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Michelle Obama presented. So what?!
Several news outlets have been reporting that people have been voicing their ill feelings about the FLOTUS making a cameo on the 85th Academy Awards show. My thoughts are, who cares?
Our First Lady was asked to be a presenter at the awards show. Not to mention, she was asked to present one of the most coveted awards of the entire show. So, those in charge of putting the show together knew what they ware doing. Now, as far as I can see, the people who have been expressing their negative comments towards the first lady and the President, who wasn’t even there, are people who haven’t supported anything they’ve done, ever.
Folks, we are living in a completely different era. While some things should stay traditional as far as the White House and its constituents are concerned, other things will not be able to stay the same. And as time leads on, the things that are relevant today, will no longer be relevant in the future. Just look at how social media has become a major component in the last few elections. Or how once before, FDR implemented fireside chats via radio correspondence to reach the American people.
Everything our, and I do emphasize our, President and First Lady do are under a microscope. I mean the man can’t even grow gray hair without there being a news article about it. Now, Michelle Obama cannot present an award at a show that she was asked to present at. Get real, people! There’s definitely a double standard when it comes to the First Family. Both Laura Bush and Ronald Reagan made appearances at awards show, though it was recorded or telecast. Was there an uproar then? Of course there wasn’t.
Michelle Obama and the President have become something of an icon for many people. While we all understand their important roles, and what they represent, people are still compelled to see what Michelle Obama is wearing or what she’s done to her hair. They have celebrity status, and the media and the public give them that. I don’t understand what the big deal is, especially when the First Lady’s attire is being judged every time she steps out. If she didn’t have any kind of clout like celebrities do, then no one would be concerned.
I think the Academy Awards did a great thing by inviting the First Lady to present. These shows are all about glamour, and glitz. Michelle Obama exudes that, and she handles her job as the Fist Lady. With that said, maybe the media can concentrate on more important things rather than magnify an issue that really shouldn’t be an issue.
Lesson Learned
In life we are often thrown curve balls. I in no way ever feel bitter or resentful because of this. I know with each curve ball thrown, there’s a lesson to be learned. With that said, I have definitely learned a valuable lesson when it comes to people we may at one time or another considered to be a friend.
Over the years, I, like many other people, have lost friendships. However, I never look at these situations as a loss because I truly believe that some people are not meant to be your friend forever. I will admit that I may have been the cause of some of these lost friendships. I am no way naive to that factor; however, I can also say that the person I presented myself as in the beginning is the person I will remain to be throughout all my relationships and friendships. That being said, I feel that the lessons I learn come from the friendships that I don’t necessarily receive a forewarning. Some people are very good at masking their identities, and portraying themselves as something they obviously aren’t. While most of these people are hard to detect, with time, their true colors will seep through.
I feel that God has blessed me with the ability to be a good judge in character. Thinking back, I am almost never shocked by the actions of other people whom of which I have or had a relationship/friendship with. The way that I’m most affected is through my feelings. Although people often show who they are through their actions rather than their words, I often give people the benefit of the doubt and turn the other cheek. I prefer to look for the good in people. Call it a flaw or what have you, but this is who I am.
I’m writing this post mainly because I’ve decided going into this new year to leave some people behind and wanted to share my perspective. A few people who I’ve considered to be friends, not necessarily best friends, have shown their true colors. Their lack of regard for our friendship were shown at times that left a lasting impression and a clear understanding of the type of friend they truly were. Whether it’s difficult or not, some times we have to make these kind of decisions. At the time, we may not understand, but it’s truly beneficial to let go of the negative in our lives so that we fully enjoy the positive things that life has to offer. Life is too short, and you never know when it’s your time to go. So, you should make the best of it, and allow it to be filled with things and people who bring you joy.
My words of advice are to distance yourself from people who don’t positively contribute to your life. As I mentioned before, it’s a hard decision to make, but in the end, you’ll see the positive difference it will make.
Gladys and Ron’s Chicken and Waffles [Atlanta]
I am definitely shaking my head while writing this review. I had high expectations going to this restaurant located in Atalanta. My expectations were met with disappointment.
I ordered a chicken breast, waffle, catfish and grits. The chicken and waffle came out cold. Yuck! My butter didn’t even melt on my waffle. I asked the server to nuke my chicken and waffle, and that’s exactly what she did. Everyone knows what warmed-up fried chicken tastes like; it’s gross. She should have said that she’d have the kitchen make a fresh waffle and chicken breast. After re-receiving my chicken and waffle, I didn’t think there was anything special about them at all. Considering this restaurant is supposed to be known for these two items, I was quite disappointed that it had no flair and was just the average chicken and waffle combination.
The catfish was pretty good though, but the grits were salty. I wish that I had only ordered the catfish and grits because I wasted my money ordering the chicken and waffle. I’ve definitely had better.
The server was okay. She was somewhat attentive to our table; she could have checked on us more often. After the food was delivered, she kept away for quite a while. There was nothing spectacular about her service.
I was really excited to visit this restaurant, mainly because of the names associated with it. However, that’s all this restaurant stood on, its name. This was later confirmed by a resident of Atlanta, who said that people only go there for the name because the food is not all that good. Now, the menu offered a lot of other options. So, I wouldn’t go as far as to say that I don’t recommend it. I’d give it another shot, but I would definitely order something else.
Beef & Brandy [Chicago]
Sigh, where do I begin?
The atmosphere and set up of this restaurant was the best part of my entire dining experience. It is set up like Ruby Tuesdays. Like Ruby Tuesdays, it has a bar, a lot of dark wood, and pictures on the wall. I wouldn’t suggest going here for a romantic date, but if you must try it, go for a lunch outing or to catch the game. There was very casual, laid back atmosphere, which is something I enjoy when dining out with friends.
Upon sitting down, we were greeted by our server in a timely fashion. She didn’t seem to be very interested in serving us though. I observed how she interacted with her other tables, and she treated them a lot better. She was cheerful, and helpful. She checked on them regularly, and made sure their glasses were filled. When it came to our table, she never checked on us nor did she keep our glasses filled. She was quite dry and totally not energetic. That really bothered me, especially after observing how she interacted with her other tables. Then to top it off, she left and someone else picked up our table. It took him forever to come to our table at first, but at least he was a bit more energetic and helpful.
I ordered the chicken sandwich. It was served on Cuban bread, and came with the regular garnishes, avocado and fries. I like Cuban bread, so I thought this sandwich was going to be really good. Unfortunately, it wasn’t what I hoped for. The chicken was tasteless. Not even my avocado could save this sandwich. I don’t think they added any type of season to it nor did they marinate it. I had to order honey mustard to give it some type of flavor. The fries were good, but it’s hard to mess that up. Overall the food was mediocre.
While visiting Chicago, I just knew that we wouldn’t eat anywhere bad, but this place definitely ruined that idea. To make matters worse, it was the first place we ate while in Chicago. Thankfully, none of the other restaurants we visited disappointed. I’ve mentioned before that I will always try a restaurant again, but I don’t really see myself trying this place again when I go back to visit. Needless to say, I wouldn’t recommend this restaurant. There are so many other great restaurants in Chicago to eat at, and this just isn’t one of them.
Tyla Times
