New Year’s Resolutions: Make 2011 Your Best Year Yet

What are your plans to make 2011 better than 2010?

I love reflecting back on the previous year, and anticipate the upcoming year and all that it has to offer.

My New Year’s Resolution List consists of the following:

1. I will take care of myself mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially.
2. I will continue to balance work and motherhood and spend quality time with family and friends.
3. I will volunteer by mentoring children at the Boys and Girls Club of America.
4. I will schedule speaking engagements.
5. I will continue to write, blog and publish.
6. I will continue to travel.
7. I will continue to educate myself.

Wishing you and your family the best New Year ever!

Best,
Sojourner

About Sojourner Marable Grimmett: Married with 2 Boys. Stay-At-Work Mom. Sister. Twin. Daddy’s Girl. Best Friend. Sorority Sister. Writer. Speaker. Poet. Activist. Registered Organ Donor. Super Nice. Likes to Give Hugs so much so that she may even tackle you! Visit her blog: sojournermarablegrimmett.blogspot.com follow her on twitter and like her on Facebook.

Photo: Allen Cooley Photography

The Grimmett Family - Photo Shoot

Creating Quality Time with Your Children

Our youngest son will be one-year-old next week.  I marvel at how much he's progressed in a year.  I can already get a “glimpse” of his personality: funny, charming, and determined.  Life sometimes seems to go by so fast, that I often sit back and cherish the moments of yesterday.  I treasure watching our oldest son play with his transformers and monster trucks, and our youngest covering his eyes in a game of peek-a-boo.  I'm reminded of my childhood, and the importance of creating quality time with our children. 

1. Read a Book - Children love books!  Reading a book helps expand their vocabulary, and takes them to another world.  It’s a place of fantasy where they can dream and imagine.  This is also an excellent time to bond.  My mom constantly sends books to our children, building them a wonderful library to explore.  Each night we read several books to our sons.  At times, it's the same book over and over again. 

2. Travel - We like to take adventure trips with our children.  Whether it's hoping in the car, or riding Marta (train), getting out and exploring what the city and countryside have to offer, is such a joy and eye-opening experience for our children.  Traveling is educational, and allows us to teach them how to interact with others.

 

3. Cultural Events – Exposing our sons to various cultures is beneficial.  Attending cultural fairs and events makes learning about other ethnic groups so much fun.  This will help eliminate stereotyping and promote inclusiveness.

4. Meal Time - The dining room table was once used primarily for folding clothes.  Now, we like to sit at the table each evening and talk about the day's activities.  Learning table manners are an important part to proper social etiquette.

5. Dance – We are a family that loves to sing and dance.  Wednesday is dance night.  We turn up the jams and get down!  Our boys love to move and groove.  As a result, our oldest son has already shown greater maneuverability and coordination when playing sports.

Create quality time with your children, and always cherish the special moments.


Published BlackCelebkids.com

Meredith College Remembers Elizabeth Edwards

Meredith College Remembers Elizabeth Edwards

W.E.A.L.T.H. 2010 Pre-conference Workshop: GACRAO's First Forum for Women

By Sojourner Marable Grimmett

Hosted by the Georgia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (GACRAO) President-elect Dr. Angela Evans, director of student recruitment and admissions at Kennesaw State University, the W.E.A.L.T.H (Women and Gender Equity and Access through Leadership and Training)
pre-conference workshop at this year's annual GACRAO conference motivated, educated, inspired, and empowered women in higher education.

After 18 months of planning and preparation, the pre-conference planning committee members were excited to showcase a new platform and opportunity for admission and registrar participants of post-secondary education institutions.

W.E.A.L.T.H planning committee members include the following:

Dr. Angela Evans, GACRAO President-elect Director of Student Recruitment
and Admissions, Kennesaw State University

Dr. Tyra Wingo, Chair
Associate Registrar, Chattahoochee Technical College

Romina Torres-Aranda
Associate Director of Admissions, Kennesaw State University

Sojourner Marable Grimmett
Senior Admission Representative and Student Ambassador Adviser, Savannah
College of Art and Design

Ana Edwards
Associate Registrar, Kennesaw State University

Dr. Nichole Kennedy, GACRAO Secretary
Executive Director of Student Affairs, Technical College System of Georgia

Mr. Clint Hobbs, GACRAO President
Vice President for Enrollment Management, Young Harris College

The W.E.A.L.T.H facilitator, Dr. Tyra Wingo, Associate Registrar, Chattahoochee Technical College, was phenomenal in getting participants enthusiastic about taking their careers and personal lives to the next
level. Through various exercises, women were engaged in activities that enabled them to network and learn key tools to assist them in reaching their highest potential and career goals. Leaders in their fields were selected and assigned as mentors to other participants willing to benefit from an exchange designed to enrich their personal growth and journey.

Each participant received a Personal Success Journey, based on the book, "The Success Principles" by Jack Cranfield, further providing them with the tools and framework for creating a healthy mind and the confidence to pursue their goals.

