Trail Blazer - First Lady Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama efines "Food Deserts"

2010-02-24T12:36:00.000-08:00

What are Food Deserts? Well, Michelle Obama defines what food deserts are and how they affect our children. This was posted by WhiteHouse.gov. Take a look.

Video will not embed, so click on this link to see it.

Let's Move! Michelle Obama's Childhood Obesity Initiative

2010-02-09T20:30:00.000-08:00

The plan has been launched. Visit the site - Let's Move. Let's help our kids live healthier lives.

Can we talk about our children's weight?

2010-02-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

It continues to be a sore spot about Michelle Obama talking about her Sasha and Malia's weight and changing up their diets. I recently read in Yahoo! Shine that many people feel that Mrs. Obama was wrong or "misguided" for talking about her daughter's weight on a national platform. Mira Jacob of Yahoo! Shine wrote an interesting article, called , "Is it okay to talk about your daughters' weight if it's for the national good." She provided view points from both sides of the coin.

Here's my thought, from day one Michelle Obama has said that first she is mom. Above all else she is Mom-in-Chief. If she sees that her children are picking up some unhealthy habits and the evidence of such is starting to show in the waistline than I think that is highly appropriate to bring it to the forefront now. Better now, than when the girls are overweight and self-concsious about it.

We are making too big of a deal about her revealing to America how she handled the issue. Some felt that her talking about the girls' weight might spur eating disorders. That was a little overboard. I'm confident that Michelle knows her children well enough to know if this issue would damage their self esteem.

I applaud Michelle, because we need to have responsible, compassionate conversations about childhood obesity. We also need to learn how to address these types of issues with our children so that we build up their self-esteem. As parents, we need to address weight issues with our children early on and move swiftly to make changes so that our kids don't deal with a lifetime of weight problems. Mothers, like me, who has an overweight child, need a trailblazer to lead the way in fighting this battle. I'm glad that Michelle has taken on this initiative and setting the example. *Photo courtesy of Loeb/Getty

Michelle Obama's Fight Against Childhood Obesity

2010-01-31T22:06:00.001-08:00

I am so excited to see that one of the First Lady's initiatives is going to be eradicating childhood obesity. One of my son's is just like his Dad, he loves, loves, loves to eat. But, for a while there was not any follow up of physical activity. Just video games and snacks and, I am totally to blame for that.

I got the message when I discovered that my 11 year old weighed more than my 16 year old. So, I eliminated "seconds" and signed him up for basketball. I just made little changes on my own, and I am starting to see small changes. So, I can't wait to see what FLOTUS has in store with her national campaign. Take a look @ the video as she announces her fight.

Michelle Obama's SOTU dress

2010-01-29T10:37:00.000-08:00

FLOTUS was flawless at the SOTU in her violet ensemble. The dress was designed by Issac Mizrahi. There are mixed reviews, but I thought the dress really complimented her shape as well as her height. It was a fun dress with a bubble skirt. It retails for $1850 in the Mizrahi Fall Collection. A bit out of my price range, but dead-on choice, nonetheless. The single strand of pearls set the dress off, too. The only thing I missed were her shoes . . .

> >Read more about it here.

Photo: Mark Wilson, Getty Images

Trail Blazer Blog is back on track!!!

2010-01-28T19:33:00.000-08:00

FLOTUS Slide Show After a loonnng pregnancy and an even longer recovery, Trail Blazer is back on track. I will also will be posting on Michelle Obama Watch once a week starting Monday, Feb 1st. My weekly posts will appear on Mondays. Let's kick this thing off with a wonderful slide show of FLOTUS in action! I am very happy to be back and doing what I love! Stay posted for my blogs on FLOTUS!

Sasha is a Trailblazer, Too!

2009-02-24T19:03:00.000-08:00

Not only does Michelle Obama set trends, it looks like her youngest baby girl is a trend-setter in her own right. Apparently, Sasha has started a fad in Washington DC of the lovely,plush-toy key chain, called Uglydoll, created by Pretty Ugly, LLC. Her little fella is called Babo's Bird. Please don't ask me what a Babo's Bird is, but this little fella and plenty of cousins are leaping off the shelves. It's just apart of the "Obama-Effect." I kinda think of it as the midas touch. Read all about it @ The Daily Beast in an article by Kathleen Parker, called, "How Sasha Obama Triggered a Hot Washington Fad."

