Cleveland is in trouble

I never realized how much of a suburban girl I was until this summer.

This summer, I began working for the Cleveland Foundation, a community foundation in downtown Cleveland that receives money from donors willing to support change in Cleveland and disperses it to deserving nonprofit and governmental agencies across Northeast Ohio.

To keep current on things in Cleveland, I make it a point to read the Plain Dealer every day.

It seems like every day since the beginning of summer, I log onto Cleveland.com and discover that overnight, while my family and I were sleeping peacefully, a young adult was murdered.

This morning I read about Brandon Marshall, a bright, yet troubled 16-year-old who was shot in the leg because he didn't have permission from gang leaders to be in a certain area. He was on his way to his aunt's house.

What kind of city am I holding on to? What is going on? I can't even imagine not being able to walk where I wanted to walk just because some local drug dealers decided it was their territory. Where are the cops?

The long list of murder victims this summer alone troubles me. I wonder, why are people killing each other? It might be the result of media coverage, but why does it seem like all the violence in Cleveland is black-on-black crime?

I always say I love Cleveland, but maybe what I mean is, I love Cleveland Heights, the racially diverse suburb where I grew up, which is still relatively safe.

I don't know anything about drug dealers. I know a little about drugs, but have no idea where to buy them. I realize for some Cleveland residents, they don't have to go very far. Right next door. Up the street. Around the corner. Plenty of places to get that fix.

What can I do? I think to myself as I keep reading these stories of young people gunned down simply because of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I understand some tragedies can't be avoided, but a young girl stopping at the corner store to buy candy shouldn't be shot and killed as she leaves.

This has got to stop. I know I get scared when I have to drive through certain sections of Cleveland at night, but I have no idea how terrifying it must be to actually live there.

I pray for all the families of the victims. May God bless you.

I've got a new attitude!

(Okay, okay, I admit I did sing a little of that Patti LaBelle song while typing the title of this post...)

I'm in a good place right now, probably because for the first time in my life, I'm content right where I am. I have a great job doing something worthwhile for the community, I freelance on the side, I have a wonderful husband who makes me feel lucky every day I have him in my life, an adorable daughter who is growing up (too) fast, I have great family and friends, I've been working out lately and eating healthier. To sum it up - life is good.

Just wanted to let you all know *wink*

New article at VibeVixen.com

Hello peeps! I'm back!

FYI, Chicago was fun. I really want to do it big next time I go though. Each time I've been to Chi-town it's only been for a weekend, so I feel like I'm missing a lot. Next time I'm going for AT LEAST four days.

Also, I have a new article up at VibeVixen.com titled Spin the Bottle. Hit up the site every once in a while, as I've been pitching like mad over there. Show me some love, especially since the print version folded. We've got to continue to support each other!

Chi-town, here I come!

In my opinion, one of the most fabulous things in life is going on a road trip with someone you love.

This weekend, the hubby and I are dropping off the doll-baby with her grandparents and heading to Chicago for his cousin's wedding! I can't wait. I love weddings. I love seeing the giving away, the newlyweds exchanging vows, the first kiss, the proclamation of marriage, the bouquet toss, the cake-cutting, the first dance, everything! I seem to have a newfound appreciate for it now that I'm married.

Being the good wife that I am, I'm planning on taking the hubby out to dinner Saturday night (the wedding's on Sunday). Anyone have any suggestions on where to go?

Dear Halle Berry, (A few tips on pregnancy from someone who's been there...)

Wow, Halle, this is kind of weird. I remember watching you in Strictly Business (still one of my favorite movies) when I was younger, thinking I wanted to be just like you when I grew up. Smart, beautiful and successful.

Now I check the headlines and everyone is confirming that you are, in fact, pregnant with your first child, with your boyfriend Gabriel. Well, I'm happy for you. Happy that you will be able to experience the rush of pregnancy and motherhood that you said you wanted. Not to mention that your kid will be goregous!

You've had a lot of successes in your career thus far. Introducing Dorothy Dandridge. Monster's Ball. Boomerang. Losing Isiah. Jungle Fever. You've been great in every movie I've seen you in and now you're taking on your biggest role by far: Motherhood.

Let me tell you, as someone who's approaching her first year on the job and can vividly remember all the screaming nights (me) and fitful mornings (baby), it's no cakewalk.

It's not all rainbows and butterflies. In fact, for the first month or so (really until that little angel starts sleeping through the night), just know that you won't be yourself. You'll be stressed and tired and cranky and tired. Sleep deprivation is a method of torture, did you know that?

I know what you're thinking: I'm rich, I can hire help, It'll be fine. That may be so, but you are still the kid's mother. Every single day, it's your responsibility to care for this little one. Crazy, right?

But don't get me wrong: The positives definitely outweigh the negatives. Something about your kid's smile will melt your heart and hearing a giggle from a newborn is the most beautiful sound in the world.

Good luck, Halle! I'm rooting for you!