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Janette R. Smith Gadgets 33 Securing Our Kid’s Internet
Money Minutes
26 5 Steps to Create an Effective Online Strategy
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2015: A New Year, a New You! How to Mean It When You Say It and Deliver on It This Year. by Janette R. Smith
Travel 31 Honeymooning in Thailand
Business Profiles 13 Five Touch Spa and Salon and more
Education 22 We Love to Read
Philadelphia Freedom
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New places are popping up. Check out what’s new around Philadelphia ... 8 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia
Denise James is a seasoned journalist whose passion is telling stories that reflect people’s truths in empowering ways. Denise began her career at WGPR TV & Radio in Detroit. WGPR was America’s first black owned television station. There she hosted a live morning talk show, reported for the evening news and produced special segments focused on people and issues shaping the times. morning talk show, reported for the evening news and produced special segments focused on people and issues shaping the times. She has worked at network affiliate TV stations in Greensboro and Durham, North Carolina as well as 6abc Action News in Philadelphia. She has covered everything from education and celebrities to crime, politics and the Ku Klux Klan.
Dr. Irene Okech holds a PhD in Public Health and an MBA in Healthcare Management Policy. Her research interests are in Pediatric health outcomes, & Maternal and child health policies. A young and upcoming leader, she is also a spokesperson for the disparities faced by women and children in rural Africa. Dr. Okech is the co-founder of Imbako Public Health, an organization that seeks to allay disparities in healthcare and education faced by women and children in rural Kenya.
Candace Smith is a native Philadelphian and graduate of Syracuse University (BA) and City University of London (MA). After spending a few years living in London, Candace returned to Philadelphia and continues to forge a career as a freelance journalist, writer, blogger, actress, and host. Besides interviewing intriguing personalities for Urban/Suburban Magazine, she is also currently contributing her knowledge and skills to various artistic movements, publications, websites, and podcasts such as REP Radio, AFFRM, Tinsel and Tine, and Hipolitics.
Jennifer S. Matthews is a noted author, motivational speaker, and is trained as a financial coach. She is the author of the award-winning book “12 Ways to Put Money in Your Pocket Every Month Without A Part Time Job”.
Kyle Leishear has been a Tech & Gadget enthusiast his whole life. Even as a child when he would break something he would try to fix it. That led him to a life of always trying to stay on top of the latest and greatest technologies and seeing how they work.
Matt Schmidt works as the Graphic Design Team Lead for Urban Suburban Magazine. Since he graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2010, he has been designing various material, from logos to brochures, for clients within the Philadelphia area.
Margarita McKissick has 15+ years of professional experience as a writer and public relations professional. She is currently working on her Ph.D in Philosophy (focusing on today’s youth), she earned her Master’s degree with high distinction in Public Communications at American University, and her Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a focus on radio and television broadcast from Cheyney University.
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Introducing a
New Contributor Janette R. Smith
Janette Smith is an Emmy, Telly and Aurora award-winning journalist with 22 years experience in the broadcast industry, reporting and anchoring at WCPO-TV Cincinnati, WFAA-TV Dallas, and WAGA-Atlanta. Before the days of reality TV -Janette gave news ‘new life’ by truly becoming a part of each story, as a result Janette has done and seen things most of us would only dare to imagine; including bull riding (for 2.7 seconds ) and living at sea on the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis for 4 days. (The Stennis is featured in Transformers II) Ms. Smith also worked in the entertainment industry for 6 years hosting “ASK DIY” - a syndicated home improvement show for the D.I.Y.Network, as well custom specials about Habitat for Humanity on HGTV. Fulfilling her passion for making a difference in the lives of people all over the world, Janette spent 6 years overseeing the media department at Creflo Dollar Ministries as the department’s Executive Producer. In 2007 she put that passion to work as the Media / Web Director for Grammy award winning, Platinum artist Fred Hammond at Fred Hammond Family Ent, Corp. Janette’s most recent screen credit is as Producer and Actor in the Fred Hammond family film, “Christmas... Who Needs It.” This independent film was a break-out star featured at the 2007 Hollywood Black Film Festival. Janette is a graduate of Alabama A&M University and is currently the owner and Managing Director of her own media, marketing and branding company Mirror Media Solutions and host of the internet radio program “Janette Smith Online.”
Publisher’s Opinion
Imagine a new day. Or better yet imagine a new process of thinking. Imagine the possibilities of people respecting and honoring the rights of other to be different and unique. Wishful thinking or imagining. Sometimes life is all too simple but rather complicated. As we approach the new day, New Year, new moments in time, perhaps we should just think about the things we say or do before we do them. Exercising a little more care never hurt anyone. In life, we don’t have erasers, pause buttons or delete keys. We have raw human emotions that often times dedicate how the other party will feel or react as we move for-
ward with learning or interpreting human interaction. Be thoughtful as we develop new business relationships, friendship and adult relationships. Just remember that just because you have a new passion doesn’t make it someone else’s passion. Just because I wish for your success means I will drop my passion for yours. Stay true to your dream and be committed a 100% to your success, after all it’s your success despite the input of other’s. The bottom line is don’t be dependent upon others for your happiness or success. Make 2015 the first stepping stone in your path toward success. Continued success!!!! George Clifford Blackmon, Publisher
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Philadelphia Chiropractic & Dr. Don … At the age of 24, fresh out of college and he started having elbow pain from working out. He consulted orthopedic doctors who, of course, recommended surgery. This didn’t sound like available option to our Dr. Don so he consulted a chiropractor (at his mom’s recommendation) and had very good results. Within 3 or 4 weeks the pain was gone and he could again work out …and the rest is history!! He enrolled in Parker college, graduated in Dec 2005 and began a new phase of his life! He assisted in various chiropractic offices in the Philadelphia area and also the northeast coast of Australia where he donated time helping the Aboriginal people. He opened Philadelphia Chiropractic. He’s a talented practitioner and an avid proponent of chiropractic. Dr. Don is an international speaker on health and wellness, volunteers his skills at various charitable organizations and in 2012 did a mission trip to the Dominican Republic to help bring chiropractic to the poorer areas there. He also teaches adjusting seminars at several chiropractic colleges. http://www.oldcitychiro.com/