*Photosource: L to R, Pretty Ugly, LLC ; Reuters

Michelle on March Issue of Vogue

2009-02-10T17:28:00.000-08:00

The internet world is abuzz with the news that Michelle Obama will grace the cover of Vogue's March issue. She is going to be wearing a simple magenta dress designed by Jason Wu. He also designed her inaugural gown. I never pay much attention to Vogue, but this might be the first Vogue issue that I buy. According to reports, she outfitted herself. That goes to show you that Mrs. Obama walks like the boss, talks like the boss! (Thanks to NeYo for those lyrics) Now, she has been on many magazine covers, including Essence and Ebony. So, it will be interesting to see how she will look on the cover of Vogue. I am actually anticipating a feature in O, The Oprah Magazine.

What Can Michelle Do for Public Schools?

2009-02-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

Michelle Obama was out on Monday visiting the Department of Education. She gave the employees a hearty Thank You! for all of their hardwork. She says there is much to be done. That couldn't have been further from the truth. I have three boys in the public school system and I see first hand the struggles of our hard working teachers. I am convinced that Michelle will remain committed to working families and the public schools system. Those two institutions are the bedrock of our country.

If I had an opportunity to submit a laundry list of requests to Michelle regarding public schools, I would ask for:

1. Higher pay for Teachers and school staff ( I would propose six-figure salaries)
2. Build new schools and completely overhaul others that are run-down and are not technically advanced
3. Provide any and all necessary education programs for children with special needs
4. Provide after-school enrichment for disadvantaged children
5. Decrease classroom sizes
6. Keep lunches healthy
7. Provide teachers with ALL supplies - no more paying out of pocket
8. Provide pre-K for all students
9. Hire teacher assistants for all classrooms, especially elementary classrooms
10. Ensure that all schools are equal in quality of staff, building and educational programs

What issues would you request our First Lady to explore in regards to our Public School System?

*Photo source ed.gov

For the First Time in My Life

2009-01-27T20:16:00.000-08:00

First, I apologize for not posting as soon as I left the National Mall on the day of the Inauguration. I was sooooo cold, that it took me a few days just to recover. But, it was all worth it. I can honestly say, without a shadow of a doubt, for the first time in MY life, I was proud to be an American. I mean, so much so that I can actually see myself hanging a flag outside my home. In all my 35 years, the THOUGHT of doing such, had never even crossed my mind.

The one thing that I will always remember is how quiet all 2million us were as we waited for President Obama to be introduced. You could have heard a pin drop. This picture is from my vantage point in the SILVER ticket area, behind the reflecting pool, which was frozen. Yeah ... frozen. It was that cold outside.

I am excited and I am praying for wisdom, humility and safety for President Obama and the First Family. - bw

Just arrived in DC

2009-01-18T18:40:00.000-08:00

I have just arrived in DC. The city is just pulsing with positive energy. Tomorrow, Monday Jan 19th, I am off to get the lay of the Capitol, hopefully get tickets to the swearing in by visiting my senator's office, and if time allows, visit my sorority's National Headquarters. I will be blogging as much as possible and if I am able to take pictures, I will be uploading pictures. Well, got get my warm gear together for tomorrow. Good night.

Happy Belated Birthday!

2009-01-18T18:37:00.000-08:00

Michelle, Happy Birthday to you! You make 45 look really good. May God bless you to have many, many more to come!

Now close your eyes and imagine, Stevie Wonder singing "Happy Birthday". . . That's me. Happy Birthday!

Your supporter,

bw

Love At It's Finest

2009-01-13T20:30:00.001-08:00

Michelle and Barack are on the cover of the February '09 issue of Ebony. I am so in love with them being in love. For Barack to choose a tall, brown, beautiful woman as his wife means a lot to me. For so long, the world's perception of beauty has not always equated to black women. Yes, I know how diverse and beautiful black women are, but mainstream America has been a little tardy on the matter. But, no worries, because America, you are about to get a little coffee in your cream.

