Kids
September 22, 2009
Rene taking the wheel
I couldn’t imagine how much work it is to take care of a kid until my baby cousin and god-daughter Rene came into this world eight months ago. I take care of her every once in a while. She’s adorable; especially, especially, especially when she’s asleep, has not pooped and when awake, not crying. I love the little munchkin.
“It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn’t.” Barbara Kingsolver
Next week
September 19, 2009
Me stretching after an early morning workout.
For the past month and a half, around this time, every Friday I’d commit to getting back into the gym ‘next week’. Other than Yoga once in a while, I’ve been a lazy bum; and yea, I feel like it. Dare I say, I look the part.
It sucks looking at the bathroom mirror. If it had a mouth, it’d ask where’d the muscles go or is that a, nah, could that be a roll forming there?
I know, pathetic, that’s considering the progress I’ve made over the years. For those of you who do not know, that’s my losing 30 pounds and 10 inches off my waist a few years ago.
So here I am, another Friday evening, making that commitment; this time in writing. I am going to make use of my gym membership, the one I pay for every month. This coming Monday, I’ll be at the gym, starting off with Reaction Cycling Class, the class that I love love love to hate (I’ll talk about that sucker another time).
Wish me luck.
Ali, burn that suit and tie!
September 17, 2009
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CNN's Ali Velshi
I like Ali Velshi, Chief Business Correspondent and host of CNN’s Your$$$$$. Ali is a really smart guy and usually makes a lot of sense when he steps up to the mic; he was wrong though for what he wore on the air yesterday and I have to call him out for it. Above is a picture; you be the judge. My advice to Ali: burn that suit and tie!
Akhenaton
Whitney Houston
September 16, 2009
Oprah Winfrey interviewing singing sensation Whitney Houston
I just got through watching the second half of Oprah Winfrey’s interview of Whitney Houston. I’d be lying if I said that I was impressed. Also, I cannot say that I was convinced that she was completely truthful.
What I saw and heard was hardly anything more than an anti-Bobby Brown rant; him being the subject matter for a considerable portion of the interview.
Click to buy Album
Notwithstanding that Bobby played a major role in Whitney’s drug abuse and him (allegedly) abusing her in times past, what I was looking for was she taking ownership of her missteps. She did not.
While calling Bobby out for his miscreant behavior was fair game, I was longing to hear her say that she took full responsibility for her drug use and ditsy behavior of years past. That did not happen; instead she played the blame game.
At the end of the day, I have to say, I am truly excited that Whitney has bounced back from her darkest days, that she is looking exceptional and has a great, new top selling album, but I’m still left wanting.
Akhenaton
Niagra Falls Road Trip
September 15, 2009
My cousin Jonathan at Niagara Falls, NY
Two weekends ago, I drove longer than I’ve ever driven before, close to 1000 miles (back and forth), that is to Niagara Falls, NY.
The GPS Navigator literally took my family, friends and I along the scenic route, that is through the mountains, even a few valleys and quaint old towns of Pennsylvania and upstate New York.
Whilst I was excited about the trip (and it was great!), nerd that I am, I was more excited about using my new Canon Powershot G9 camera which has been taking some impressive pictures as of late (thanks to that I’ve read the 200 page manual).
Akhenaton
I’m Sorry
September 15, 2009
It’s hard to say I’m sorry, especially when you’re wrong isn’t it? A couple days ago I got upset with a Customer Service Rep with whom I was on the phone for about an hour.
After about 45 minutes, I figured out on my own what the problem was. The idiot, I mean, the helpful guy on the other end, even after I explained to him that the problem was hardware related and the (Vonage) device needed to be replaced (and I was right) wanted to do some more troubleshooting while I was placed on hold for 20 minutes. You’ve got to be kidding….right?! I let him have it.
After the dust settled, I felt badly about the way I spoke to him, but the words ‘I’m sorry’ just could not come out of my mouth.
With that in mind, I have to give credit to Joe Wilson, the ‘you lie’ Senator, Serena Williams, the angry Tennis player and Kanye West, the mic-grabbing idiot. They all apologized for their blunders. I have a lot of respect for them for that.
