Monday, August 30, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Lessons of Life
"I feared being alone,
Until I learned to like Myself.
I feared failure
Until I realized that I only Fail when I don't try.
I feared success
Until I realized that I had to try in order to be happy with myself.
I feared people's opinions
I feared death
Until I realized that it's not an end, but a beginning .
I feared my destiny,
Until I realized that I had the power to change My life.
I feared hate
Until it touched my heart, making the darkness fade into endless sunny days.
Until I realized that Life just kept getting Better
I feared the past
Until I realized that it could no longer hurt me .
I feared the dark
Until I saw the beauty of the starlight.
I feared the light
Until I learned that the Truth would give me Strength.
I feared change,
Until I saw that even the most beautiful butterfly had to undergo a metamorphosis before it could fly."
Until I learned to like Myself.
I feared failure
Until I realized that I only Fail when I don't try.
I feared success
Until I realized that I had to try in order to be happy with myself.
I feared people's opinions
Until I learned that people would have opinions about me anyway.
I feared rejection
Until I learned to have faith in myself. I feared pain
Until I learned that it's necessary for growth.
I feared the truth
Until I saw the ugliness in lies.
I feared life
Until I experienced its beauty.
So beautiful !
I feared death
Until I realized that it's not an end, but a beginning .
I feared my destiny,
Until I realized that I had the power to change My life.
I feared hate
Until I saw that it was nothing more than Ignorance.
I feared loveUntil it touched my heart, making the darkness fade into endless sunny days.
I feared ridicule
Until I learned how To laugh at myself.
I feared growing old
Until I realized that I gained wisdom every day.
I feared the future Until I realized that Life just kept getting Better
The piano and bench are both cakes...yes CAKES!
Sheila (pictured here with me) surprised me with these phenomenal creations for my birthday.
I always wanted a Baby Grand!
Until I realized that it could no longer hurt me .
I feared the dark
Until I saw the beauty of the starlight.
I feared the light
Until I learned that the Truth would give me Strength.
I feared change,
Until I saw that even the most beautiful butterfly had to undergo a metamorphosis before it could fly."
My bestie sent me that poem years ago (don't know who actually wrote it) and I've always loved it.
Hope it speaks to your heart as it did mine.
Luv,
Mandy
Friday, August 20, 2010
"Drop a pebble in the water..."
Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.
Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget,
But there’s little waves a-flowing, and there’s ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown
You’ve disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you’ve started them to flow.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute you forget;
But there’s little waves a-flowing, and there’s ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you’ve stirred,
And disturbed a life was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn’t believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;
But there’s gladness still a-swelling, and there’s joy acircling yet,
And you’ve rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.
Poem by James W. Foley
I believe it extends to DOING as well. We can all do something positive to have that ripple effect.
Mandy
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.
Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget,
But there’s little waves a-flowing, and there’s ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown
You’ve disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you’ve started them to flow.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute you forget;
But there’s little waves a-flowing, and there’s ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you’ve stirred,
And disturbed a life was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn’t believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;
But there’s gladness still a-swelling, and there’s joy acircling yet,
And you’ve rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.
Poem by James W. Foley
I believe it extends to DOING as well. We can all do something positive to have that ripple effect.
Mandy
Winner of My Backpack Giveaway is...
...Michele from Maine!
Michele is a mom of two, a wife, a grandmother, pet owner, but also someone who helps families in need.
In her entry she requested the backpack not for herself but to pass along to one of the families that her department assists every year.
She's also a blogger! For more on Michele please check out her page "Creative Writings 101" http://motheroftwoyesposahermosa.blogspot.com/
Congratulations Michele and keep up the great work!
Mandy
Michele is a mom of two, a wife, a grandmother, pet owner, but also someone who helps families in need.
In her entry she requested the backpack not for herself but to pass along to one of the families that her department assists every year.
She's also a blogger! For more on Michele please check out her page "Creative Writings 101" http://motheroftwoyesposahermosa.blogspot.com/
Congratulations Michele and keep up the great work!
