Rosslyn's summer concert series

I am a huge music fan. HUGE. I always say there is a song for every emotion, for every situation, for everyone. I am big on having a theme song, whether its for a day, or to describe your life.. theme songs are important.

I rant on all of this to say.. the people who see me in the morning, maybe on sheriff road, rt. 50, 295,395, GW Pkwy, 495, 270 right on up to Research Blvd... will see me singing.. its hilarious..
Let me say i KNOW i cannot carry a tune.. so me singing is hysterical. But i do it with pride, every single day.

so today it was...
Bittersweet by Fantasia... love the song.. means so much to me.. so i sing it with feeling. "even though i left you can't forget you... part of me wants you part of don't.. part of this is letting go.. when i think about you, its bittersweet, yes Ill always love you "
which made me pop in.. my WHAM, yes WHAM CD
Careless Whispers... by Wham.. i love that song..and yes i sang it with much passion.
"time can never mend, the careless whisper of a good friend. To the heart and mind, ignorance is kind, there's no comfort in the truth pain is the hole you'll find.. "

The Tiger morning show (which is my number 2 fav show) played.
There goes my baby... by Usher. if you havn't heard that CD.. shame.. its a good one.. very good. The words that stand out: "i've been waitin all day to wrap my hands around your waist and kiss your face.. "
Then Steve Harvey (my number 1 fav show) played:
Anita Bakers Rapture. The following is so encouraging to me:
"When we me met always knew i would feel the magic for you.. on my mind constantly in my arms is where you should be."
And that made me stick in the Al Jarreau song, Mornin... yes, i have that CD..
my favorite part is: "Excuse me if i sing, my heart has found its wings, searching high and low and now at last i know.." this part is amazing: "My heart will soar With love that's rare and real My smiling face will feel every cloud Then higher still Beyond the blue until I know I can Like any man Reach out my hand And touch the face of GOD."

what's your song (s)??

End of my ranting....
/RAR/

Happy Father's Day!!

Happy Fathers Day to all the wonderful men, who take the time to be a part of their children's life. It is a really tough job shaping and molding children, so they can be positive contributions to society.
Happy Fathers Day to the mother's who have to go at it alone.
As a child, I use to wish for more of everything. I felt we didn't have enough of anything. As an adult, I wish I had more time with my Dad.. I miss him. He gave us many things, one of those things was music appreciation, the instruments, the words, the delivery. Music is a huge part of my life even today..

Do you still enjoy the things your dad shared with you?

One of my Dads Favorite artist was Marvin Gaye. The video below is the live version of mercy, mercy me.... enjoy!!

The Emotional cutter

Bear with me.. I am STILL frickin mad about something that happened over 3 years ago..

It was crazy, it was painful, it was fun, it was a learning experience.. Yes, i still read the updates of love and happiness and it pisses me off.. i want to respond 'Murderer' then what.. i don't want it back, that wasn't for me.. i just want comfort, i want my feet rubbed, i want.....

What i need to know is how to get past it?? I mean life goes on for most people. How can I be like that.. stop caring, change who i am, re-create myself..

The background:

This nice looking guy and I are at the red light this morning.. today... this morning...

Him: Hey...
Me: (Turning to look, hoping he doesn't want directions)
Him: Damn! (He looks at the light) we don't have much time..
Me: (I smile, thinking here we go!)
Him: Damn What a beautiful smile
Me: Thanks... (smiling bigger, think Chris Rock)
Him: We don't have much time, the light is going to turn.. do you think we can pull into the Shell parking lot so we can exchange numbers.
Me: I'm sorry, i don't think so.. but thanks for the compliment.
Him: (sad face) really? umm..ok.. you sure..
Me: (what the eff is wrong with me) yeah.. but thanks.


There was no reason for me to do that.. i should have shouted my number out to him with a friggin bull horn. Advice... PLEASE!!

