tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80178791137784734882024-02-08T08:04:33.516-08:00ThankfulCandicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00701565146630695122noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017879113778473488.post-66606954875090506242009-09-14T07:44:00.000-07:002009-09-14T07:45:12.466-07:00The Struggle of Forgiveness<span style="font-family: georgia;">A behavior change that I would like to take into affect is one that I've had issues with my whole entire life. This behavior has gone so far that it has caused me to ruin friendships with best friends, miss out on life-changing opportunities, and it has caused me a great amount of stress. </span><span style="font-family: courier new; font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> I have recently thought about how much this behavior has impacted my life and I have decided that I am ready to give it up. I can't continue to live my life like this and I am willing to do anything to get rid of this habit that I have of holding grudges against those who I feel take me for granted or try to hurt me in any type of way. I am willing to accept the fact that everyone makes mistakes and I am willing to learn to forgive others. People say that the first step to overcoming a problem is to admit that you have one. Therefore, I am going to do just that and I am going to work on my behavior change starting now.</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <br /> <br />I am going to maintain this plan by learning to live and forgive. By doing this, I won't have to worry about the emotional distress of holding grudges against my friends, family, and loved ones. It would help me to develop a greater relationship with others. It could possibly help to further my career. It would help me to mature to become a responsible, generous, optimistic person. I am going to stop worrying about getting revenge when I feel that someone has done something wrong to me. I am willing to forgive from the heart. I am going to start putting those things that happened three and four years ago in the past. I am willing to start over now. It is not going to be easy; however, I am willing to give it a try. </span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <br /> <br />This behavior has been bothering me for a very long time and I am now ready to overcome it. I am willing to overcome any barriers that get into my way. This behavior has taken over my life. Jesus forgives me for my sins, but why is it so hard for me to forgive others? That is the question that I ask myself all of the time. I am going to give it my all. I really want to climb this brick wall that is blocking my path. I am going to do it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">"It is time for a change"- President, Barack Obama</span></span>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00701565146630695122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017879113778473488.post-16147070636300756382009-08-31T06:30:00.000-07:002009-08-31T07:24:34.044-07:00A World Full of StereotypesHave you ever wondered what people think when they look at you? Have you ever judged someone based off of their race, religion, ethnicity, culture, gender, etc.? Have you ever been stereotyped? How did it make you feel? I've been stereotyped a lot of times. People often think that since I'm African American, I love fried chicken and kool-aid. People think that I don't eat much because I'm skinny. I'm pretty sure that you've heard many other stereotypes, as well. Lets see, Asians are smarter than people in other races, all black people are ghetto, white girls with blond hair are dumb, only Koreans work at nail shops, all Iranians are terrorists, black kids have ADHD, white children get away with everything, all ministers were bad at one time or another, the list goes on.<br /> <br />How are stereotypes formed? Can they hurt others? When we stereotype other people, how does that affect ourselves? These are questions that we should ask ourselves before we point our finger and make judgments about others. Sometimes it is hard to avoid thinking a certain way about a group of people, but we all do it. Does it make it right? No! We live in a world full of stereotypes. Personally, I am tired of being stereotyped! Just because I live in Kentucky does not mean that I'm a hillbilly! I have a project that we should all do together. Get to know someone outside of your race, religion, ethnicity, culture, etc. You will be surprised that the girl who you thought was stuck up is really nice and down to earth; the college professor who you thought was mean and strict is actually outgoing and lenient; the senior citizen who you thought was bitter and old is as sweet as she can be.Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00701565146630695122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017879113778473488.post-22535034413276977632009-03-14T15:24:00.000-07:002009-03-19T18:44:57.572-07:00We Are All HumanSingers, Chris Brown and Rihanna, who were formally dating had an altercation. The altercation resulted in Rihanna being physically abused by Chris Brown. They were both shown on the news, discussed on the radio, and several articles were published in magazines and newspapers. Furthermore, this situation became the most discussed topic globally. Although situations like this appear to happen on a daily basis, it was a shock to many when this circumstance took place. Unlike many others, I am not sure why it was surprising to hear that this situation had occurred.