I stopped dreaming ...

I used to look forward to dreaming, but today ... I stopped dreaming. You see the world is busy and often tiring. And there are joys and accomplishments to celebrate, but sometimes they are overshadowed by the tragedies and loss. There's a few of the rich and famous, living amidst a multitude of middle class and floods of poor. We have so much and so little at the same time. Even though we breathe the same air, see the same sun, and sleep under the same moon we are worlds apart. So to get away from it all and create my own reality I used to dream. Because when I closed my eyes, anything was possible.

In my dreams, I could be the best of the best ... I could have abundance of love, peace, and prosperity ... I could see the world as one of God's greatest creations ... I could feel the presence of mankind uniting across cultural, religious, social, and economic barriers. In my dreams, I could fulfill not just my destiny but lead others to do the same. With my eyes closed, I could actually see accomplishments reached and finish lines crossed. So I kept my eyes closed tightly, longer, holding on with all my might to the beautiful dreams.

Today, I looked at the front page of the Kansas City Star, along with several world-renown newspapers, and there were pictures and stories about the new "First Family," President-Elect Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and daughters Malia and Sasha. On the most basic levels they look like me, my husband, and two children. They are genuine, humble, loving, and respectful. Their life story is familiar. They've aspired to do great things. They took on some of the greatest challenges of a lifetime. For months I've listened and watched ... my children watched ... my friends and neighbors watched ... the world watched. And today, several days after the election is over ... several days after the initial thrill and joy and overwhelming moments of it all ... I stopped dreaming.

I ... believe ... in ... reality! The headlines across the country read, "All things are possible" and I believe it. Nothing drastic has changed on the outside ... we still have joys and tragedies ... still have rich and poor ... still have so much and so little ... but what has changed is deep down on the inside. My heart says, "it's okay to open your eyes. It's okay to see this reality and create what you want it to be. Take the paint brush and be the artist of your life and those around you. Use an instrument and make a more beautiful ballad of the song of life you hear. Feed a soul in the same manner you would a newborn baby and watch it grow and prosper."


Yes, we still live under the same sun and sleep under the same moon. We continue to breathe the same air. But now, I stopped dreaming ... because my reality is more beautiful than it's ever been and it supersedes my dreams.

Go ahead ... open your eyes ...

When opportunity knocks ...

You must be ready to answer the door. In fact, I remember when Corey Ciocchetti came to Research College of Nursing for our fall convocation, he talked to us about being ready to accept opportunities. You can't wait to prepare yourself for opportunities that will come along ... prepare yourself now, so that 'when opportunity knocks' you can literally say "yes, I would be honored to do that" and be confident that you can; rather than having to turn down something truly great because the timing was bad or you just weren't in a position to take on what was offered.

For instance, this blog I write for Rockhurst University -- one person could say it's just a fun way to express myself and share my thoughts about what's happening in my world; someone else could say it's just freelance writing that doesn't have any major impact on anyone; yet, I say, this blog is "opportunity" continually knocking ... because from week to week and post to post you have no idea who is reading it, what they find interesting or relevant, and what ways they are planning to use your talent for writing. I can personally say that in the last month I've had two 'opportunities knock on my door' because of this blog. And because I have prepared myself through previous occupations and academic development, I was able to say, "yes, I would love to do that!"

It's a great feeling to see one part of your world manifests itself in so many other areas. It's gives this blog new life and meaning. It tells me that these are not just words written to blind eyes and deaf ears ... they are seeds that are being planted and the first fruits of the harvest have just begun to spring forth.

So here I am with laptop in hand, continuing to share with the hearts and minds who cross this path and read a line or two. It is my hope that something will catch your attention, inviting you in for a longer stay, and whispers to you to return again. One thing I can offer, I will be here continuing to live and love and share and breathe new life into this page of words.

It's so much more a part of me than I possibly will ever understand ... and it connects me to you in ways that I surrender to the infinite possibilites of "when opportunity knocks ..."

LJ

Showdown in the "Show Me" State

Missouri ...