Mandy
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Want a massage with that backpack?
My dear friend and Massage Mogul, Robert Ballatt of Just1Touch.com has offered a *complimentary 1 hour full body massage as part of my backpack giveaway!
Another good friend of mine, Vanessa Telfer, was the first of my friends to donate school supplies as well.
This is why I say I am truly Blessed. I am surrounded by wonderful people who care and are willing to make a difference.
So click here to find out how YOU can win this backpack of goodies for yourself or for someone you know!
All the best!
Mandy
*due to travel limitations, massage only applicable if the winner is in NYC/NJ.
Another good friend of mine, Vanessa Telfer, was the first of my friends to donate school supplies as well.
Vanessa and moi
This is why I say I am truly Blessed. I am surrounded by wonderful people who care and are willing to make a difference.
So click here to find out how YOU can win this backpack of goodies for yourself or for someone you know!
All the best!
Mandy
*due to travel limitations, massage only applicable if the winner is in NYC/NJ.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
So long, farewell, we hate to say goodbye...
...but all
the best
in
M
I
A
M
I
Tamyka and I met at my son's daycare. She was his teacher and I, the "make-SURE-you-take-care-of-my-child" mom.... And that she did.
From then our friendship developed; the kids' birthday parties, Christmas functions, death in our families (both her husband and mine passed away) and now her moving to Miami.
Luckily Miami is but a plane ride or a road trip away, but we will still miss having her around.
So we wish her and her family all the best and hope to see her again SOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!
Luv you Myka!
To order one of Sheila's creations, you can call 732-675-2132 or join her on Facebook "Cakes Galore by Sheila" by clicking here
the best
in
M
I
A
M
I
Tamyka and I met at my son's daycare. She was his teacher and I, the "make-SURE-you-take-care-of-my-child" mom.... And that she did.
From then our friendship developed; the kids' birthday parties, Christmas functions, death in our families (both her husband and mine passed away) and now her moving to Miami.
Luckily Miami is but a plane ride or a road trip away, but we will still miss having her around.
So we wish her and her family all the best and hope to see her again SOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!
Luv you Myka!
Myka and I at her farewell party
Myka's farewell cake, yes it is ALL cake, created by Sheila Thompson
(who also did my "Leo" birthday cake - see past blog entry)
She even made boarding passes, which by the way are also edible!
yes, even the tag was edible.
To order one of Sheila's creations, you can call 732-675-2132 or join her on Facebook "Cakes Galore by Sheila" by clicking here
Friday, August 13, 2010
Mandy's Backpack Giveaway!
Hey peeps!
Recently I received an e-mail from an organization that's collecting backpacks and school supplies for students whose parents cannot afford to get them the supplies they need.
This (1) black sling backpack (replete with cell phone compartment) will contain lined/ruled paper, notebooks, calculator, crayons, scissors, colored pencils, markers, highlighters, glue, pens, pencils, sharpener and ruler.
Interested? Here's what YOU do:
1.Follow my blog...you have to be IN to WIN so click here
2. Leave a comment under this post or e-mail me at mandy_joseph@hotmail.com telling me why you or someone you know should receive this backpack.
You must do so on or before Thursday August 19, 2010, 11:59 p.m. (EST). The winner will be chosen by a select team and announced on Friday August 20, 2010.
Remember "Noone can do everything but everyone can do something".
All the best!
Mandy
Recently I received an e-mail from an organization that's collecting backpacks and school supplies for students whose parents cannot afford to get them the supplies they need.
I think it is such a great idea (why hadn't I thought of that before? 
) Clearly, everyday holds a learning experience!
) Clearly, everyday holds a learning experience!So I've decided to do a Backpack Giveaway!
This (1) black sling backpack (replete with cell phone compartment) will contain lined/ruled paper, notebooks, calculator, crayons, scissors, colored pencils, markers, highlighters, glue, pens, pencils, sharpener and ruler.
Interested? Here's what YOU do:
1.Follow my blog...you have to be IN to WIN so click here
2. Leave a comment under this post or e-mail me at mandy_joseph@hotmail.com telling me why you or someone you know should receive this backpack.
