The Dean's List

Those who know me are used to me being very transparent about almost everything. I haven’t blogged in a long time. I walk past my laptop every day and I hear it calling my name.  Writing is my therapy and Lord knows I need it now!!!  So, this morning, I poured a cup of coffee and logged on because I can’t put it off anymore!  Here we go…. I’ve been doing a lot of soul-searching and have concluded the reason why I’ve been so emotional is I’m close to a milestone. Next month it will be 5 years since I’ve been disabled. 5 years since I woke up that morning and couldn’t get out of bed. 5 years since the remnants of my horseback riding accident 10 years prior showed its ugly head for real! 5 years since I’ve worked.   5 years since multiple tests, taking large quantities of opioids, other drugs and spine injections. 5 years since the 1 st of 3 surgeries.   5 years since I learned who had my back (excuse the pun) and who didn’t.   5 years since my l...

It’s been very easy to have pity parties these days. My life has done a complete 180 degree turn over the last few years because of my spinal injury. If you’ve followed my journey, you know I’ve always been transparent with my struggles (maybe too transparent). It’s called “Free Therapy!” I made a promise to myself that it was time to do some things different and it had to happen YESTERDAY!! One day last week, I checked the bank account to see if I had a few dollars to hang out for a bit without getting stranded and started on my adventure. I called for an Uber and was off. They dropped me off at Michael’s so I could pick up some items for an art project I’m working on! Yes! I said art project! The only place I’m usually artistic is in the kitchen. We will see how that goes…. Now back to the story. I was so happy to see that Michael’s had riding carts because my left leg hasn’t been very nice to me lately. I spent at least an hour, riding around the store and talking to a clerk a...

Whether you like his music or not, everyone must give Sir Elton his props! He is one of the most successful artists in the industry and has stood the test of time. I’ve always been a fan and even had the opportunity to see him perform live in Rochester a few years ago. That’s when I became a super fan! This man puts on an incredible show! I heard late last year that a movie would be coming out about his life. I rarely go to the movies, but will go when there is one I really want to see. “Rocket Man” was one of those movies.   Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve seen Elton and the actor that plays him,  Taron Egerton making their promo rounds on television. Their description of the movie and the fact that Elton wouldn’t be singing in the movie left me a little nervous that I might be disappointed. I was pleasantly surprised!!!! It was PHENOMENAL!!!!        I won’t share any spoilers, but Elton has always been open about his life, good ...

In 1999 I wrote this letter to the editor. It was published and I was then invited to join the Democrat and Chronicle Board of Contributors. Today WDKX Radio celebrates their 45th Anniversary I know over the past several weeks, numerous media outlets have featured stories about 104WDKX celebrating their 25th Anniversary. All of the stories have revealed the struggles and triumphs of owner, Andrew Langston. All of the stories have shown how a very small, but close knit family have created and maintained a very successful business. The story that hasn’t been told is the one about the Langston Family, the people behind the business. It was 1979 and I was 16 years old. Without getting into too many details, I was growing up in a very strained home environment. I was basically raising myself. I went to DKX to look for a job because I always dreamed of working at a radio station. I was in need of money to buy basic needs like clothes, shoes, lunch money, etc… Mr. Langston himself greeted ...

I feel like I want to testify –I’m Truly Thankful!!! I woke up this morning like every other morning. I’m a creature of habit (folks that I know who follow the stars say it’s the Libra in me…Balanced). I rolled over and stretched for 10 minutes….Slid off the bed so my feet would hit the floor….Spent another 10 minutes doing my physical therapy exercises…..Once done, I was able to stand straight…..Off to the kitchen I went to make coffee….Took a few sips…..Walked the grand puppies…..Same routine every morning. Whenever I miss any of these steps, my whole day seems off. Once my daily routine is complete, it usually depends on how my back and leg feels before I decide how the rest of my day goes. Today, I’m now sitting on my patio with my laptop in tow, thinking about how thankful I am…… Let’s get the negative stuff out of the way now: A horseback riding accident has left me disabled – four years, three surgeries, two cages, two rods and six screws in my spine. I haven’t been ab...