From the City of Fountains to the Gateway Arch of St. Louis, it has been very clear during the 2008 Presidential election that Missouri is on the map! The candidates for the White House have made several stops in the "Show Me State" this year including the following:



The Show Me State Welcomes Senator Barack Obama

August 26, 2008, Senator Barack Obama watched his wife, Michelle, as she spoke at the Democratic National Convention. He watched from the living room of "the Girardeau family," a local Kansas City family.

The Show Me State Welcomes Governor Sarah Palin and Senator John McCain

Sept. 8, 2008, Govenor Sarah Palin and Senator John McCain spoke at a rally held at a retirement center in Lee's Summit, MO. Senator McCain said that they must win Missouri in order to win the White House. They also made a stop at Arthur Bryant's to enjoy some of Kansas City's fine barbecue.


The Show Me State Welcomes Mrs. Michelle Obama

Oct. 1, Mrs. Obama campaigned for her husband in the historic 18th & Vine district of downtown Kansas City. She was introduced by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II and spoke to a crowd of over 3,000 people who lined the streets of about three city blocks. She also took a quick tour of the American Jazz Museum and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

The Show Me State Welcomes Senator Joe Biden

Oct. 8, the 2008 Vice Presidential candidates (Senator Joe Biden and Governor Sarah Palin) had their Showdown in the "Show Me" State. They met at Washington State University in St. Louis for their first and only debate before the election in November.

Thursday, Oct. 9, Senator Joe Biden made stops to speak at Missouri Western State University (St. Joseph, MO); William Jewell College (Liberty, MO); and a final speech at the capital of Missouri, Jefferson City.

Why have the Missouri voters received so much attention? Because Missouri stands by it's name ... the "Show Me State." If you show me a Presidential winner, I will show you someone who won the state of Missouri. Traditionally, Missouri has a trend of picking the presidential winner. In fact, according to an Associated Press article "only once in the past 100 years have Missourians favored the losing candidate."

Missouri voters ... if you are registered and cast your vote for the 2008 Presidential election, you can be certain that the country will be watching to see who takes home the "Show Me" state.

So do me a favor ... on November 4, get out and VOTE! Show Me who Missouri says is ready to lead our country as the next President of the United States of America.

Show Me! LJ

And the winner is ...

Did you watch the presidential debate? I did ... and was so proud that this election has brought about something truly extraordinary. What's so extraordinary? Well, people are watching, listening, and making decisions; and for the first time in history, many more young voters are engaged in the voting process and being voices for the candidates they believe will best support their current and future plans.

This, by far, is no typical election. For starters we've had the extraordinary representation of our country through the voices of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Sarah Palin, who aren't our country's typical presidential/vice presidential candidates and/or nominees; and that alone pulled masses of people into political movements. People are getting onboard in ways that I've never seen ... everything from campaigning on corners, to knocking on doors and hosting neighboorhood parties, to donating funds and wearing T-shirts, to making phone calls and volunteering, to help on college campuses and making YouTube videos, and so much more. I have personally been more active in giving, speaking to others about voting, and being well-informed about who these candidates are and where they stand on the issues that affect our daily lives and country as a whole. No longer am I a child waiting for the next leader to decide what direction my life heads for the next 8 years ... I'm a adult with the power to be an integral part of determining who that leader is and what he says is of value or worth for me and the world I'm a part of.

What do I want you to know? I want you to know that you matter! Your voice matters! Your decision matters! And please believe that your vote matters! It's not enough to know the candidates name, to hope for someone to win, and to stand on the sidelines and clap. You absolutely, positively, must take advantage of your right to "vote!" People, both Democratic and Republican alike, triumphed over many, many challenges to secure that very freedom for all. America is a country where we can exercise that freedom; and I want to encourage you to stand up and say, "I was a part of the decision ... I spoke for myself (and my family if you have children or other loved ones who aren't able to vote). My voice was heard."

That's what living in this beautiful country is about ... freedom, in every way ... from sea to shining sea. So register to vote by Wednesday, Oct. 8. And I look forward to standing with you in line on Tuesday, Nov. 4 to cast a 2008 Presidential vote.

God bless one and all ... LJ

Check out "Hollywood Declares Themselves" on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olpCyDA4kYA

Starbucks Coffee, here I come!

