cry_then_live

Breakfast at 12 noon

2010-11-09T13:50:00.000-05:00

I didn't get out of bed this morning til 10:30..............breakfast wasn't until 12:35. I ate a bowl of grits with parmesan cheese, a cup of hot apple cider and two slices of oat toast. I can't eat like this everyday. I have got to hit the track today!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Gots me some time

2010-11-08T22:32:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow marks 3 weeks of unemployment............I know I should be down, but I'm not. I've been working consistently since 1994 with only a week here and there; I began taking week long vacations in 2001. So I'mma take this break, cause I believe things happen for a reason. Don't fret, I wont be a statistic long I am actively looking for new employment.

During this down time I've wathed seasons 3 and 4 of Heroe.s and season 4 of Dex.ter. But that's pretty much it. I can't readily recall how else I've been occupying my time.

I composed a list of things I wanted to accomplish during this time, but um.......ROFL. Sometime this week I'll get around to that list.

I guess I could post more huh? LOL

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Caught up

2010-09-17T15:53:00.000-04:00

Guess what I’m caught up up, yet again?????? Give up? The Wi.re…………I so love this show. One of the best purchases I’ve made was the complete series The Wi.re. I’m on season 4 now and early on in the season this young girl in junior high slices another girl’s face with a box cutter………..and it rattled me. I wont jump on a soap box, I’ll just ask, what the heck is going on with these kids today. And I’m not just speaking on this show, but in reality as well. Why are these kids so angry and think they are entitled to anything.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Double.down

2010-09-14T13:43:00.000-04:00

I’m a little late with this as this has been on the market for a minute now, but I saw a commercial for k.f.c’s double.down and man…………………URGH! Who would eat that? My stomach ached just looking at it.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Watd up yo?

2010-09-12T21:39:00.002-04:00

So much has been going on since I last posted. What can I say, life is certainly something else. Let’s see if I can recall some of the things I’ve done so far this year:

• March: A party for mother – yep mom’s hit the big 6-0 this year and we did a shindig for her. It was really nice and took some maneuvering and trickery to pull it off cause we wanted it to be a surprise. And it was to a certain extent, she kinda caught on, but didn’t know the exact magnitude until she showed up.

• April: B-day get together for E and grad pics photo shoot………I wasn’t too pleased with the photos.

• Coconut visit, ROFL……..thats one of my friends from NJ, she came down for a weekend and we had a good time and ending up meeting another friend in B-more who was traveling with her family for the daughter’s cheerleading competition.

• A.von……….I did a post on my bid to volunteer.

• May: Graduation was May 15 and your girl was happy as a kid in a candy store walking across that stage. I got emotional a few times, but no free flowing tears.

• One day trip to AC to celebrate the b-day for one of my NSU friends and then the very next weekend I was back in NYC for her surprise b-day party

• June: regular school graduation kicked in, my oldest god-daughter graduated from high school as well as another younger cousin, then another god-daughter graduated from junior high

• July: family gathering in Richmond and then a one day trip to OC with my NSU girlies to celebrate the july b-day’s

• August: god-daughter college send off cook-out

Can yall tell I’m tired????? And in between all of that has been a bunch of personal issues, job crap, and a few parties.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Tears to my eyes……..

2010-07-14T20:46:00.002-04:00

I know Ty.ler Per.ry has been getting a bunch of flack as of later. But I just watched an episode of his show Ho.use of Pay.ne and I must say, while some think its coonery or not very entertaining I actually like the show. Most of the episode I’ve seen addressed an important issue. And the episode I just watched actually bought tears to my eyes.

You see, the daughter made some interesting comments about family reunions and sla.very. So Uncle and Aunt Pa.yne set about teaching her a lesson by making her do compile a family tree and other hard labor responsibilities. In the end, at the actual family reunion when technology failed, she was able to give a oral report on her family history.

Why was I misty eyed you might ask, well its like this: our fore.fathers and an.cestors endured so much that we now take for granted………COMPLETE and UTTER disregard to those who’ve paved the way, those they overlooked a lot so that we have the advantages and opportunities we have. So to see a young person acknowledge her family history…………well you get the picture.

Back to my posting hibernation!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

A lunch time walk to Union Station.........

2010-05-05T17:20:00.003-04:00

Keeping in tune with a new year resolution to include some exercise into my daily routine I set out to walk to Union Station today for lunch. I thought it would be a long walk, but it was actually a breeze. Although I must admit that I got a little lost for a sec........ROFL

At any rate here are some pictures I took along the way:

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Volunteered…………

2010-05-04T12:28:00.000-04:00

To comply with my New Year resolutions to tried something new.........here’s what I did this weekend:

A few months back I signed up to volunteer for the A.vonWalk in DC. And this past weekend was said walk……..I was scheduled to report Saturday from 4 to 7pm and Sunday 12 to 4pm.

