Rice? Almond? Cow? Soy?

For the past month I have been doing taste tests with Lil D for her to choose a tasteful alternative to Mommy's breastmilk. I am still pumping twice a day and breastfeeding in the early mornings and evenings. I'm TIRED! I want to stop having to pump as soon as possible, but until I find a supplement Lil D will enjoy I have to continue. The final choice has been the Vanilla Almond milk from Trader's. We start our trails tonight. Wish us luck.

 

 

Trader Joe's Almond Smooth Beverages are made using 100% California almonds—no dairy, no soy, no gluten. They're also free of cholesterol and saturated fat, excellent sources of vitamins D & E and Calcium, good sources of vitamin A and certified kosher.

Because they're "shelf-stable," you can keep them in the pantry until you need them, then refrigerate after opening. We're selling each 32 ounce resealable container for $1.69, the very best everyday price we've seen on almond "milk" of this quality.


One more week until Lil D's First Birthday

Lil' D and I attended our next door neighbors' baby shower yesterday. I decided to dress us in the same colors-- red and navy. There were a lot of people in attendance, Lil D was not her usual over-animated self. She was pretty quiet and reserved. Can't figure out why?! Maybe she was just being quietly observant like her Mommy for once.

 

 

Lil D's Outfit from Crazy 8

I spent most of the weekend being lazy and doing nothing but pinning on Pinterest. I need to get my arse in gear, finish decorating for Lil D's party and clean this junky house. Most of the decor is in place, its just small touches and hanging the streamers. So far everything looks great, I can't wait to share the pictures with you next week. I definitely went over the top with this rubber ducky theme. I am still looking to add more little duckies, if I could only find a Walmart that has them in stock.

 

Review on Roland S. Martin's article

I know I blogged about this topic before here, but after reading the recent Roland S. Martin article titled

It’s Time To Stop Being So Sensitive About Discussing Out-Of-Wedlock Children I wanted to share some of his insights on the topic.

As I walked through NYC Penn Station this morning I began to reflect on the  article and I took note of the women I saw with children and no wedding band {this is not to say they were not married or in a committed relationship, but I'm just saying}.

Martin's article speaks about the attitude of much of America on the epidemic of single parent households. He highlights how people are quick to defend the strong, able-bodied single mother and not really delve deep into how single parent households are weakening the social-emotional and financial future for many young people today. It is no longer taboo to be raised this way, it's become blasé. Shit if Kourtney Kardashian can do it why can't I? This is the mentality of many young girls I teach. It's never I can't wait to have a wedding and a husband. Instead I hear he is going to be my baby's father. What the hell?! Chile, as a teacher of young adults I hear it ALL. From which weed gives you the best high to how you can tell if a girl is a slide (NYC lingo for a girl that is promiscuous). Now I know my upbringing makes me very biased on the subject-- but come on?! If you were raised by a single parent wouldn't you want to have your kids in a two-family household? Maybe not. I just think that if people were more discerning about their sex partners as they are about their outfits then more people would be in healthy, monogamous relationships. Families would be healthier, kids would do better in school, and Onida would be more optimistic about her young daughter's future.

.

.

.

40% of the households in this country are run by one parent.

70% of the households of African Americans are single parents.

Is this by design?

Where do you fall into this dichotomy?

Article Highlights:

This week, the Republican candidates discussed the issue at their debate in Arizona. When Rick Santorum was asked about the issue of contraception, he said: “What we’re seeing is a problem in our culture with respect to children being raised by children, children being raised out of wedlock, and the impact on society economically, the impact on society with respect to drug use and all — a host of other things when children have children … The bottom line is we have a problem in this country, and the family is fracturing.

 

What bothers me is that when the issue of single parents arises, too many become defensive without honestly dealing with the question. Yes, Blow’s children may be doing great, but a lot of children aren’t, along with their single moms and dads.

 

A year ago while speaking on a panel for Alonzo Mourning’s foundation, I was discussing the perils of getting pregnant too early and out-of-wedlock to a packed ballroom of middle- and high-school students, and a group of young women who were present — and pregnant — got really upset. As I walked around the room afterwards, one of their counselors told me of their comments and said they wanted to speak to me.

It’s a natural reaction to stand up for your mom. But we must stop acting as if raising a child alone is a desirable situation for most. As Santorum and Romney said, raising a child alone is difficult, and the economics of a single income in the home makes that even more of a struggle.


