What's in a Leap Year?!

photo credit -teen.com

Hi all,

Due to technical difficulties I had to change the interface of my blog recently. Sunday night I had a little scare but I was able to fix it!! In the process I lost all my "retweets" and "likes" so folks please retweet and like my posts again! Really appreciate the support my blog has been getting....soon it will be 6000 hits already!!

Today is a very special day...it's a leap year...Do you know what that means? Well I'm sure everyone was doing their own research today so this may not be all that new.

A leap year is necessary so as to keep our calendar in sync with the earth's revolutions around the sun. Our earth takes approximately 365.242199 days – or 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds (a tropical year) – to circle around the Sun only once. 

We celebrate leap years once every four (4) years. It happens that the Gregorian calendar has only 365 days in a year, so we would lose close to six (6) hours from our calendar every year if there was no leap year or leap day on February 29 every four years. Do you know what this would mean? Our calendar will be thrown out of wack by approximately 24 days after only 100 years! Wow!  That can really do a number on you if you're in temperate climates that experience changes of seasons. Every wondered what it'd be like to have a "Sunshiney summer wonderland" in December or cold winter days in August? -methinks not:)

Here's a little bit of history you can show off with your friends and family next leap year!

Julius Caesar attempted to solve the problem since he invented leap years in 45 BCE (Before Common Era) but it posed a problem since he deemed any year evenly divisible by 4 to be a leap year that way we wound up with too many leap years which had implications for when Easter was celebrated. It also meant that the tropical year moved backwards on the calendar every 128 days. So Pope Gregory XIII invented the Gregorian calender in February 1582 which is now known as the Western or Christian calendar. It was first adopted in Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain. However, I discovered that some countries still use the Julian calendar such as the Orthodox church in Russia and the Berber people of North Africa and on Mount Athos. Bet ya didn't know that one?!

This translates to good news and bad news for those born on a leap year. It either means less birthday celebrations or less aging!! I guess it depends on how you look at the situation. Happy Birthday to all the Leap Year babies!

Irish tradition also tells us that women propose to men on this day and the men must accept? Hmmm....I guess the bars will be busy today:)

It seems that Christopher Columbus was also on the isle of Jamaica during his final voyage to the West Indies during the February 29, 1504 lunar eclipse!! Wow...(this info credited to the BBC....lots more to this story check it out here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17203353)

Hope you had a good Leap Day....it's over in some countries. Wherever you are and whatever you're doing tonight...Remember to Make it Count!!

Peace.

Feel free to tell us how you spent your Leap Day.

After One time is Two

photo credit - lifesip.com

The world is filled with wonderfully talented and innovative people. I would refrain from saying successful since "success" is relative. It's a state of mind actually. I speak about this in my new book THINKING OUT LOUD. To be successful is to truly be happy with what you have achieved at your stage of development. Our life is a work in progress and most of us are always striving for improvement. And everyone has a different story and their experience is different and unique, which is why you shouldn't compare your life to anyone else's. The moment you think that you have reached where you are going and have achieved all that there is to achieve is the moment you stop growing. Success may mean different things to different people. To one person success may mean producing offspring and having a large family - a house filled with love overflowing. Yet to many others it may mean fulfilling a deeper yearning and desire/passion to do something you love - where endless time will pass by without noticing because to you it's sheer enjoyment and bliss for having found your "reason for being" or purpose in this world. 

To someone else it may mean becoming president or CEO. But we must ensure that we are chasing these dreams for the right reasons. By stepping into these roles, do you want to impact lives....make the world a better place by the decisions you make? Or do you just want to exert your influence and stature? When you think that you have reached your goal you look around and someone else is doing what you are doing and then some. Never think that you are the "big cheese" because sadly you are not...there is always someone doing more. We see this everyday with musicians and actors who live their life to make others happy....there is always a new and upcoming artiste/talent ready to steal the spotlight. As we say in trini - "after one time is two." But at the end of the day, we have to ensure that we are making ourselves happy and being the best we can be. With that said...are you living your passion....and if not what steps can we all take to make this happen or take it to the next level?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

To order my new book online, please follow the links below depending on your location: 

http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Out-Loud-Carolyn-Correia/dp/1105184382/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326334445&sr=1-1 (US)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thinking-Out-Loud-Carolyn-Correia/dp/1105184382 (UK)

For local customers, it's available at all locations of RIK and The Reader's Bookshop, St. James.

