Donald...

By now I'm sure you've all heard the audio recording of Donald Sterling's remarks regarding minorities, in particular, African Americans.  If you haven't, do yourself a favor and get with the 21st century.

While I am disappointed, I am not shocked.  I feel sorrow for the players, but not for the NBA.  I am angry at America, but not at Sterling. Why you ask? It's simple.  Are we really surprised? This guy makes millions off of the very people he does not want to attend [his] games.  Did you all forget that we live in a society built on the idea that one race is superior to the next? Did we forget? Or do we choose not to remember?  Either way, racism is and always will be an issue in America.

However, I do feel bad for the Clippers (the players).  Many of us say what we would or wouldn't do, but we never truly know how we would react in a certain situation. These guys have families to feed.  Can they just boycott and decide not to play in the games? Is that fair? Yes, I understand and I agree that they should have enough self respect to stand up for what they believe. But... is that easy? In their line of work?  These are just questions to ponder.

I get so tired of people pretending to be concerned..pretending to be upset. Does it really bother you? Ohhh wait, yes it does...when it directly affects you and/or your pockets. I get it!! I apologize in advance for this rant, but I do not apologize for my feelings [or lack thereof]. I'm a child of God first, a woman next, and finally an African American. Until you walk a mile in my [our] shoes.......



Donald (you don't even deserve to be called 'Mr.')

There is nothing you can say or do to make this 25 year old African American feel less than. You will NEVER know or fully understand the struggles that African Americans face on a daily basis; although I'm certain you could not care less...you're busy getting your millions, right?  Thank you. Thank you for showing us how you really feel; you've done us all a favor.  It is people like you that keep me employed. It is people like you that remind me to never get too comfortable.  It is people like you, Donald, that give me motivation to continue pressing on in my line of work.  Now, I must go..I've wasted too many keystrokes you on.  Keep up the [good] work, America!

Xoxo

Raeofsunshine

Introducing....The Basic Bride

Hey yall it's me...RAEofsunshine! By now you know that I am engaged (as of August 6. 2013). I started this blog as a safe haven for my random thoughts.  Over the past year, I've used it to document memorable milestones.  While this is great [in my opinion] I feel as though I should tred into unmarked territory.  Lots ladies track the journey from their engagement to their wedding.  However, very few give it to you straight. It's not all glitz and glam. So, in order to keep my sanity and give future brides a little insight, I've decided to add a section titled "Wedding Planning 101".  Please feel free to share your success [or horror] stories.  If you feel as though your planning went smoothly, please please share your comments and/or suggestions.  After all, what better way to bring girls together than to drink wine talk about weddings.

Xoxo

Raeofsunshine

A Cup of Encouragement

How often do we spend time with God? I mean, really blocking out our schedules to talk to and hear from God.  How often do we pray? Only when we need an answer? Or, do we constantly thank God for his goodness? These are just questions to ponder. I feel that we can all do better.

Pray without ceasing. 

1 Thessalonians 5:17

It's so easy to get caught up in life.  We take on extra projects at work.  We support our friends and family at various events.  The list goes on and on. Before we know it, we've totally neglected God. Granted, we may say our grace here and there but is that enough? By no means am I saying one must pray 24/7, but I do think we should all have a heart of thanksgiving.  

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endure forever!

Psalm 107:1 

Let's make a commitment to do better.  I feel 110% better when I read my devotion before getting my day started.  When I get to work, I immediately read my devotion and pray.  I do this before cutting on my computer and before returning any phone calls. After work or during lunch may be better for you. Do whatever works! When we do our part, God will most definitely do His.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29: 11-13

Have a wonderful Friday and remember, small changes often yield big results.

xoxo

RAEofsunshine

If Not Now, Then When?

I am so sick of hearing "Girl please, you do NOT need to work out!" Did I say I wanted/needed to lose weight? Who told you to tell ME what I need to do? Business...get you some!!!

Truth is, I have very poor eating habits and I do not exercise regularly.  It's so embarrassing to huff and puff while walking across campus.  That my friend, is a problem.  And if you don't think it is, you need some sort of evaluation.  Sometimes I want to kick myself because I will make a "committment" to a healthier lifestyle...but then I fall off. Ughhh doesn't that suck? Why is it so hard?? Because I've been eating this way for 25 years! Change.Is.Not.Easy.....but it's worth it.  There is no reason I should weigh 113lbs but feel like I weigh 213; that's awful.  I refuse to be 30 with hypertension.  I refuse to be 30 with diabetes.  I refuse to be [un]healthy.  Granted there are some situations that are beyond my control.  But, I will do my part to ensure that I lead a healthier lifestyle.  Social media/blogger friends please hold me accountable!