You must do so on or before Thursday August 19, 2010, 11:59 p.m. (EST). The winner will be chosen by a select team and announced on Friday August 20, 2010.
Remember "Noone can do everything but everyone can do something".
All the best!
Mandy
Thursday, August 12, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIMMY!!
Singing with Mr Jimmy Norman
I remember when I first met Mr Jimmy Norman. My family and I had joined Ann (Ruckert) for dinner at Roth's Steakhouse and not only was Jimmy performing that night but it was also his birthday celebration.
I was excited to have met a living legend and he even made up a cute rhyme about my name when we were introduced, but the highlight of the evening, and also one of the best moments in my life, was having the opportunity to sing with him.
As we sang "Stormy Monday" together I was in a state of euphoria. "Remember the words Mandy" "stay on key" "oh my goodness I am singing with JIMMY NORMAN?" "Why did I wear this?" "I so hope I don't have food in my teeth, people are taking pictures?"
My mind raced and yet I was trying to savor every single moment. So every year for his birthday I am reminded of that special time.
Happy Birthday Mr Norman, God's Speed and much continued success.
(Jimmy Norman wrote the lyrics for "Time Is on My Side" which became a hit for the Rolling Stones, as well as many other songs of which were performed by musicians such as Bob Marley and Byron Lee and the Dragonaires.)
I also want to send Happy birthday wishes to Mindy. The BEST Scattergory partner EVER! lol
Much love girl and enjoy your birthday to the max!
The chic and fab bday girl
Mindy
Friday, August 6, 2010
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum...
My birthday celebration was a LOT of fun! What was supposed to be a little hangout turned into an event that would be etched into our minds forever!
The highlight of the night was my friend, Felicia. She started drinking Jose Cuervo shots but by the end of the night she was doing Johnny Walker shots (not to mention the other stuff she "sampled" in between :)
Felicia is naturally a comic, so add liquor and what we had was a recipe for belly-aching LAUGHTER!!
We all thought she was HILARIOUS up until the time we were getting ready for bed. She became really, really sick and ended up going to the hospital. She did not have alcohol poisoning but her body WAS enraged and reacted violently! When I went into the room she looked like a scene straight outta The Exorcist. (And Yes, I am still traumatized!)
We can joke about it now but at the time we were really worried about her.
We've been teasing Felicia ever since (and I have to admit she has been a great sport because we haven't shown her any mercy whatsoever! lol)
As a result I did this parody...check out the video and the lyrics follow...Enjoy!
* Please note that Felicia did consent to the making of this video :)
** This is for entertainment purposes only and does not condone excessive alcohol consumption.
Lyrics:
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum (What's wrong with me?)
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum (Why do I feel like this?)
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum (I'm going crazy now)
No more earl-ing in bed
Can't even think about it
And I fell off the bed
Can't even speak about it
I'm alive nearly dead
Don't wanna think about it
Feels like I'm going insane
It's a thief in the night
To come and grab you
It can creep up inside you
and consume you
A disease of the mind
It can control you
It's too close for comfort
NO!
Put on the brakes next time
No more Tequila and Walker
They don't play nice
Watch out, you might just go under
Better think twice
Your train of thought will be altered
So if you must do shots be wise
Your mind is in disturbia
It's like the darkness is the light
Disturbia
Am I scaring you tonight
Disturbia
I ain't used to what you like, like
Disturbia
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Thought Michelle was by the wall
It's like she's talking to me
9-1-1 you'll have to call
I can't even think
I gotta get out
Or a lung will come out
It's to close for comfort
OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH!
Put on the brakes next time
No more Tequila and Walker
They don't play nice
Watch out, you might just go under
Better think twice
Your train of thought will be altered
So if you must do shots be wise
Your mind is in disturbia
It's like the darkness is the light
Disturbia
Am I scaring you tonight
Disturbia
I ain't used to what you like, like
Disturbia
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Release me from this strectherrr I'm in
Trying to escape but I'm struggling
If you can please just let me go
I think I'm gonna ER ER ER ER EAAAAAAAAAAARRLLLLLL
The highlight of the night was my friend, Felicia. She started drinking Jose Cuervo shots but by the end of the night she was doing Johnny Walker shots (not to mention the other stuff she "sampled" in between :)
Felicia is naturally a comic, so add liquor and what we had was a recipe for belly-aching LAUGHTER!!
