Whitney Houston: Connecting Our Past, Present, and Future

It is the day after Whitney Houston’s tragic and unexpected death and I’m laying here in my apartment looking at the walls and the furniture thinking, “Am I really here? Ok, come back. Come back to your world. Here. Today.” I find myself not even wanting to say her name, write her name, and I dread thinking it… but my mind at times is like a medley of her songs, it goes from 1 to the other unconsciously. Maybe that is effect that Twitter has on the brain. But somehow I just feel lost in it all. And I recognize this familiar feeling.

It is time to say good-bye.

I struggle to stay present in this moment while I reminisce about the past and worry about the future. I experience flashbacks of my life and feel pain in my body upon the realization that one day I am going to die and so will all the people who I love. I ask myself, “What am I going to do?”

I am aging. Nearing the age of 30, my body has now begun the downhill climb towards the end and yet I have so much more living to do. How will I do it? How will I make it to the end? How will I finish this race against time?

Upon the death of legendary Whitney Houston, I am bluntly reminded again that life is only a temporary and fleeting moment. My entire life's existence is put into perspective. I can remember the 80s. I remember the 90s. And then we have today; already so much of it is gone. One day we will not be here and most likely, yesterday will only register as a date on the calendar to our descendants to come 100 years from now.



A Story:

When I was in elementary school, we had a pageant once a year and I swear at least 1 little girl in the pageant got on stage and sang, “The Greatest Love of All” every year!

Well, six years ago I was baby-sitting my 9yr-old African-American cousin and I mentioned Whitney Houston. She turned to me and said, “Who is Whitney Houston?” I just looked at her in shock! I said, “You don’t know Whitney Houston?” She said, “No.” I thought to myself, “My God, where are we leading our children? So much of our history has been lost."

That was a turning point for me. I thought, “A little Black girl who doesn’t know the awe that is Whitney Houston?” I then realized that the younger generation’s experiences are so much different than mine were. I became scared thinking about the type of people they might be.

As a result of yesterday's tragedy, I’m sure my little cousin is already getting to know the splendor and awe of the entertainer who was Whitney Houston in all her glory! And I’m sure the late great Whitney Houston would have it no other way.

I remember right after Michael Jackson’s death, my friend's 4-yr old son would sing and dance to Michael Jackson songs all day! He told me, “I love Michael Jackson.” I told him, “I heard that I loved him too when I was your age. That was TWENTY years ago. I used to sing and dance to his songs just like you do!”

A happy thought connects the past, present, and future. I am able to smile through my grief a little as this memory helps me to accept that all is as it should be. I can only hope that the light of these stars continues to shine bright forever so that they will continue to live on forever.





To Bobbi Kristina, (Whitney’s only child) and to the rest of her family, I would like to send this message for you, out into the universe:

When I’ve had relatives pass away, I felt heart-breaking sadness at first, but after some time I was comforted by my memories of the times we shared. The memories are what helps to ensure their legacy lives on so that even though they are gone, they will not be forgotten. Whether it’s through my grandmothers’ favorite Caramel Cake or Spaghetti recipe, as long as I live, the talents, gifts, and the love they shared with me will live on forever.

Links:

The life of music legend Whitney Houston in pictures

Youtube's Discography for Whitney Houston

Best of Whitney Houston (Favs)

Why I Went Natural...

Why did I go natural?

The truth? It kind of just happened! Well, not really.

Let me start from the beginning. I was natural from birth to age 16, at which point my mom and I decided that it should not hurt me to get a relaxer. At the time I was very active in cheerleading/dance and the constant heat styling had started to break and thin my hair. So then the journey began.

I could give you the lowdown about all the popular salon-quality perms but I won’t. Things I worried about: overprocessing, underprocessing, chemical burns (every month), breakage, split-ends (many times the stylist had to cut 1.5in of hair to prevent breakage).