Making a move.....Have a great Sunday....:)

Hasta luego~

What are you giving up?

photo credit -ocarm.org

Most of the Christian community celebrate the season of Lent commencing Ash Wednesday [yesterday]. I'm sure even if we are not Christian we can identify with the principles as there is so much to be thankful for which we owe to a Higher Being. During those 40 days Christ spent in the desert and was tempted [as we have seen in Matthew 4],  He also fasted so as to prepare Himself for what was to come. He sacrificed His life for us to have a better life. What can we do in return so as to become closer to Him? Catholics abstain from eating meat on Wednesdays and Fridays but I can think of some ways that may be more feasible:

• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Quarreling/swearing
• Partying
• Gossip

Can you think of any others?

photo credit-knowledge-base script.com

This lenten period I pray for the gift of discernment so that I am able to distinguish true/real from fake and misleading. We are all imperfect beings but sometimes we try to live up to the unrealistic expectations that others have for us. Trying to be perfect is an illusion for only our Father in heaven is perfect. TD Jakes said something in his book that struck a chord with me and this is: that we try to treat others the same way as we would like to be treated in our respective leadership roles [whether at home, work or play] however people will still try to criticize and pull us down regardless of what we do. We won't always be liked or supported by everyone for there will always be negative people. He says in his book 64 Lessons for a Life Without Limits [to paraphrase] that if we remain focused our own goals and remain who we are then we won't have a problem.

I hope to have some meaningful insights. Have a productive lent in your journey toward spiritual enlightenment. Try to stay true to yourself and be the best you can possibly be...AND steer clear of the naysayers for most times they are far from perfect themselves and not in a better position than you!!

Over too soon!

Hope everyone had a great Carnival or at least enjoyed the sights and sounds from afar if you didn't take part. Congrats to all the winners of Soca Monarch and Dimanche Gras...Who's your pick for Road March? To the spectators hope you will visit our shores come next year Carnival 2013!

As the last few hours count down to Ash Wednesday....let's use this time to rest and rejuvenate cos it's back to the grind tomorrow...Let's make it count people!

We in D mas'!!

Hope you're enjoying the mas' wherever you are. For the folks in the US hope you had a great President's Day......Here's a link to a live stream of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago...Enjoy!

http://www.ctntworld.com/livestream/

Happy Carnival!!

Have a happy and safe Carnival everyone!!

Here's the results of one of the biggest competitions in Trinidad & Tobago....

SOCA MONARCH RESULTS

Power

1. Machel Montano (Pump Yuh Flag)

2. Iwer George (No Pain)

3. Destra (Link Up)

4. Prophet Benjamin (Throw Wine) & Blaxx (Inside Ah Band)

Groovy

1. Machel Montano (Mr Fete)

2. Kerwin Du Bois (Bacchanalist)

3. Benjai (People's Champion)

4. Nadia Batson (No Pressure)

5. Kees Diffenthaller (Stress Away)

For performances ...you can check it out on youtube.

Where it all began: Carnival!

photo credit-gocaribbean.about.com

Tomorrow is Fantastic [Carnival] Friday here in Trinidad & Tobago. To many it's the lead up to the revelry of mas' in all it's splendour as the streets explode into a kaleidoscope of colour: the costumes (which all tell a story) adorned with beads, cloth, glitter and feathers coupled with the excitement and pulsating musical rhythms as masqueraders cross the Big stage. The festival was first introduced by the French settlers to this island around 1785 with fancy balls or masquerades and soon caught on with the slaves as history tells us it was a way for them to celebrate their new found freedom when slavery was abolished. Stick fighting and ole mas' (the latter which is a mini skit put on to "air" the grievances of the day as it pokes fun at some of the current affairs) are some of the more tradition legacies that we still practise today. It is a tradition rich in culture that has grown and exploded into a liberation for many people up to this day...as a way to free all of their stresses from the entire year which they look forward to with anticipation.

Many others use it to escape to the beaches and catch up with friends and family...like me. Yet others take to the streets and savannah to spectate and watch it all unfold...maybe I'll find the time to do that too...

Where ever Carnival meets you...please be safe and remember to Make it Count.

The soundtracks of our life!!

Isn't music just wonderful?! At the moment I'm listening to Maroon 5 #handsallover   *whistles*

photo credit -good-wallpapers.com

Just thought I'd share with you 5 things music can do:

• Bring people together (cultures, religions, race, countries) 

• Make memories come to life & provide the soundtracks to our life

• Take the pain away #soothing

• A nice way to pass the time (esp when you're bored or having a bad day)

• Provide entertainment for events - parties, Christmas, church, graduation, birthdays, anniversaries, other milestones 

• OK here's a bonus: It provides an opportunity to showcase our talents/musical abilities & share our gifts with the world

I love music...(can u tell) these are some of my fav artistes/bands of all time....what are some of yours? Feel free to post your comments!!

