Happy Birthday to Me... Looking Fine at 39!

Know what today is?! It's my birthday. To be exact, it's my 39th birthday. And, I can't be more happier. While many may wish to hide their age, I choose to highlight it. I am thankful for hitting this year in my life. You know why? Someone didn't reach this age. But God saw fit to continue to let me live and that is more than reason to shout to the mountain top. To kick off my birthday, a dear friend made me breakfast: Fried whiting fish with onions and grits. Next up, I went shopping at L'Bella Couture, a new boutique in Chesapeake, VA. Jaylin attended my purchasing needs with such care for my fashion focus. With her help, I found the perfect dress: A burgundy and tan A-line cut leather dress. After that, I headed over to Denny's for a FREE meal -- the "Build a Breakfast". I had a choice of four items to build my breakfast. I chose whole wheat pancakes, buttermilk pancakes, turkey bacon and grits. Then, I picked up my birthday cake from Farm Fresh. It looks so delicious (FYI: I will eat it after I return home from my son's basketball practice!). Right now, I'm at the Indian River Public Library watching "Polar Express" with Clara and Isaac as well as the other kids and parents who are assembled in the Meeting Room for this Christmas centered movie. In a few minutes, though, I have to head over to basketball practice with my son. Once I return home, I'm taking my cake and come individually-wrapped ice cream cups over to my neighbors house so I can celebrate with my friends. But no one is getting a piece of my face (smile). I want to thank my children and friend Raymond for my lovely cards and to all of the birthday shout outs on Facebook and via text along with phone calls. I love my life. I am happy about today. Happy Birthday Me!

I Choose Chess for My Son... It's a "Thinking Person's Game"

I remember the first chess set that I purchased for Isaac back in New York. It was marble and brand new. I discovered it at a local shop near my after-school program. As soon as we got in the house, Isaac -- who was six years old at the time -- opened up the chess board, read the directions, assembled the pieces and began playing. I was totally impressed. Although completely new to this "thinking person's game", he seemed a natural. Over time, he'd enlist me or his sister to play him in a friendly game. He always won. Fast forward four years... Isaac is now 10 years old, and he continues to love the game of chess. In fact, the first place he makes his way to when we visit our local library, is the chess table (which is nestled in the back near the reference desk and computer station). It got me to thinking that I should really look into a chess program for him. Initially, I posted a request for leads on a social media site that I frequent, but I didn't get any responses. It wasn't until a three weeks ago when I posted a photo of Isaac at the chess table that Misti Goodson -- a childhood friend and advancement writer at our alma mater Norfolk State University -- suggested that I reached out to Dr. Arthur Bowman. She shared that he was the Head of the Biology department and taught students how to play chess. I called up Dr. Bowman, told him all about my son. He offered not only to help my son sharpen his skills but to coach me as well. Two days later, we were on campus for our first lesson. Dr. Bowman was very simple in his explanation of how the game of chess is played. I greatly appreciated that. And, I was able to catch on quickly. After playing a few games, I was feeling pretty good about my playing ability. Dr. Bowman wants to continue to coach both of us and even train me to facilitate a "Learn & Play" station in my community. I'm all for it. The beautiful thing about chess is that it's a game of critical thinking and strategy. You have to be one or two steps ahead of your opponent in order to be victorious in the end. I see Isaac being a Grand Master in his future. I'm going to see to it by keeping him involved in chess. I would encourage you to look into it for your son and/or daughter as well. Search the Internet for chess programs in your area. Also, check with your neighborhood and recreational centers.

Boot Camp Class was the Bomb!

Boot camp class at the Greenbrier North YMCA Wellness & Racquetball Center was the bomb today. Although the class was was quite intensive and caused me to use muscles I didn't now I even had (SMILE), I truly do thank Greg for leading the class and making sure that I stayed on task. Cool thing is I received several compliments from him throughout the one hour long class. He asked me if I was coming back to which I said YES. I have always been an advocate for investing in one's health by exercising. And, as I approach 39 on Wednesday (12.11.13), it is even more imperative that I stay active. What you don't use, you loose. When I return the Saturday after next (no class 12.14.13 because of a racquetball tournament), I'm bringing Clara Huff. After all, she's in track training mode.

Cheers to Literacy: Clara's School Does Fundraiser at Barnes & Noble

This evening, Clara and the Indian River Middle School cheer squad, assembled at Barnes & Noble Bookstore on Greenbrier Parkway in Chesapeake, VA, as part of a fundraiser for the school. Every 15 minutes, they'd deliver three cheers then branch off in groups of two to mingle with customers and encourage them to buy a book with a percentage of the sales going toward IRMS. I thought it was an excellent means of encouraging literacy and support for the students. I ran into two of Clara's teachers: Ms. Bradley (who teaches Honors English) and Mrs. Young (who teaches Honors US History). Principal Naomi Dunbar was front and center(as usual) to support her students. The Norfolk Admirals mascot even came out to show them some love. It was a really great turnout. I hope they have another book fundraiser real soon. We love reading.

This Saturday Night Was Live and Well!

This evening, I had the pleasure of celebrating Clara Huff as Miss Youth Matter Teen 2013 and Timothy Huff who mimed with Out The Box Kidz at Youth Matter Inc.'s 5th Annual Black & White Gala Fundraiser at the Chesapeake Marriott. I pulled double duty with cheering, crying and photo opts. I praise God for blessing me to be there for the loves of my life. I thank God for the people He has placed in our lives to encourage us and sow into our gifts and ministries. I thank God for having a heart for His people, especially our youth because they matter.