JenOni

#family

Book: A Wrinkle In Time and My Thoughts

Book: A Wrinkle in Time

When I saw the trailer for “A Wrinkle in Time”, I realized this was not on my book list growing up.    I was a big fan of Judy Blume books.  For this film, just knowing that Ava Duvarney was the director was enough for me to see it.     In preparation for the movie, I decided to read the book.  Although I was ninety-four pages from the end,  the movie was worth the wait.

  1.  A” Calvin” is a breath of fresh air and will always find the beauty in you
  2.  Being different is what makes us all unique
  3.  Brown girls truly are magical
  4.   Fear should not guide our lives
  5.   Do not let “IT” rule your life
  6.   Rise above “IT”
  7.  We are perfect in our own right
  8.  Make sure searching for more is not at the expense of losing what is in front of you
  9.  Believe in yourself even under trying circumstances
  10.  We can pull strength from unlikely places

 

Black Panther – My Thoughts on the Excellence of this Film

Black Panther

A few weeks ago the kids and I went to Movie Tavern to see Black Panther.   Although, I did not grow up reading comic books my younger brother did and I knew he could unravel any questions.   Also did some of my own research and learned that the comic book was created in 1966.   My brother was the one who told about the Stan Lee pop-up in the Marvel movies.    I think I was more excited than my kids to see the film.   My kids have no clue this was real for me because growing up I did not see a Black superhero on the big screen.   The only Ryan Coogler film I did not see is Fruitvale Station but this was a must-see.     Black Panther was worth every drop of the hype it was given.   From the start of the movie,  I was glued to the screen.

There were so many things I thought were beyond a dope.   A few things that left an impression on me:

  1.   Shuri,  sister of T’Challa is the all about  STEM!  How could I not love her character?   When I was contemplating choosing a STEM major I was lost in terms of women who came before me in the technological field.   This film brought to light how brilliant brown girls are with a splash of sassy!  I know Brown girls walked away seeing themselves.
  2.  The Dora Milaje, female bodyguards of T’Challa were exquisitely beautiful and dedicated to protecting Wakanda by any means necessary.   The physicality of their role is my next fitness goal.   It showed women of color in such an amazing light that made black girl magic a reality.
  3.  Wakanda, while fictional allowed us to escape to a nation that was rich in African pride.   The cinematography, special effects, and costume design were a flawless example of talent on the big screen.
  4. I believe it is a film that will leave a lasting impression on children of all ages.  My inner child thoroughly enjoyed every second of the film.
  5. Kudos to Ryan Coogler for bringing this film to the big screen in an exquisite fashion.

 

History in the making…..

Teaching Kids Money Habits Using Games, Apps, Tips, and Books

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post by PSECU, a credit union in Pennsylvania.

Money Habits: Games, Books, and Tips to Teach Kids about Money

Good money habits begin to develop when you’re young.   That is why it’s important for parents to have an action plan on how to teach their children how to manage their money.

Learning about money can be fun and exciting for kids.   There are lots of engaging stories they can read that both entertain and teach.   When your child is old enough to play with a smartphone, you can download apps like Green$treets and Bankaroo to help them begin to track their savings and learn how to budget. You can come up with your own games or buy board games that revolve around money choices to help your children put their money knowledge to practice.
PSECU created the infographic below, which includes tips, smartphone apps, games and books for your child to read during every stage in life in order to prepare them to be financially savvy adults.

Consider opening a custodial account for your child. Custodial accounts can be opened for any child or young adult under 21 years of age.   While your child will be the sole owner of the account, they will not be able to withdraw funds without the custodian’s approval.   Custodians can be the parent, guardian, grandparent or relative of the child.   When the child turns 21 years old the custodian must turn the account over to the young adult.   Custodial accounts are great ways to help save for your child’s future while also teaching them how to manage their money online.

 

——->What are some fun ways you’ve found to teach your kids good money habits?<——–

Family, Friends, and Frenemies After Divorce?

I quickly learned divorce can create the great divide with in-laws and the acquired friends.   This is unfortunate especially when children are involved.    The extended family is not my reality.  Divorce creates a divide because people instinctively have an allegiance to their family.    The unfortunate part is the children involved are without this extension of the family.   I realized how artificial friendships and relationships truly are after divorce.     It is astonishing how quickly individuals will believe the worst or take sides.   All in all, I guess this is human nature.

Unfortunately, children are squeezed in the middle of all this messiness.      However, I have realized how insincere people were from the beginning.   It is amazing how people will try to reach out but the intention is so weak and the last thing you need is to hear from people who want to brag about themselves and their life.    No shade but I would like to believe my new life of raising my children as a single parent and juggling the day-to-day grind far exceeds an individual’s ramblings about their life.    The old adage  “blood is thicker than water”  resonates every day I am dealing with the challenges of being divorce.   I see now that relatives will take sides regardless of the circumstances.  My stance on this journey is you have to take the good, the bad and the ugly and keep it moving.

Needless to say, I am better for it because I am very protective of who I allow in as well as their intentions.   The silver lining lies in the fact I have my family, old friendships and new friendships to provide my sanity check and support network.

The true lesson is to be cognizant of family dynamics if you want to build a life with someone and raise your own family.    Personally, I feel great families are built on the same principles, morals, and values which create a solid foundation centered on the true meaning of FAMILY.