Well I showed up Saturday and it was indeed an experience to remember. There was so many people out and about participating in some capacity and it was great. Things looked very organized…….I drove up and they had people on the side of the roads to answer questions and direct those needing direction. When I walked into the park area there were areas for medical attention, massages and dining tent among other tents for services. I needed to make my way thru all the hoopla to the very edge of the activities to the visitor and volunteer tent where I signed a waiver and received my t-shirt. I was told I had one of two options: cheer on those participating as they came across the finish line or help put up tents. Um, yall know I chose option 1 right.

So with that I set off with my pink pom-pom to join the others waiting at the end of the finish line. Can I say the energy was um, interesting………I saw a few other volunteers, most of which looked to be waiting for someone in particular (which I later find out was indeed the case) But there were a few others that cheered on everyone and one person had a lonely cow bell, ROFL……..

I saw a total of two people that needed to be driven to the medical tent……..one lady behind me laid on the ground for well over 30 mins and before the little trolley car came to her aid. I really wonder if people prepared for the physical aspect of the event. Well at least there was medical staff in the vicinity to tend to her.

I over slept Sunday, so I didn’t make it out for my volunteer shift. Yeah I know shame on me!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

2010 New Year Resolutions - better late than neva

2010-05-03T13:28:00.001-04:00

I've been meaning to post but you know how life gets.......at any rate, I stumbled across my new year resolutions that I never posted. So here they are:

Savings – maintain my savings schedule and up the ante if and when possible.
Pay off/down debt – I am starting the New Year with just two credit cards that total about 19K. If I can pay off one and half the other I’d be very happy!!!!!
Hair – another repeat resolution, stay away from ponytails and keep my hair moisturized. I’ve added some color this year so to avoid my hair breaking off I need to keep dry and brittle at bay!
Do/Try something new every month– Be it food or an activity, I’d like to step out of the norm. Read a different kinda book, take a class say pottery or cake decorating.
Home Improvements – I’ve got to get new windows and I’d like to renovate the kitchen.
Maintain me – I think I’m gonna try to hit the spa once a month or once every other month. I like getting a massage and would love to try reflexology and a body wrap.
Healthy living – wow yet another repeat resolution…….exercise twice a week and something green once a day. Oh and cut down on the unhealthy snacks.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Day 2 of prayer

2010-04-01T00:10:00.002-04:00

Yeah, it's abit late but as promised I just completed my second entry into my prayer journal. Last night I felt surprisingly at peace after writing or typing shall I say in my prayer journal. And despite a worry filled sleep I awoke at ease and at peace. And I remained upbeat for the majority of the day..........now if I can make a habit of that, all will be well.

Day 2 prayer was for strength, courage and guidance to de-clutter: my house, my car, my life (job and marriage).

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

I need a change - 30 days of prayer

2010-03-30T19:53:00.003-04:00

So much is going on around and with me these days that my head is spinning and I can barely complete a thought before I'm required to start something else. My stepmother passed last week, and that has rocked me to my core. Thankfully and gratefully I was able to visit with her for a short time a few days before she passed on. I could barely grieve because I had a surprise birthday party for my mother. And that's on top of regular life stuff and obstacles.

So here I sit with tears stingy my eyes typing this, my vow to set aside 10-15 mins everyday for the next 30 days for prayer. Of course I normally start my day with a quiet moment where I express my gratitude and thanks for having another day to get things right and learn something new. But with this I feel I need do and express more. The plan is to start a prayer journal, that way I can be as specific as I want with my prayers and can see what and when I've prayed for the things I need, want and desire.

And with that tonight's prayer will begin with change, I need things to change for me. I need my circumstances and situations to change. And I think the REAL change I need to take place will begin with an attitude change. I want so many things and I think I've concentrated so much on what I don't have that I've lost sight of what I do have. And as a result I'm losing appreciation for what I have.

And off I go to start the first entry to my prayer journal.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Guess what I got in the mail today........

2010-03-12T23:10:00.004-05:00

Yep, your girl is officially degree'd!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sporty a grin that wont quit!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

233.42

2010-03-12T11:35:00.001-05:00

I just spent 233.42 for the very best purchase of my life.......................

Cap and Gown with graduation announcements!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Mismatched - AGAIN!

2010-03-10T10:34:00.001-05:00

Ok, so I get dressed and head out the door this morning only to get in the car and look down and see I have on grey slacks with blue pinstripes instead of brown slacks with blue pinstripes. Now you might wonder why this makes a difference, well I pulled out brown socks and brown shoes and lastly threw on my brown coat. I just knew I was looking good…….until I got in the car. ARGH!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Blog replies.....

2010-03-09T12:19:00.000-05:00

So I can’t find much time to blog because I’m busy reading other’s blogs and responding. It sucks……especially when I’ve found blogging allows me to express some things.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Hey Blog World......

2010-02-19T21:57:00.003-05:00

Things have been crazy with me.....and it seems the free and spare time I do have is spent reading and commenting on other blogs thereby neglecting my blog. A shame, I know........

This past week has been really off....let's see if I can recap.......so Monday was a holiday of which I pretty much did nothing. Tuesday was back to work and cramming since we were off for practically all last week due to enormous amount of snow that fell here in the DMV. Wednesday came and went very quickly. Then Thursday was the homegoing services for a girlfriend that passed. And now here we are Friday night.