I'm not an avid coffee drinker. Sometimes, drinking coffee will even give me a bit of a stomach ache. But now that school is actually "in" session (i.e., TEST taking time has started) I had to make a pit stop at the famous coffee house, Starbucks. I didn't want to make a second trip there later this evening, so I grabbed two hot beverages with caramel (honestly I don't even know exactly what I got) and hit the road back home to prepare for this evening. Tonight will be a late night of reading HUGE textbooks, filling out study guides, and preparing for my first test in Adult Health I.

I had to pull nearly an all-nighter on Thursday for a test on Friday. Why I do that to myself, I don't understand. Yes, I passed the test, and quite well. But procrastination in Nursing school must come to a end. It's such an unhealthy and grueling way to get things done. Not to mention, the frappuccino's I bought only kept me awake for so long. I told a nursing classmate, "we should invent coffee IV's so we can actually stay up longer." Who would've thought Starbuck's thought the same (see image ... LOL!!)

At least I did get to enjoy a picnic this Saturday, and my two sons had a blast being able to "run free" in the park. Sunday will bring about church time, family time, and more studies. Monday will start up the weekly school routine. A typical Monday for the Jackson's includes ...

• Awake, dress, walk Elijah to the bus stop; exchange hugs and kisses and good-byes
• Grab school bags, daycare items, and "Isaiah" too, and off we go
• Drop Isaiah off at daycare; exchange hugs and kisses and good-byes
• Arrive at school, class time, lunch break, more class time
• Pick up kiddos, grab snacks, drop off kiddos
• Off I go to Christianity II class at Rockhurst University (http://www.rockhurst.edu/)
• Head home, arrive home to all my guys; give kiddos baths, read books, exchange more hugs and kisses and put them in bed
• Eat, shower, grab a textbook and read/study until sleep calls my name

Yes, so much to do and only 24 hours per day to do it all, including some quality time for fun, family, cleaning, relaxation, and so much more. Who says you can't have it all? Can't do it all? Be a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a student, a nurse (in the making) ... and a person who loves, and gives, and receives, and honors, and respects, and thanks, and worships, and laughs, and strives, and fulfills. I'm a living example that "Yes, you can!"

Be who "you" know you are ... the rest will fall into place. LJ

Lunch, education, and so much more ...

I can't believe another week has zipped by, but it did. Last Monday I had three classes (two nursing and one Rockhurst course). Tuesday & Wednesday were off days from class, but "on" days for reading, studying, housework ... and a bit of fun too. Now that I've got a Kindergartener, I want to be one of those mom's who goes to the kid's school often to have lunch and participate in events. So on Tuesday night we attended open house; ate hot dogs, cookies, chips, and had juice; saw my son's classroom and met his teacher and classmates; bought some T-shirts with the school logo on them; and we signed up for the PTA! It's official ... if my husband and I didn't figure it out in the past five years, we are definitely "parents!" PTA sealed the deal. (Smile) On Wednesday, I went back to my son's school to have lunch with him. What an event! What a bunch of little people with en-er-gy. If I could harness half the energy in that room, bottle it up and sell it ... I could make millions and even trillions of dollars. Nevertheless, it was a fun time eating "school lunch" with some of our future leaders.

It's amazing ... even around such young children, I couldn't help but think, "this is where it all starts." Our future doctors, lawyers, NBA players, astronauts, politicians, scientist, community activist, electricians, carpenters, professors, pilots, military forces, celebrities, and soooooooo much more, all begins here ... in Kindergarten classrooms around our country. Educators have such an important job; one that certainly cannot be taken lightly. And the responsibility is just as great, even as I sit at Rockhurst University (http://www.rockhurst.edu/), that the professors have such an important role in molding, shaping, and developing the leader that I will become in the world. But I, too, have a responsibility to understand and accept the knowledge that they share with me, use it in my personal and professional life, and most importantly share that wealth of information with those whose life I touch. Education ... it has such an incredible magnitude of the part it plays in our life, yet it's so delicate and precious just as a newborn child.