Encouragement

It is Encouraging to spend time alone with God. Personal private relationship.
It is Encouraging to live life, according to the word of God. No matter what is going on.
It is Encouraging to spend time with favorite people. Those who love and care about you
It is Encouraging to do things that will get you to your life's purpose. Fulfill the dream.
It is Encouraging to follow RevRunWisdom on Twitter. Never lets you down.
It is Encouraging to follow UncleRush (Russell Simmons) on Twitter. He is always positive.
It is Encouraging to listen to good music. It will change any mood.
It is Encouraging to be still. You can hear and be guided better.
It is Encouraging to listen to successful people. It will help you towards your goals.
It is Encouraging to encourage others. You can only be blessed for it.


No more beginners... just winners...


Hit me with what you find encouraging

The Purpose

So I have relocated back to Washington DC... woot-woot. My job is going as well as can be expected (we will just leave it there). I have stabilized my environment... Visited with family, met up with friends, met new friends. School is ramping up, soon to be over... woot-woot again...
I have learned allot about myself in the 3 years and 6 months that i have been in hiatus.
One thing i've learned is...

I really do have a personal relationship with God, it is a relationship that consist of discipline, accountability, unconditional love, support and encouragement.. Who could ask for anything more..


Since i have been back, I've had the urge to follow a long lived dream.. So the other day,with the support of my family and a good friend.. i did it.. I did something that made me so nervous, but it was a huge step towards a loooong lived goal. I had positive feedback, and once i get the ultimate feedback, good or bad.. i will share the dream with you.. I know this is my life purpose.. I just know it is.. this particular thing, has been with me since i was a teen.

What is your life purpose?? have you fulfilled it??

Life is good, especially when you have the opportunity each day to wake up and do it all over again. Tomorrow is always coming.. What are you going to do?

Please check this song out.. its Awesome!
Bittersweet symphony: Richard Ashcroft (ex: Verve) & Coldplay Lyrics below..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPGTdDohGl4&feature=related

'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, this lifeTry to make ends meetYou're a slave to money then you dieI'll take you down the only road I've ever been downYou know the one that takes you to the places where all the veins meet yeah, No change, I can changeI can change, I can changeBut I'm here in my moldI am here in my moldBut I'm a million different people from one day to the nextI can't change my moldNo, no, no, no, noWell I never prayBut tonight I'm on my knees yeahI need to hear some sounds that recognize the pain in me, yeahI let the melody shine, let it cleanse my mind, I feel free nowBut the airways are clean and there's nobody singing to me nowNo change, I can changeI can change, I can changeBut I'm here in my moldI am here in my moldAnd I'm a million different peoplefrom one day to the nextI can't change my moldNo, no, no, no, noI can't changeI can't change'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, this lifeTry to make ends meetTry to find some money then you dieI'll take you down the only road I've ever been downYou know the one that takes you to the places where all the things meet yeah You know I can change, I can changeI can change, I can changeBut I'm here in my moldI am here in my moldAnd I'm a million different peoplefrom one day to the nextI can't change my moldNo, no, no, no, noI can't change my moldno, no, no, no, no,I can't changeCan't change my body,no, no, noI'll take you down the only road I've ever been downI'll take you down the only road I've ever been downBeen downEver been downEver been downEver been downEver been downHave you ever been down?Have you've ever been down?

The Prescription

Yesterday I went to visit yet another doctor, and left with a prescription... I later went to the pharmacy. While standing in the drop off line.. i notice that there were allot of older people waiting in line to fill prescriptions, not unusual, right? I over heard the pharmacist tell an older lady how much her prescription would be the lady (astonished) said " I cannot afford that!" I paid it no attention and assumed they would work things out.. so i started reading twitter posts.. trying to ignore the situation in front of me..