What I learned from getting chemical relaxers: Relaxers (perms) are not for everyone! My scalp and hair are unique.

I was also tired of fighting with salon stylists about what was best for my hair. I always tried to explain to them that I knew more about my hair than they did because I had been working with it my whole life! And many times they insisted on doing something that caused my hair to fall out! I’m like, “This is MY hair!”

So, what did I do? With not enough courage to chop it off and go natural, I started braiding and weaving more and more, until I looked up and I had worn my hair in braid extensions or sew-ins for the majority of 18mos. I took the sew-in down in February of 2011 and I had a full head of natural hair! I said to myself, “Great! I’ve always wanted to go natural! Hallelujah! I’m going to make this work and I don’t care who doesn’t like it!” And so it was.

Mo'Hair - My Homemade Natural Haircare Videos [Playlist]


The four main reasons why I went natural: Health, Beauty, Cultural Pride, and Financial Expense

Health

1.) Some people have sensitive skin and/or allergies. I am one of those people.
2.) I have become increasingly concerned about the chemicals that I expose myself to. 3.) Chemical burns from relaxers were a very common occurrence.
4.) There was always something about the smell of a relaxer and hair dyes that turned me off. I said to myself every time, “OMG, what am I putting in my hair? On my skin? And I hope that after years of using it, it doesn’t kill me.
5.) I was told that my hair falling out and/or breaking was a sign of poor health, a hormonal imbalance, or stress. So then a healthy head of hair must be a sign of optimum health. I sought out to find the truth.

Beauty

I have always loved my natural hair and how soft it felt. I look at afro puffs and I see beauty. It draws me in.

I like the way my natural hair feels, looks, and smells. I could lie on it like a pillow for days and days! In between straightenings, I enjoyed rubbing my face with it and smelling it (a habit which really annoyed my mother).

I’m a hair fanatic, period. I like hair types 1-4, though. Hair is hair. *shrugs*

Cultural Pride

There is a lot of pressure for people of color to conform to Eurocentric standards of beauty, labeling Eurocentric as normal and/or right while labeling Afro-centric as abnormal and/or wrong. To many people in our Western culture, Afro-textured natural hair is less desirable than straight hair. Yet for most people of African descent, Afro-textured hair is what they were born with!

Since I’ve learned how to do my own braid extensions, I think I could be more successful at relaxing this time around. However, I will not relax my hair because wearing my natural hair shows cultural pride. It's sad that some people feel threatened by me being comfortable in my own skin. "Oh, you’re comfortable being dark-skinned?" "Oh, you’re comfortable having nappy hair?" My answer: "Well, isn’t that the way God made me?" What is wrong with being proud of who I am, my heritage, and my African ancestry? Honestly, some women look at me as if I am an atheist or something because I’ve said “No” to ever getting a perm again. You know what? They will survive. This is my life, not theirs.

Financial Expense

Hair is expensive! Salon visits, products...



1.) Relaxers:

Week 1 $70.00 (the relaxer) + $20.00 (hair-cut or trimming ends to prevent splitting)
Week 2 $50.00 (wash and set)
Week 3 $50.00 (wash and set)
Week 4 $50.00 (wash and set)
Week 5 $50.00 (wash and set)
Week 6 $50.00 (wash and set)
Week 7 $50.00 (wash and set)
Total: $420.00/2 = $210/mo.

Week 8 Cycle starts over with a relaxer on natural roots

2.) Hair Weaving:

Braid Extensions.
(Senegalese Twists, Individuals, Micro Braids, Tree Braids)
Price - If done by a licensed stylist, these cost usually $125.00 - $200.00. If done by an unlicensed stylist in their home, the cost is about $60 - $125.00. The braiding hair ranges in prices depending on whether it is synthetic, human, synthetic/human blend, imported, etc. $2.00 – $100.00+ per bag.
Also, time is a factor. It takes 8-10 hrs for 1 experienced stylist to complete.
Wear Time - The style lasts 6wks – 3mos, although it’s recommended for no more than 2mos.
Maintenance - About halfway, 3-4wks in, you may have to re-do the edges to keep the style looking fresh. (I wash my hair and scalp weekly nowadays instead of once every two weeks.)
Risks - Can pull hair out if done too tightly or left in too long.