• Bob Marley
• Whitney Houston
• George Michael
• Michael Jackson
• Maroon 5
• Madonna
• Cindi Lauper
• Prince
• U2
• Journey
• Jah Cure
• Richie Spice
• Kees the Band
• Culture Club
• Sting and the Police
• Aerosmith
• Adele
• John Legend
• UB40
• Sean Paul
• Blondie
• The Black Eye Peas
• Evanescence
• Most 80s music!!

"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain"
Bob Marley -(1945-1981)

Thanks for the support!!

Have a good week everyone!! Is it me or did Monday just go by in a whoosh?!! The world is our stage as the days inch closer to Trinidad Carnival. Still not too late to take a flight down to take it all in...if not I'm sure it will be available online...will be posting links as soon as it's available.

On another note, I want to say a BIG THANKS for everyone that has purchased copies of my new book Thinking out Loud. I really appreciate the support.

For those of you whose interest I've peaked...you can check out one of the reviews here: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/woman-magazine/Thinking-out-loud-136873018.html

If you would like to order your own copy....it's available on amazon and lulu ---->

http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Out-Loud-Carolyn-Correia/dp/1105184382/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326334445&sr=1-1 (US)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thinking-Out-Loud-Carolyn-Correia/dp/1105184382 (UK)

https://www.lulu.com/commerce/index.php?fBuyContent=11764998

Be blessed and have a gr8 week!!

XO

5000+ hits

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Thanks for the support...my blog has just passed 5000 hits...

Thanks mucho:-)

Please feel free to post your comments and ratings!!

Your Music is Timeless...

The world mourns another legend...this time it's Whitney Houston. I remember singing one of her hits: One moment in time at my primary (elementary) school graduation....I remember all the words to this day. The Bodyguard was one of my favourite movies...along with Waiting to Exhale. Someone just remarked on cnn that when you live a life in the spotlight everyone knows what you're going through at any given moment. I think that not all times this is true. These talented famous people get on stage and make appearances to wow the world and make us happy while making records and movies as part of their job, but no one really knows how they truly feel inside when they get home at night and shut the doors to the world. It's really sad indeed, that sometimes it's those with the greatest talent are the ones with the most pain and internal warfare and need the most love and support. Just a week or so ago it was Don Cornelius. It's sad to think that while they make sooo many people happy around the world...they can't find that happiness within to make the pain go away....really sad. 

Their music and life's work are able to break down borders and traverse race, geography, languages, culture and religion....their music is timeless. Some of them however live a really lonely and tormented life and to onlookers it seems that everything is all glitz and glamour and everything is all well in their world but all that glitters is not gold. It's good to acknowledge the talent in others but always recognize the source. We (myself included) must live our life in such a way to nourish and keep connected to that source that we will always be able to let our talents shine for the world to enjoy. We must be able to surmount the fears, obstacles and temptations that may block us from our true path and connection to God which is the true and almighty source of all talent.

I'll leave you with the words of the Emmy award winning song that Whitney made famous in 1988: 

"You're a winner for a lifetime, if you seize that one moment in time...Make it shine..." 

- From One Moment in Time (1988) recorded by Whitney Houston and written by Albert Hammond and John Bettis.

Your music created wonderful memories for us all...RIP...definitely gone too soon.

TGIF

Friday is almost here!!

In some countries it's well underway. Did you make it count?! Did you do everything you set out to do on Monday? Did we surpass our expectations or did we just do the usual to get by....what are you waiting for?!! It's not too late to score that touch down you've been doubting yourself about. Push a little harder and next time it'll be yours:)

Hope you had a good week.

Sometimes it's a roller coaster ride and the only thing you can rely on is your faith that all will work out well in the end. When it looks like those dark clouds are headed your way...walk with your umbrella and learn to dance in the rain and have fun without getting caught in the downpour!!! Don't let anyone rain on your parade because you've worked too hard and worth too much! Who's not glad for the weekend...let me see a show of hands (or retweets)!! Not me...I'm glad it's almost over and I can sleep in for two days!! Who's going to Misty Ridge?? Fatima?? (in trini)...Enjoy for me;P Was too late for tiks:(( but all is not lost. Whatever you're doing, wherever you're going...be safe and have a good weekend!! And remember to Make it Count!!

Peace.