Lil' D's Korean Doljabi

If you've been a regular reader of my blog by now you know I am a researcher. Of course, my latest research "jaunt" has been Lil' D's first birthday celebration. I've been researching first birthday customs from around the world. I lookup up "African American first birthday traditions", nothing. Next, I googled "Latin American first birthday traditions" and all I got was information on Quinceañera. So, I said f'it let me google, "first birthday traditions" Guess what I found. . . a very informative link about Korean first birthday celebrations.

Koreans celebrate a child's first birthday with much fanfare and ceremony. After reading about this Dol (doljanchi, or tol), I was fascinated and wanted to incorporate several of the customs into my little Afro-Latino baby's special day. During the dol ceremony,  the child is blessed with a prosperous future. "The birthday babies wear a hanbok and a traditional hat: a jobawi or gulle for baby girls and a bokgeon or hogeon (호건) for baby boys". 

 The highlight of the dol is a ritual where the child is placed in front of a table of foods and objects such as string, books, brushes, ink and money. The child is then urged to pick up an object from the table. It is believed the one selected will foretell the child's future. For example, if the child picks up a brush or book, he is destined to be a scholar. If he picks up money or rice, he will be wealthy; cakes or other food, a government official; a sword or bow, a military commander. If the child picks up the thread, it is believed he will live a long life. The types of objects placed on the table for the baby to choose has evolved over time, as a reflection of society's evolving perception of successful occupations. Some parents place a computer mouse on the table, which signifies success in the high-tech field, or a toothbrush, hoping that the baby will be a dentist. However, many parents remain more traditional in their selection of objects to place on the table. This is followed by feasting, singing and playing with the toddler. Most often, guests will present gifts of money, clothes, or gold rings to the parents for the child at this time. Source

After reading this I was entralled and got to work on planning this ritual into Lil D's party. I arrived upon Korean 1st Birthday Blog  and KoKo Living's Dol  Planner. I looked at every page of these blogs over one weekend. From all this searching I discovered Dohl Poster's and More. I was interested in having them create a Doljabi Board, container labels, and raffle tickets around Lil' D's Splish Splash party theme. Dohl Poster's and More created an almost exactly replica of Lil D's invitation. I went to Kinko's to get the digital files printed. The 20" x 30" board I mounted on gator board.

 

 

  The Raffle Tickets . . .

 

Baby Fashion: Leopard + Red

Yesterday D travelled to Chicago for the day, so Lil D and I were left to entertain ourselves. We woke up, ate a breakfast for champions {yogurt + granola + banana}, got dressed, and headed to Trader Joe's for much need groceries. After returning home to drop off the groceries we got back on the road to head down to visit my Uncle and his family.

Because I am such a slacker during the work week when it comes to dressing Lil D {she usually wears sleepers and hoodies} I go all out on the weekends. Shoot, I have to let her wear all the cute outfits I buy, if I wait too long she'll out grow them. In our travels yesterday I discovered the Gwen Stefani's Harauku Mini for Target. Super cute, but I'll wait until it goes on sale. Here are my favorites from this line.

Harajuku Mini for Target® Girls Long-Sleeve Blazer - Gray

 


Harajuku Mini for Target® Infant Girls Long-Sleeve Dot Dress - Navy

Harajuku Mini for Target® Toddler Girls Majorette Jacket - Blue

Harajuku Mini for Target® Infant Girls' Plaid Jumper and Legging Set - Red

We went to my little cousin's basketball game yesterday and I decided to snap a few pictures of the baby since she began to get antsy on my lap. Below are some pictures of our day.

 

Leopard Print Frill Sleeved playsuit from Oh Baby London.

 Was: £20.00 Now:£10.00 

To purchase click here.

Lil D's first interaction with dogs


 

This video was taken after she spent two minutes screaming at the dogs, much to their chagrin. The dogs, Carmelo and Lala decided this little baby was crazy and backed away from her. It was quite funny.

Cleaning Lil D's Closet

 

Lil D's big soiree is in 6 weeks and my house is a wreck. Each week I am attempting to tackle one room. This week is Lil D's room {crib going back into her room} and our closet. D and I spent the morning sorting through our closets pulling out clothing to be donated to the Goodwill/ Salvation Army. After a long day of sorting D decided he would cook dinner.


Peeling a casava into a trash bag {while on his cell phone recruiting a player}.

As a result of cooking while talking my stove, which was cleaned this morning, is a hot mess!

