Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Moats: A Class Act

I had never heard of Ryan Moats before this unfortunate incident involving a jerk of a police officer. Moats and his wife sound like decent people.

My personal opinion is that Officer Robert Powell has no business being a police officer. This is not his first time pulling a move like this, having arrested the wife of Zachary Thomas a while back.

These are just two instances, and they involve people who are "known". Who knows what other countless irresponsible indiscretions this miserable officer has committed, just because he thinks he can?

My condolences go out to the Moats family.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4026897

Anything for the Kids

I was reading something on Cliff's Crib, and it made me think of a few things. Before today I didn't know much about Cliff except we share the same hometown and he seems to be quite intelligent. (Also, he was style conscious at a very early age, as you will see.) Today I learned he's a father, and it appears he's an involved one. Now, I don't want to praise him too much, because it would call attention to the fact that there are so many parents falling short of their responsibilities that we've begun to feel all extra about a man simply doing what he's supposed to. I will say it's great when a dad volunteers to read to his daughter's class, especially for the reasons he gives. You never know what's going to stick in a child's mind. His post reminded me of a commercial I see, usually on Saturday mornings, that makes me grin and warms me from the inside out every time I see it.

Talk about involved:

Update: Chris Brown Charged in Rihanna Beating

It wasn't his first time. He punched her. He bit her. He tried to choke her. He threatened to kill her. He tried to push her out of a moving car. He has shown no accountability. I won't say what I believe may be one thing that will stop this sleazy stupid punk, because it's likely I will be in jail for expressing a solution to the problem while he walks around scot-free.

He doesn't deserve a career. Right now he doesn't even deserve a happy life. I can't stand to look at him. If he were my son I would not uphold his actions. Then again, my son doesn't beat on people.

I wish Rihanna could know HE WILL NOT STOP. If he's sincere in seeking help, he'd ask for her support from afar while he gets it, so as to ensure he would not hurt her again. You know, because he loves her so much. Rihanna when a man loves you, he does not beat on you when you disagree. If a man is beating on you, he doesn't even like you!

Rihanna, you deserve so much more. I'm praying that you get it.

God, forgive me, but Chris, I pray you get yours, too.

Here's the link that includes the affidavit:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/05/chris.brown.charged/index.html

Mess, and I Think This is Part I

Merriam Webster gives one of its definitions of the word "messy" as 'extremely unpleasant or trying'. Dictionary.com describes it as 'characterized by moral or psychological confusion', which is closer to the definition I seek. As far as I know, there isn't a definition for "messy" or "mess" that accurately characterizes people who purposely put forth effort to cause confusion in the lives of others, nor the situations that arise when these deeds are carried out.


Example 1:

I recently talked to a friend who is dealing with someone who is always in the middle of a messy situation with someone, usually because she is the one who starts it. When this person, whom I shall hereinafter call Sputia, has a disagreement with someone, she enlists the support of everyone she knows in shunning and ostracizing the object of her wrath. Unfortunately, my friend cannot easily cutoff Sputia, and must constantly try to remain neutral so as to keep the peace.


I listened as my friend explained Sputia's latest antics. When it was time for me to respond I said some things that caused me to have to put about $5 in the cuss jar. Without repeating my transgression, I will say that Sputia is an unhappy, evil, ornery, curmudgeonly bully whose goal is to bring distress to anyone she thinks may embark on happiness. She has been this way since I have known her, and I believe her appearance is a reflection of what she has emitted over the years. It has in fact become her essence.

There is a Mr. Sputia. He is just as awful as his wife.

Oh, and I have more than aptly nicknamed her, and that's all I'll say.

