Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk 2012

This was the second time I participated in the American Cancer Society annual breast cancer walk. I was so humbled by my experience in last year’s walk that I decided to  make a commitment to participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk each year.

I am unsure how much money I raised last year, but it probably was under $50. I knew I could do better than that, so this year I set a goal of $100. During the last week of fundraising, I met and surpassed that goal. The fact that so many people were willing to help me attain a goal was also very humbling. I’m glad that I was able to contribute to the cause.

While many people would assume that I participate because I know someone or was directly affected by breast cancer. I don’t know anyone personally who has lost the fight, or has become a survivor. This is why I participate. When I read or hear about the stories of women who have overcome, and those who haven’t, I am moved. I’m not just moved because it’s sad, but because at any time my mom, my sister, my aunt or I could discover a lump in one of our breasts. Breast Cancer does not discriminate. As a woman, I feel compelled to do what I can to help someone else’s mom, someone else’s sister, someone else’s aunt, or someone else.  This disease affects so many women (and men) every year. I’ve been blessed to have not had it affect me or my loved ones, and I’d like to keep it that way.

This year’s walk was no different from the last. I was again humbled by the experience. I saw women, men and children all walking for a common purpose. Thousands of people, survivors and families of lost loved ones, all walking against breast cancer. It was a beautiful sight to see that many people from all backgrounds, economic classes, educational levels, and ages gather for such an important cause. We all walked 3 miles together and finished 3 miles together.

Life isn’t just about what we can do for ourselves; it’s also about what we can do for others. Find a cause that speaks to you, and look for ways to contribute. It will make life that much more purposeful.

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Howl-O-Scream [2012]

I’ve been going to these Halloween-inspired month-long events at theme parks for the past five years. I’ve made it something like a tradition for myself. The first one I went to was Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights (HHN). I enjoyed myself, but for the past few years I started solely going to Busch Garden’s Howl-O-Scream (HOS).

In choosing between HHN and HOS, I’ve come to conclusion that I prefer Howl-O-Scream for many reasons. Busch Gardens has way more rides, the tickets are cheaper, and there are generally fewer people. HOS never disappoints me. I always have a good time because I’m able to go through the haunted houses and ride roller coasters.

As expected, I visited HOS this year. It was fun, but I have to admit that I was a little bummed that they recycled the same theme from last year. I read on their Facebook page that there was a difference between last year’s theme and this year’s. I didn’t recognize it. Not to mention, one of the houses I went through was the exact same as the one I went through last year. That was a turn off, but not a big enough one where I wouldn’t return.

This year I went one weekend before the final weekend of HOS. Last year, I made the mistake of going on the last weekend. I had to stand in line for hours before I could go into a house. I think I only made it through two houses, which really upset me. Moving forward I vowed to always purchase a fast pass. On the night I went this year,  it wasn’t really necessary because it wasn’t that busy. However, it was nice to skip the line and not have to wait in line for more than 5 minutes. I don’t regret getting the fast pass at all. We were able to get through all the houses, and ride all the roller coasters except for one in about 3.5 hours. That was awesome! I will continue to buy the fast pass from this year on out. It’s worth the extra $35, especially since you get 20% off merchandise, and BOGO photos.

I love Busch Gardens and Howl-O-Scream. I always recommend that people go here over Halloween Horror Nights. However, it’s hard to convince some people because HHN is more popular and main stream than HOS. I strongly believe you are getting more of your money’s worth when you go to Howl-O-Scream, especially since I’ve experienced both multiple times. To each his or her own though.

FOW

Hey Tyla Times Fans! Here is the Fit of the Week.

I wore this outfit while in Atlanta for an early birthday celebration. I chose to accent with pink because of an outfit worn by Rasheeda on Love and Hip Hop Atlanta. I like this outfit because it’s an old-school look, with a modern twist. I was completely comfortable, something that seems to be given up when dressing up for a night on the town (A bigger picture can be seen at Alltheparties.com). 

