I lost 205 pounds

I lost 205 pounds and I really don't feel like celebrating. I now know that there is no advantage to holding on to him, other than being there when he needs me. It seems being needed has always filled my voids and gaps in my own happiness or fulfillment.

For years I opened my heart and my home to those whom could not care for themselves; family matriarchs, and lost children. For the first time in ten years I have no one to shelter or raise. In hindsight i should have continued spending the time on myself.

Taking care of myself carried me to Brazil, Argentina, Egypt and Dubai within a year. I traveled alone but never found myself lonely. It was here back in the states that I thought I found something else, but in reality it was simply being needed.

I am just amazed as to how long it took for me to realize, or perhaps accept, that I freed myself from a life of sacrifice, to my own detriment, only to gleefully enter into another situation. It is difficult to see what someone asks of you when your hands and heart are always giving. This is where my learning begins again.

I've learned many things from the wisdom and generosity of Maya Angelou. One lesson in particular is to believe someone when they show you who they are the first time.

Thank you Ms. Angelou!

"Te conozco bacalado si viene disfrutado"

Marine motorcycle deaths top their Iraq combat fatalities

As a motorcyclist, enthusiast, and accident survivor I was deeply disturbed to read about the Marine deaths. The fact that more Marines have died on Motorcycles than in combat during the past year is quite powerful.

After my own accident, a hit and run on a Friday night, the uninsured driver was going the wrong way on a One Way street, I could not wait to ride again. I was wearing a helmet and had trained with the State Police on riding safety. Once I healed I put my bike into the shop and to the dismay of my partner and family I was back on the street riding.

While I have always admired racing bikes I have only ridden cruisers, my personal bike is a mid range Honda Shadow. "Crotch rockets" and "Rice burners" remind me of a particular young, sexy, olive complexioned, bar back. I love to look but, I don't touch, it's just asking for trouble. Even though the thought of driving either gets my adrenaline flowing. Damn, just the thought!

I understand the love of speed, the testosterone filled moments of exceeding the speed limits of both the law and common sense. The story of the young Marines dying senselessly has sobered me, I hope the same can be done for our young brothers on bikes.

Pedal Power - Going Green - Getting Healthier

I purchased my bicycle today, it is a 2009 DIAMONDBACK OUTLOOK. Thank you to my friends Obediah, for the kick start, and to Otto, for all of your support.

I am one of the last members of my family to get back on the bike. My Aunt, Sister, and Brother-in-law are all avid cyclists and it has done wonders for their health.

Check out Guys Bicycles

As many as 50 teenagers might have been exposed to the virus that causes AIDS.

The St. Louis County Health Department said last week that a positive HIV test raised concern that students at Normandy might have been exposed. The department is not saying whether the infected person was a student or connected with the school, only that the person indicated as many as 50 students may have been exposed.

The Health Department also will not say how any exposure might have occurred. Health Department spokesman Craig LeFebvre has said the possibilities include sexual activity, intravenous drug use, piercings and tattoos.

Hochstedler said the district doesn't know the person's identity, or even whether he or she is a student.

"We do know there was some potential exposure between that person and students," he said. "We don't know the individual or the route of transmission."

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Marcus Patrick

British Actor, Model, Singer, Tae Kwon Doe Champion had added yet another title to his impressive resume, Dancer.

HIV, AIDS and the Presidential Candidates

So where do the candidates stand? For starters, they both fully support President Bush's PREFAR program - but that's focused on the epidemic overseas.


So, what if you're one of the 1.2 million Americans living with HIV/AIDS? "We have to have a more effective AIDS policy. Studies have shown we may have undercounted the incidence of AIDS in this country," Barack Obama said. Obama's plan begins with his promise to sign universal health care legislation by the end of his first term as president. He wants to prevent HIV through sex education and by promoting HIV testing in minority communities.
The cornerstone of the Obama plan calls for a national HIV/AIDS strategy involving all federal agencies. "When we give money to developing countries to fight AIDS, we demand they have a national strategy. And yet we don't have a national AIDS strategy in this country," Wilson said.


"I think we need a domestic plan," Sen. John McCain said. McCain's prescription to prevent HIV: Emphasize abstinence programs. For those with pre-existing conditions such as AIDS, he wants to establish "guaranteed access plans" for affordable insurance. His prescription for rising drug costs? Greater competition among drug companies. But the centerpiece of the McCain blueprint? A $2,500 tax credit for individuals to purchase the health care coverage of their choice.

Royal Marine Commando David McIntosh

Royal Marine Commando David McIntosh was one of several British celebs to strip down and raise awareness for cancer research in an editorial lensed by photographer Cameron McNee.

A Royal Marine from Wigan, 22 year old McIntosh, swapped his green beret for tight lycra and giant cotton buds after landing a starring role in the new series of Gladiators as Tornado.

Marcus Patrick

Soap star, fitness guru, and private dancer Marcus Patrick graces the cover of MPOWRPLUS magazine. Click the graphic for your free subscription.