Life’s bundle of joy: college edition

“Push, push, push,push,” said the doctor and group of witnesses. Then, there he was my first little bundle of joy, a boy I might add.

I was 20, 5ft. 1in., and previously, before pregnancy of course, 105 lbs as I delivered my son weighing in at 8lbs. 14oz with his father’s height pretty definite in his future by being 20 3/4.

While pregnant, I continued on in college at Southeastern Louisiana University and planned to return a semester after having my son.

Ivana Ellis with her son on her graduation day at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA in May 2011. Photo courtesy of Denia Ellis.

 

 

 

 

However, along the way I was told by a friend’s grandmother that I would not go back after having a baby but guess what, I graduated on May 14, 2011 and could not be more ecstatic to tell those who believe young mothers will never continue on after having a child that I did and would do the same over and over again if I had to.

The biggest struggle of caring for my son during my college years was feeling I was putting pressure on my significant other, whom is my son’s father.

Late nights of doing major projects for my major such as a 25 paper at least, along with finding at least 20 journal articles that dealt with my thesis paper topic about how females are potrayed.

Fortunately to say, I have a supportive man who encouraged me all the way. Also, yes, I did complete that extremely long paper with 31 pages and a letter grade of a B.

My graduation day was perfect! I even received my first car from my loving parents, but not without shedding a ton of happy tears.The weather was beautiful. I had my family there. Graduation day for me meant even more because I had my son. It gave me power to know that as long as I stay focus and know I have to have my goal, I could and I did. Most importantly, I knew I had stepped on a statistic and no one could take that away.

Written September 2011.

Intentional…Are You?

Anerysum, murder, car accident, “naturally”…How will your story end and were you intentional about each day lived?  Sadly, someone’s life ends every second, fully lived or not, there time here has been completed.

At my age of 29, young to some, old to many, this 2018 year I have chosen to be INTENTIONAL. Time seems to go faster as you age, especially when you have 2 young kids, one of them being 5 months soon. Infants change physically and grow mentally each day. One day they can’t reach the toy or their bouncer and then the next they got it!

I feel as cell phones provide us with more “entertainment” it takes us further and further away from being intentional with our time and our life and who we spend our attention on.

Be honest with yourself, and me with myself, when was the last time a WHOLE day was spent without using a cell phone for what it is, a phone. Even at this moment, I use it to write and you most likely to read. No worries, that’s okay! Just be INTENTIONAL about how long you are on your phone and WHAT you are using it for. Staying in touch with family? Research?  Empowering yourself?

Last week, for whatever reason, it hit me! In just 10 years, I will be 39, my son will be 18, my daughter 10, my husband 40 and unless God says otherwise, my 2 doggies, sadly, will be gone. The next question to ask is “what did I do with those 10 years” and “Did I spend it enjoying those I love?”

“Happy Note” taken from ‘2018 {Instant} Happy Notes!’ from Sourcebooks, Inc. Photo by Ivana Oubre

 

 

The biggest shock for me when I thought of a 10 year leap is that my currently little 8-year-old boy will be an adult, whose voice has deepen, grown to 6 feet plus, and if he has his dream come true, living in another state for college. Yes, this is what I want for him, but I think to myself, what may seem like 10 years away is truly happening now.

Three weeks ago, on my birthday, I went in to take a picture of me kissing him on his forehead, ” No,” he said, “you can but don’t take a picture of it!” Did he mean to hurt me? Not at all, but it fueled me to want to be intentional over these next 10 years to LOVE him and SMOTHER him, with my mommy love and hold him while he still wants to be held, sung to and played with. Now, is there a good chance he will allow me to again one day, yes, but what is to say my final day will not have already come or God forbid, my son’s.

Ivana Oubre attempting to kiss her son. Photo by Ivana Oubre

Be INTENTIONAL with your days, with your time, with your loved ones, with your doggies or pets of other species, and LIVE the life you want TODAY and stop feeling too rushed or distracted to do what you said you would do. Remember the classic line, “Life is short.”

Now, pardon me, while I go and be intentional with my time and love on my son, who is sleeping, my daughter, who is patiently waiting to be fed, my dogs, who will greet me as if I have been gone for weeks, and my husband, who asks for me to just be me, and give him kisses that radiate just how much I adore him.

 

Greek Organizations become Santa Claus at Heart

Santa Claus comes in the form of Greek organizations for the fourth annual ‘Toys from the Heart’ holiday toy drive. A program dedicated to children in the Tangipahoa parish who are in unfortunate circumstances and not able to celebrate Christmas the same way as others.

Members of three African-American Greek organizations ask for toy and money donations in the Student Union Mall at Southeastern Louisiana University for the 'Toys from the Heart' toy drive.

Southeastern’s Greek organizations Kappa Alpha Psi Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Inc., along with the Recreational Sports and Wellness department and the Office of Multicultural and Student Affairs (MISA), are working together to collect new, unwrapped toys for 350 children this season and are also accepting cash and check donations.

Brendan Daigle, administrative assistant of MISA, stated the Greek organizations have been getting the word out about ‘Toys from the Heart’ by having a table in Southeastern Louisiana University’s Student Union Mall. The organizations have also been collecting toys and monetary donations this way as well.