Location 33 South 3rd Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106 Office Hours Monday: 9am -1pm & 3:30pm-6:30pm Thursday: 3:30pm -6:30pm Tuesday: 3:30pm -6:30pm Friday: 9am -1pm & 3:30pm-6:30pm Wednesday: 9am -1pm & 3:30pm Saturday & Sunday Closed
Inspired Sounds Craig Saunders is the Chief Executive Officer and resident DJ of Inspired Sounds based out of Philadelphia. Inspired Sounds is a full service mobile enertainement company providing professional DJ and lighting services for a variety of special events; birthdays, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, corporate events, charitable events as well as a host of other. Our team of seasoned professionals is sure to make your event memorable. Craig has been recognized for his professional talents by organizations such as the International DJ Cafe and was recruited as a member of the Undisputed Blend Kingz based out of Boston. He has further been recognized for his charitable service by the American Cancer Society as well as other local organizations. Inspired Sounds 484.840.3555 InspiredSounds215@gmail.com @InspiredSounds_ urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 13
Tawanda Auston Five Touch Spa & Salon She has also been in commercials for Coastal Federal Credit Union, Charlotte Metro Credit Union, and Clinton Dental Associates along with various print jobs. (To see video clips go to website below and click reels. http://800casting.com/profile/30140/0?print=False#view=Videos) or scan the QR code below.. Some of the Fashion Shows she has modeled in has included Charlotte Fashion Week, Atlanta Fashion Week, Baltimore Fashion Week, Nelson Arrington Completes, and Women’s Empowerment to name a few. She wil Tawanda Auston wears a lot of hats. She is a wife, the mother of three, actress, model/model coach, and business owner. She graduated from NC Wesleyan College in 2002 with a bachelors of Science in Business Administration. After discovering her passion, she went to school to prepare for her licensure in Massage Therapy, Esthetics, and Manicuring later becoming the owner of Five Touch Spa & Salon in 2012 located at 2403 B Wooten Blvd, Wilson NC 27893. Five Touch Spa & Salon provides a complete Spa & Salon experience for clients by offering everything under one roof including facials/ body treatments, massage, nail, and hair care services in a caring, upscale, professional environment. Tawanda always liked being on the runway and never thought she would ever be acting. After being on the set of One Tree Hill as an extra, she enjoyed it so much that she decided it was time to pursue a bigger role. This is when she landed her first lead role in the independent film “Scorn”. www.scornmovie. com. All proceeds from the show will go to the Five Touch Scholarship Fund. Please visit her website at www.fivetouchspa.com for more information. 14 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia
Ajala Essence Dance Studio,LLC. Where the expression of dance spiritually and artistically knows no boundaries. We are currently registering students for our fall dance term. We provide dance instruction for all ages. Ajala Essence Dance Studio is a unique ensemble of classically trained instructors committed to providing artistic excellence through performances and is founded on the belief of educating, inspiring, and presenting the beauty of this expressive art form known as dance to all audiences. It is clear that creative expression is critical in the overall academic development of a young child’s life and will only serve to enhance their focal skills in and outside of the classroom. We know and understand that there is so much more to dance than just steps... it’s a way of life. Our program is designed for students to develop & achieve self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-love while exploring the diverse levels of creative movement through the performing arts. Jamie R. Laughlin, Director Ajala Essence Dance Studio, LLC. 610-205-9270 office 610-809-6892 cell AEDSdance.com
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As the seasons turn a new a leaf,
the
fashion world gears up for new releases and forecasts for trends. This past November celebrity stylist and designer Anthony Chad unveiled his 2014 Holiday Collection for his women’s ready-to-wear line MORRIS. The presentation and exclusive shopping event will be held at Stilettos located in the Cherry Hill Mall. Fitness model Marisa Elise, Oxygen Network’s “The Face” finalist Sandra Woodley, and celebrity makeup artist Siaani Love hosted the event as guests get to shop and view the newest collection by MORRIS. Guests were treated to an evening of live mannequins, fine wine, hors d’oeuvre, music, and special surprise guests. Confirmed special guests include Bleu Bombshell’s editor-in-chief Tanyka Renee. The new holiday collection serves as an accumulation of Chad’s past six months of hard work. “I’ve been working really hard to really hone in on a specific market of girls: the ‘it girl’,” Chad explains. His holiday collection is an assortment of trendy must-have pieces ranging from textiles of lace all the way to spandex and argyle. He crafted pieces like midis and crop tops all the way to maxis and dresses.
Each piece is custom-made to measurement for each customer. All the pieces fit the profile of the “it girl” that jet sets to LA on a whim or the “it girl” that prefers lattes to coffee. Overall, the “it girl” appreciation was Chad’s effort at targeting trendy girls across the globe who have a fashion forward attitude towards living. Chad hopes to extend the collection further post-event, hoping to dive into trendy “it girl” shoes and accessories. Dressing for the up-to-the-minute is not new for Anthony Chad. Anthony’s past celebrity clients include Trey Songz, Rosa Acosta, Charli Baltimore, Claudette Ortiz, Kendra G., Lisa Rinna, and many more. His styling work has been featured by major outlets such as Vogue Italia, MTV, MTV 2, MTV UK, BET, Fashion Bomb Daily, Maxim, New York Times, Daily Mail, GQ , and more. To stay up-to-date with Anthony Chad and the MORRIS line be sure to follow him on Twitter and Instagram @anthonychadstyles and @morrisbyanthonychad. Be sure to check out www.morrisbyanthonychad.com!
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Out with the old and in with the new. As with every New Year, Interior Designers often have interest in what’s current with new design trends. We offer these refreshing ideas to our clients in order to provide innovative and current designs in their spaces. These are the areas which will be included for the 2015 Interior Design trends:
Color: For interior residential spaces, Grey has been the “New Beige� for most of 2014 and it continues to be a popular neutral color this 20 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia
year. Cool grey compliments with pinks, reds, whites, blacks, blues and woods such as maples and very dark walnut tones. Warm grey works with greens, orange, browns, and warmer wood tones. Coral has been proposed as the hot color of the year by Sherwin Williams. Pantone which is a company that produces proprietary colors used in major industries selected Marsala which is a reddish wine color as the color of the year. Both of these colors separately pair extremely well with grey.