I was told to leave the kitchen because I was breaking his concentration. ME??!! All I asked was why we having breakfast food for dinner. Men...

So the menu for tonight's dinner is callaloo and saltfish, dumpling {he called to tell me he didn't see any in the store-- I had to tell him you make it with flour and water}, banana, and yam.

 As my husband is "cooking", Lil D and I are in her room sorting clothing. It was time to clean her closet, I did mine earlier this morning. I put everything she can not fit into two large ziplock bags and will place them in storage in the attic {for baby number two}.

This little girl has so many clothes. Her closet looks like mine and her papi's.

Sectioned everything and made it presentable.

Helping mommy by not eating the cardboard box.



 

p.s.

Need more seasoning, but it was edible. Will take some for lunch tomorrow. ;-)

Nochebuena 2011

The holiday season is coming to a close and it was a worldwind for us. We began by celebrating "Nochebuena" with my in-laws and then Christmas day at my sister and her new husband's place in Frederick, Maryland. We ate, went outlet shopping, and celebrated the baby's first Christmas.

 

I came home to a junky house, 4 books from my Amazon Wishlist {Thx Mommy + Daddy!} and a soft bed. Thank God I'm a teacher and I had an extended break for this hoiday. I got some much needed rest after the long drive.


 

Cute red shoes from CambriaLaine on Etsy.

Blazer- Gap : Blouse- Daffy's : Tulle Skirt- Crazy 8 : Headband-EBay : Tights-Walmart

 

Christmas Day

 

Our Sears Portrait Studio Holiday Photoshoot

Lil D's dress from Marshall's

DIY: Mirrored Dresser

My Winter Recess break will be comprised of reading, sleeping, eating, and this project. This is a repost from Blawnde's Blawg here. Enjoy!

As soon as we decided on a look for the nursery, I was set on trying to find a dresser/changing table to fit the room.  I started scouring Craigslist in hopes of finding just what I was looking for. And I sure did! I bought this beauty for $30 and couldn’t wait to get started on making it over. 


My plan was to paint it, do something different with the front, put new hardware on it, and put fabric liners in each drawer.

 

We started off by sanding the entire dresser down. We used 80-100 grit paper. 

 Then once we wiped it clean, we primed it. I decided to go the easy route and use Kilz Spray Primer. We put a few thin coats of the primer on and let it sit for a day. 

I also decided to go the easy route for the paint and used spray paint rather than brushing paint on. I used Rustoleum Painters Touch Ultra Cover spray paint. I actually let JJ do this part because he’s the master at spray painting. We did a few coats, then used a fine grit sandpaper and did one more coat. I was all ready to come home after work one day and start putting the glaze on, but when I got there, JJ had just sanded the darn thing again! I guess he thought I wanted one more coat of paint on it. Oh well, at least it’s nice and smooth. Love you, honey! We did go ahead and paint it and I was still able to put the glaze on that night. 

 I had never done this before, and this type of furniture isn’t really my style, but I just had a perfect picture in my head of what I was going for – and I think I got it. I used this tutorial found here on All Things Thrifty for the glaze. I bought Behr Faux Finish Glaze and Rustoleum’s Painters Touch Black Paint. I mixed the two together and applied it all over with a foam brush. It seemed to all wipe off the first few times I did it, so I started to let it sit a little longer before wiping off and that worked better for me. It was quite the task trying to get around all those tiny squares. 

 

The next step was the mirror. I also searched on Craigslist for the mirror and found the perfect size for FREE! It was just a frameless bathroom mirror someone was getting rid of. At first we thought we’d attempt to cut it ourselves, but I decided against that when I found a local glass company that would do it cheap. I knew I would need at least 8 cuts, if not more, plus I wanted them to drill the holes for the new hardware. Some of the places I called wanted up to $15 PER CUT! But I ended up going to a place that only charged $20 for everything. What a steal!
After the glaze was all dry, JJ helped me glue the mirror in place and attach the new hardware. We let this sit for a few days to make sure the glue had time to set.

 The last step in this project was the fabric drawer liners. I found a tutorial here on Infarrantly Creative. I bought my fabric and started that project last night. I couldn’t believe how much Mod Podge I went through – almost the whole container of Fabric and most of the container of the regular. It was a little difficult getting the liners in place, especially with no bubbles, but I think it still turned out cute.

And here is our final product! 