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Chris Brown and Rihanna are both human beings. In other words, no one is perfect. I am not saying that Chris Brown is not wrong for putting his hands on a female. However, I am saying that everyone makes mistakes: singers, actors, you name any person-they have made a mistake. I am tired of people making it seem as though celebrities are higher and more superior than those who are inconspicuous. People are abused daily. However, abuse does not become an issue until it involves those who are widely known. Think about it. There was even a movie made about Tina Turner's abuse. Whereas, when those who are obscure are being physically abused, it is like we are saying, "so what?" On the other hand, when anything happens to those who are notable to many: it is shown on the t.v, the Internet,heard about on the radio, and written about in magazines and newspapers. This part, I don't understand.Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00701565146630695122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017879113778473488.post-72551213108184720912009-01-30T13:34:00.000-08:002009-01-30T14:26:42.030-08:00It Takes A VillageOne of my favorite books is, "It Takes A Village to Raise a Child." In the book, it discusses the importance of parents working together to raise their children. Furthermore, it discusses the impact that a community can have on a child's life. Due to the hard work of a community, a child can grow to be wise and successful. The main point is that, when we work together as a team, we can get the job done more faster and efficiently; rather than working alone. This passed week has caused me to reflect back on this book.<br /><br />This passed week, we had a snow storm that had caused cars to get stuck in snow, tree branches to fall in others' yards, and the sidewalks to become very slick. However, in my community, we have been working as a team to look out for one another. We've helped others' to their cars, moved tree branches from our neighbors yards, and my brother's helped to push several cars that were stuck-out of the snow. People were even getting out of their vehicles to help others push their cars. It was amazing to see the people of my community help one another. The greatest lesson that I was taught through this whole experience was that, "I am my brothers keeper."Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00701565146630695122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017879113778473488.post-90636960916973816902009-01-25T21:29:00.000-08:002009-01-25T22:05:51.752-08:00The Reason Why I Dislike Police OfficersOn my way to church this morning, I saw the scariest thing that I had ever witnessed to seeing in my life. I saw six police officers standing around a man who looked to be about 70 years old, homeless, and black. The man was handcuffed, laying on his stomach-with no coat on, and surrounded by six white police officers. I'm not a racist or anything, but I believe the way that white police officers treat blacks is ridiculous. Every time the man would move his head, a police officer would taser him, kick him, and yell-"Put your face on the ground!" I could not believe what I was seeing, and for a minute, I was hoping and praying that it was all a dream. The man was tasered at least five times. I just didn't understand-the man was lying on the ground, hand-cuffed, and understandably, cold. What was the purpose of him being tasered? This is really bothering me because no one should be treated that way-white, black, Hispanic, no one! I wonder how the police officers would feel if they were outside with a short sleeved shirt on, it is 23 degrees, they are handcuffed, lying on the ground, surrounded by six police officers, and they are being demanded to put their face on the ground. This is a memory that I will never forget and it hurts badly to know that there are people like that in the world who could be this cruel and nasty to someone else.Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00701565146630695122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017879113778473488.post-33232326348020823882009-01-23T02:49:00.000-08:002009-01-24T10:53:09.054-08:00Keeping the Stereotype AliveAmerican Idol in Kentucky was shown on national television on Wednesday, January 21, 2009. I could not believe what I was seeing: hillbillies, country bumpkins, and hicks were used to represent our state. I don't understand why we are stereotyped as being hillbillies. Everyone in Kentucky doesn't own a farm. We don't wear overalls. We actually were tennis shoes, not just sandals. And more than anything- We are not backwoods idiots! I don't understand. When people in other states think about the people of Ketucky, they get the image that we are dirty, raggedy, and tooth-less. That part is understandable because the television gives people that image of Kentuckians. People in Kentucky are often shown on television as being low-class and poor farm owners. I wish that people in other states wouldn't steroetype us as being hillbillies. I also wish that television stations would stop worrying about "Keeping the Stereotype Alive" and start showing the real Kentucky. We are not hillbillies!Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00701565146630695122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017879113778473488.post-86986480802150863692009-01-14T18:33:00.000-08:002009-01-14T18:49:53.738-08:00It Is Time for a Change<span style="font-family:arial;">As the days leading up to the inauguration are narrowing down, I am beginning to find myself infused with excitement and joy. Personally, I am overwhelmed at the thought of having Barack Obama as our president. Not only is he dedicated to helping and serving in our country, but he is an inspiration to the future generations to come. I believe that he will generate many ideas that will help our country to become a better place. The thoughts of positivity run through my mind whenever I think about our new president. Unfortunately, there are others who feel the opposite way.