Lifestyles and Housing: Continuing with the 2014 trends, the American aging population is still moving from the suburbs to city dwellings for convenience purposes. Building grocery stores, shops, entertainment complexes within less that a one mile radius and easy access to public transportation make city life an attractive alternative for baby boomers. On the other hand, there will be a large percentage of college graduates who may move back with the parents until they have stable salaries to afford housing. New homes built in the United States will have a smaller footprint yet include greener solutions. Prior to 2010, the square footage of new homes was around 2,400, the average in 2015 will be less than 2,200 square feet. Living rooms and dining rooms will be combined with the kitchen area as one large eating and entertaining space. Master Bedrooms will be included on the 1st floors to accommodate the
older dwellers. Energy saving appliances will continue to be the norm as technology continues to create more efficient measures with water and electricity usage. Apartments and condominiums which have amenities for the older population will continue to expand altering bathrooms and kitchen layouts for elderly and handicap occupants.
Architectural Materials: Porcelain and ceramic tiles are very popular with designers and homeowners. Some of these tiles look very close to marbles without the cost and the maintenance. Natural wood flooring combined with metal and wood panels on walls gives a very modern look when it is paired with grey and other colors. Appliances and fixtures continue to evolve in a more refined, slick, clean and modern lines. Quartz tops gives a more uniformed look in patterns and finish are popular as kitchen and bath countertops.
Bathrooms and Kitchens: The clean, slick look will carry for bathroom and kitchen designs. Again, simple porcelain tiles, quartz tops, freestanding deep soaking tubs paired with separate pedestal sinks together instead of adding long countertops with 2 sinks are popular. White tiles, white sinks, white toilets and white tubs are
common color choices. Modern chrome fixtures and beautiful mirrors pair for the new clean feel, but dark walls featuring black tiles will be the new focal point for bathrooms. For Kitchens, 2015 will include a series of eclectic looks as mixing modern and traditional styles in the same area with the combination of natural wood tones with metals and stones such as marble and quartz countertops. For homeowners who are dire hard modernists, make sure you include clean lines, sculptural chrome fixtures. LED light fixtures and energy efficient appliances. Simple color palettes as white, grey, cream, black, reds, blues with light to mid natural stained woods are common. You will not see a lot of yellow or red toned woods for cabinets.
Furniture: When it comes to furniture, purchase occasional chairs and tables that have straight, linear lines and pair them with fluid Art Deco influenced sofas and chaise lounge chairs pieces with a sprinkle of ethnic accessories and art work. This is a mixture of eclectic stirred with rich and luxury. Make your pieces to reflect what you like. Acquire bold paintings and wall sculptures for artwork as a finishing touch. In conclusion, 2015 will include the look of eclectic luxury which was growing in popularity near the end of 2014. Color is simple but make sure you add one or two accent colors, furniture lines are linear, bathroom and kitchen styles are elegant, clean and crisp. For additional information or for a consultation, contact Verden Interior Design Studio at 215-360-6722. urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 21
“If one reads enough books one has a fighting chance. Or better, one’s chances of survival increase with each book one reads.” — Sherman Alexie
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Things My Momma Never Told Me That I Want My Daughter to Know
It is the offspring of a conversation I had with my older sister several months ago. As I recall, we were talking about men, as we often do, and my sister made the comment “Momma never told us about that”. Her statement struck a chord in me and as our conversation progressed, we both came to the realization that our mother never had conversations with us about much of anything pertaining to love, life choices, sex, men, money or religion. We never discussed matters of the heart.
No Time for Sex
by Claudia and David Arp
Black Wallstreet by Jay Jay Wilson
Black Wallstreet was the most affluent African American community and business district in United States History. At the turn of the last century, Tulsa’s black community was thriving with highly successful businesses. Approximately ten black millionaires lived there. Six had private airplanes in 1921. There were affluent black doctors, lawyers, educators, entrepreneurs and oilmen. Over 600 booming businesses literally flourished during this very troubling period in American history.
Today most married couples live in a perpetual frenzy of criss-crossing schedules, meals on the run, continual drop-offs and pick-ups, feedings, meetings, and events. Something has to give, and often it is sex. But according to marriage experts David and Claudia Arp, it does not have to be this way. They offer help for energy-zapped, sleep-challenged, and sex-deprived couples longing to put interest back in intimacy, readiness back in romance, and sizzle back in marital sex. Using an easy, fun, but realistic and biblically based approach, the Arps share five secrets to help time-deprived lovers recapture a five-star love life, including tips for boosting energy and finding time away from the kids. Intimate, frank, and down-to-earth practical, this book is a must for today’s harried married
Cheating Men And Their Dirty Little Secrets by Renee Baum Esq.
The ugly truth about Cheaters -- Their selfish lusts -- The lives they destroy. Inspired by real life stories of betrayal and infidelity -- A woman’s blueprint for survival! CHEATING MEN is a stunning expose` about the sordid truths of male infidelity, told by a California Divorce Attorney, who suddenly finds herself betrayed by her own husband after decades of a “loving” and “rock-solid” marriage. Inspired by the author’s own personal experience, and the case files of her real-life clients, CHEATING MEN reveals, for the first time, many of the DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS of men who cheat on their trusting partners. A must read for any woman, CHEATING MEN presents a practical road-map for surviving a painful betrayal, taking the reader through the gut-wrenching shock of initial discovery; the futility of denial; feelings of revenge and retribution; the general failure of second chances; divorce wars; the agony of being alone; and the ultimate power of love, faith and family in moving past a relationship that is ravaged by infidelity. urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 23
by Jennifer Matthews
It’s no secret that more and more people are buying goods and services online. E-commerce is the fastest growing retail market with an estimated US$520 billion to be spent online in 2014. To get your slice of this enormous market you a solid online business strategy. Here are 5 factors that contribute to all online business success stories. 26 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia
1. Provide Quality Information. You can get other things wrong but still enjoy some online business success if you have good information on your website. The quality of your information needs to be of the best possible standard, well researched and exclusive to your website. Try to deliver information and facts in a way that specifically covers the needs and wants of your target audience.
