Vanessa: Unplugged!

Lessons Learned from Barack Obama

Regardless of the outcome of today's election, we are forever changed by the candidacy of Barack Obama for president of the United States of America. Senator Obama's campaign has brought out the best in people and the worse in others. We have seen the true character of our leaders and the rise of the people.

Yes, there has been a revolution in this country. Much like Martin Luther King, Gandhi and Malcolm X, Obama has shown us how to be cool under pressure. We have been reminded that the people control their own destiny.

What happens on November 5^th and thereafter? The world will not change overnight. We will still struggle with downward spiraling economy, injustice, prejudice, a broken healthcare system and an education system in need of an overhaul.   

Senator Barack Obama has been tested during these last two years of campaigning. Whether it was the Hillary Clinton campaign or the McCain campaign, Obama stayed focus and on message. He has shown us how to handle pressure and to make sure that we are prepared for whatever task is before us. Preparation is part of Obama's secret as is many other effective leaders. Senator Obama has been consistently cool, calm, collected, and confident. Obama and his team out-prepared and therefore out-performed his challengers.

He put together a team that forever changed political campaigning and he has united people in a manner that has not been seen since the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. Obama stayed focus, Obama stayed on message and Obama tolerated no-drama. You have to respect and admire a leader like that. Now, let's continue the positive change in this country.

 

   

© 2008, Vanessa: Unplugged!, www.vanessabyers.net

Vote for this blog for Best Political Blog and for Best Blog Design in the 2009 Bloggers Choice Awards.

   

 

 

Senator Barack Obama Deals with Loss

One can only feel compassion and empathy for Senator Barack Obama as he confronts one of the happiest periods of his life and one of the saddest. His maternal grandmother, Madelyn Dunham has transitioned. Obama suspended his campaign to visit her in Hawaii as her health worsened. The senator's grandparents shaped his personality and taught him a work ethic that he still demonstrates today. Senator Obama announced his grandmother's passing and continued campaigning as the polls will open in a few hours. Please view and sign her guestbook.

The senator is also coping with the loss of his Nevada campaign director, Terence Tolbert. He passed away after suffering a heart attack while driving alone. Tolbert was only 44 years old.    

Tolbert was a well-known and respected lobbyist in New York City. He is credited with Senator Obama's success in Nevada, a swing state.

   

© 2008, Vanessa: Unplugged!, www.vanessabyers.net

Vote for this blog for Best Political Blog and for Best Blog Design in the 2009 Bloggers Choice Awards.

   

 

 

We Are the Ones We've Been Waiting For

I can never see this video too many times. It's message is simple and pure. We are the change we want to see in the world and we can make a difference. We sink or swim together. Vote for change and make a difference.

Spreading the Love in 2008

Wayne Hicks , the Villager over at Electronic Village honored me with a 'Spread the Love' Award. I've seen these awards on several blogs and I think some folks may take them lightly. Let the record show that I don't. Each and every award I've received has humbled me and served as motivation to keep doing what I do.

As one who started blogging without a plan or a niche or following any of the recommended steps and practices in the blogging process, I am honored when another blogger takes the time to recognize and appreciate what I post here and on my other blogs.

Villager is one of the folks I consider a master blogger. He's always on his game, posts regularly and his blog's flavor is definitely Obama-esque. The Electronic Village is transformative in the knowledge shared and the overarching ambience of unity of all Villagers. He is also one of the bloggers I've featured through my '20 Questions' interviews on my blog 'on the black hand side'.

I probably shouldn't be so honest as to share the fact that much of what my regular readers have enjoyed the most on my blogs were frequently those features and posts that I really hadn't planned. I could pretend it was all planned and I had it going on but that would be a lie. The truth is I listen to my inner voice and allow myself to be led. It's karma, the ancestors and the angels guiding me. For all of the nudges in the right direction I say thank you. For all of you who are subscribers and commenters, I thank you also.

With all that being said, I am spreading the love to Shelia, Invisible Woman, MarvalusOne, Karoli, Paula Neal Mooney and Linda. All of these ladies are shining examples of bloggers who uplift and inform. I am pleased to have them as blogging sisters and wish them many more blog posts to come.

Again, thanks for the love, Villager. Let's keep this train going.

From:  busterbus1963jp

Barack Obama’s MLK Day Speech

I was introduced to the video below by Villager over at Electronic Village. It is of Barack Obama's speech on MLK Day at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, the church home of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is an excellent MLK Day speech reminiscent of MLK and JFK.

Villager asks if Obama can unify America.