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Even though I am excited about Barack Obama's inauguration, there is something that has caused me to become upset. That is the negativity. I am so tired of hearing people say things such as, "<br />He can't change the economy" or "He doesn't have enough experience". The negative outlooks have to stop. Throughout the whole election, I have realized how judgmental people can be. Just give him a chance! Of course everyone knows that he can't become the president one week and a week later, the country is perfect. It takes time. Before we begin to point fingers towards others, we should always look in the mirror and do a full examination of ourselves. Barack Obama is not superman. He can't perform miracles. What a lot of people fail to realize is that "Before you walk, you must learn to crawl".</span>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00701565146630695122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017879113778473488.post-31961953203893093922008-12-29T18:20:00.000-08:002008-12-29T19:14:44.546-08:00The Feeling of RejectionHave you ever been rejected? How did it make you feel? I believe that it is impossible for one to say that the feeling of rejection is a good feeling. Thus, many might say that some people deal with rejection extremely while others react to it as though it is a grain of salt. Rejection is something that you will experience throughout your life. It can affect people in many ways. Say for instance, rejection may cause some people to doubt themselves, others to give up, and for many, rejection can be a motivation to try harder.<br />Like many others, rejection is my biggest weakness. That has a major affect on my life because it is time for me to begin planning for college. I am required to submit college applications, scholarship essays, and high school transcripts. The last thing that I want is to be rejected from a college. The thought of being rejected often causes me to postpone sending information in. No one wants to be rejected. Rejection is very similar to peer pressure. Think about teenagers at parties. A lot of teenagers drink at parties because they may get the feeling that if they don't do what everyone else is doing, they may be rejected or viewed differently by the group. I know because I'm a teenager myself. Rejection is a powerful thing.<br />Unfortunately, as human beings, we are often judged by what we say or something that we may do. This often leads to one of two things, acceptance or rejection. When I am rejected, it makes me feel as though I am not good enough. Rejection hurts badly. Sometimes, it can be very depressing because we worry so much about whether others will accept us or not that we can't even focus straight. I chose to blog about "The Feeling of Rejection" because every time I blog, I think to myself, "would others agree with what I am saying?" or "what will other people think when they read this article ?" This past week, my mother taught me something very valuable. She said to me, "Candice, everyone is not going to accept you. However, you can't worry about other people and what they think about you. You can't please everyone. Therefore, don't get caught up in getting upset when you are rejected. Look on the bright side- every time you are rejected, think of it as practice. Just do better the next time."Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00701565146630695122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017879113778473488.post-51434700166758557092008-12-03T20:12:00.000-08:002008-12-03T20:14:33.102-08:00What is America Really Coming To?Would Christmas be the same if gifts were not involved? A lot of times, we get so caught up in receiving material things that we don't pay attention to the real meanings of the occasion. We live in a "me" society, where the only thing that people think about is themselves. At Christmas time, I often hear people say, "I'm not going to buy him/her anything unless they buy me something first." This leads me to mention the homelessness and poverty in America. The destitute rate is increasing tremendously each year. I honestly believe that if we work together, we could get the homeless people off the streets.<br />America is in such a horrible recession that we all should be looking out for one another. People are loosing <a class="GVAdLink" id="GVLINK_1_0_0" href="http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/hotspot/blog.html#">jobs</a> left and right, work hours are being cut, and many people are being laid off. It seems as though, ever since these things have been occurring, America has become worse. People are killing each other over the dumbest things. I mean, a man got shot walking out of his own house. How crazy is that! I believe that President Obama is going to make a change, but I know that it's going to take some time because America is in a major crisis. Every night I pray that there will be a day when I could look in the newspaper and not see any killings, robberies, or violent crime acts. Every morning, it is the same thing-"a man shot...a woman killed her children...an eighteen year old boy was found dead..." After a while, you get tired of reading about things like these. I ask myself the same question everyday, "What is America Really Coming To?"