We all thought she was HILARIOUS up until the time we were getting ready for bed. She became really, really sick and ended up going to the hospital. She did not have alcohol poisoning but her body WAS enraged and reacted violently! When I went into the room she looked like a scene straight outta The Exorcist. (And Yes, I am still traumatized!)
We can joke about it now but at the time we were really worried about her.
We've been teasing Felicia ever since (and I have to admit she has been a great sport because we haven't shown her any mercy whatsoever! lol)
As a result I did this parody...check out the video and the lyrics follow...Enjoy!
Friends shouldn't let friends do shots, because friends WILL make a video about you!
WE LUV YOU FELICIA! :)
* Please note that Felicia did consent to the making of this video :)
** This is for entertainment purposes only and does not condone excessive alcohol consumption.
Lyrics:
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum (What's wrong with me?)
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum (Why do I feel like this?)
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum (I'm going crazy now)
No more earl-ing in bed
Can't even think about it
And I fell off the bed
Can't even speak about it
I'm alive nearly dead
Don't wanna think about it
Feels like I'm going insane
It's a thief in the night
To come and grab you
It can creep up inside you
and consume you
A disease of the mind
It can control you
It's too close for comfort
NO!
Put on the brakes next time
No more Tequila and Walker
They don't play nice
Watch out, you might just go under
Better think twice
Your train of thought will be altered
So if you must do shots be wise
Your mind is in disturbia
It's like the darkness is the light
Disturbia
Am I scaring you tonight
Disturbia
I ain't used to what you like, like
Disturbia
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Thought Michelle was by the wall
It's like she's talking to me
9-1-1 you'll have to call
I can't even think
I gotta get out
Or a lung will come out
It's to close for comfort
OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH!
Put on the brakes next time
No more Tequila and Walker
They don't play nice
Watch out, you might just go under
Better think twice
Your train of thought will be altered
So if you must do shots be wise
Your mind is in disturbia
It's like the darkness is the light
Disturbia
Am I scaring you tonight
Disturbia
I ain't used to what you like, like
Disturbia
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Release me from this strectherrr I'm in
Trying to escape but I'm struggling
If you can please just let me go
I think I'm gonna ER ER ER ER EAAAAAAAAAAARRLLLLLL
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
HAPPY BDAY LEOS!!!!
My birthday cake with my fire sign LEO!!
I had a BLAST for my birthday!!!!
My son serenaded me first thing in the morning with a "Happy Birthday Mommy / Mandy" and yes he sang "Mommy-slash-Mandy" smh...
...then my god-daughter Z called me and sang "You Are My Sunshine" followed by HER very dramatic rendition of "Happy Birthday" (she'll be 4 in a couple weeks and she already counts herself in before she sings....Ann, you would be so proud....World, you are not ready for her! lol)
I was surrounded by family and friends and I laughed until everything hurt and I practically lost my voice!
"When hours feel like moments you know you're with great friends"
Bday girl posing for papparazzi lol
Just1Touch was in the building doing what they do best: INCREDIBLE MASSAGES
Special shout-out to Will (left) and Robert (on the right, Mogul or Master hands rather, behind Just1Touch)
Bday shout-out to all Leos especially our Prez himself, President Barack Obama, Cornelia, Zakkiyyah, Natalie, Mari, Dirk, Khori's baby girl, Karim, Lynn, Maria, Jaime Lee, Alyssa, Ken "homeboy" Chiu, Maris, Ryan, Mich, Gale, Leti, Isaiah, Ari, Mr Jimmy Norman, Mindy, Greg, Briz, Michael, Mohammed, Rob, Noelle, Kyle, Z, Marlon, and Joshua.
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