Obama can unify America; will Americans allow him to do so?

What I want my blogging buddies to know before 2008

Today is the last day of 2007. It has been some year. I've enjoyed the last week in that we're on break from the office and it allows me time to be with my Mom and take care of family things. Either fortunately or unfortunately, I do miss my job. That must sound crazy, but I do.

I've never worked harder in my life and that's a huge statement for folks that know me. I'm doing what I can to work smarter but some things are just not under my control. I'll do whatever is needed to get my projects finished because I really like my boss. She's so nice that I think I'm dreaming most of the time. This is our last week on break so I must complete several personal tasks over the never six days and then it's on and popping again. I guess I'm really not the housewife type because I really miss the phone calls and e-mails from my co-workers.

Two great things happened today and I'm claiming the same karma in 2008.

First of all, my mom came home today. Well, sort of. The medical transportation service didn't pick her up so my Dad brought her home for a few minutes. They said they waited more than 30 minutes. I know my dad doesn't like to wait for anything, so the transportation is sure to be the recipient of his wrath. Oh, well. I don't have the vocabulary to express what seeing my mom at home and walking did for our family. My dad took her back to the rehab center; I haven't seen him so happy in a long time. My mom may be released sooner than we thought. I know those of you who prayed had a lot to do with her progress. Thank you; I am eternally grateful.

Secondly, I finally found documentation needed that will allow my alumni association to receive a $1,000 donation. Thank you, Jesus. It had been two weeks of searching through boxes, file cabinets and briefcases to find that one little piece of paper. I'd looked in the box several times where I found it but I won't go there. Today was the deadline or we would have been SOL – sho'nuff out of luck. Needless to say, I scanned the document and saved on my computer and a couple of flash drives. I was going to make hard copies also but I thought that might be overkill; I'm trying to live a paperless life as much as possible.

Anyhoo, I'm looking forward to 2008. Thank you to everyone that has become my buddy, friend, associate and mentor since I started blogging. I am still having a blast with this and just going with the flow.

Here's to claiming an awesome 2008 for You. At the stroke of midnight, this is from me…

Smooches!

Why I Love Brad Pitt: Making It Right in New Orleans

Brad Pitt, Steve Bing Plan New 150-Home Community in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward

Brad Pitt expanded his commitment to New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward by announcing plans for a new community of homes in the area hardest-hit by the worst natural disaster in American history. He is partnering with Steve Bing in creating the 150 affordable and sustainable homes, which are the first effort of Pitt's "Make it Right" project.

Pitt announced his plan at the meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative, where he challenged attendees to join him and Bing in rebuilding the Lower Ninth Ward. Pitt pledged to match $5 million in contributions to the project. Bing has pledged to match $5 million in contributions as well, for a total of $10,000,000 in matching funds.

The spirit of the community's culture is central to Make It Right. "The heart and soul of New Orleans, specifically the people of the Lower 9th Ward, are paramount to this project," said Pitt. "The words of one elderly man who is determined to return to New Orleans led to the name of our organization: he asked us, directly simply and profoundly, to help make it right. So that's what we're doing. We're going to help to make it right with 150 sustainable, affordable houses—houses that stand out for their design both aesthetically and structurally, so that these people can live in beautiful safe structures that respect their spirit and provide a good quality of life."

How I’m Feeling…

The poem below was forwarded to me by a friend. I really needed it; perhaps it can help you also. Enjoy.

Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the
 people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who
 don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you  
 get a second chance, grab it with both hands.  If it  
  changes your life, let it.  Nobody said life would be easy,  
  they just promised it would be worth it.

From migrant worker to history-making educator: Dr. San Juanita de la Cruz

Too often we can get caught up in our own little world and forget that every living, breathing human being has a story to tell. Some stories are more shocking and unbelievable than others but there are people that we pass everyday or sit next to at work or talk to on the phone that have overcome such tremendous challenges in life and life goes on for them.

Such is the story of educator and administrator Dr. San Juanita de la Cruz. I have known this woman for more than ten years but it was only through a Miami Herald news article that I learned of the significance of her academic and social accomplishments. She is remarkable. Juanita makes me feel as though I have not done enough with my life. Through her trials and tribulations, she is one of the most pleasant individuals you will ever meet.

Congratulations and thank you to phenomenal woman Dr. San Juanita de la Cruz. To read and hear her story, click here.

Life is precious – enjoy it while we're here!

Today's Message of the Day is:


Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile.
 
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance....

Forwarded by a Friend...

Life is precious – enjoy it while we're here!