<br /><br /><br />posted by Candice at <a title="permanent link" href="http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/hotspot/2008/12/what-is-america-really-coming-to.html">9:13 PM</a> <a class="comment-link" href="http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/hotspot/2008/12/what-is-america-really-coming-to.html#comments">0 comments</a>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00701565146630695122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017879113778473488.post-59194976793401088752008-10-12T19:22:00.000-07:002008-10-12T21:13:39.651-07:00Barack Obama for President<strong><em><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> If I could vote; I would vote for Mr. Barack Obama to become president. I love to listen to him give speeches because he always mentions "making a change" and that is certainly what America needs. I chose this topic to blog about because I remember a time when I was in elementary school. My classmates and I were taking turns telling what we wanted to be when we grew up. When it was time for Brandon Wilcox to go, he stated, " I wanna be the president." I remember the whole class (including myself) laughing at him. Needless to say, Barack Obama has taught myself, as well as others, that if you work hard, you can be anything that you want to be.</span></em></strong><strong><em>Barack Obama is one of the most courageous people I know of. There are so many times when he could have dropped out of the elections or just said "forget it," but he is still standing. That takes great courage. </em></strong><br /><strong><em> I think that John Mccain is too much like Bush. I mean, the war is pointless! Plain and simple- send our troops home. I am not trying to be rude or anything, but John Mccain always seems to be lost or like he doesn't know what he is talking about when he is giving a speech. It is very hard for me to understand what Mccain wants because one minute he is saying one thing and the next, he is saying another. </em></strong><br /><strong><em> In conclusion, we "need" Barack Obama for president because with the way things are going in the world today, we need a president who is a leader, courageous, committed, and devoted to doing his job. Barack Obama fits that description perfectly.</em></strong>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00701565146630695122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017879113778473488.post-28867514531185457432008-10-11T15:11:00.000-07:002008-10-11T15:12:51.796-07:00Too Blessed to be StressedA lot of people think that I am weird, but I see it as being different from others. I was born Candice Lewis on February 5, 1991 in Louisville, Ky. I was born the oldest and the only girl out of three boys. When I was nine years old, my family and I moved to Decatur, Ga. We lived there five years before we resided back in Louisville. In my spare time, I enjoy thinking, reading, meeting new people, <a class="GVAdLink" id="GVLINK_2_0_1" href="http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/hotspot/blog.html#">learning</a>, writing, dancing, and listening to music. I dream of majoring in journalism and becoming a talk show host, a radio <a class="GVAdLink" id="GVLINK_1_0_0" href="http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/hotspot/blog.html#">personality</a>, and someday, an actress. One day, I will pursue my dream because I know that I can do anything that I put my mind to. I believe in giving my all or nothing. In other words, I always strive to be the best person that I can.<br /> I do not regret anything that has happened in my past because those things have made me who I am today. I am mostly motivated by people who doubt me or tell me that I am not capable of doing something. That pushes me to try even harder. I do not believe in mistakes because everything happens for a reason, right? At least that's what my great grandmother has always told me. I simply see them as being lessons. A mistake is only a mistake if you don't learn anything from it.<br /> The most valuable lesson that I've learned is that "tomorrow is not promised, therefore, live everyday as if it is your last."Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00701565146630695122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017879113778473488.post-6990881206477657412008-09-20T13:32:00.000-07:002008-09-20T13:50:55.183-07:00ThankfulAs my family and I rode from the Highlands to the West end of town, I watched as trees fell right in front of my very eyes. I thought to myself, I just want to hurry up and get home. When we got home, we had to park the car in the backyard. I realized that the wind was so strong that it had blown in our basement door. For the first time in my life, I was afraid to enter my own home.<br /> We were without power for five days. It was even worse because it was unexpected. My cell phone had not been charged for at least two days, our house phones were all cordless which ran off electricity, most of our food had to be thrown out and to top it off- the fast food restaurants were either closed or crowded.<br /> During the blackout, I complained the whole time about not having electricity and how upset I was that I couldn't charge my phone. Now that I think about it, I was being very ungrateful and selfish because even though we were without electricity, there are many things that I was thankful for. (1). No one in my family was injured. (2). We still had running water. (3). I spent more time with my family during the blackout than I had spent with them in a long time. (4). We always had something to eat, and last but not least (5). I learned that no matter what I am going through-there is always someone who is worse off than I am.Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00701565146630695122noreply@blogger.com0