Vonage Customer Service Rep from India. Hopefully you still have your job; I’m sorry.
Akhenaton
Wedding Day
September 6, 2009
Last month, my cousin Aminta walked down the aisle in what was a beautiful wedding, well suited for a beautiful and spiritually-minded couple.
As she and her new husband embark on the journey that God has set out for them, I could wish nothing but blessings and mercies every morning in their lives.
Congratulations Minty and Cisco!
Click here to view some of the pictures.
Prisoner of…
September 5, 2009
Prisoner of FEAR HOPE
My personal belief is that life is best lived as a prisoner of hope than as a prisoner of fear. We tend to sometimes allow our fear of hurt or the hurt we have seen inflicted on others to rule or ruin our friendships and relationships.
There is nothing wrong with embracing life with fierce optimism. I strongly believe that to be happy, we must free ourselves of the need to be in control and from the tyranny of fear and procrastination and embrace hope. By giving in to fear, we often deny ourselves many opportunities, and by extension, many blessings. (Psalm 146:5)
We should be hopeful and not fearful of the future. Out of fear (of what we perceive would happen in the future), we should not make choices. We must, however, understand that the choices that we make now determine the quality of our future.
When we let go of fear and procrastination and embrace hope, our friendships, relationships and lives will be more meaningful, fruitful, longer lasting and peaceful. Today, embrace hope.
“God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Akhenaton
mail@pharaohsprotege.com
Now Tweeting!
August 9, 2009
After months of begging, taunts and even jeers, I succumbed to peer pressure and joined the popular Social Network Twitter.
Check me out at www.twitter.com/acjeffers
Akhenaton
mail@pharaohsprotege.com
Hey You!
August 5, 2009
Each and every time you make a dash for the door out of fear. How many times more must you allow fear to rule and ruin your potential for good friendships and relationships?
Shubh Divali!
July 17, 2009
Today is Diwali, otherwise known as the (Hindu) Festival of Lights. I have fond memories of celebrating this festival when I lived in Trinidad & Tobago where it is a national holiday celebrated in different ways by people of most denominations.
Saving and except the Hindu Prayers (pujas) and other rituals done on this day, I would typically celebrate with friends and family. We would eat traditional Indian dishes including my favorite: curried chicken with aloo, pumpkin and paratha.
The most anticipated event on Diwali is the lighting of thousands of clay pots known as diyas after sundown.
Entire neighborhoods are transformed into art galleries where bamboo trees are cut and fashioned into intricate master pieces serving as ’shelves’ for the diyas that decorate almost every open space including, but not limited to front yards and entire streets which are blocked off for the festivities.
Divali can best be described as the festival of celebrating light over darkness and truth where untruth prevails.
This is actually synonymous to what true Christianity represents! Christians are diyas in a world of darkness. Matthew 5:14 says that we are the light of the world; we are bearers of truth where untruth prevails as shown in Matthew 28:19 .
Today I celebrate the Festival of Lights in the context of what Christ commands us as Christians to be: lights in a world of darkness.
From the negro spiritual ‘this little light of mine’
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine… Won’t let Satan blow it out…Let it shine till Jesus comes…Hide it under a bushel- NO!…Let it shine all over the world…Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!
Akhenaton
mail@pharaohsprotege.com
Ethiopian Food- YUM!
July 15, 2009
(REPUBLISHED)
Ethiopian food is officially now one of my favorites! After passing by the Dukem Restaurant on the U Street Corridor in Washington, DC for over three years and looking on with curiosity, I decided on Saturday to take the plunge with a couple friends and try it out.
Now, a forewarning if you plan to visit, the Dukem Restaurant is not one for fine dining, if that’
s what you’re looking for. The atmosphere is relaxed, a bit noisy and service is a tad bit slow, but the GREAT food (which I will talk about later) makes up for where everything else falters.
While the experience could easily be compared to eating native Indian dishes like roti (read more) and paratha (read more), the ‘bread’ served and known in the Ethiopian locale as injera (read more) might be an acquired taste for the picky eater. It “tasted and looked spongy”, said one of my friends and I have to agree. Notwithstanding that, I found the taste to be curiously delightful.