  

 

A rundown of what all we used and how much we spent:
Dresser - $30
Sandpaper – free (already had it)
Primer - $4.00
Spray Paint - $8.00
Behr Faux Finish Glaze – $14.00
Rustoleum’s Painters Touch Black Paint– $4.00
Brushes – free (already had them)
Mirror – free (but $20 to get cut)
Fabric - $9.00
Fabric Mod Podge - $7.00
Regular Mod Podge – free (already had it)
Hardware - $24 (wish I could have found them on sale at Hobby Lobby but I wasn’t so lucky)
Total Cost - $120.00

 

 

 

Lil' D's First Birthday: Invitations

Yesterday {December 21} I completed the second stage of Lil' D's birthday party invitations. Kinko's almost put me in the poor house to print the digital file.

{Inside}

Sorry about the poor quality of the pictures, I used my cell phone.

{Outside}

I'm still working on them, something is missing.

 

Lil'D's First Birthday Planning

Lil' D will be one years old in 11 short weeks. Initially I said we would forgo having a soiree and just go on a trip. Well I decided to do both, D will plan the trip and I will plan the party. In the last two days, I've planned and purchased most of the decor elements for the party, got the invites printed, contracted with a photog for her photo shoot, and I contacted the rental company. Now I just have to clean my house. URRGGHH! I need a chef, a driver, and a maid. 

 

I changed my mind about the theme for the party like 4 times. I finally decided on a theme that I subconsciously have had in my head for a few years. Three or four years ago on one of my many trips to the thirft store I found a couple of rubber ducky vases, see picture below, that I have yet to use for an event.

 

 Here is front side of her invitation. I decided to do it up and get a pocketfold invite from Cardsand Pockets -- yeah real elaborate for a first birthday, but hey either you do it all the way or not at all. You know?! The invitation design is from Etsy Merchant schavez. 

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I needed a shopping fix, so I went to my favorite store in the Garment District and purchased four appliques to create headbands for Lil' D. Her older ones are now too small or too big. Since she doesn't have earrings I wanted some pieces that were very ornate. Look below to see what I got.

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Bought the little one a high chair from Ikea today, the cheap $19.99 one here. Hope we don't have any accidents. With all the bells and whistles it came to about $30. If I wasn't so lazy I would have went on a scavenger hunt to various thirft stores for a solid wood high chair, similar to the ones in restaurants. But I'm too beat.

Sorry this post is all over the place. I just have a lot on my mind.

Mommy's Book List

The Perils of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding in public, pumping at work, sore nipples, engorgement, stringent diet, thrush, constant thirst, raging appetite, extra twenty pounds {post pregnancy}, constant nightly feedings, bite nipples, lopsided breast, resentful feeling towards husband {he can sleep when I can't}, no alcohol {the worst}--- AHHH!! The perils of breastfeeding. In spite of all this I constantly remind myself that to be mother is to be selfless. Giving my baby the absolute best will always be my priority. Every women who makes the decision to breastfeed is making a huge sacrifice, but it's worth it. Shit breastfeeding is by far the hardest task I've ever had to do in life, including birthing little D. Giving birth is a physiological process, my body knew what do do and when to do it, unassisted by anyone. Breastfeeding is a whole nother can of worms. For those women who do it for a week, a month, 6 months, a year, 2 years {God bless you} I commend you. It's a challenge ESPECIALLY if you work full-time.

 

As Lil' D is eating more solids my supply has decreased. In February, I will begin to wean her, well after I find a suitable alternative to cow's milk{explanation in another blog post}. She has begun to show signs of refusal for my breast already, especially during the day. She would rather eat Cheerios or guacamole. At night and as she first wakes in the morning it's different. She is inconsolable if she can't have "Titty Time". I thought long and hard about weaning her at one year. We plan to have another baby, sooner then later, and I need to get my body in shape. I can not have baby fat from baby number one on top of baby fat from number two. NOPE, WRONG ANSWER.  I got from March to September to get it right. 

Weaning information here.

Happy Halloween!!

Lil D will be celebrating her first Halloween this October 31 and I decided to get my sister to shoot a few pictures of her in her $6.99 costume.

Our Lil Bee


She has the Haskett smile.

The latest in the Cruz household . . .

D's season is coming to an end (thank goodness), so he will be free to spend more QT with Lil' D and I. Can't wait! I've been wanting to check out several NYC museums, walk the Brooklyn bridge, and do the Underground Railroad Heritage Trail.