Each day we have such a profound choice to learn something new; and not to just learn, but to give what we've learned "new life" through our own living, through the careers we give ourselves to for the betterment of ourselves and our world, and through the very eyes and ears of children who are starting where we once were (not so long ago). Those children reminded me how sacred my opportunity, or better yet my blessing, is to be a student at Rockhurst. Before my journey has even neared the finish line, I already know that I can learn anything ... do anything ... and become anything. It started long, long ago in a Kindergarten room ... but even now, I am just beginning so many things. I hope everyone realizes the gift they have in being a student, at Rockhurst, or whatever college/university (or institute of learning) they attend. Learn today and watch life continue to blossom for so many more tomorrow's.

Now ... back to my books. LJ

Meet Corey Ciocchetti

On Friday, Sept. 5, Research College of Nursing held it's Fall Convocation. All students and faculty were in attendance so the auditorium literally became standing (or sitting on the floor) room only. What I can tell you is that any seat was a good seat. We were blessed with the honor of having Corey Ciocchetti as our key note speaker. While the theme of the event was "living with and dealing with stress" Corey's presentation reflected on "Leading an Authentic Life." I wish so many more people could have been there to hear him speak. If you missed it, here's a few snippets of what he shared.

Keys to leading an authentic life:

• Find your passion. Not what's going to earn you wealth or fame, but what you're actually passionate about. That will sustain you long after money comes and goes.
  
• Make a list of priorities. What's important to you? Work, family, spirituality, relationships? Place them in the order that they are ... and on another list place them in the order you "want" them to be. Connect the lines. If there's a mismatch it's time to reprioritize those things that are actually important to you and get them where you desire for them to be.
  
• Seek to live a virtuous life. Practice those things such as honesty, integrity, and character. The more often you practice it, the better you'll get.
  
• Seize your opportunities. If you prepare now for those opportunities that may come in the future, you'll be ready when that moment happens. Watch this video on YouTube to understand this one better. Jason McElwain (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fw1CcxCUgg).


• Laugh every day and love more. Life is too short not to enjoy it.

Tips to reduce stress in your life:

• Watch a sunrise (or a sunset for those of us who are "not a morning person").
  
• Watch a cartoon! I love that one, because I've recently been watching Tom & Jerry with my kids. Talk about funny!
  
• Take a nap or go to bed a little bit earlier.
  
• Clean up! Mess equals stress.
  
• Play with a kid. Take notice of how resilient they are.

There's so much more to share and I'm sure I can't tell it all. So here are a few Web sites where you can read more about him. Enjoy! LJ

http://www.coreyspeaks.com/
http://www.ethicspost.com/
https://portfolio.du.edu/pc/port?portfolio=cciocche

What a week!

So much can happen in just a few short days, and this week has been full of activity for me. Monday, Sept. 1 was Labor Day. (Wow! It's September already. It won't be long before it's time for all the year end holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the best of all ... Christmas!) Anyway, this past week I've done a bit of everything from enjoying BBQ on Labor Day ... to staying up late one night to make "campaign posters" for a 5th grader who was running for Student Council ... to waking up early for the first day of Nursing Clinicals ... to attending the Fall Convocation held at Research College of Nursing (I can't wait to share more about that event, which I will post separately) ... to writing a condolence for a funeral ... to printing programs and videotaping at a wedding. Yes, all that and more in just one week.
Now, I sit in a quiet house. All my guys are asleep, and I'm enjoying my favorite dessert ... ICE CREAM! When I finally decide it's time to rest for the night, I may grab a Christianity or nursing textbook to secure my flight to the land of sleep. LOL. And if I'm really lucky, I'll remember some of what I read and it will make its way to long-term memory. I'll let you know how that goes. Now, let's move on to who I think Rockhurst (http://www.rockhurst.edu/) should invite to speak to the graduating class of 2009 & 2010 ... Corey Ciocchetti. Who's Corey? Read the next post!

The R U questionnaire? Top 10 facts to get to know me …

The Jackson family

10. Who R U?
Latrik S. Jackson.
First name is pronounced “La Trek” … like Star Trek

9. Where R U from?
I’m from North Little Rock, Arkansas. I have also lived in Lubbock, Texas (3 years), and Kansas City, Missouri for the past 11 years. Most of my relatives are in Arkansas … my mother, father, sister … aunts, uncles, cousins, and so on. In Kansas City I’m married to the love of my life, Marcus Jackson; and we have two amazing sons, Elijah and Isaiah. See photos!!