2. Have A Professional Design. The design of your website has a significant role to play in the overall the effectiveness of your online business. It not only impacts the whole user experience, but will also effect your overall search engine rankings. Make sure your logo and your colour scheme match the overall feel you want for your website.
3. Give Your Website Personality. The best websites on the internet all have an individual feel that make them stand out from their competition. As part of your online business strategy you need to take into consideration the personality of your website. People view these personalities unconsciously and either they like or dislike them. By way of example, is your website warm and friendly or really serious? If you’re not aware of your website’s personality, people will just make their own opinions, which may not be want you want them to think.
4. Make Sure Your Business Has Longevity. People trust brands that are well established. This is obviously challenging for a new online business and your online business strategy needs to think in terms of years rather than months. There is no ‘get rich quick’ secret to online business success. If you want to create an online business that stands out, aim to make something that will still be relevant in years to come.
5. Create A Solid Business Model. Online business tactics involve understanding who your customers are, having the right products and solutions that they want to buy from you time and time again. These are all important factors that will help your online business achieve the success you want. urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 27
Travel
temples throng the capital, reminding you of its great cultural and spiritual past. Bangkok, in fact, is an amazing blend of the old and the new, tradition and modernity. This something makes that makes your honeymoon a memory to cherish and remember.
Thailand offers you a fantastic tropical honeymoon experience. The country offers an array of attractions for the honeymooners. While towns like Bangkok compete with the West for entertainment activities, places like Krabi and Phuket put forth another facet of the country. Honeymoon in the wonderful country of Thailand is an exciting idea. Not only are the Thai people warm, there is plenty of freshness all around in the country, which can be felt from the beaches to the exotic countryside and from the resort towns to the metropolitan cities. Palm fringed beaches, islands and the fresh breeze make Thailand an unforgettable honeymoon destination. Resorts such as Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui offer the honeymooners some places of lovely scenic beauty, where they can spend some quality time with each other. Thailand is a place which has become a global favorite as a romantic destination. People who visit the country once, like to come here again and again. So if you are planning your wedding in near future, then Thailand may be an ideal choice for the honeymoon. Bangkok, the capital, offers you all the charms of a modern city. It has tall skyscrapers, robust transportation infrastructure, glitzy shopping malls, glamorous night-clubs, world-class spa centres and much more. Bangkok also carries with it a taste of the orient, it being one of the oldest cultural hubs of Asia. Ancient Buddhist
Phuket is the resort town, where you can chill and relax, away from the hurly burly city life. Phuket has been attracting holiday seekers since many decades, though nowadays it is slowly getting commercialized. Phi Phi is a wonderful honeymoon destination in Southern Thailand, which allows you to let your hair down and enjoy it uninterruptedly. Island of Koh Samui catches the fascination of the tourists when it comes to the beauty of nature. It adds to the thrill of your private moments shared with your newly wed. Blessed by nature with some eye-pleasing beauty, the island is ever-ready to welcome the honeymooners. Spa and massage is another activity you can engage in. Thailand has some of the best massage parlours in the world. They offer a range of massage services like traditional Thai massage, Balinese massage and relaxing massage. Masseurs are trained in treating the pressure points in a special way, accompanied by a simultaneous steam bath and sauna. People from the world over throng Thailand to enjoy its soothing massage services. Nowadays, Chinese massage centres are also flourishing in Thailand. Thailand is also famous for its night-life and clubs. There are some of the best night-clubs in Asia welcoming foreigners from across the globe. These are places to hang around all night. Thai people are warm and hospitality is an integral part of their culture. Thailand honeymoon destinations provide you some wonderful moments which you would cherish for all your life. With its fascinating natural assets, the country would leave you rejuvenated and thrilled. Thai cuisine would add spice to your honeymoon as well and would leave you wanting for more. urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 31
GADGETS
It was just recently that a number of high profile celebrities were hacked and some very personal photos and videos of themselves were released to the public. Shocking as that was for those celebrities few people thought that same level of invasion could happen to them. Fast forward a few weeks and another round of hacks lead to the release of everyday men, women and yes even teens having their private photos released for the world to see. Which leads us to wonder if there is anything we could do to prevent this from happening?
Internet security is a huge industry from huge corporations to personal computers needing to be secure from viruses and outside hacks. Now more than ever you are seeing mobile security coming to the forefront as more and more people use their smart phones to conduct their business as well as sending personal information between friends and lovers. Kids these days more than ever have their smart phones attached seemingly to their skin and have access to smart phone apps that allow them to send photos to their friends as well as a giant online community mainly Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. With all that access to them how can we protect them? That is a great question that has many answers, here we will take a look at a few ways to protect your children and their personal information.
Trend Micro Mobile Security Trend Micro Incorporated is a global developer of cyber security software, has announced it’s latest versions of its consumer mobile security solution. The Trend Micro Mobile Security for Android and iOS. Trend Micro Mobile Security is the first mobile security app capable of blacking malicious Android apps before they are installed, preventing mobile devices from being infected with potentially damaging malware. The Trend Micro Mobile Security also has a list of features including Antiurbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 33
virus, Privacy Scanner, Safe Surfing, Backup and Restore, Lost Device Protection, Privacy Scanner for Facebook, Call and Text Blocking. Let us take a look at some of the key features in the Trend Micro Mobile Security suite. The Lost Device Protection allows you to find, lock, erase a missing device. Privacy Scanner for Facebook checks for Facebook privacy settings that expose too much information publicly. Privacy Scanner identifies apps that steal or access private information on your device, such as your location, address book and device ID.