I purchased the Insanity Worksheet and hope to begin with it this Monday. I weighted myself at GNC today and I am 179 pounds!!! I weight 10 pounds more than I did when I was 9 months pregnant. SHAMEFUL!

Lil' D is 7 months old!!

This past weekend we celebrated my sister's bridal shower. We had a blast! Lil' D and I took our first train ride together-- take about tedious! She slept the entire ride coming and going so that was pleasant, but the amount of luggage I had to schlep on the stroller was insane. I was stressed from the journey. Anyway, TJ of Tunji Sarumi Photography took the time before the festivities to have an impromptu photo shoot of Lil' D. She was eating it up, posing and smiling.

Lil' D is pulling herself up to stand. She turns her head from side to side to focus on an object. She tries to mimic people's facial expressions and she loves to smile and laugh out loud. She started to say "mama" {much to her Papi's chagrin}.


Photo Credit: Tunji Sarumi Photography 

Baby Mama . . . To Be or Not to Be

Several months ago one of my homegirl's email me asking my opinion on a subject that is very prevelent in the Black community, being a baby mama. Her exact question was, "What do you think of planning to have a baby without marriage?".

Ummph . . . I thought about her question for a while, bearing in mind that being a Baby Mama is not the worst thing in the world and stuff happens beyond our control. Also, abortion is not an option many women consider an ethical choice. So here was my response to her:

 

I feel like you are playing catch with a double ended sword. For me, as you know, I always think about the financial ramifications of my decisions before I do things. If my actions will impinge negatively on my finances then its a hell no. As in the case of having a baby without the benefits of being married this is a big NO for me because I don't have access to his money (i.e. Social Security,Medical Insurance, or tax incentives, etc.) without that marriage license. Also having sex with someone you don't see as a possible husband is a gamble. Condoms break, and casual sex is dangerous. Thinking of your man as your future husband versus being your future baby father is a twisted mentality.

 

It's too easy to be a Baby Mama. You want to be a WIFE. PERIOD. Child support is shaky at best and I just would not want my child to be brought into a situation where I can't guarantee a family unit. Sure people get divorced and such, but with a divorce comes alimony and child support. BTW if you are ever in a situation where you have to choose between the two always choose more child support over alimony because the person receiving the alimony has to pay tax on that money, child support you don't. Anyway...bottom line children need the stability that a marriage provides. It’s not enough to say "we in this together" when we both know that at any given time homeboy or homegirl can bounce real easy. It's harder to do if you have that marriage license. It’s almost like a contract that says I am guaranteed some of your shit if you decide to flake out.


Go to the court house, have the baby, then have a big wedding when you lose the baby weight or whenever.

2nd Question: Do you think it's that serious/necessary to get married?

What are the benefits married people enjoy?

Live longer. Have better physical and emotional health. Are happier. Earn more. Enjoy better sex live. Save more so they have fewer money worries.


Five new themes in marriage-related research 

~Even though marriage has lost ground in the minority communities in recent years, marriage has not lost its value in these communities.

 

~An emerging line of research indicates that marriage benefits poor Americans, and Americans from disadvantaged backgrounds, even though these Americans are now less likely to get and stay married.

 ~Marriage seems to be particularly important in civilizing men, turning their attention away from dangerous, antisocial, or self-centered activities and towards the needs of a family.

~Beyond its well-known contributions to adult health, marriage influences the biological functioning of adults and children in ways that can have important social consequences.

 ~The relationship quality of intimate partners is related to both their marital status and, for married adults, to the degree to which these partners are committed to marriage.

 

BOTTOM LINE: No woman should aspire to be anything like the Laura Govan's of the world (i.e., 4 kids, no husband, living in a one bedroom apartment). Shit at least Shaunie was married when Shaq evicted her ass. She had some recourse.

 

Check out my blog post on You Are Not Ready To Get Married If.


Teach Dem Chirlin'

Five days a week I invest a lot of emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual energy into teaching in a Suspension Site. I'm on the front line witnessing the heartbreaking battle that today's poor, young black and Latino children face. It's not a pretty picture. I worry about the state of affairs for black folk in this country. Especially when so many of us are born to single mothers and being institutionalized and labeled as criminals from elementary school. 

I've had students tell me, "What's the point of trying when you know nobody wants you around. Not your mother, not your father, and definitely not the cops". Or "Yeah I take a gun to school because its not safe to walk through my block without one". Or "Smoking everyday gets me right to take on the day". My children (students) are depressed, spiritually barren, and carry to much of the world on their shoulders. People love to place blame . . . on society, parents, teachers, the list is extensive. Bottomline: Everyone must take responsibility for their actions!