Pink Blazer: Thrifted

Black Racer Back Crop Top: H&M

Pants: Thrifted

Steve Madden Pink Wedges: TJ Maxx

Black Clutch: Thrifted

Necklace: Sears

Bracelet: Flea Market

3rd Presidential Debate 2012 (My Review)

This debate was definitely a good one. Foreign policy is an interesting topic to debate because only one of the candidates can speak from experience, while the other would have to speak hypothetically. The  moderator did a decent job balancing the time between the candidates, and standing his ground when the candidates tried to speak over him. I will be the first to admit that  it was kind of hard to follow, but as the debate progressed I found that the questions and answers were easier to comprehend. With that said, I’m going to give a break down of each candidate’s delivery and then discuss my take on their answers.

Mitt Romney: Romney for the most part came prepared with a different strategy. He was very passive during this debate. Although he spoke over the moderator quite a few times, I thought he limited his assertiveness and aggression tremendously. He claimed to be attacked quite a few times during the debate as well, which I believe to be a very strategic move. For some people, it could have given the  impression that President Obama was bullying Gov. Romney. Throughout the debate, it was quite evident that Gov. Romney was upset about some of the things Pres. Obama said.

Barack Obama: President Obama definitely came prepared to defend his stance on foreign policies. He spoke clearly and concisely. He was assertive and aggressive, although he was spoken over a few times. The President was very poised and comfortable during this debate. I think he might have enjoyed this debate more so than the others. President Obama definitely exuded a sense of confidence throughout the showdown.

Mitt Romney: I’m not really sure where Gov. Romney stands on foreign policy, except on a few topics. For the most part, he agreed with practically everything President Obama is doing or has done concerning foreign policy. However, his stance on some things has changed over the course of his campaign. For instance, during the last debate Romney bashed the Chinese completely, but this time around he was more open to building a relationship with China. Although  he said some of the same things from the last debate, he definitely portrayed a different attitude toward our relationship with China. I also thought it was quite interesting that Gov. Romney did not try to rebut Pres. Obama’s comment about Mitt Romney’s businesses doing business with Iran through China. In addition, I thought that Gov. Romney’s stance on the military should be duly noted because he wants to increase the military budget, although the Pentagon hasn’t requested it. His comparison of today’s military to the military of 1916 just proved how out of touch he truly is.  As aforementioned, Gov. Romney’s answers were vague and very similar in some aspects to Pres. Obama’s.

Barack Obama: President Obama stance on foreign policy remained consistent throughout this debate. He emphasized along with Gov. Romney that America would have Israel’s back in a war. Pres. Obama went on to talk about how he ended the war in Iraq, and captured/killed Osama Bin Laden. Another key topic he spoke about was the departure of the troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014. This action was also interestingly enough backed by Gov. Romney, who previously did not support it. Although the President didn’t do an adequate job answering the question about America’s role in the world, I thought he adequately described what relationship the United States should have with China in the future. I also thought Pres. Obama’s point about taking care of home first was a very important one to be made. Although some may say that the Presidents’ comments about horses, bayonets, and battleship were unnecessary, I have to disagree. I think he made a valid comparison to show how uninformed Gov. Romney is concerning our military. Another point that I thought was important was Pres. Obama’s comment about Gov. Romney’s businesses working with Iran, the country we “despise”.  The President spoke on experience during this entire debate; it was evident that he knew what he was talking about.

The media will have you to believe that there was no clear-cut winner, or that Gov. Romney played the part for a reason, which in turn provided him with a win. However, it was clear that Gov. Romney has no stance on foreign policy or at least it doesn’t differ much from President Obama’s. It would be negligent of me to say that this debate was a draw, or there was no clear-cut winner. In my opinion, the POTUS most certainly came out on top in this debate. The polls can also attest to that.

With this being the last debate, and with the race so close, all I can do is continue to encourage people to go vote. This is a very important election as are any other elections in America. So, please exercise your right to vote!