Sew-Ins.
Price - The average cost for a licensed stylist is $150.00 - $200.00. The hair (on tracks) ranges in prices depending on synthetic, human, synthetic/human blend, imported, etc.
Wear Time - The style lasts 6wks – 3mos, although it’s recommended for no more than 2mos.
Maintenance - After washing, it is best to sit under a hair dryer for 30min -1hr to make sure the roots (which are in cornrows) get dry. Some women even pay for salon visits to maintain their sew-in weekly. Also, when the roots begin to grow out, they may go in to get it tightened.
Risks - Can pull hair out if done too tightly or left in too long. It is also hard to do scalp treatments with a sew-in. (I soak instead.)

Glued-in tracks.
Price - $50.00 - $70.00
Wear Time - The style lasts no more than 2wks.
Risks - Bonding glue has chemicals and may take your hair out when trying to remove.

Resources For Natural Haircare

www.curlynikki.com

www.hairlista.com

www.nappturality.com

www.thirstyroots.com

Products/Tutorials/Other Resources

HairRules

Ouidad

Miss Jessie’s

Carol’s Daughter

Mizani

Original Moxie

As I Am Naturally

Oyin Handmade

Luv Naturals

Sisters of Isis

Best of: Natural Haircare Videos

Living Your Life

“What is life about?”

As I think about all of the people suffering globally during this economic recession I am reminded of my own pitfalls and sometimes I find myself feeling as if I just don’t measure up. I feel like a lesser version of the self I had planned to be and the self I am capable of being. There’s a part of me that feels like a failure.

But somehow, I know this isn’t the right mindset. Life is not about how much money you have, how much property you own, or who knows and respects your name. It just is… Despite hard times and struggle, I’m still me.

What remains the same? You might lose valued material possessions and you might even go without things you need, but there is still a part of you that is able to find joy, meaning, and hope, because you are the same, human, with or without material things.



“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” –John Lennon


Sometimes I think about those people who, at the beginning of the current economic crisis, owned their own home, then abruptly lost it due to foreclosure, and are now homeless. Then I have in my mind the stories about visionaries who had that one wonderful idea then became rich! Then I think about all the people in Mexico who dream of coming to the United States with the hope of making a better life for themselves. Then I say to myself that none of it matters.

Whether I am a day laborer in India, a cashier at your local department store, a teller at a bank, or one of the un-named people in Bible stories who roamed around with Jesus and Moses all day, at the end of the day, none of those things are what life is all about.



Life is about living. Living is enjoying the smile on a baby’s face, the aroma of a pretty flower, the soothing sounds of nature, the kindness of a stranger, or the warmth of a friend. It's about taking a moment to lie down in the grass to feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. It's about taking the time to listen to and enjoy complete silence.



Bask in the charm of the night sky. Look up and take into your being, the beauty of the moon and stars. Try to find the Big Dipper/Little Dipper. If it’s too cloudy but there’s a full moon, observe the way the light cuts in and out of the clouds in the night sky. Over time, these marvels of nature have not changed much and you can feel complete knowing that millions who lived before you looked up and saw the same thing. Just remember to breathe it all in. Forget about the madness in your life, the politics of the world, and lay the drama aside. Take a moment for yourself and be engulfed by the darkness, the oneness, and the stillness of nature.

Then sleep. Then wake-up. Then eat. Then work. Then play. But most importantly, live. Your existence on this earth is only fleeting and temporary. When you’re gone, your friends and loved ones will bury you in the ground and say good-bye, forever. Life as you knew it will truly be over. So today while you are alive, be sure to live. Time will keep ticking no matter how much you plan and no matter how much you worry.