What sto
od out most however is that with the exception of the injera, our entree which included hot spiced lamb, stewed chicken, dhal and some other Ethiopian delicacies was served on a single platter from which we all ate, using our hands (no utensils used).
In the end, I have to say that my experience at the Dukem Restaurant (website) was a mixture of the unique and the mouthwatering. Being with the right company made it a worthwhile visit also.
Below are the links to some of my favorite local (DC) restaurants:
Thai Chili Restaurant- Thai
The Taj Mahal- Indian
Pho Fever- Vietnamese
The Islander- Caribbean
Relationships…Marriage…yada yada…
July 8, 2009
Perhaps it has to do with my Caribbean/black heritage where it is expected that one should have been married or have kids by let’s say 26 (using my age as an example). It could be that some are also overly anxious to eat some wedding cake, others (mostly parents) might find it to be a fulfillment of their own dreams.
Notwithstanding it being the backdrop for He (God) creating Eve as Adam’s companion, it does not exclusively put being with someone in the context of romantic relationships. I believe that this could also be easily applied to platonic relationships.
Contrary to what many believe, ‘being alone’ (or being single), is not synonymous with loneliness. I am currently single, for example, and I am actually quite content in that I am single, while I’m single. Taking that into account, some have argued that I am selfish for “keeping all of the love” to myself. I beg to differ. Being single does not mean that one cannot have or maintain sincere (platonic) relationships that are emotionally satisfying (in the reciprocal).
I am fortunate enough to have a strong network of friends who are not only emotionally, but spiritually grounded. By and large that plays a significant role in keeping me as grounded and emotionally fulfilled as I am today.
Many are not as lucky as I am in that regard, but that should not be the reason to get into a romantic relationship. I have determined that I will never get into a romantic relationship because ‘it is expected’ or so as to quell the misguided suspicions of who I call a few over-zealous bigots.
As someone who likes things on his own terms, I am often peeved when anyone tries to push me into a relationship. Personally I find that the driving force of a (platonic or romantic) relationship should be on my own term
s.
Families, friends and even associates should be careful not to force their ideals of Mr. or Ms. right on anyone. It is not fair to either party if one enters a relationship for the purpose of fulfilling the fantasies of a third party.
Divorce rates are as high as they are today firstly because many are simply not ready for a relationship but still jump in because of the ‘it is expected’ factor. Secondly, many get caught up in loving the idea of having a romantic partner rather than loving the partner themselves. Both are wrong reasons.
Relationships are important and even though a (gentle) nudge is sometimes needed, they should not be forced on anyone. Personal choice, not pressure should be the determining factor. We can chose whether or not we wish to have a relationship with God; the same principle applies (or should apply) to platonic or romantic relationships.
Relationships are important. God Himself exists in what is the perfect relationship: the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit). He created us for relationships (platonic and romantic). It is not His desire that we be alone.
He wants us first to however develop a relationship with Him. Following His principles can play a significant role in developing healthy and successful relationships. Our relationship with Him ultimately affects our emotional well-being and the state of our emotional well-being determines the quality of the relationships that we get into. That said, He (through His word) must be the final arbiter when assessing potential or current relationships.
Akhenaton
Resources
Some famous people from the Bible who were single: Paul, John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.
Suggested reading: They were single too: 8 Biblical Role Models
Writing…
June 5, 2009
The original intent of this blog was for open and honest discourse; a place where, without reserve, I would express my feelings on different issues. Inadvertently, or perhaps by intention, that objective changed when more and more people close to me discovered this blog.
There is so much to write about, conversely, there is so much that I do not write about. Many times I’ve felt like I’ve had to write with a bottle of white out nearby, blotting out anything that might offend.
If openness and honesty has to be censored, of what purpose then is this blog? Of what purpose is it to write if I censor myself based on my own preconceived notions of how others might react?
One person was wise to say that censorship in any form is the enemy of creativity; it cuts off the life blood of creativity: opinions. I am anxious about henceforth expressing my opinions with a greater degree of actuality. I preemptively beg for your patience, open-mindedness and forgiveness as I do so.
Akhenaton
mail@pharaohsprotege.com