Parents must stay vigil when it comes to home security as well. Swann has long developed Wi-Fi enabled cameras to watch your house while you are away. Dropcam is another popular option. Both of them allow you to check in on your home and you can even be alerted by motion detection technology. You will get a message on your smart
Those are all great things for your children to be protected from. Kids are all to quick to share information without thinking of the ramifications. Hopefully the Micro Mobile Security can prevent that from happening. Google also has announced that it is in the process of making kid versions of Google Search that will filter search results for those 12 and younger. Starting with Google search and their Chrome web browser. They believe kids aren’t looking for the same websites as their adult counterparts, for example if a child types in “train” they aren’t looking for their local Amtrak schedule. So Google will be launching their Google kids version very soon. Parents have had access to filtering their kids online activities through a series of programs. Most programs will block certain websites and even alert the parents if the kids start searching for key words that the parent themselves find inappropriate.
phone alerting you that their has been some motion detected on your camera. You can then check that camera online and see what is going on to make sure it isn’t your dog just running around the house. Security for mobile phones, computers, and even your home is very important and you should really do your research and make sure you do your due diligence and find the right product for you and your family. Key tips are to NEVER share any personal information with anyone, be very careful with what you post online as some photos are geotagged which allows hackers the ability to see where you are at that moment you post the picture. Just be smart, be safe, and you should be alright.
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Sparked by OARC's mission is to create and stimulate economic development and improve the quality of life in West Oak Lane and other neighborhoods located on Ogontz Avenue, a thoroughfare which runs diagonally through the uniform grid of streets in the city. Many of the commercial and residential properties on Ogontz Avenue have begun to see revitalization and have largely been restored as a significant and important destination. Places such as Victoria’s Kitchen located at 7304 Ogontz Avenue * Philadelphia * PA 19138 * 215-927-1066 * 215-927-1044 provide a wonderful atmosphere and great food. Other establishment such as Green Soul located at 7169 Ogontz Avenue exist along with Relish located at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. You should also visit 3rd Element Beauty Salon and Spa along with your friendly neighborhood State Farm Agent Brian Madalion located at7208 Ogontz Ave Bus: 215-549-4900 Fax: 215549-4920 Free Library of Philadelphia operates the David Cohen Ogontz Branch at 6017 Ogontz Avenue at Church Lane.
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I guess not many people recall the old song exclaiming why people go to South Street. Times have definitely changed. The name "South Street" is popularly attached to the long stretch extending as far 22nd Street, where the ever popular Odunde festival takes place every summer. It remains a popular hangout area for teens, college students, and 20 something crowd with its assortment of retailers catering to hip-hop fashion, punk fashion, and/or urban culture. A few restaurants and independent boutiques targeting a slightly more mature clientele are located within these businesses. Retail chains found on the street as well.
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The Point Breeze neighborhood is slowly rising from years of abandonment and population decline throughout the last few decades. But as most smart and savvy real estate investors will tell this neighborhood still has the greatest upside. It is an area ripe for growth as it is within walking distance of center city. Young business ownerís are gearing up for the revitalization with open arms. I mean where else can you find million dollars home within its reach, stadium within its reach and center city within a ten minute walk. Today it is a neighborhood under revitalization from efforts. Don’t wait on this sleeping gem, just drive through it’s neighborhood and you’ll see all its growth. I mean have you seen the American Sardine Bar on south 18th Street
Breezy's Cafe
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(18th & Federal) It ís incredible. In addition, you can visit new places such as long standing neighborhood icon Cultural Exchange (Point Breeze and Dickinson) for a real treat should you want to purchase a gift or two. Improvement is happening one step at a time so stop by and see if the Point Breeze Performing Arts Center (1721 Point Breeze Avenue) can use any support.
Biking will be one of the best activities that one can enjoy during weekends. Roaming around your neighborhood is the great thing and it can even consider as a form of exercise. If you’ve ever ridden a bike before, even as a kid,getting started again is easy. They say once you learn, you never forget. This section deals with getting you back on a bike and cruising your community in safety and comfort.
Better Biking Than Ever The explosion in popularity of road biking in the last decade has meant new products and new technology that have improved biking enormously. For example, indexed twist shifters mean no more fooling around with those little levers on the bar stem to find just the right position - just twist the handle to the next number and presto- you’re shifted! New “flatless” tires reduce the risk of puncture on the road to absolute minimum. The emergence of “comfort bikes” and recumbent bicycles with full backrests and plush seats has totally taken the pain out of riding for older bodies. And there’s so much more. On the other hand, there’s more traffic and it’s going faster. And, in city area, drivers aren’t expecting to see a lot of cyclists. We have to take more precautions and be more aware of what’s going on around us. However, the recent development of rails to trails for hiking/biking and the great trails make a terrific time to get back urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 43
to bicycling. Whatever your reasons for biking, there are a few basics you can’t avoid. Like finding a bike. Like knowing how to keep it running. Like learning how to ride safely. And there are some ideas and equipment you’ll find helpful in getting the most out of your rides. I hope this section will help you and your whole family, including your kids, do just that!
Staying Safe Utility bikers generally take safety more seriously than road bikers, many of whom tend to rely on speed and superhero costumes to keep them from harm. Perhaps carrying a load of groceries, pulling a trailer or hauling your kids tends to make you feel more vulnerable on the road. Many riders use one or two flashing bright blinkies (even in the daytime) and a flag. Another hint is to avoid rush hour for your shopping trips - bikes are harder for cars to see when traffic is congested and drivers are stressed out.