It was now my turn... I handed the Pharmacist my Prescription paper:
Pharmacist: "Spell your name"
Rosslyn: isn't it written on the paper "R-o-s-s-l-y-n"
Pharmacist: "Your Address"
Rosslyn: I told her
Pharmacist: "Your number"
Rosslyn: I told her
Pharmacist: "Do you have your insurance card"
Rosslyn: I handed it over
Pharmacist: (entered information into the system) "Ummmmmm (no lie) this card has expired (handing it back to me) and if i call them its going to take some time (seriously) and there is a long line.. If you were going to pay for the prescription without insurance its $50.00 bucks"
Rosslyn: I looked behind me.. she wasn't lying "i have been using that card for the past two weeks .." ($50.00 bucks?? WHAT! I'm not paying $50.00)
Pharmacist: "I don't know what to tell you.. next. "
Rosslyn: (I'm being dismissed?) leaving with my head down..
I went home and retrieved the new card that was sent to me (I had forgotten I had a new card, but it had the same Grp and Mem numbers).. and returned back to the Pharmacy..

New Pharmacist: "May i help you... "
Rosslyn: "I was here a few minutes ago, and left the prescription..."
New Pharmacist: cutting me off "Name"
Rosslyn: "Rosslyn Ruffin"
New Pharmacist: "Ok, here it is... "
Rosslyn: (handed her the new card)
New Pharmacist: types in the information "you aren't covered for prescriptions."
Rosslyn: "that has to be a mistake."
New Pharmacist: "Nope.. (no lie).. that's was it says right here..." (pointing at the screen, that i can't see)
Rosslyn: "Please try again..."
New Pharmacist: "I don't think this covers your prescriptions, soooooo..
Rosslyn: "Sooooo.. that has to be a mistake.. (getting VERY angry now... ) Ill just pay the $50.00 bucks, because it was prescribed to me, which means i need it .. so Ill just pay. "
New Pharmacist: "Ok.. have it your way, you can go stand in the pickup line. Next."
Rosslyn: angrily walk to the pickup line. fuming I call my insurance carrier, immediately to explain the situation. They tell me, your prescription is now handled by someone else.. (this my fault for NOT paying close attention during open season, where is Tia when i need her) She transfers me to the provider, who gives me the new mem and group id numbers.. I walk back over the the drop off window...
Same New Pharmacist: who is talking to an older gentleman:Sir, you can pick your prescription up in 2 hours.."
Older Gentleman: reaching for his wallet
Same New Pharmacist: "Your prescription will be ready in two hours you can pay at that time."
Older Gentleman: still reaching for his wallet
Same New Pharmacist: (louder) "Sir, your prescription will not be ready for two hours.. 8pm. At that time you can pay.. you don't pay in advance here."
Older Gentleman: "Ok.. Thank you.. "
Same New Pharmacist: rolling her eyes.. no lie
Rosslyn: "you were right, my carrier for prescriptions has changed."
Same New Pharmacist: "I know i was right..."she puts the information into the system, I pop up.. "you can go to the pickup line."
$11.00 bucks...
The person in line behind me, in the pickup line.. was the woman who couldn't afford her prescriptions.. she had a family member meet her with additional money..

I share this to say.. I learned that my priorities so off, I pay for my medical coverage via my job which is a blessing these days just to have one.. and not a privilege.. there are so many people who can no longer afford it.. Now i would without hesitation pay $50.00 or more for a pair of shoes, clothing, bags etc... No problem!! But my prescription, i complained and made sure to obtained the necessary information to discount it.

I felt like a heel... especially when i heard the woman who couldn't afford her meds, explaining to the family member what happened.

People with jobs and health coverage are blessed.. and should thank God for it..

Survivor

I am a huge fan of music. I listen to the words, to grab the feeling the writer was trying to share. It could be deep , funny, sad, fiction, or truth it just has to be good..
I have a Theme song that i love. it 'Survivor' by Destiny's Child. The words the writer Beyonce expressed are so on-time. This song is about Career, Friends, Love, Family, etc... if there is something you need to overcome.. this song covers it. I have there absolute favorite lines:

#1:Now that you're out of my life, I'm so much better. (the very first line, but the way she says it... just sends chills)

#2:Wishing you the best, pray that you are blessed. (Wow....)

#3: And of course. I'm a survivor I'm gonna make it I'm not gonna stop I'm going to work harder. (that was more than one line, I get carried away).

That is my theme song, What's yours and what line of that song, does it for you?

i placed the words to the song below, and below that you can find the link to the video...
ENJOY!