“We started it to set forth one of our founding objectives, inspiring service in the public
interest,” said Winfred Hills Jr., Vice President of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. about the meaning behind ‘Toys from the Heart.’

'Toys from the Heart' toy drive table.

Hills stated some members of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. come from similar backgrounds as the families participating in the toy drive and can relate.

Kristin Smith, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., also stated that her sorority focuses on helping in the community and giving back.

“This program enables us to give back and touch the lives of many less fortunate children so that they too may indulge in the happiness of the Christmas holidays,” Smith said.

Greek organization member receives money donations from students at Southeastern.

According to Daigle, as of Dec. 1, 162 children have been registered by their parent or guardian to receive one of the generous gifts given by a member of the community.

Daigle stated the youngest registered child so far is a one month old with the age limit being up to 12 years old.

Daigle recalled the toy drive’s first batch of toys being from a math and Zumba class instructor, who used “dancing for dolls” as a promotional name for her class to offer “doll” donations. The instructor’s students brought in a total of about 40 dolls for young girls participating in the toy drive.

Boxes of toys sit in the MISA office for children participating in the toy drive.

If you would like to donate to these children as well, donation boxes will be collected at about 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 9. These boxes are located at the MISA office or donation can be received at the organization’s table in the Student Union Mall. Check donations can be made out to the Nu Omega Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

Families interested in registering for ‘Toys from the Heart’ toy drive is asked to call the MISA office at 985-549-3850. However, request are filled on a first come, first served basis.

During the phone call, the family member will be asked to provide the name, age and gender of the child participating in order to provide a proper gift. The parent or guardian is also asked for their name and contact number.

Toys collected will be given to registered families Dec. 10 from 1-5 p.m. at the Pennington Student Activity Center, located on Southeastern’s campus at 1350 N. General Pershing.

More information about the toy drive can be found in the news release, ‘Toys from the Heart’ brings joy to area children.

“Downtown Bound” in Downtown Hammond

HAMMOND-  Strawberry Stadium is clearing out and excitement is high, and Downtown Hammond is the place to be.

This year, on Oct. 23, the Downtown Development District is hosting Downtown Bound, also known as Take it to the Tracks, the Southeastern Louisiana University homecoming post-game celebration.

Downtown Hammond awaits Homecoming night. Photo by Ivana Ellis.

“The event is a chance for fans of Southeastern and McNeese State who attended the game to celebrate with friends, grab a bite to eat and catch some great live music at eight different venues, all within walking distance of each other,” said Melissa Griffin, event coordinator of the Hammond Downtown Development District.

For 2010, participating vendors:

• Cate Street Pub will have music by Todd O’Neill performing rock, country and originals from 10 p.m.–2 a.m. Free t-shirts will be available to the first 50 guests who bring in Southeastern Homecoming game ticket stubs.

• Cate Street Seafood Station will have DJ Johnny Five playing 80s, 90s, Top 40 and Dance hits outside the restaurant. Also available will be sushi served inside the restaurant until midnight and 10 percent off any bill with proof of the ticket stub beginning at 9 p.m.

• La Carreta will have music by Guy Parent from 7–10 p.m.

• Mariner’s Inn will be offering one free house beverage with the purchase of an entrée, burger or sandwich.

• PJ’s Coffee will be offering a free drink up-size with a ticket stub.

• Rotolo’s Pizzeria will offer a free appetizer per table.

• Tope la restaurant will have a free appetizer with the purchase of two entrees or by bar only, a buy one well drink or house wine, get one free with the game ticket stub. There also will be live music that night.

• Tutti Frutti will be open late this night with 20 percent off deals to those with the game ticket stub.

Downtown Bound took a few months to organize and should be an exciting experience, according to Griffin.

“We’ve been attending the Southeastern Homecoming planning meetings since about July/August,” Griffin said. “We made contact with the downtown merchants in late August to request for their participation. Promotional items have been in place since the beginning of October.

“This particular Saturday evening will be exceptionally interesting.  There will be music that will suit almost any taste, plus sweet treats and special deals if you bring your ticket stub.  We’re looking forward to a great night to stroll around beautiful Downtown Hammond and the perfect way to celebrate Lions football.”

Griffin is not the only person interested in Homecoming night.

“I do plan on attending the homecoming game, and I plan on going because it’s the climax of homecoming week,” said Nicholas Robert, a junior at Southeastern.

Robert also stated Downtown Bound sounds like something he would be interested in attending because he likes going to the restaurants in downtown Hammond and hearing live music.

Alice Gibson, a health studies instructor, also looks forward to game nights.

 “I am a two-time alumni from SLU and also a current faculty member. I am also an athletic committee member and season ticket holder,” Gibson said.

She was also interested in the restaurant discounts and entertainment that will be taking place downtown. Gibson also mentioned enjoying time spent in downtown Hammond with friends.

During Homecoming week, Oct. 18-23, at Southeastern, the campus will be hosting events all week. Taking place on Homecoming day will be events like “Decorate your tailgate” contest judging at noon and the Homecoming parade at 3 p.m. with entertainment in Friendship Circle beginning at 1:30 p.m. Pre-game activities start at 5:40 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium, where kick-off will take place at 6 p.m. against McNeese State University.