Locking Your Bike One of the problems you’ll face as a utility cyclist is a lack of secure facilities for your bike at the stores you visit. Few stores have bike racks; frequently you’ll need to find a tree or pillar to lock your bike to. Stores in large malls or smaller strip malls usually have light posts in the parking lot with large concrete bases you can use. Fortunately, there are relatively few areas where you can expect vandalism, so theft and damage problems are really minimal. Mostly you’ll have to protect yourself against grab and run thieves, and this can be done by securing your frame. Many cyclists also run a cable through one or both wheels as well. Some riders also detach computers, lights, saddles and other valuable accessories and carry these into the store in their trunk bags. Your patch kit will be small enough to stow in a seat or handlebar bag, which can be removed and carried with you. I leave my accessories in place and have not had a problem, nor have I ever heard of anyone else’s accessories being lifted locally. However, you should consider the relative safety of your neighborhood. 44 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia
CARS
Accident Forgiveness Have you recently been involved in an accident? Regrettably, there are some accidents that are unavoidable, that are simply bad luck or the consequence of inescapable circumstances - bad weather is a common factor in many of these inevitable accidents. What happens, however, if the accident could have been avoided? Unfortunately, there are many such situations that could have easily unfolded differently had proper care and caution been exercised. Negligence, carelessness and sheer reckless behavior can sadly all contribute to the unwitting and the undeserving suffering catastrophic injury. For victims, and the families of victims, following such an accident, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the situation and become confused. Not only will you be suffering with the physical pain of an injury, but you will likely also be dealing with emotional trauma and the financial burden that can come from medical bills, lost wages, and in wrongful death cases, the expense of a funeral. It is therefore extremely important that every step is taken to look into filing a personal injury claim. By pursuing such a case, the liable parties can be held responsible for their fault in the accident. While an important process, this is not always an extremely simple one. Especially for someone who has never dealt with the process before, it can be easy to fall into common mistakes. Common mistakes regarding personal injury claims include a failure to document the accident scene, failing to seek medical attention, giving statements without legal assistance on your side, applying for damages that have not comprehensively been outlined
in medical records or outright refusing to follow through with the treatment advised by a medical professional. While all of these are mistakes that should be avoided at all costs to give you the best chance of success in your injury claim, there is one that is even more dangerous. One of the largest mistakes commonly made, and the one can cause the most damage to your plight, is making the decision that you do not need professional legal representation. While it could be tempting to deal with a personal injury claim on your own, dealing with insurance companies without legal aid can be difficult and in many cases, outright impossible. Your claim could be denied, delayed or settled for a much lower numeric value than you actually require. Having a lawyer is an easy way in which you can fight to defend your rights. Insurance companies are much more willing to take you seriously if they see you are being represented by a heavyweight and could be more open for settlement. If they, however, are not, you will still have the support of a knowledgeable litigator who will be willing to fight for your rights in a courtroom setting. If you have recently been injured, seek out a local law firm that you can trust. By doing your research and finding a lawyer that personally suits you, you will be able to find legal aid that will be best suited towards helping you obtain your just outcome in what is difficult time.
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How to Mean It When You Say It and Deliver on It This Year. by Janette R. Smith SI Certified Life Strategist & Mindset Coach I have a personal quote, “Making change is never as difficult as accepting change.” It only takes a few days into January to realize you’ve either already BROKEN your New Year’s resolution or you’re not as committed to it as you THOUGHT you were. We’re all a bit resistant to change because it can be hard and often - scary. As we prepare to boldy bound into 2015 clutching our New Year’s Resolutions in hand, I thought I’d offer you tools to help set you up to win in the area of personal development this coming year. After all, wouldn’t it be nice to mean it when you say it, and deliver on all your goals this year? Just maybe, though, the problem isn’t laziness or lack of willpower. According to Harvard Graduate School of Education professors Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey, when we fail at a goal we’ve set for ourselves, it’s likely that a type of psychological immune system is covertly at work, defending us from perceived threats. To arrive at lasting change, Kegan (who teaches Adult Development ) and Lahey say you must dig deep to identify what may be in opposition to your goal. These hidden competing commitments are rooted in our individual world views and are represented through our ‘big assumptions’ -that’s how we think things operate. Real change can only come as a result of us altering the way we think. * Kegan and Lahey lay out a process for overcoming these emotional obstacles in their book Immunity to Change: How to Overcome It and Unlock the Potential in Yourself and Your Organization, It’s a four-column immunity map that helps you understand what feelings are at play and how you are sabotaging your efforts. Before I share the link to a downloadable version of their immunity map - let me point out, SOME of you are just not going to dig that deep and work toward understanding the resistance that keeps you 46 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia
from getting exactly what you want out of life. NO JUDGEMENT here, but it is ABSOLUTELY imperative to be clear about your intent and resolve to take action! There’s a joke that goes: If fifteen frogs are on a log and three decide to jump off in the water, how many frogs are on the log? The truth is fifteen frogs are still on the log. DECIDING to do something and ACTUALLY doing it are two entirely different things. For this reason, I simply want to offer another ‘change agent’ option to those of you who aren’t UP for quite an extensive self-excavating journey as the Immunity to Change process will provide. Try a Mini Quest. I was employing this technique for years, and then heard Elizathe Guilbert , author of Eat, Pray, Love talk about it on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday program. Mini Quests, as she calls them, are goals through experiences you challenge yourself to partake in everyday. Today, my mini quest was to make each person I came in contact feel loved and cherished. I didn’t quite succeed. Truth be told, I ended up working much longer than I was supposed to and missed a deadline on something because of the overtime—so the worry and frustration did start leaking out as the night wore on. I don’t think anyone felt Devalued or disrespected, but I didn’t leave everyone swimming in a lake of skittles and soft bunnies as I had hoped. My transparent share is to encourage you in knowing that change is a process and usually does NOT happen instantaneously nor overnight. (Though I did go “cold turkey” on eating sugar at the beginning of December. Catch me in January to see how that journey goes. ) That’s the great thing about Mini Quests: they expire at the end of
the day, and you get to set out on a new one the very next morning. This is a goal-setting exercise that challenges you to live more fully and presently, focus on things outside of yourself, helps you find things to be grateful that are all around you and helps you practice setting and meeting goals.
For those of you who are serious about unlocking your Immunity to Change - go to my website UBeEmpowered.Com to download the free immunity map and instructions that walk you through the process. You can learn more and REALLY go deep by purchasing their book.
Once you graduate from those, you will find something open up inside you. It is your authentic self emerging —embracing life in new and interesting ways. If you are a ‘stuck in the rut’ kind of person, THIS EXERCISE IS DEFINITELY for you! There’s nothing better to get you going and growing again than daily positive challenges. Imagine how drastically different you can be in the span of even one week if you set and meet Mini Quest goals every day.