Now that you are out of my life, I'm so much better,
You thought that I'd be weak without ya,But I'm stronger,
You thought that I'd be broke without ya,But I'm richer,
You thought that I'd be sad without ya,I laugh harder,
You thought I wouldn't grow without ya,Now I'm wiser,
You thought that I'd be helpless without ya,But I'm smarter,
You thought that I'd be stressed without ya,But I'm chillin'
You thought I wouldn't sell without ya,Sold nine million.

[Chorus]
I'm a survivor (what),
I'm not gonna give up (what),
I'm not gon' stop (what),
I'm gonna work harder (what),
I'm a survivor (what),
I'm gonna make it (what),
I will survive (what),
Keep on survivin' (what),
I'm a survivor (what),
I'm not gonna give up (what),
I'm not gon' stop (what),
I'm gonna work harder (what),
I'm a survivor (what),
I'm gonna make it (what),
I will survive (what),
Keep on survivin' (what).

(Verse 2)
Thought I couldn't breathe without you,I'm inhalin'
You thought I couldn't see without you,Perfect vision,
You thought I couldn't last without ya,But I'm lastin'
You thought that I would die without ya,But I'm livin'
Thought that I would fail without ya,=But I'm on top,
Though it would be over by now,But it won't stop,
You thought that I would self-destruct,But I'm still here,
Even in my years to come,I'm still gon' be here.

[Chorus]

(Bridge)
I'm wishin' you the best,Pray that you are blessed,
Much success, no stress, and lots of happiness,(I'm better than that)
I'm not gonna blast you on the radio,(I'm better than that)
I'm not gonna lie on you or your family, yo,(I'm better than that)
I'm not gonna hate you in the magazine,(I'm better than that)
I'm not gonna compromise my Christianity(I'm better than that)
You know I'm not gonna diss you on the Internet Cause my momma told me better than that.

[Chorus]

After all of the darkness and sadness,
Still comes happiness,
If I surround myself with positive things,
I'll gain prosperity.

[Chorus]

http://music.yahoo.com/vid-2152624--Survivor

I have learned to keep my desires, dreams and wishes to those who I KNOW support me. This way no one can prey on them. But i hate it, i listen to people, i support others and i can absolutely tell when someone has just discounted me.

i often wonder how successful people get where they are. They must believe in themselves. But most importantly is having someone who believes in you too. Encouragement and proper guidance, no, not proper but productive guidance is key. having someone who agrees with your every decision, even when you are wrong, or off the designated mark is not productive. however, that is what we gravitate towards. If we aren't preparing ourselves properly to take our place in life, then we are setting ourselves up for failures.

I once heard a very successful musician state "my father took us to try out for a group, in the middle of the performance, he stopped the try-out. Apologized to the judges and said they aren't ready. And we left. he did that several times, until we got it right." - Guess who.

Its never comfortable to be criticized, however if our personal support group won't do it.. the world will. So lets not push away the persons who are providing constructive criticism, in a loving way. Lets learn to listen to the content of the information provided and grow from it.

I feel that people are successful from guidance and support. Lets support each other.

what do you think?

Apprehension

Apprehension = suspicion or fear.

I would love to encourage people to act on their fear, and follow the whisper. That's right God whispers his wishes for your life, when you don't listen or follow, it turns into a gut feeling. and when you ignore the gut feeling, you leave no other choice but to follow the advice of others.. so now you have ignored God and consulted people.. Take stock.. and walk into your fears, I promise you.. you will end up where God needs you to be. who doesn't want that?

Listen to the whisper follow the path. follow the dream. Follow the Lord. AMEN!


STAY ON PURPOSE! the Lord needs you!

What is your purpose?

Feel good!

Every now and then women feel the need to have a boost of femininity.. just to feel good about yourself no matter what is going on in your life. No matter how sick you are. If your heart is broken. If you have no time for yourself. To busy with the kids. Busy climbing the corporate ladder. You just want to feel like the most feminine of women?? just sexy? you just want to have that swagger that you have it going on??

I will suggest the following:
Love yourself, no matter what..