Barack, you single handedly made it cool once again to love your lady. In the words of Gina from one of the funniest comedy sitcoms ever, Martin, "You Go Boy!!!" *Photo courtesy of Ebony/Jet

Ann Coulter Needs a Hug

2009-01-07T18:18:00.001-08:00

I read an article today, "Ann Coulter Rips on Michelle Obama's Fashion Sense in Latest Book." What do you do with a person that is hateful, mean-spirited and just plain pathetic? You pray for 'em and if you can get to them, give them a hug. Ann, you need some counseling. Where you teased as a child? Your attack on Michelle's sense of style and the snide remarks made about Barack are juvenile and unnecessary. Michelle is her own person. She has no need to imitate any of the former First Ladies or anyone else for that matter. I know you have to write the books that appeal to your audience so that you can make a buck, but go stir up trouble somewhere else. The majority of women in America appreciate Michelle's sensible style and can relate to her. You dear, are the minority. Your whack sense of humor does not come off very well. Instead, you sound like the dejected high school girl that was not voted homecoming queen. So, please grow up and spend your time writing about something worthwhile.

It's all about Michelle!

2008-12-30T17:47:00.000-08:00

As I have been searching for intersting articles on Michelle, I have found great blogs and not-so-great blogs. There are two that I would like to recommend. They provide quality media coverage on Mrs. Obama. I think you should check them out.

MichelleObamawatch.com - This site showcases media coverage on Michelle. The contributors, including yours truly, provide some compelling commentary in addition to the media coverage.

Mrs-O.org - This blog follows the fashions of Michelle. She is a fashion-icon in the making. The site is cool because it tells you who the designer is and where you can buy the items.

Let me know if you have found any interesting, POSITIVE sites about Michelle.

Great Expectations for Michelle Obama

2008-12-16T16:36:00.000-08:00

I read an interesting post on The Seferm Post titled, "Great Expectations Await Michelle Obama." Here's my two cents . . . Just as the nation has placed an enormous responsibly on the shoulders of our President-Elect to save the world from economic catastrophe, rebuild a failing health care system, create jobs, cure global warming, end the wars, restore our nation's standing in the world and that's all before 9am - we have also placed an huge task on our soon-to-be First Lady's plate.

We expect her to set fashion trends, revive 1600 Pennsylvania Ave with swank social gatherings, raise well-adjusted little girls, some even want her to bear a son, support a powerful, complex husband, set effective national programs in motion, set the image standard for not just African-American women, but ALL women, choose a hypo-allergenic puppy . . . whew, I'm tired just typing all of these things. So, just imagine having the pressure to not only do all of these things, but do them WELL.

But Michelle has shown us that she has the chutzpah to do it. She is a wonderful, intricate hybrid of class and hood. Now, don't take offense, understand what that means. Michelle grew up on the southside of Chicago in a working class family with great parents. She attended and graduated Princeton University - undergrad and Harvard Law. She can quite easily go from a state dinner at the White House, coddling international dignitaries to a church fish fry on a Saturday afternoon sponsored by the usher board. A power-house attorney, self-proclaimed Mom-in-Chief, supportive wife of 16 years. She definitely has the substance to meet and exceed all of our expectations. We recognize that no one is perfect and that at times, she will get tired and she may make a mistake, but she is not caught up in the hype. She seems to take everything in stride and appears extremely cautious of her decisions and course of action. So, let's just sit back and watch and enjoy, because the next 8, err, 4 years are going to be an exciting time to be alive, simply because NO ONE has charted this voyage before, so trust that it will be the trip of a lifetime. *photo source is unknown

Marian Robinson in the White House?