I also welcome questions and comments. Write to me and stay connected through social media as we begin this journey together into 2015 with the intention of lving on purpose, staying present, learning, laughing and living on purpose. No matter what you decide to do moving into 2015, remember to start from an authentic desire to live fully and freely. Choose a goal or goals for the right reason, that serve you and would help you become the highest expression of yourself. Don’t forget to celebrate progress as well as achievement and let us celebrate with you. Send your thoughts, comments and testimonials in. Until next time #BeEmpowered
Day one- look for three beautiful things around you. (You’ll be forced to look for positivity.) Day 2- Give everyone you meet a smile. Day three- Try a new food. Day four- Take a dance break… etc. This new approach to goal-setting and New Year’s Resolutions could create a rejuvenating energy within you, add the spice of spontaneity along with a shift toward heightened thinking and connectivity with yourself and those around you. If you are ready to take on with goal setting challenge— I’d love to hear back from you about how things went. Good or Bad, keep it real…but keep it moving, you’ve got to really try. You have heard a scripture quoted as saying, ’Faith without works is dead.” Translation: There is no hocus-pocus in life, your faith, beliefs and even good intentions must be followed up with action.
*Source: Leslie Helmuth, Harvard Extension blog editor
Author, Janette R. Smith
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CARS
A lot of thinking goes into corporate travel when the occasion arises, for some it becomes second nature, for others it can be a stressful endeavor. urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 49
CARS Choosing adequate corporate transportation in Philadelphia is one of many factors that need to be ironed out before embarking on a trip. Once seated on the plane with a good book and an eye mask, find peace in an afternoon nap knowing that all transportation details are taken care of upon landing. Corporate transportation in Philadelphia is very useful for business travelers with a lot on their plate and little time to think about logistics. Many car services in Philadelphia offer online reservations for town cars, corporate shuttles, and vans for efficient transportation to and from Philadelphia International Airport. Radio dispatching and reservations departments can assist travelers in the event of not finding the chauffeur at the time of arrival. A car service in Philadelphia can take the corporate traveler to a number of prime area business locations with no hassle. Navigating through a new city can be worrisome at times, allow a car service in Philadelphia to do it for you. Car services are available for easy transport to the Philadelphia Convention Center, Valley Forge Convention Center, local sports arenas, business centers, restaurants, theaters, shopping and hotels. Car services can chauffer executive assistants and colleagues to Center City, King of Prussia, Malvern, Plymouth Meeting, West Chester, and other business hotspots in the area. Corporate transportation in Philadelphia is perfect for executive assistants making arrangements for high-lev-
el employees in the organization. Get employees where they need to be on time by managing reservations online, creating a corporate accounts and passenger profiles, and printing receipts for seamless transportation arrangements. Choose from a wide array of vehicles including vans, town cars, limos, mini buses, SUVs, Sprinters, and luxury buses for customized travel needs. Corporate transportation in Philadelphia can accommodate small or large groups with multiple radio dispatched vehicles for organized travel. Drivers are professional, experienced, and very familiar with the area to answer any questions about the Philadelphia area. Utilizing a car service in Philadelphia can also make the lives of travel agents, travel managers, and event planners much easier. From groups of 5 to 10,000 a car service can handle any volume of travelers for multiple types of events. Corporate transportation in Philadelphia offers GT3 connectivity for automated reservations through the GDS as well as auto receipts for record keeping. With a car service in Philadelphia employees can ensure that business travel is something to look forward to, not dread.
Relationships
I think a fundamental question faced by men in the pursuit of attracting women is: Can attracting
women be learned? Is it a result of genetics, of having been gifted with prominent cheekbones, lean muscularity or a sizable organ? Or perhaps having a prominent checkbook and the right surname? Is it about having a naturally outgoing personality, charisma, and sharp wit? Or perhaps possession of influence and personal power?
age differential, or shortness, or obesity may hinder you to some extent, but should not stop you. Instead, play to your strengths, and remember that women’s preferences are not all the same. If you persist, you WILL succeed in attracting women. However, it is not possible to attract all women, or just any specific one.
As complex as women are, there is no one answer to explain their preferences. As individuals, they, like we, are different, with different genetics, different experiences, and therefore, different tastes. And it’s been said, there’s no accounting for taste. So, it may be true that to some women, height and good looks matter a lot. Some schools of thought say that women value financial security more. Others say that personality, masculinity, sense of humor, or any of a variety of different criteria matters most. And so, the questions must of necessity be: Is it possible to attract women, and if so, can any man do it? And will it work with ANY woman specifically? The answer is yes, and no. Yes, in the sense that it is possible to attract the kind of women that you like, and who would like you in return, but whom you need to actively attract to you. This requires you to learn the techniques for attracting women, and actively engaging in the pursuit. Sitting at home simply won’t do; you have to go out and approach them. Attracting women involves the application of learned skills in a consistent and persistent fashion. Just like any skill, it’s all about practice and playing the probabilities. You simply have to keep approaching women. When you play the numbers, however, remember that your chances of winning can be enhanced by other things besides the application of the techniques. Some of your strengths can be emphasized, and your weaknesses downplayed. For example,
If there were a specific woman that you wanted to attract, but who is simply not interested or attracted to you, no skill or technique or persistence is guaranteed to work. History is replete with stories of unrequited love � of men who thought that they can make a woman want them. If they had simply tried to attract other women instead, and kept persisting, they would have been met with success. So, in sum, yes, attracting women can be learned. Will it always work? No. But if it allows you to attract the women you want, and who want you in return, isn’t it worth it to try?
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by ILead India Most people are still not clear about what soft skills mean. Frankly, the term itself was coined just a few years ago. In any job, the sole importance was given to the candidate’s resume and what his qualifications were. But nowadays, a lot of stress is being laid on the candidate’s soft skills and if he is properly trained in them. So what are soft skills? It is hard to be exact in this case, but it essentially is a method to judge a person’s performance, leadership ability, and team spirit. Hard skills constitute your educational qualifications and previous job experience. In fact, a lot of recruiters are now paying more attention to soft skills rather than the hard ones. A lot of candidates with impressive resumes but poor soft skills have been rejected in the final rounds of interviews. That is why you should enroll in soft skills programs in order to develop these skills better. Soft skills can be classified into these categories:
• Negotiation - This is a very crucial soft skill that you need to possess. The art of negotiating a deal with a client or even negotiating with a co-worker is something that you need to master effectively. There is no hard and fast rule about mastering this aspect but you will be trained to negotiate to the fullest of your capabilities. • Team building
- Instilling team spirit in the members of a team is perhaps the most difficult task ever. Ego, personal rivalry, office politics, and various other factors come into play and you have to overcome all these hurdles and utilize all the resources efficiently. This is known as team building and it requires some training beforehand.