But, please by all means, check out the Beyonce 'I am yours' CD/DVD, the DVD being the most inspirational. It will make you feel awesome. In addition, there is a B-day DVD with all the videos made with the album..

Those are two things that make me feel feminine as hell.

What makes you feel sexy????

You should give yourself a sexy name... I can't think of one for myself.. What's yours.

All my life I have been told to treat people the way you want to be treated. This is something, that can get lost in life. It is a great mantra to have, sometimes life just doesn't allow you to go that route.

Let me share:

I have had a very strained work relationship with a co-worker. She is very ambitous and cut-throat. I am focused on getting the job done, and climbing the ladder based on productivity. which means that I supported this person, even when she was being evil.
She has been
promoted to a higher position, in which she doesn't have complete understanding of the job, especially the technology. So I was assigned to help her get her stuff in order, technology wise. I jumped in.. we have rekindled a relationship that should have always been. She is becoming successful, We are accompishing things.

I have acecpted a new job, and do you know what.....
She is unhappy... She has made it so, that I take her contract with me.. to my new job. And states regularly i cannot do this without you! to upper-management further increasing my worth to the corporation.

Wow!... Remember treat people how you want to be treated, you will have to deal with them eventually.
And please, please, please remember. That God is good.. ALWAYS.

A pearl: think before you speak (a hard, but necessary lesson to learn}, it will decrease the apologies you will have to make.

The Under-Achiever has spoken... what do you have to say.

The Under-Achiever

Under Achieving is so prevelent. I have and have heard others literally talk themselves out of their blessings. Their birthright, their dreams. Its amazing.

Under-Achieving is no longer an option, Under-Achieiving is not a pass to be a victim. Under-Achieiving is unacceptable. Make yourself proud, take care of you. Follow your heart, STEP-OUT-ON-FAITH... JUST DO IT!

Whatever it is.. (as long as its legal) fall into your own! Take whats yours.

I don't know how else to say it!

Yes I do.. DO YOU!

Your Kids!

It is important to invest in your kids. Yes, time. Yes, listening. Yes, loving moments. Yes, guidance. But most importantly, teach them service. Teach them to help others, teach them to give. And you will open their world to like minded people and opportunities that they will thank you for...

Try Soup kitchens. At Christmas time, have them donate old (gently used) toys for tots. Have them pick out new toys for others. Have them donate clothings to shelters. Have them work at a Animal shelter. Old folk homes, churches etc...

Our kids need to learn service.

God Bless the Haitian people.

R

Work!

Follow the following persons on Twitter.. i promise you will NOT regret it. Russell Simmons and Rev Run... they Tweet non-stop, but its good stuff. I actually thought about canceling their tweets from my cell phone. I did not.. and I'm glad i didn't.

On January 4th @6:26am Rev Run tweets:Push reeeeal hard 2 feel good this week! ur outside just mirrors how you feel on the inside.
Same day @ 8:52am Rev Run tweets: Tr using God is gonna take sum faith! (playing it safe is probably one of the most unsafe things to do).

Same day@8:59am RevRun tweets: Sometimes u gotta go out on a limb, that's where all the fruit is.

I have been working under a manager who simply doesn't listen to me.. And yes, I am rough around the edges, there are things that I have not yet accomplished in my life. But, I have always done my work. I have been successful in all my implementations, which in turn bring in revenue to the company. However, it had gotten to the point where I was being ignored, no one is listening, and my responsibilities had taken a drastic turn downward.

I was unable to sleep, everyday i was going into the office, feeling like a shoe, bus, or train would drop on me.. I have NEVER felt this way before when it came to my career.. My personal life a different story.

@10:51am Rev Run tweets: Treat yourself right! I do anything for me!

At the office - Another shoe dropped. My employees who had been previously removed from me.. and onto another project outside of the IT arena were not provided any direction in their new roles. Work was building up, and they were going to support inbound calls (turning sys admins into call center agents).. I was asked my opinion (which is never heard, however i ALWAYS provided it just in case) Question: should they support the new contract 85% replacing the 35% that was lost? i suggested 50%. this way they/we can continue to support the current contracts. It was dismissed...