2008-12-10T04:34:00.000-08:00

I am all for it. I just read an interesting article titled "Grannies Take Top Jobs at White House" in the Washington Times. From Marian Robinson (Michelle Obama's mother) to Catherine Biden (Joe Biden's mother) to Dorothy Rodham (Hillary Clinton's mother) to Sugar Mama (my mother-in-law), Americans are moving back to multi-generational homes, no pun intended. Now, my wonderful mother-in-law is just with us temporarily, but the aforementioned grandmothers either will be moving in with their children or already have taken residence. I think it is great for families and especially for the children. There are many benefits that can be gained from a multi-generational household - from companionship, fair distribution of chores, safe babysitting, great meals, wisdom and maybe even financial. Yeah, I know that there has to boundaries. But, as long as the families set the boundaries and agree to respect them, then this is a recipe for a delicious dessert. I am all for it!! Sasha and Malia will have their Grandma and their parents. The stability for those little girls is just amazing. What are your thoughts?

Michelle and Barack cover ESSENCE

2008-12-04T19:38:00.000-08:00

Michelle and Barack are featured on the cover of the upcoming issue of Essence. I say upcoming because I have not received my issue yet. I am looking for it everyday when I come home and check my mail. The cover is beautifully presented. I am sure that the article is just as enlightening. I am rarely disappointed when it comes to an Essence interview. If you have not received your issue, you can check it out online. I will be sure to share my comments. I actuallyl owe some comments on the Newsweek piece that I talked about in my last blog. I will be sure to get my homework done! In the meantime, please check out this issue of Essence. *photo courtesy of Essence.com

MIchelle Covers Newsweek

2008-11-26T04:28:00.001-08:00

There is just something classic about a good black and white photo. I am on my way to pick up this issue. I hope that the article is just as good as the cover.

One of my favorite journalists, Allison Samuels has an article in this issue as well, "What Michelle Means to Us". Read it online. I will blog on the article and Allison's article a little later. If you read it before I do, let me know what you think.

Michelle chooses School and Chief of Staff

2008-11-21T16:17:00.000-08:00

As Obama is doing his thing and forming his cabinet with the appointment of Treasury Secretary - Timothy Geithner according to Bloomberg.com, Mrs. Obama is busy forming her own "cabinet". According to the Iowa Independent, she has named Jackie Norris as Chief of Staff.

Says, Iowa Independent, "Norris worked as a scheduler in Vice President Al Gore’s office, and she and her husband, John, have been involved in Iowa Democratic politics for years. In 2000, she was Gore’s political director in Iowa, and in 1998 she was former Gov. Tom Vilsack’s finance director. She has also taught high school government and history classes."

And the verdict is in . . . Sasha and Malia will be attending Sidwell Friends School, a private school run by Quakers. This accomplished school was attended by Chelsea Clinton and Joe Biden's granddaughters currently attend. I guess we know who will be attending the Sasha-Malia sleepovers in the Whitehouse.

Everything's coming together quite nicely.

Michelle and Barack on 60 minutes

2008-11-17T16:52:00.000-08:00

I thought that this was a great interview by Steve Kroft of 60 minutes with Michelle and Barack Obama. President-Elect Obama answered Steve's questions in a way that spoke to his steadfast demeanor. I especially liked the interaction between Michelle and Barack. It showed them as the couple next door. They have an amazing chemistry and a real connection. You also get a glimpse of the programs that may be executed by Michelle. She talked about military families, work-life balance and she mentioned possible work with the D.C. public schools. I think programs to improve D.C.'s public school systems would be outstanding. She could definitely make a significant contribution. I also liked how Obama showed reverence for Mrs. Marian Robinson, his mother-in-law. When asked if Mrs. Robinson would be moving into 1600 Pennsylvania Ave with the family, He made it clear, he did not tell this mother-in-law what do to! Watch it foryourself!

What Michelle Can Teach us

2008-11-14T16:49:00.001-08:00

I read a wonderful article today on Newsweek.com by Allison Samuels, titled, "What Michelle Can Teach us." It pretty much confirmed my previous blog about the women on Broadminded attempting to nickname her "Blackie-O." I think that white and other non-black journalists will be challenged to write about Michelle Obama in a way that captures who she really is without compromise. Of course, it is not impossible for a non-black journalist to write cogent literature on our First Lady To Be, but there will be some mistakes made along the way. Hopefully, journalists will write articles that honor the facts and not pepper them with racial undertones, but am I just being too optimistic?

