The Steel Pier is hosting a job fair on
April 14 and 15th at Resorts Hotel & Casino
10 AM – 5 PM on Saturday
9 AM – 4 PM on Sunday
To apply, you MUST be at least 16 years old.
(Starlight room near the steak house on the dinning level)
Health & Wellness by Lexa's Journal
My mission in life is to not merely survive, but to thrive: and do so with passion, compassion, humor, and style. – Maya Angelou
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When it comes to educating children, I am a firm believer that the opportunity to learn takes place more often in the absence of a formal curriculum.
It is the everyday life experiences that present these opportunities for parents to teach children good values and to develop them to become moral, socially conscious and responsible adults.
My husband and I are open-minded and enjoy relationships with a diverse and unique group of friends. Race and ethnicity is never a criterion for friendships.
So imagine our surprise when one of two signs on our son’s door read, “Do not enter unless you are Tailor! or brown and knock!”
Unbeknownst to us, before leaving for school, he’d taped the signs on his bedroom door. No one else in the house has a do not enter signs on their door.
We were okay with the first sign, but it was the second sign we took issue with. Not wanting to jump to conclusions, we decided to get clarification from him after school.
When I asked our son about the sign referring to “brown” people, he did not speak. I made sure to ask in a non-confrontational or threatening way because I really wanted to determine exactly what he was thinking when he wrote the sign. The moment I questioned him, I think he sensed something wasn’t right about his actions.
I reassured him that it was okay to speak his mind. So he did.
“Mom, I’ve only had brown people in my room. I’ve never had anyone white in my room.”
That was a wow for me! I thought about it and told him that wasn’t true and reminded him of another friend that visits occasionally. He said, “Oh yeah! I forgot about him.” Our conversation continued as I questioned him about how he’d feel if he went to a friend’s house and the friend had a sign posted on their door that stated, “Do not enter unless you are white.” He commented that he would be angry. I asked why and said that it wouldn’t be nice or fair. I talked to him about the importance of treating people the way that he wants others to treat him.
The conversation continued into a talk about treating everyone the same, regardless of their skin color, religion, etc…
My son’s intentions were not malice in writing the sign. It was an innocent act based on his perceptions and realities that occur on a daily basis around him. With the exception of the summer and holidays, most of the school aged visitors to his room, look like him; they are brown and are usually family members.
When situations like this occur, it is critical that we avoid laughing it off with the notion that kids will be kids. It’s vital that we teach our children a better way to think and to view others. Ignoring these types of incidents gradually and informally teach our children to develop racists and bigotry attitudes toward others. It may seem cute when they are young (which I don’t think it is), but when we’re confronted by adults with negative, discriminatory, and racists attitudes most are appalled and highly offended.
It’s scary with our kids, because when they’re younger, we control their environment and what they are exposed to. However, once they reach high school and sometimes before, their friends often have a greater influence over them their own parents the peer pressure can be intense. Once can deny this if they want, but it is true.
How do we counteract this tragic trend? I say by talking to our children every day and trying not to judge or react to their shocking comments, questions or opinions. That’s not always easy, but if we stay conscious of this fact, it can help.
Our son knows that both mom and dad question him every single day about school. Sometimes his response is, “fine.” But he can expect us to probe more into his day. In turn, he asks about our work day. I try to remember what I expect of him and give details about my day… even when I really want to say, “Fine.”
My last thought on this post is that his action is another excellent reminder that the unspoken, our actions, are even more powerful than what we say… Stay conscious!
Related reads
http://teens.lovetoknow.com/Facts_on_Peer_Pressure
http://life.familyeducation.com/diversity/parenting/34461.html
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Two and half hours! That’s how long it took me yesterday to register for the 33rd Annual Blue Cross Broad Street Run. When the run filled last year and I could not register, I was annoyed and ticked off.
This year I set my clock to the registration date and time. Immediately I experienced a serious case of anxiety. When I logged in to register online, the screen kept reporting, “not available” What?? Not available? I’ve been waiting for an entire year! This is a joke right? Simultaneously I tried registering on my computer and on my smart phone.
If you’re not a runner, it may be hard to understand the excitement one feels at registering and participating in such events. Running is a healthy and safe addiction; I’m committed for life. That is, until my joints or feet say other.
The ten-mile run attracts participants worldwide! While I enjoy the comradely among runners, and accomplishing new personal goals, I am amazed by the four-minute (4) mile runners. Yup!! Human beings actually glide along at a pace of four minutes PER mile. Hilarious right? When I see these machine-like athletes, I enthusiastically cheer them on because, even at my best, I never did a four, five, or six-minute miles. On a good day, I can sustain a 9-minute mile for 10 miles, occasionally under 8-minute miles, but four…. NEVER
Participating in these types of events is a way for me to give back to yours truly, so I get excited with each event that I register. The Broad Street Run is one of my favorites. 30,000 runners are expected this year. Along the course, supporters dance, sing, cheer, play music and do all kinds of fun and crazy things to keep runners motivated. There aren’t many places that I can go and complete strangers cheer me on. The end of the run is fun too. Food, beverages, and other activities away runners at the finish line.
Runners vary in age, ethnicity, religion, physical abilities, economic status, and languages, yet we share a common goal. Finish the run. The average runner competes against their own time. For the most part, as long as I improve my time and I finish the run, I’m happy.
So until May, I am going to continue to nurture my foot, increase my mileage, strengthen my hamstrings and quadriceps and lastly, find me some cool and colorful athletic attire to stand out among 30,000 runners.
Oh wow! I just heard from a friend and fellow runner that she tried to register and the run is already closed! That is crazy; it took less than eight hours to fill! That really stinks, but I’m hoping that the run organizers re-open registration; perhaps the website is temporary shut down. That’s the optimist in me.