• Communication - Last but not the least, you need to communicate well with your superiors and peers. If you can’t express your thoughts or grievances in the proper manner, then it will soon begin to affect your performance. Honing this particular soft skill is all the more important when you are talking to clients of the company. Looking for an institute that offers soft skills training in Kolkata, there are quite a few reputed ones that are providing such training for extremely reasonable fees so it should not be difficult for you to register your name. Just make sure that the institute has a good name in the market and also if it offers good job placements after the completion of the course. urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 57
Coping with Death by Margarita McKissick
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We talked about the wedding.
All she kept saying was how beautiful the bride looked and how much fun she had celebrating with all five of her children. I could hear the happiness in her heart as she spoke of the joys she experienced at the wedding minute by minute. “I danced, sang and ate good,” is what she said. I laughed and responded, “I know you did!” She had to go and promised to call me back once she got home and settled as she explained she was back in Philly but not home, August 20, 2013 after 5pm to be exact. A little after 8pm a hysterical voice responded via my cell phone, “Terry is gone!” Gone where? I just talked to her, I am waiting for her to call me back so where did she go. “She just died in the house, I was talking to her when it happened.” I dropped the phone and rushed to be with my sister. We were approximately 20 minutes apart, I arrived at her house in 10 minutes. I don’t know how I got there but I did and the street she lived on was lit up with flashing lights like the kind you would see at Christmas time, only it was summer. I ran in and there she was, lifeless lying on the floor. The paramedics tried to contain me but I begged them to please just give me a moment with her because I literally had just spoken to her, they did. I kneeled down and held her and all I remember saying was, “It’s all right now, it’s alright and you can stop worrying, no more, rest my Sweets.” However, my heart beats were slow and far in-between. I was breathing but my lungs felt as if they would not exhale. I had loss my sister and I had to accept that earlier that day was the last time I would ever hear her voice and this would be the last time I would physically hold her. Devastated, my emotions were high. I felt anger for not having enough time to do and say all of the things I’ll never have the opportunity to say or do. I felt guilt for not saying or doing the things I would now never get the opportunity to say or do. I was sad with emotions crying all day every day in spurts. No one could help me. No one could help with this pain that I felt inside. I was empty and lost. Time was all I had but even then those feelings never dissipated. Time gave me what I needed to find a way to cope with what I was feelings but the hurt 60 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia
was still very much embedded in my body and soul. The first year was the absolute worst. The birthday was the hardest because she would have turned 50. February 25 was her special day so when it came around, once again I broke down trying to understand how my 49 year-old sister died just a few hours after I talked to her not making it to see this day – 10 decades of life. All of the seasons and all of the holidays without my sister – death became real to me but only in my mind. We didn’t live together so it felt she was in her home and I was in mine. It was only when I completely stopped all activity in my life for a moment at a time that I accepted she wasn’t just in her home and I in mine… She was gone forever and I’d cry long and hard until I was okay again. Now the first anniversary – I did not see and/or hear from her on any special occasions or holidays so now it became clear and precise for me – this was what I had to live with and accept. Leading up until that day, August 20, 2014, I dreaded it and conjured up emotions beforehand of how I thought I would feel and handle it. Truth is you don’t know and it was actually quite distressing internally. Yet, I had sub-consciously formulated those emotions and lived with them for weeks leading up to that first anniversary date. It was a premeditated fear of the unavoidable. Actually, it wasn’t as bad as I had imagined. My brother called me to say my uncle isn’t well and I should get to the hospital as soon as possible to see him. He explained that my uncle had been asking for me. My brother didn’t believe my uncle would survive the week. September 30, 2014 – A few days after speaking with my brother, I received a call from my daughter. She was hysterical and crying. I asked her to calm down and responded, Uncle died? She sobbed some more, I asked her to calm down, she responded it’s not your uncle it’s my uncle, your brother. My who?! “Mommy, Uncle Armand died in his sleep this morning.” I dropped the phone, how can this be happening to me AGAIN? Who dies in their sleep at 42 years of age?! My body went numb,
tears streamed down my face yet I felt nothing rolling on my face. I could not move, I was stuck in motion. I felt like my sibling bonds were shattered and scattered in many tiny pieces that they became unrecognizable. My older sister and now my younger brother, I could not breathe. Paramedics explained, describing how his head was positioned, he had died in his sleep suffering an aneurysm. I was helpless there was nothing I could do but cry. Once again I felt anger, the guilt set in and the sadness had escalated. My only comfort was knowing he was now with my sister who I knew would take care of him. I had to accept my sister’s and my brother’s death and keep on living but how? The hardest part of death for me is having to get up, out of bed, dressed and go about my day as a normal day, but my days were no longer normal. How do I move forward with all of this hurt and despair? My answer – You don’t. It’s a process that everyone suffering a loss will have to experience. I organized the life celebration arrangements for both of my siblings, from the announcements to their life stories. I gathered and positioned many photos, songs, poems and wrote the life stories we shared together. This produced a lot of tears, little did I know, they were healing tears. I had to be the pillar of the family because everyone was falling apart. So I masked my own feelings and kept busy. A week after both services (a year apart) I had realized my world as I knew it to be had changed in a heartbeat and I had to adjust to it TWICE. I battled many emotions feeling a void in my heart that I felt I could not instantaneously fill. And no one could help me, no words
or actions would bring my siblings back. This was a process. One I had to endure and find my way through and I did with many tears and prayers. How I survived it, I needed time to myself. I know many say it’s best to keep others around you but that didn’t work for me. I needed to be with self to reflect and focus my thoughts on the memories I shared with my siblings. I needed to cry to myself and talk to myself about what I was feeling. More important I needed to laugh to myself about the memories I shared. I was a bag of emotions but healing gradually with no pressure to feel I had to put a time on it. Time will never take away the heartache and void of losing someone dear to you but it will allow you to fill that hole in your heart with coping mechanisms. I personally do not believe Death gets easier to accept with time. However, what I do believe is that time allows you to learn how to cope with what you are feeling.
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