So don’t ever lose sight of what LIFE is all about. It is about waking up in the morning and just being alive. We can’t really be sure of what the next month or year will bring or even certain that we will be here among the living. But at the end of the day, if you have food, clothing, shelter, and your health, you’re living a pretty good life.

And should you get sick and become unable to pay your medical bills, then you will eventually die as did billions of people before you. But until that sad day, what you have left is time. It's time to enjoy the rest of the life you have on this earth.



Meditation: Today I am grateful for every little thing, every peaceful moment, every opportunity.

The MRSA-Staph Boogedy Man

I was recently bit by the MRSA bug which I previously thought was the equivalent of the Boogedy Man. I rarely watch the news but I had a few buzzlings in my ear about this new so-called killer infection that was going around. I thought, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just like bird flu, swine flu, and the African killer bees, right? Yeah, some people got it and died from it but it’s nothing major to worry about, especially nothing to PANIC about..."



Well, this is a warning to those who are not believers! The Boogedy Man is REAL! You just don’t realize it until he catches you!

My Story:

My doctor tried one antibiotic shot and a combination of two oral antibiotics...didn't work, just got bigger. My temp was 99.5 without pain relievers.

The next day, he then attempted to drain it...didn't drain. Without pain reliever, my temp was 99.5. I was given a larger dose of the antibiotic shot and told to continue the oral antibiotics...didn't work, but did not get any bigger.

The next day, my temp was 100.8 without any pain relievers. The doctor replaced one of the oral antibiotics I was taking with a stronger antibiotic and opened up the hole a little bit more, and it worked... Five days later, it had gone down and did not have any drainage, however I decided to keep covering the incision with guaze and tape (or a band-aid) until it healed completely.

From Thursday to Monday I actually lost 7 lbs! No complaints there!

10 days after I 1st noticed the infection...

Info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as “staph,” is a type of bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Sometimes, staph can cause an infection. Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. Most of these skin infections are minor (such as pustules and boils) and can be treated without antibiotics. However, staph bacteria also can cause serious infections (such as surgical wound infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia).

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) refers to types of staph that are resistant to a type of antibiotic methicillin. MRSA is often resistant to other antibiotics, as well. While 25% to 30% of the population is colonized with staph (meaning that bacteria are present, but not causing an infection with staph), approximately 1% is colonized with MRSA.

More Links:

1. Staph Article from www.TeensHealth.org

2. Click here for a really unbelievable case found on Oprah.com:
Dr. Oz's Warning About MRSA and Deadly Bacteria


How can you prevent the spread of Staph/MRSA infection?

1.) Keep your immune system in check. Your body's ability to fight off infections can determine how sick this superbug can make you, if you even get an infection at all. (See "Myra's Weight Loss Challenge")


2.) Don't take antibiotics when you're not sick. Don't take antibiotics to treat viruses (viral infections) because they will not work. Be sure to use antibiotic ointments sparingly on cuts and scrapes or not at all.

Bacteria are living organisms just like humans and giraffes. Years ago, giraffes used to have short necks. Then something happened to the climate where the trees grew taller and the food source was now high up in the air. So the giraffes with really short necks eventually died out and the ones with long necks survived because they were able to get food. Today, all giraffes have long nexts.


Wait a minute...I think that's called natural selection... so maybe it was a little bit of natural selection and possibly a bit genetic adaptation/mutation whereby the genes began to change to ensure the survival of the species. Scientists believe that the giraffes began stretching their necks to get the food and this also caused their genes to mutate. So over time, with natural selection and genetic mutation, all giraffes came to have long necks.

So that's what happens to bacteria. The strong ones survive, adapt, and mutate, then future generations are able to withstand a little bit better, that which many of the previous generations could not withstand. That is MRSA. Staph bacteria's new distant cousin can survive and thrive when attacked with many different types of antibiotics which the weaker Staph cousins are unable to survive.