I’m wondering, what are you doing to stay fit? If you are not exercising at all, I urge you to try something. Just walking and eating healthier can start your fitness routine and improve your overall health. Go ahead, get movin!
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Emphatically blinking to hold back the tears, her aged but youthful eyes spoke for her. In a moment though, her glossed over and molten eyes released the flow of tears that stained her flawless almond colored skin.
Three years senior my daughter, this young woman is experiencing the harsh realities of life. Life as a single mother of a three-year old. Life as a daughter to a mother who has grown tired of mothering. Life as a role model for her younger sister, whose same mother has grown tired of mothering her too. Life as a divorced mother, who is uncertain about the future.
I listened attentively. She thanked me for sharing my story at the luncheon. Even better, she tells me that she had felt discouraged, but the speakers at the luncheon influenced her to believe that quitting is not an option. In spite of her situation, she attends college and is working hard to carve a better future for herself, her child and her baby sister. Her journey is one of challenge, but I’m convinced that she can overcome and continue to move forward. Quitting is not an option was the topic of today’s luncheon.
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you’ve trudging seems uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile,
but you have to sigh,
When your care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.Someone whom I admire and have a great deal of respect for asked me to speak to a wonderful group of young ladies today. Young ladies that have been erroneously written off as failures, although I disagree! They are smart, creative, witty, strong-willed, determined, and rebellious but they are genuinely trying to see their way through dim clouds to a brighter future. They simply need nurturing, support, guidance, positive influences from patient women and adults who won’t quit on them.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.Earlier in the day I was also inspired and emotionally struck by a conversation that I had with an extraordinary recent college graduate. Why extraordinary? For nearly four years, he fought, what seemed like an endless battle that most adults would have given up on.
As a young child, he came to the U.S. (undocumented) with his mother. He attended the public school system. He was raised by a single mother of two boys who earned modest wages. Most challenging? Peer pressure, the absence of his father, and the unsettling and dangerous community where he lived.
In spite of the obstacles and roadblocks, he sustained and ultimately acquired citizenship and graduated college. During college continued to work through obstacles, however he participated in many social and political groups and helped to raise $1,000,000 for his University! I am so proud of him. He accomplished what many said was impossible. Quitting was not an option for him.
Success is failure turned inside out.
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when is seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit,
It’s when things seem worse,
that you must not quick.Be inspired and do encourage others. Regardless of what ever it is that you’re moving toward, remember that quitting is not an option!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Are you a biker, a runner, or a walker? Even if you don’t fit the previous description, but have young kids, you my get just as excited as I am about my new find. If not, you may already know about these cool little identification tags and bracelets.
Before I head out for a run, I always make sure to have some ID on me. Safety is my first priority. If an accident occurs or if I become ill, I want emergency personnel and anyone who can help me to know who to contact and how to reach my contact.
In practicing with good safety awareness, I only run during the day; never in the dark. I only run on roadways that have a spacious shoulder. Never have my music so loud that I cannot hear what’s around me and so on…
Anyway, I’m excited that I stumbled on the cool RoadID. With RoadID, I no longer have to carry my driver’s license or other ID on me. I brought the wrist ID, but there are other forms and colors for the ankle, sneakers, and even dog collars. The ID is also perfect for when I take part in running events such as the Broad Street Run in Philadelphia.
During the spring, when I’m running in the rain or the summer when I’m running through a neighbor’s sprinkler to cool off, I no longer have to worry about getting my ID wet.
You can list whatever information you choose. Included on my bracelet is my hubby’s name, phone numbers, and insurance information. If you are out on the road exercising or even at the gym working out, this is certainly something to consider. I’m now thinking, perhaps I should have include my blood. I think I will add that information to the tag that I’m going to get for my sneaks.
I might even get a tag for my son’s sneakers, especially for when we are traveling or just visiting highly populated areas like amusement and water parks. Kids sometimes wonder away, so this could help out in the event they get away from you.
Anyway I thought this was a cool find and wanted to share with you.
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Cooking on Saturday afternoons is not usually on my agenda. However, since it’s such a cool, rainy/snowy Saturday afternoon, I felt encouraged to throw a little something together.
Quick Poultry Stir-fry
1 lb. Pork Loin, turkey, or chicken for stir fry
1 Tbsp. Lawry’s Spoon Perfect blend chicken poultry rub
1 tsp. Lawry’s Seasoned salt
Kikkoman Less Sodium Soy Sauce *
1 medium red pepper
1 medium yellow pepper
1 medium orange pepper
1 large sweet onion
1 cup red wine vinaigrette
1 ½ Tbsp. Korean teriyaki stir-fry sauce *
1 tsp. crushed red peppers (less or none if you don’t like spice)
1 bundle of broccoli rabe
Direction
Chop onions, peppers and set aside.
Add pork loin, turkey, or chicken to stir fry pan. Add olive oil, soy sauce, spices and slowly brown.
Once meat is thoroughly brown, add onions, peppers, stir-fry sauce, red wine vinaigrette, and crushed red peppers. Cover and simmer on low until vegetables are tender. *Both items are still high in sodium, so use them sparingly. If I could find a substitute with even less sodium, I would use it. But both the soy sauce and teriyahki sauce add such great flavor, I cannot resist!
You can also add broccoli, zucchini, fresh carrots, spinach or other vegetables to this dish. At the last-minute, I found a bunch of broccoli rabe in the fridge, so I cut them up and tossed them in the pan.
We’re enjoying the stir-fry for dinner served over brown rice, cooked in 100% natural chicken broth. It’s tasty, spicy, and has a little kick to it. I hope that you try it and that you enjoy it. This was a quick throw together meal, but tastes like I slaved over it. Lol!
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Health & Wellness by Lexa's Journal 