, resting and writing more. Revising old short stories. Assembling a collection. This time next year, I plan on being published.

Staying open to Blessings and Great Opportunities,
Kenya Abney

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Mrs. Fields(R) Celebrates National Cookie Month With First Annual Free Cookie Day On October 1, 2009

Click on the link to get the how, when and where about National Cookie Month.

Have a great day,
Kenya Abney

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U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for Sept. 20

Kenya Abney has been a featured writer on the web.

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On this day eight years ago, America experienced one of its darkest days -- the coordinated attacks on the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon -- by terrorists flying hijacked airliners. A fourth aircraft crashed in rural Pennsylvania, as passengers fought with the hijackers. At the Pentagon, the attack killed 189 civilian and military personnel. In New York, nearly 3,000 people died. By comparison, the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor in 1941 killed some 2,400. Both events changed the course of the nation's history. The 911 attacks highlighted the vital role of firefighters. Across the nation, 463,000 firefighters stand ready to protect us. The men and women of the U.S. Census Bureau -- who lost two colleagues in the attacks -- join in remembering those killed and injured.

Be blessed,
Kenya Abney

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