Yesterday, I said goodbye to my BFF, Dr. Pepper. We've been seeing each other for quite some time. Oftentimes, multiple times a day...that's awful..I know.  I'm not saying that we are getting a divorce, but we are officially separated.  DP is physically damaging  my body...I just can't take it anymore. Please know, I miss you and I'll always love you!

Ok, back to reality! I went grocery shopping yesterday and made a few modifications.  Here's a list of a few things I bought:
Bananas
Oikos Greek Yogurt
Grapes
Spinach
Green Tea
A variety of hot teas
WATER
Tilapia
Chicken
VEGGIES and more but this is just a small list.  Now I have no choice but to eat healthy because that's all I bought.  So cheers to my Thursday morning breakfast.  My sister also encouraged me to create an account with My Fitness Pal. You can literally track every meal of the day. It's pretty cool..unless you have OCD like me. Thanks Keech, now I'll be obsessing over ever single calorie. Nonetheless, you should give it a try.

Are you leading a healthy lifestyle? Have you recently made major changes to your diet? If so, please leave a comment. I'm always looking for new recipes, etc.

xoxo
RAEofsunshine

JSand Day #29onthe29th

On Saturday we celebrated Joey's 29th birthday. Since he turned 29 on the 29th, I deemed it JSand Day. If you know Joey, you know that he's a pretty private person. He's not big on being the center of attention. Now, if you know me, you know that I'm a fairly open person who doesn't mind being the center of attention...uhh I mean that in a good way. Anyway, I love birthdays. I've never understood why people say "It's no big deal" or "It's ts just another year" . Sure it is! Another day to check off your list. Another day that you will never see again. So, I tried my best to make JSand Day the absolute best day ever.

It all started at midnight. Joey was downstairs knocked completely out and I was upstairs literally fighting to stay awake. When the clock struck 12, Sophie and I rolled downstairs bearing gifts. Boy oh boy..If only you could have seen the look on his face. I'm still not sure if he was totally for that whole midnight thing but hey, you only turn 29 on the 29th once!

After singing happy birthday and opening gifts, I decided it was time to get some real sleep. Besides, breakfast has to be ready soon, right?  Joey is an early riser so I seriously had to wake up at the crack of dawn to surprise him with breakfast....it still didn't work. He managed to make his way downstairs and stick his nose in my business. It didn't take much to get him out of the kitchen and in front of the TV.

Breakfast is served. I found this simple yet tasty recipe for homemade french toast sticks over on Dinner With Nerds.  I'll post the recipe soon.

yummm :)

After breakfast, I decided to give the birthday boy some "resting time" while I cleaned the house. Halfway through, I realized I was acting like Rochelle on Everybody Hates Chris.  If you watch the show, you know that every time Julius wants to rest, Rochelle starts talking loud on the phone, banging pots and pans, or vacuuming the floor.  Hahaha oops! I eventually made my way back downstairs.

29 on the 29th

Shortly after, Joey's parents came up to visit.  After conversing with them for a while, we got ready and headed to the bowling alley.  Gayle, Joey's oldest sister, and her daughter Gabby met us there. Now, if you've been reading my last few posts, you know that I'm a winner:) However, this wasn't the case on Saturday.  The game was so close, but I lost...and I wasn't happy about it. But Joey was...and he didn't care to rub it in my face.

Strike...or nah?

The look of a champion

Of course we had to have a photo together :)

Joey & Gabby playing air hockey

After bowling 2 games our stomachs were on E. We left the bowling alley and headed to dinner at Harveys. It's really hard to surprise Joey.  For one, he's very inquisitive. He wants to know where, why, when and how. Geez! Two, he's just a very laid back kind of guy. So instead of having a surprise dinner with family and friends, we decided on dinner with just the two of us.  Little did he know, I still called ahead to pull a few strings.

We had a very nice dinner.  They even gave us the same booth we sat in the night he proposed :) Special thanks to Pat and the entire staff at Harvey's for making the evening special.

When asked did he enjoy is birthday, he said absolutely.  I guess as you get older your priorities change. Spending quality time is what matters most...I can dig it.

Happy birthday, Joey!

Joey,

I know that I can be completely extra at times, but when you get older you'll appreciate it. hahahahaha ikid. But seriously, I love you soooo much and I wanted to ensure that you had the absolute best birthday.  You always go over and beyond for me, and it's only right that I do the same.  Here's to 29 years and many more.



xoxo
RAEofsunshine