Over time, constant exposure to anti-biotics will only give the bacteria plenty of opportunity to practice getting their genetics right. So don't do that!


3. Be clean but not too clean.

It's best to bring out the guns when you have an active infection or you know you might have been exposed: Antiseptic hand sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes, etc. I have seen recomendations for shower/bath daily and at least once per week with anti-bacterial soap, however I continue to use the anti-bacterial soap daily. I do admit that many days I shower/bathe twice daily (short showers)...hmm.

However, just as bacteria adapt to antibiotics, they can also adapt to germicides... It only takes a couple of strong ones to live on, then soon you'll have a whole colony of "resistant" bacteria who just won't die! :-(

Very, very, scary!

My Natural Haircare Regimen

Natural Haircare Regimen - Clean and Condition


So, I decided to go natural...

I don't plan on washing my naturally nappy hair but once every 2wks... But when I do, this is the regimen that I will follow. The products listed are ones that I already had around the house.




1. Scalp Treatment (20 mins)

Product: Head & Shoulders (pyrithione zinc) is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, yet drying to hair.



Do this step before shampooing (your scalp should be dry). Pour shampoo onto a paper plate. Part hair and apply shampoo directly to the scalp and hair roots (similar to the way you apply a relaxer). Massage shampoo into scalp with fingertips.



2. Sanitize kitchen sink and countertop.

Products: Household Cleaner w/bleach; liquid anti-bacterial soap



Spray cleaner. Let sit 5 min. Add few drops of liquid soap. Wipe with wet towel then rinse well.

3. Shampoo hair. (15min)

Products: Head & Shoulders Shampoo, Nexxus Therappe Shampoo (great for relaxed hair), Optimum Oil Therapy Ultimate Recovery Shampoo (great for natural kinky hair)



a. Rinse hair under faucet then fill sink with water and soak hair, gently massaging scalp underwater.

b. 1st lather: Apply palm-sized amount of Nexxus shampoo to hair. Massage hair into scalp with palms and fingers. Rinse and soak.

c. 2nd lather: Apply palm-sized amount of Optimum Oil Therapy shampoo to hair. Lather well by massaging scalp for 3mins, squeezing out the excess suds.

d. Let shampoo sit 5mins. Add a little more Head & Shoulders shampoo.

e. Rinse and soak until all shampoo is removed. Pat dry with towel.



4. Sanitize combs and brushes you’ve been using.

Fill sink with hot soapy water and shampoo. Allow combs and brushes to soak at least 5mins or until you’re ready to use the sink again.




5. Deep Condition (1hr)

Products: Optimum Oil Therapy Ultimate Recovery Conditioner; Keracare Essential Oils; shower cap



a. Apply conditioner to hair one section at a time (may be as many as 20 sections). You can use clips, rubber bands, or just wing it with your fingers.

b. Add nickel-sized amount of essential oil to your palm. Rub your hands together then apply to your hair (4-6 sections).

c. Using your wide tooth comb, partially detangle hair (20+ sections). Start at the root and gently pull through about half-way. Do this all over your head. Repeat process again starting at the ends and working your way back up to the root (your hair will be softer this time). Note: You’re not trying to get it straight. You just want to break up large knots and spread the conditioner.

d. Apply nickel sized amount of oil to palm, rub hands together, and apply to hair.

e. Place shower cap on. Sit under dryer for 10-15mins (on Hi setting, I only do 10min). Allow your head to cool off at least 15 mins before you remove the shower cap.

f. Rinse and soak with warm water. While still standing over the sink, add a palm sized amount of the Optimum Oil Therapy conditioner to your wet hair, then rinse and soak again until ALL conditioner has been removed from your hair and scalp.

g.Partially towel dry.