Let's chase the Monday blues away!

Have a great week folks. I trust that you had a good weekend and we're all recharged and ready to go! I know only two days you say but let's try to Make it Count whatever we're doing, where ever we go...that way Friday will come again before we know it;)

I'll leave you with a bit of inspiration to chase the Monday blues away!

Through the years...

photo credit-salon.com

Sometimes when I'm in a public place I "people watch." And at times I can't help but stare at the elderly. I've always wanted to blog about that but somehow I never got around to it...until now. When I look at them...their life flash before my eyes. I see history. I picture what it would have been like for them when they were young and what they would have looked like. What kind of life they had...spouses, children. Then I'm left with soo much sadness to see how time has brought on a whole other dimension to that person. What's even sadder is that in time I will be where that person is: aged...and some other youth will be looking at me in the same way. Sometimes I think I am too deep for my own good and I wonder if the average person thinks about these very distant and at times morbid thoughts of death and aging. For those of you that watched The Notebook or have aged parents, aunts/uncles or grandparents know what I'm talking about, especially when you look at old pictures from another time and place.

If you believe in the bible...then sometimes we may wonder how life would have been if Eve did not lead Adam to eat that forbidden fruit and people still lived to be 800 and 900 years old....not quite sure the origins of that whole aging story but just food for thought. What would we do differently? What would you do differently with your life if it was stretched out before you? Would you be caught up in vanity and "play yourself" as we say in trini. Or would you keep reinventing yourself to be the best person: daughter/son, mother/father, sister/brother, wife/husband, partner, friend, employee, citizen that you can possibly be? Would we seek to find our purpose and fulfill our true potential sharing our gifts and talents with the world? Would we cherish those persons we hold near and dear to us until it's time to part ways?

No matter how many years we are given to "live out" our time here on earth...how can we make the most of it? How many of us wish we had more time to do all the things we wanted to do...always putting off something for another day until we realize when it's too late that our time here is through? How many of us live our lives for other people...always trying to please someone else and sacrificing our own lives in the process? Some of our lives even get cut short before we are given a chance to give any of these things thought. That's why we have to live each day like it's our last and Make each Moment Count.

Can you relate? Feel free to post your comments. For more thought provoking musings get your own copy of my new book Thinking out Loud available here:

http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Out-Loud-Carolyn-Correia/dp/1105184382/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326334445&sr=1-1 (US) 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thinking-Out-Loud-Carolyn-Correia/dp/1105184382 (UK)

https://www.lulu.com/commerce/index.php?fBuyContent=11764998

Happy 1st February!!

photo credit -clipartof.com

Hoy is miercoles de febrero!

Wednesday...the first day of February 2012...and if you have breathe in your body then you have a lot to be thankful for. Sometimes we are so caught up in our world we forget what a blessing it is to be alive. Sometimes I myself am guilty of this, then every time I slow down long enough to commune with nature I realize how great I have it. Lots of things to be thankful for...like family and friends. [Even the loneliest person has 1 friend I'm sure!]. Employment [although wish I can trade in my day job for a full time writing gig with paid vacations in Hawai and Paris! heheh]

Right now...our nation is preparing for The Greatest Show on earth...which is Trinidad & Tobago Carnival...I would try to keep you in the loop of what's going on in these parts. If you can partake of the festivities ...it's definitely a "must-see" event from Panorama - steelpan, Soca Monarch, Chutney Soca Monarch, Brass Festival, Dimanche Gras, Parade of Bands on Carnival Monday & Tuesday and of course who can't forget the fetes leading up to the Big days...the all-inclusives [fetes] and the like with your fill of live bands, well-stocked bar, security and every cuisine under the sun.

On another note...how was your day?! Mine wasn't the greatest to be honest...things didn't exactly go as planned...but you know what? I made it through the day! That's a big accomplishment...lots of people aren't as lucky. Sometimes people would help you out of a difficult situation when you need a listening ear but not all times they can help you find a permanent solution to whatever challenge or difficulty you're facing. What we fail to realize is that the only permanent solution to our problem is to take it to the Lord in prayer which I did today and that gnawing feeling immediately dissipated like magic! But no magic there...that's the power of prayer.

I earnestly intend to get even closer to Him as the year goes by. Soon it will be lent and many of us would attempt to make a sacrifice (or do without something) during this period. In this way, we humble ourselves to draw closer to Him so as to receive His spiritual gifts that manifests itself most times in a tangible way in our lives. But I'm rushing the weeks...marvel in each moment and savour every memory because this time can never come again!

Peace

XO