So, This is What's Up! School, Writing & More...

Well, a lot has happened since I was really keeping the blog up. One of the big things that happened is that I started two blogs for a more mainstream audience. The first one I started in conjunction with my husband is VoicesFromTheShadows.net. This blog was started as a way to extend the dialogue began at Buddhist discussion meetings. My hubby and I realized that the talks at our Buddhist meetings were only the beginning of the iceberg in terms of really digging in deep to talk about the concepts we were learning. And more importantly, the blog discusses the concepts in a relatable way to our everyday lives. The other goal of the blog is to introduce people to my faith. Right now, most people think of Buddhism as this really foreign religion and thoughts of the Dalai Lama come to mind. However, these images do not fully describe the full Buddhist spectrum. I, on the other hand, am almost the complete opposite. I am a woman of color that practices Buddhism, Nichiren Daishonin's, in America. I go to work (well temp currently). I am married. And the list goes on. I do not live in an isolated place or just go to a monastery. Our blog is about practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism in everyday life. It breaks down concepts as they relate to our lives. And I hope we are all becoming better Buddhists and deepening our faith as a result of reading, writing, and commenting on the blog. Whew, what a mouthful.

Then, if that blog wasn't enough, I also created a blog for women of color called CaramelBella.com. This blog is designed to keep women of color abreast of developments in the areas of fashion, beauty, self-development, finance as well as highlighting women of color that are doing well and a good model for the rest of us. The blog also showcases some well-known celebrities from time to time for fun. It's got to be FUN!

Those two blogs keep me pretty busy. I am enjoying writing on them and keeping them updated. It's almost a full-time job. ALMOST. I think its getting me into the swing of writing everyday which is a skill I really need to get accustomed to considering....

drum roll please....... (here comes the big news)

I got into grad school! Whoopee! Yes, I did. I got into USC-Annenberg's School of Communication & Journalism. I will be pursuing my master's degree in Journalism beginning this August. Yes, this month I start my studies. I can't believe I'll be back in school in about 2 weeks! I'm really excited about going back to school but admit it will be a big change.

And my last little piece of news is that I also received a Dean's scholarship (full scholarship) to attend USC. I'm psyched and so is my hubby. We feel very fortunate. The funny thing is that I was so surprised that they awarded it to me - little old me. Now, I really have to do a good job and represent!

And other news - yes, there is more. I got accepted into the SGI Young Writers Group. SGI is my lay Buddhist organization. They have two international publications - The World Tribune, a newspaper, and Living Buddhism, a magazine. I have the opportunity to write for both publications for a year and receive training and support. What a tremendous opportunity!! Plus, for a budding writer like me, it will help me get clips (published writing sources). At the moment, I only have one journalistic clip - also from The World Tribune. So, I am really excited about being a part of the fantastic 9 that were chosen.

So, that's what I've been up to for the most part. I'm sure I could go on and on - and bore you to death but I won't. I'll save additional details for a later time.

Hugs,
JG

NO Seriously, I'm BAAACK!

Life has truly been a whirlwind since you last heard from me. Moving into the new home was just the beginning. Honestly, there have been lots of disappointments and lots of wonderful surprises. This is LIFE right! I plan to update you on all that's been happening in my life over time. If I wrote it all today, you and I both would be exhausted. It's too much to explain in a single post. Just know that I am still here. And I plan to continue posting and sharing my world with those who care. Why?! Because its fun and I want to. (Enough said.) I also think its therapeutic at some level.

Just expect to hear the truth because that's what I'm all about.

I'm BAAACCCKKKK!

Yes, I know you thought that I had forgotten you ----- but I didn't. And now I am back. I think I needed the break too. So much has been going on. My butt was on overload. I think I bought into the whole "you-can-never-do-too-much" hype. Yeah that whole phenomenal woman stuff. Well, I now know my limit. I had taken on way too much the last quarter of last year. I started taking classes at UCLA to advance my writing skills. I began a job search and a couple of other personal projects. And.... as if there could be anything else as significant (I'm joking, people), my husband and I bought a home. What a major coup! We moved out of our ultra-modern loft into a beautiful Spanish Mediterranean home, complete with the Spanish tile roof and an enclosed, private courtyard. (I've always wanted a Spanish style home. And my husband and I made another little brown girl's dream come true!) Then, we had my mom visit from the east coast for Thanksgiving. And your girl did ALL the cooking. (Yes, I can cook.) It was a great visit. My mom really rolled up her sleeves and helped us unpack and get settled in our new home. She was a lifesaver!! Then, it was finishing up working at my old job before the year ended. And then, our whole family (hubby, Marley, and I) took the show on the road to DC and NYC for the holidays! We had a really good time. We spent time with friends and family in both cities. It was a great holiday. We even managed to sneak in a broadway play, The Color Purple, which was FANTASTIC. (I almost didn't even want to mention the play so casually because it deserves its own blog entry. Yes, it was superb.)

Now I am resting at home and trying to fight bronchitis before it turns into full-blown pneumonia (remember 2004). I need all of my strength for 2007. I have a lot planned. And I am not even going to think about what it could mean to bring the new year in with a cold. I guess because I know 2007 is going to be a great year for me and my family! Get ready for a year full of interesting, uplifting, and enlightening posts from me (that is my goal for myself).

Happy New Year!!