This was my last straw. the 150th time of dismissing my ideas.

@11:27am Rev Run tweets: Sometimes you need to just get away from it all, just b alone for a bit.

After the call, i felt small once again.. I'm so tired of feeling small. i sat still for 30 mins asking God, why me? what am I Rosslyn Adrian Ruffin the daughter of Wilfred and Gloria Ann Ruffin, mother of Aubrey Ruffin and Marty D. Coley jr.. parent to Shadow and Kobe.. doing wrong?? What.. 30 mins.. i spent victimizing myself, calling out my ancestors and living relatives.. just plain tired. it turned into a an hour..

I typed up a two sentence letter of resignation... and emailed it. My plan was to pack it up, move back home and finish school.. The Lord will help me figure the rest out, like paying for my children's education, eating..etc.. 20 mins after i sent it, it was accepted by my boss.. He FINALLY listened. (this is key) i forwarded the email off to two of my friends who had been coaching me to hold on. and, my mentor.

Of course i had cold chills going up my spine.. see i have NEVER REALLY relied on FAITH.. i talked about it, listened about, read about, sung about it... WOW! I was SCARED!

@1:49pm: Rev Run tweets: Sneak out on your current life and create a betta one b4 it finds out (shhh, just do it).

God will find a way to get through to you, i didn't move on those sleepless nights. i didn't budge. I just sat still. These tweets moved me to the core. I felt so dern good. i was happy. Still scared!

@2:41pm Rev. Run tweets: Go Fwd! Take 1 giant step! May I? yes you may!

i went to lunch, and while i was gone, problems happened.. now i haven't left the building for lunch in months.. and this was a late one.. I was called by my boss, asking me to clean up the mess that had been made.. I went back into the building. took care of the problem with my "team". Really scared!

Left for the day at 5:00pm sharp.. slept a little better, but not well.

January 5th

@5:02am Rev Run tweets: Don't look 4 approval @ work, ur work will praise you well! FOCUS.

Around 6am.. i receive a call from a friend, who i didn't inform... Saying "WTF, why did you quit, what is going on..i told you i was trying to work on something (we had been talking since thanksgiving) I said i understand that i have one month after my last day to return to LM without issue. My last day is January 18th. He said ill call you back..

7:45am his HR person called me i explained to her what happened.. long and short.. since i focused on the long above... I start work for the Chief Technology office on February 8th.. my belongings will be relocated on January 24th to Arrive in DC early Feburary. This was moving fast.... real fast.

BTW- my boss asked me to stay until February 1st. WOW! is he listening?? Oh and my other contracts want me to stay.. looks like I'm taking them with me.. because the CTO wants to help me get the support i need to get them to optimum productivity..

GOD is ALWAYS listening and guess who knows better..

lesson learned:

i will forever step out on faith.i will stop underachieving, i will go where i am needed, and believe in myself. Over the past 40 years i have had some very disturbing behavior.. you know...

LUPUS!

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs ("foreign invaders," like the flu). Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues ("auto" means "self") and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.

· Lupus is also a disease of flares (the symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and remissions (the symptoms improve and you feel better). Lupus can range from mild to life-threatening and should always be treated by a doctor. With good medical care, most people with lupus can lead a full life.

· Lupus is not contagious, not even through sexual contact. You cannot "catch" lupus from someone or "give" lupus to someone.

· Lupus is not like or related to cancer. Cancer is a condition of malignant, abnormal tissues that grow rapidly and spread into surrounding tissues. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, as described above.

· Lupus is not like or related to HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) or AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). In HIV or AIDS the immune system is underactive; in lupus, the immune system is overactive.

· Our research estimates that at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus. The actual number may be higher; however, there have been no large-scale studies to show the actual number of people in the U.S. living with lupus.

· It is believed that 5 million people throughout the world have a form of lupus.

· Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44). However, men, children, and teenagers develop lupus, too.

· Women of color are 2-3 times more likely to develop lupus.

· People of all races and ethnic groups can develop lupus.

· More than 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported annually across the country