Example 2:

I have another friend who is dealing with not one, but two mess-makers. To make matters worse, these two heffas have recently become quite chummy. Unfortunately, my friend is unable to completely escape being in their presence. Mess Maker No. 1 likes to attribute false statements to unsuspecting, innocent people. When the situation blows up in her face, as has been known to happen, there is drama and a whole lot of crying, which is unfortunate for those who must witness this, because ol' girl looks like Tales From the Crypt when she's not crying. I'm serious. She's scary looking. Anyway, Crypt has been spending more time with Mess Maker No. 2, Ms. Uber competitive. Uber is the type who will tell you she's purchased three pairs of shoes if you say you purchased one. She is the type to say she was spotted on the street and offered a modeling gig in Paris. (Giving her the benefit of the doubt, she perhaps would make a nice hand model, but that's it. Then again, I'm sure there are lovely hands all over Paris already). Anyway, Crypt and Uber are toxic on their own, but they have now joined forces to make toxic waste. They get together and lie about themselves and on others, wreaking havoc where they go, not caring for one second that they may hurt someone. In fact, sometimes hurt is their goal. With any luck they'll cancel each other out. Understandably, my friend does not want to be around this negativity. In response to my friend's plight, I referred to them as two, umm, shall we say, farmer's instruments? You know...

Add another .50 to the cuss jar. (I don't believe the farmer's instrument word merits a full 'cuss word' status, and thus I have decided the charge is .50.)

The reasons people are messy are as varied as the ugly situations they create, but there is a common thread. People who create mess are generally unhappy and feel inadequate in some way. I don't know why they never seem to realize their actions will always bring to them the very misfortune they intend for others. Everything you put out into the universe, good or bad, is returned to you. That's just the way it is.

If I discover you are messy, you can best believe that unless it is absolutely necessary, I will not be spending time with you. I will run from you faster than a scalded cat. I choose to be as happy as I can be every day. I take care to treat others the way I want to be treated, and to spend my time with those who feel the same way.

What about you? Are you dealing with the mess of others? Are you one of the mess-makers? What do you choose for yourself?

Chris Brown and Rihanna

"Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person."

So he goes ape sh!t on his girlfriend, beats her up, bites her, runs and hides from the police like a little punk, and this is what he has to say? It would have been better if he had kept his mouth shut. Let's break it down:

"Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired" sounds like he's referring to an unfortunate incident in which he had no involvement.

"I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person." This means he's hiding out with his Mommy, chilling for a minute while his boys stop by. Is he truly seeking God's help, or is somebody else's pastor stopping by because it looks good?

If he is truly sorry and remorseful he will hold himself accountable, and be sincere in his quest to make this right. That is not what's happening here.

I'm calling it. Perhaps his 'people' will try to persuade Rihanna to issue a statement of her own to take some of the heat off of him. After some time, probably after he thinks everyone has calmed down, he's going to issue another statement, equal to this one in insincerity. After that, all in the World of Chris Brown will be right again. He will continue to sing, people will continue to buy his music, and he will continue beat up on girls.

I believe this incident is just the beginning with Chris Brown. He has let us all know who he really is, not just by what he did, but by his response to what he did. Rihanna may be only the first victim of Chris Brown and he will get worse. Yes, there are two sides to every story, but only one person got the stuff beaten out of her, the police were only called on one person, that person was gone when the police arrived. I know it's still unfolding and he can turn things around, but he is not off to a good start. Showing accountability would take some character, something he's sorely lacking.

And yes, I know he's 19, but think about it. What kind of damage will he be doing at 25, 30, 40?

I pray Rihanna makes a recovery from everything she lost on that fateful night in question. I pray I am wrong about Chris Brown.

I'd like to know what you think about this situation.

To be continued.

Valentine's Day

If you could choose every single thing about the perfect Valentine's Day meal, what would it be? Let me break it down:

1. Beverages;

2. Appetizer and/or soup;

3. Main course;

4. Dessert;

5. Beverage;

6. In a restaurant or at home;

7. Inside, or dining al fresco;

8. Music? If so, what kind?

9. What are you wearing?

Happy Valentine's Day!

It's no secret I'm no fan of the commercial hype associated with Valentine's Day. I am, however, the biggest fan of love. I believe you should let those you love know you love them, because there's no guarantee we're all going to be here in the next five minutes. If today's economy does nothing else, maybe it will influence people to give gifts of a different kind. Some extra time, a hand made gift (I mean a nice handmade gift), handling a task for a loved one, a beautiful meal. If someone you loved were looking to give you a gift and had very little or no money, what would touch your heart? Are you giving a gift from the heart?

Question

This is a little morbid but get past that, and I think you'll find it introspective. If you had the opportunity to write your own eulogy, what three things would you want people to want to remember most about you?