Family photos in our backyard

8. Why R U choosing to attend Rockhurst University (www.rockhurst.edu)?
Because Rockhurst had everything I was looking for … a place to get a first-class education, scholarships to support my academic goals, and a connection to Research College of Nursing. Being at Rockhurst I have the opportunity to expand who I already know I am, while developing who I know I can become. I’ve really got the best of “many” worlds!

7. What R U studying at Rockhurst?
I am pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing with a minor in Theology and Religious Studies. I’ve always wanted to be a nurse, so choosing a major was simple. During my first semester at Rockhurst I had the honor of being a student of Mr. Glenn Young who taught Christianity. I learned so much, enjoyed the curriculum immensely, and felt overwhelmingly compelled to choose Theology for my minor. I couldn’t be more excited about that decision. It fits my current life and future so well!

6. When R U going to graduate?
May 2010 … and can I just say that is going to be one incredible day. For me, graduating from college is about more than having a college degree … it’s about leaving a legacy for my children. Neither my parents nor grandparents attended college, so this educational journey breaks one chain and establishes a new set of history for my family. Also, my husband holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree, so I want our children to always be able to see two parents who exemplify scholastic success right in their own home. My children deserve that.

5. What R U doing when you are not in class or studying?
Spending time with my family. I love hanging out with “my guys.” My husband and I are great friends so we take time out for fun & family. It’s truly a joy to watch our boys grow. They are incredibly different! And when I really have some down time, I enjoy reading a good book, journaling, or watching Law & Order or any medical show.

4. What R U hoping to accomplish in life?
Oh, I have the usual things on my list like getting my degrees, working as a nurse (probably in labor & delivery), and having my dream house and car. But there’s more … I want to sing (well!!) for some great crowd; learn to play the piano; be able to do sign language; travel to all 50 states so I can say “I’ve been there.” Eventually I want to travel overseas to help out impoverished nations. Most importantly, I want to serve others and make their life more fulfilling; which includes my spouse, children, friends, patients, community, and more.

3. What R U most proud of?
I can’t pick just one so I’ll list a few of them. I’m proud of: serving my country in the U.S. Air Force; being a wife and mother; giving birth without medicine (wow!!); accomplishing my educational dreams (associate’s down, bachelor’s and master’s to go!); my sister (Jasmine) who has grown up to be one beautiful and intelligent young lady; myself, because I’m “living my life like it’s golden” (thanks Jill Scott for singing that song); I could go on and on with my most proud list but I’ll stop here for now.

2. When R U happiest?
When I’m having a bowl of Blue Bell homemade vanilla ice cream, I’m quite happy. When I’m in a good sleep, I’m happy then too. But the best of all is when I’m with my husband and kids. They make life fulfilling in ways that words can’t describe. I often wonder “what did I do before I had these three people in my life?”

1. What words R U able to share with others that make the greatest impact?
I love you.

Sweet kisses from my boys!

Back to school!!

The first week of school … what an exciting time! For me, I began my junior year of college at Research College of Nursing in conjunction with Rockhurst University (http://www.rockhurst.edu/) where I am completing courses toward my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. My oldest son, who is five, headed off to Kindergarten.

Funny enough – though we are worlds apart in terms of where we are in our education – we faced some similarities for our first few days of school.

What should I wear? What time does class start and end? What supplies do I need to purchase? Do I need a new backpack? I’ve got to get in the groove of this new routine.

Those first days of class were awesome (for us both). It was so nice to see friends from the spring semester, hear how everyone’s summer was, and get ready to start reading, writing, and studying! Each evening, I return home to share stories with my family on how everyone’s day was, what we learned, and then we get prepared for the next day. Education … it’s an incredible, fun-filled, challenging, and exceptionally fulfilling journey. I’m so proud to be on the ride … and to see my son beginning the voyage as well.

Week two of school, here we come; when we’ll begin the “R U” questions. Wondering what I mean? Check back soon. I can tell you they are going to be a blast to read. LJ