In Allison's compelling article, she draws a sharp distinction among the majority of Black women that make up this great nation and stereotypical Black women portrayed in the media.
Black women are not just limited to superstar celebrities, sexed up reality stars or welfare queens. There are more "Claire Huxtables" out there than you can imagine. They just don't always make it to the media for the masses to see..... BUT NOW, we have First Lady Michelle Obama who will be showcased on the a grand stage. She will epitomize how most Black Women conduct themselves, care for their children, love their husbands keep the do tight and dress with style and panache. And I haven't even touched on her intelligence and business acumen. We'll leave that for another blog.

This is CRAZY!!!!

2008-11-13T19:29:00.000-08:00

I am trying to claim my blog with Technorati and I have to post this code. Here goes! You know technology is cool, but sometimes it's a pain in the #!$*.

Technorati Profile

Nickname - Blackie-O????

2008-11-12T18:59:00.000-08:00

I was not going to blog today because I had some other things to do tonight, but I absolutely had to comment on something I heard today. I was listening to "Broadminded" on XM radio today and caught a clip of Kyra Phillips drawing similarities of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Michelle Obama. And someone said, (I could not tell if it was one of The Broads or if it was Kyra AND this is not an exact quote) "We had a Jackie-O and now I guess we have a Blackie-O" Wow.

I thought about this and came to the conclusion that there is no way that these women would know how incredibly sensitive most Black women would be to being called Blackie. Now, I can appreciate the homage to Jackie-O and recognize the lame attempt at a joke, but . . . Blackie-O? Not cool. not cool at all. Ladies, come up with something else and think before you speak.

What type of First Lady will Michelle be?

2008-11-11T18:41:00.000-08:00

Michelle is a Princeton grad and Harvard educated lawyer. She held a high level position at the University of Chicago Medical Center prior to Barack's historic run for the White House. She is a wife that loves and supports her husband and she is mom that fiercely protects her girls. I think she needs a "S" on her chest. Talk about balance. Wow! I'm tired just talking about it.

Her sense of style has been compared to iconic Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Her professional prowess has been compared to power broker Hillary Rodham Clinton. Her deliberate, rational mannerisms have been compared to steel magnolia Laura Bush. That is quite a playbill. I think that she is a modest composite of all three of these great former First Ladies, but more importantly, Michelle Obama is her own woman.

She is still distinctively unique and will make an indelible mark on a long, storied history of First Ladies that have come before her. There is no doubt in my mind that Michelle will be a trailblazer. As First Lady, she will set programmatic trends, fashion trends and lifestyle trends that will be talked about, studied, and imitated for years to come.

*Photo provided by by Joyce N. Boghosian courtesy of White House Press Release

Private School or Public School

2008-11-10T18:41:00.000-08:00

Today the media reports that Michelle (I feel weird using her first name) I feel like I should say Mrs. Obama or First Lady, show some respect, you know what I mean? But, I digress. The media reports that Michelle visited a couple of schools today for her lovely daughters, Sasha and Malia. The schools on the radar are Sidwell Friends School , Maret School and Georgetown Day. There may even be a consideration of Public Schools, Francis-Stevens in Washington DC is at the top of the list. Everyone has been weighing in about whether Sasha and Malia should attend public and private school and the political statements that could be made if they attend Public School. Personally, I think that this is a private decision. The same way that no one should be able to come into your house and tell you which schools your kids should go to, extend the Obamas the same courtesy. And I certainly don't think that Sasha and Malia will be used to make a statement of any sort. Trust, that neither Barack nor Michelle would ever do such a thing.

Remember, Michelle is the self-proclaimed "Mom-in-Chief". She is stalwart when it comes to her baby girls. Their safety is paramount. Especially in an environment where The First Family can be targets. I support whatever decision Michelle makes were the girls are concerned. She is their best guardian. And don't forget that Grandmom, Mrs. Robinson, is 2nd in command!