Just because you were raised in the PJs doesn't mean you have to be a reflection of your community. Be the change you want to see in the world. 

 

My heart goes out to the McPhail family who lost their son to senseless violence. And to the family of Troy Davis, who last evening lost his life to lethal injection, I pray for your strength. In the words of one of my favorite bloggers, Field Negro, "What a country. Casey Anthony and OJ Simpson are alive, Charles Manson is alive, and Troy Davis is dead.  *shaking head*" It ain't right . . . it ain't right. Today in class I hope to have a conversation about the Troy Davis case with my kids. I want them to realize how dangerous it is being a young Black/Latino male living in the Hood. Scratch that living period. They are locking us up with a quickness. These kids have no fear. They don't seem to care that just by looking and dressing the way they do they "fit the description". 

 

When I thought I was having a boy, I began a journal I titled the "Lessons I will teach my Black son". Yeah it's that serious and ya'll know I'm extra!

My biggest fear in life is to have to raise a son. I didn't live through, slavery or Reconstruction or during Jim Crow but I am definitely going to raise them with some of the sentiments of those times. Many will disagree and say in the twenty-first century how could you think to raise a child to be this way. Listen, shit is real! If you don't have a healthy fear of the cops and the "justice" system and you feel that the system is in place for you, WRONG ANSWER. We don't have "the complexion for the protection" {Paul Mooney}. So back to my journal... I made a lot of notes and read a lot of books on the industralized prison system and the history of law inforcement in this country which lead me to make a list of the survival skills I want my children to live by. Check it out. Oh and if you are reading this please leave me some comments. Woudl love to here your thoughts on the manner.

Here were a few of the "lessons" I want my children to eternalize:

  1. If you are in your bed/home for the night and someone calls you to go out STAY your ass in the house and tell them you'll check them tomorrow. So many things happen to people that once said, "I wasn't even suppose to be here. I was doing something else."
  2. Choose your friends as if your life depended on it. Once people reveal their true essence to you believe it. As my mother always says, people reveal their true nature at the beginning of your relationship with them. Don't ignore red flags. "All youth must be wary of the company they keep. They should be taught that if something doesn't look or feel right, they should leave immediately." (Source)
  3. Being part of the "cool" crowd is over-rated. 
  4. Ignorance is real! Common sense ain't common! 
  5. Being a "snitch" can save a life. Never be afraid to tell when you know something is immoral, criminal, or unjust.
  6. If you hear loud voices or are in a situation where people begin to get loud, LEAVE! Why? Simple, first comes yelling, next comes violence. Don't get caught up in wanting to see a fight or what's going to "pop off" {my NYC lingo}.
  7. "Stay away from guns altogether. Don't own one, and don't hang out with anyone who does. Children have absolutely no reason to possess a gun. If, for some reason, you wind up with a gun in public, NEVER point it at a police officer." Source
  8. " If you're stopped or otherwise find yourself in the presence of an officer, obey every command. Don't talk trash. Don't show attitude. Don't make sudden motions. Never place your hands where they can't be seen. Never give a false name or any other false information. Memorize the officer's name and the vehicle number. Your ultimate goal is to get home alive so you can get a lawyer if you need one." Source
  9. "Never carry contraband of any kind on your person or in your vehicle".Source
  10. "Always carry proper ID on your person and proper documents in your vehicle". Source
  11. "Don't hang out where police regularly cruise. If you do, you're asking for trouble. Police cruise trouble spots".Source
  12. "Don't duck and hide when a police car appears".Source
  13. "If you're being arrested, don't resist and multiply your problems. You can't win by resisting".Source
  14.  "Put the names of your parents, an attorney, your principal, a teacher, a close friend, a role model, a mentor, a bail bondsman and others on speed dial in your cell phone".Source
  15. "Get to know at least one officer by name in the police department".Source
  16. "Stay away from peers who hate the police. These trash-talking friends are nothing but trouble waiting to happen". Source
  17. "Never forget your are a black person in America! Meaning don't wait for your "Nigger Wakeup Call" before you begin to remember how much of the word views you.


A lot of the problems young folks have is simply they are left unsupervised way too much. I used to complain about how overprotective Daddy and Mommy Haskett were, but now I thank them.