6. Detangle

Products: IC Leave-In Conditioner; Keracare Essential Oils

Apply generous amount of leave-in conditioner to hair. Using wide tooth comb, gently detangle small sections of hair. Add nickle-sized amount to 4 sections hair.








My Two-Strand Twist Outs


Stage 1 - Twists

Products: Blue Magic Coconut Oil Conditioner, Smooth N Shine Curling Mousse, Jamaican Mango & Lime BTR(braid, twist, remover) by Rasta Locks & Twists, wide tooth comb, detangling brush

Pour Mousse and BTR onto paper plate (they will eventually run together).



a. Part hair into 1 inch square.

b. With 2 fingers, apply small amount of Blue Magic to section.

c. Then wet fingers in Mousse/BTR and apply to section.

d. Separate section into two parts at the root then begin tightly twisting the two strands around each other.

e. Continue twisting all the wat to the tips. Make sure all the hair is wet with the mousse/btr (twist and grab/pull)




Repeat this until all of your hair is twisted.


Stage 2 - Unraveled twists

Apply thin layer of Blue Magic to your fingers. Gently rub along twist. Then grab twist at the root and slowly pull twist apart.



Style n go!

Link--> Best Of: Natural Haircare Videos

Myra’s Weight Loss Challenge

How it works: Complete 2-3 goals from each of the 3 categories daily. At the end of each day, add up your points. 30pts/day is good the first week, the next week, 50 or 60 pts/day and so on. Then keep track of your weekly/monthly progress.


The reward: Trip to the mall to try on smaller clothes, lower cholesterol/high blood pressure/insulin level which will help you promote a longer, happier life; you come up with your own rewards!



Category 1: Fitness Goals

Today I will…

1. Do 1 hour continuous cardio exercise (walking, hiking, biking) or (2, 30-min. sessions; 3, 20-min sessions; 4, 15min sessions) <10pts>

2. Limit physical convenience (take stairs, park farther away from door) <2pts each>

3. Do 1 hour of continuous stretching or attend yoga class; or (2, 30-min. sessions; 3, 20-min sessions; 4, 15min sessions) <5pts>

4. Do 30 min or more of strength training (weight bearing exercise such as push ups, sit-ups, weights) <10pts>





Category 2: Diet/Nutrition Goals

Today I will…

Drink half my weight in ounces of water; 200lbs=100oz/day; (max of 1 gal or 128oz) <10pts>

Count carbs and monitor glycemic index; balance carb with fiber at each snack and meal <10pts>

Increase fiber intake; Eat 5 or more servings of vegetables/day or 2-3 serv./meal. (Corn is grain/carb, not veggies) <10pts>

Eat no more than 4-6oz of meat/day or eat no meat and another source of protein such as legumes (beans), peanut butter, etc. <10pts>

Eat 5 small meals/day. <10pts>

Eat healthy early morning breakfast. <5pts>

Take a multi-vitamin <2pts>

Drink a fiber supplement <2pts each>

Take Omega3(fish oil) or Omega 3-6-9 (fish oil, flax seed oil, borage oil) <2pts>

Take probiotic supplement or eat 2 servings probiotics (yogurt, buttermilk, kefir) <5pts>

Just say no to alcoholic beverages or have ½ serving <2pts>




Category 3: Stress Management Goals (Cortisol reduction)

Today I will…

Have a professional full body massage; 1hr <10pts>

Go to church service <10pts/day>

Sleep 8 or more hours <10pts>

Monitor my circadian rhythm (awake with daylight, sleep at nightfall) <10pts>

Rest if I feel run-down or ill. <10pts>

Attend a support group <10pts>

Practice safe sex (Adults only!) <10pts/day>

Get organized <5pts>

Get a full body massage from a friend <5pts>

Have a relaxing professional spa treatment (facial, spa pedicure or maniciure) <5pts>

Do 15-min relaxation exercise (meditation, massage chair, handheld massager, bath/soak, etc.) <2pts each>

Journal <2pts>

Fun activity (1 -2hrs of karaoke, dining-out, movie, etc.) <5pts>

Positive Affirmations for Meditation

1. This is a feel-good mantra which was taken from a book by Iyanla Vanzant.

"God is where I am, whole, complete, and perfect."
"God is whole, complete, and perfect."
"I am whole, complete, and perfect."