Throughout the conference, women dressed in various shades of pink were spotted everywhere as a nod to breast cancer awareness. Proceeds from W.E.A.L.T.H store sales were donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

The W.E.A.L.T.H. program is designed to provide enrollment services professionals with the opportunity to connect with and learn from each other in order to promote professional development and personal success. At the end of the conference, attendees attended an  "I-think" session, which wrapped up the first of many educational and enjoyable gatherings.

Each month, participants will have the opportunity to participate in online discussions based on a different principle featured in "Success Principles." These discussions will aid in the professional development process as well as maintain the mentor relationships forged during the workshop and conference activities.

Happy Holidays!

Guest Blogger on BlackCelebkids.com

Visit: http://www.blackcelebkids.com/author/sojourner/

Best Chicken Fingers in Atlanta

I love chicken fingers. I could eat them for dinner every night. I've eaten chicken fingers and fries at almost every  restaurant in Atlanta. OK, maybe not every restaurant, but I can tell you that I know where to go for some good chicken fingers.


Houston's 

Zaxby's 

Chick-fil-A

T.G.I. Friday's  

Shop at Target

I absolutely love shopping at Target for business casual wear and maternity wear. The next time you're in Target check out great items that will spice up your wardrobe and help flatter your figure.

Come to Jesus Meeting at Work.

I think at least three times a year, co-workers should have a “Come to Jesus Meeting” at work.  These could be meetings where everyone comes together and sings Kumbaya, or makes any attempt to join hands and be present in unison.  Let’s face it, you’re usually at work more than you’re at home, so it’s always good to at least be cordial with one another.

 

Work is much more productive if you get along with your co-workers, than if you despise them.  Be the first to speak up and offer a truce in the workplace.  Environments can often become stale, unproductive, and down right funky.  Instead of feeling miserable, call a "Come to Jesus Meeting.”  It’ll make for a better work environment and a better you!

Are You Socially Acceptable?

"I Pity the Fool" – Mr.T

Are you socially acceptable?  . 

• Do you tweet about not liking your job?

• Do you have nude photos online?

• Do you use profanity on your Facebook page?

• Do you think you’re invincible online?

• Do you have a “I Don’t Like My Boss Blog!” 

* If you answered, "Yes," then you are not socially acceptable.

Ten things to do while you are pregnant

During my first pregnancy, when I hit 7 months, I spent most weekends
sitting in the house waiting for the baby to arrive. My husband, Roland,
tried to get me out of the house, but towards the end of my pregnancy I felt
like a huge bus and didn’t want to go anywhere. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed
being pregnant, but the added 60 plus pounds wasn’t flattering and frankly
it was hard to breathe.

Only during my second pregnancy did I realize that I shouldn’t have stayed
in the house the first time around. I had to move and be moved. In
searching, I discovered several things that made my second pregnancy more
fun, active, and enjoyable.

1. Shop – It’s fun and quite humbling to watch your belly grow and buy new
clothes to flatter your figure.

2. Swap Clothes – Exchange or borrow maternity clothes from your friends or
co-workers. One of my favorite girlfriends, Teresa and I have shared
maternity clothes during both pregnancies. We love taking pictures of each
other in the clothes and comparing our mommy bumps.

3. Exercise – Walking keeps you in shape and is good for the baby. I didn’t
exercise my first pregnancy and gained a great deal of weight. The second
time around I exercised and didn’t gain as much weight, allowing my
post-pregnancy body to come back a lot quicker. My sister, Malaika signed up
for Yoga for expectant moms and loved it!

4. Cravings – Indulge your cravings and try new foods. It’s good to eat in
moderation, but if you’re craving something then eat it!

5. Photos – Take pictures documenting your growing belly. I took pictures
each month and created a video documenting my pregnancy.

6. Curiosity – If you feel comfortable, share your pregnancy updates with
your friends and colleagues. Sharing can help people feel closer to you and
excited about your bundle of joy.

7. Courtesy – Allow people to open doors for you! Take advantage of certain
perks being pregnant. Publix Supermarket has several parking spots
designated for new and expecting moms.

8. Date Night – When the baby arrives, date nights will have to be put on
the back burner. Schedule several date nights with your partner and enjoy
being out of the house.

9. Baby Shower – Showers are great events for you and your friends to
celebrate your new addition to the family. If this isn’t your first
pregnancy, then ask your family and friends to throw you a diaper shower. We
had a diaper shower, and the diapers lasted over 3 months. Also, remember to
ask for several different diaper sizes.

10. Support Groups – Join or create a new mom support group. My colleague
Lara and I started a support group at work. It’s a wonderful way for new,
expectant, and seasoned moms to get together monthly to discuss motherhood.
There are also a number of support groups online, if you can’t establish one
at your job.

There are millions of reasons to enjoy being pregnant. I’m sure if you try
one of these then you’ll be on your way to a sound mind and body, memorable
moments, and a healthy beautiful baby.

Republished in Black Celeb Kids.com