Let's Do It Right This Time

We learned a tragic yet invaluable lesson from Hurricane Katrina. A delayed response and limited resources made it very difficult for governmental agencies and relief workers to get to those who needed their help.

Let's do it right this time. Support a reputable organization like the American Red Cross who has hit the ground running with their fundraising efforts. Text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 or visit their website at www.redcross.org.

Check out these photos, courtesy of the Chicago Red Cross, at www.flickr.com/photos/chicagoredcross.

~S

Objectionable Content

Like any good guardian, when I started my blog I became very protective of it, taking time to think about topics, trying to keep it current, directing web traffic, etc.

Things were going well until one day, I logged in to find this menacing banner across the top that said "Objectionable Content". I tried to edit the page and remove it but there was nothing I could do about it. FYI-The "Objectionable Content" function allows you to flag blogs or websites that you come across that contain offensive or inappropriate images or content. It basically puts the web administrator on alert that there may be something shady that they should look into.

Of course, I took this quite personal and started to brainstorm ideas about who would do such a thing and possibly what I could have written that would have offended someone. After a couple of days, I laughed it off and kept it at the back of my mind until last week...

After posting my last blog entry, I decided to peruse some other blogs via the "Next Blog" function in Blogger. After looking away only briefly, I realized that my cursor was hovering over the "Flag" button. Mortified, I realized that as easy as it would have been for me to inadvertently hit the button, the same unfortunate thing could have happened to one of my readers!

So, I apologize to those who I secretly suspected of sabotaging my blog. Suspicion can sometimes run rampant! But then again, I guess I'm in the right field of work!

Happy Reading,
S

Getting in Shape - UFC Style

One of the most common questions that Jamaal and I have been asked over the last few months is, "So, what have you been up to since your move?"

After we moved, we wanted gym memberships to go along with our fresh start. Nothing too involved, something easy that fit along with our natural routines that we could utilize when we needed and stay generally healthy. So, the answer to this question is, "L.A. Boxing."

It couldn't be farther from "easy" or "not too involved" but we have nonetheless fallen in love with it. Imagine UFC training in a group for an hour and more sweat than you know what to do with, three to four times a week. We are focused more on Mixed Martial Arts and have gotten our yellow belts (No worries, we're nowhere near black belt status). Jamaal has also been training in Krav Maga. (Google it - it's kinda intense.)

It was a much needed change after a month or so of brunches, lunches, dinners, drinks and appetizers from our "impending move" celebrations with family and friends. Outside of dropping pounds and developing healthier, non-restrictive eating habits, it has become a part of our natural routine (it's still not easy though) and the people we have met along the way have become a part of our new DC network. We'll be on this road for a while and I'll keep you posted on our accomplishments.

Want to try it? You'll be happy to know that they have more than 70 locations nationwide (2 of which are in Chicago in the South Loop and Wrigleyville). If you have time, stop by and take a trial class and think of us while you're dying in the corner!

~S

Wow, it's 2010....

Can you believe it's been a whole year?! Exactly one year ago I started my blog and although I wasn't able to commit to it as much as I envisioned, I don't regret it. When I wasn't blogging, life was happening and it brought about some pretty cool things.

Jamaal and I have relocated and are adjusting to our new life fairly well. 2009 was full of many unexpected things that if you had asked me about them on January 1, 2009, I probably would have laughed in your face and kindly responded, "I don't think so."

So, now it's a whole new year with a whole new set of goals. I don't like to get too caught up in the New Year's resolution business because I generally feel that the only promise I'll make to myself is that if something didn't go well last year, either I won't do it again or I will make it a point to do it even better the next time. I am working on a general list of things I want and need to accomplish this year and I will share this list with you over time.

I do, however, aim to blog more and keep in touch. But I won't promise it will be everyday (I've learned, it's too much pressure!) - unless someone takes such a great interest in what I have to say and asks to sponsor my blog! LOL

Here's to a great 2009 and an even better 2010!

~S

P.S. - I'd love to hear about your resolutions, goals, etc. for the New Year - leave it in a comment!