(repeat for 5 -10 minutes daily)




2. "God is good. I deserve everything that is good."

(repeat for 5 -10 minutes daily)

For me, the mantra above is about free will and choices. I made this one up to help me bring into focus things that are good for me like salad and exercise. After meditating with this, better choices become second nature.

For me, the means don't justify the ends and the ends don't justify the means... For example, starving myself (means) is not good for me, even though losing weight (ends) is...therefore I make the "good" choice or best choice, which is not "bad" for me in anyway...and the best part is that I will do it all subconsciously.

My Point of View - Drugs and Alcohol

My Point of View - Drugs and Alcohol


Don't get me wrong, I will associate with someone who uses drugs and we can even b friends (as long as it doesn't effect me), but I can't date sum1 who uses drugs or abuses alcohol never ever! That relationship would NEVER work because of the person I am...trust me, I know this from experience.


My motto: When you see someone is sick and about to vomit, you step to the side so they don't vomit on you! ...and in all fairness, drug addiction is an illness. You know, let me get out of the way...clear of your path of destruction! The only prob is when that person is sick/high on a mind altering substance, and you love them. You might stay to help and end up getting sprayed with that vomit...n the sad part is that they can't see, remember, or appreciate what you've done for them...and then come the lies! OMG


I am the type of person who never has and never will smoke anything (I hv asthma but I keep it under control)...and I rarely drink, on tha real...I can go the rest of my life and never hv any alcohol. Now do I like the occasional margarita when I'm out at a restaurant w/friends? sometimes...just depending. I'm the type of person who likes to hv my mind free and clear.


Honestly speaking, I feel that ppl who abuse alcohol and pills prescribed for them have a problem and should seek treatment...and as far as illegal drugs, EVEN marijuana, that's not acceptable to me EVER. You may disagree, but I feel that ppl who mess with illegal drugs (anything from selling, to using, or just holding it, any of that) don't care about their life. 1. Most times possesion of illegal drugs is a felony...the last thing I want is for sum1 to check my background and see that I hv a possession charge, not even a misd charge...totally not worth it to me. 2. And if its not approved and regulated by the FDA, I'm not putting it in my body...hell, some of the stuff they hv approved I don't want to put in my body...real talk.


Fortunately for me, I don't hv the need to use drugs...now if I had been kidnapped, raped, tortured, and beaten, and maybe if I was suffering from PTSD...but then again, psychiatrists can prescribe drugs and offer treatment that will help and not get a person caught up in an endless cycle of addiction... MyPointOfView



It's funny how we see all these Hollywood stars in the media partying w/drugs and stuff like that. They think it's cute, but they know it will not effect their livelihood...most times they pay the fine, do their time in jail, then get out and legally make a million dollars with an album or doing a movie. REGULAR ppl throw their lives away when they get those kinds of charges then the only work they can find is illegal work so they're doomed to struggle!



Did you notice that the last 3 United States presidents have dealt with addiction? Bill Clinton- sex addiction (in recovery), George W. Bush- alcoholism (in recovery), and our current president, Barack Obama- nicotine/tobacco (in recovery). Both Clinton and Obama admitted to breaking the law by using illegal drugs, and it has been reported by former associates of GWB that he did as well. That says a lot about our culture! To take it even further, Pres. Obama's father suffered from alcoholism and the Bush daughters may as well (although D.U.I. doesn't necessarily mean alcoholism).



I confess that I'm addicted to carbohydrates! So I can relate to Bill Clinton who admitted being addicted to greasy food...after he had a heart attack...but that could hv been caused by the stress of being a U.S. president.