I had a many of things I wanted to blog about but never got around to joting down the ideas. So back to the drawing board.

At any rate, I wanted to peek in and say hey and let me see if I can try to work in more blogging!

Have a great weekend!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Sad......

2010-01-14T17:54:00.001-05:00

I'm saddened by the devastation in Haiti and then Teddy Pendergrass passes..........

Rest In Peace Teddy.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

2010 N_AACP Nominations WTF????

2010-01-12T11:32:00.007-05:00

Outstanding Reality Series
• 'American Idol 8' (FOX)
• 'America's Next Top Model' (CW)
• 'Dancing With the Stars' (ABC)
• 'Extreme Makeover' (ABC)
• 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' (Bravo) – I’m so outraged at this……..who the heck are nominating these shows??? What the heck was OUTSTANDING about this show?

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Jamie's first.....

2010-01-09T12:49:00.000-05:00

I bet yall dont know anything about this one........yeah and I have his first cd!!!!!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

2010-01-08T19:00:00.003-05:00

It smells like dog food on this train.....

2010-01-08T19:00:00.001-05:00

It smells like dog food on this train.....

Fwd: Money Bags

2010-01-07T15:30:00.000-05:00

May 2010 be a prosperous year for us all

This actually works, and I didn't get around to opening it until
today.
Had a money windfall on Saturday after receiving this on Tuesday.

1 Kings 8:23
A blessing is coming to you in the form of money.

Do not ask questions just forward to
eight people and TRUST GOD!

(8)(8)(8)(8)(8)(8)(8)(8)

These are money bags,
send them to 8 good people
& receive money in 4 days.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Great Duet

2010-01-07T14:17:00.000-05:00

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

2010-01-06T19:12:00.001-05:00

I can submit short posts from my phone...so no excuse for not blogging now

2010-01-06T19:11:00.001-05:00

This blackberry just might workout afterall....

2010-01-06T19:02:00.001-05:00

It is like REALLY cold out.....:(

2010-01-06T15:31:00.001-05:00

Test from my blackberry

2010 - My Vision Board

2010-01-06T15:24:00.001-05:00

Some girlfriends and I were discussing things we wanted to accomplish this year. And one of them mentioned her vision board. I’d heard/saw numerous blogs talking about vision boards and planned on doing one myself. So said girlfriends and I have all decided to each do one as a way of putting our desires out in the universe.

So I’m trying to think what all I want on my vision board. I came across some interesting articles. And in an effort to plan out my vision board I need to figure out a theme and what all I want my vision board to entail.

These are some things I’ll include:
*a graduate in cap and gown – cause yall KNOW the sista is doing the walk and graduating in May!
*a couple with a child – cause this is the year I’m claiming the start of a family.
*a new home – complete with furniture

Those are the three main areas I want to focus and concentrate on mostly. Maybe I should put something up there pertaining to paying off my credit card debt.

At any rate google actually has some samples:

http://images.google.com/images?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4DMUS_enUS236US236&q=vision%20board&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Vid....

2010-01-04T15:15:00.000-05:00

I love this song......

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Fwd: CLEANING HOUSE FOR 2010

2010-01-04T11:39:00.000-05:00

Last Week I threw out worrying, it was getting old and in the way.
It kept me from being me; I couldn't do things God's way.

I threw out a book on MY PAST(Didn't have time to read it anyway).
Replaced it with NEW GOALS, started reading it today.

I threw out hate and bad memories,(Remember how I treasured them so)?
Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too, threw out the one from long ago.

Brought in some new books too, called I CAN, I WILL, and I MUST.
Threw out I might, I think and I ought.

WOW, you should've seen the dust.
I ran across an OLD FRIEND, I hadn't talked to in a while.
His name is GOD the Father, and I really like His style.
He helped me to do some cleaning and added some things Himself.
Like PRAYER, HOPE, FAITH and LOVE,Yes... I placed them right on the shelf.

I picked up this special thing and placed it at the front door.
I FOUND IT- it's called PEACE.. Nothing gets me down anymore.

Yes, I've got my house looking nice.
Looks good around the place.

For things like Worry and Trouble there just isn't any space.
It's good to do a little house cleaning,Get rid of the things on the shelf.
It sure makes things brighter; maybe you should TRY IT YOURSELF.

BE BLESSED AND BE A BLESSING TO SOMEONE ELSE!!!!

May the Lord open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that You will not have room enough to receive it all.

May the Lord bless you exceedingly abundantly above all you could ever Hope for.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

2009 Resolutions review

2010-01-03T21:20:00.005-05:00

So the top of last year (2009) I posted these as some of my New Year resolutions and how I faired with each:

*Savings – I started this some months ago, so I plan to continue and attempt to step it up a notch if possible. I stayed on top of this, I can honestly say with each paycheck I transferred money to two accounts one of which I would have to walk in a branch to withdraw money. Yay me!

*Paying down/off debt – I have one store credit card and Visa with a measly balance I’d like to completely pay off. And with shear determination and some self discipline I can do them both in one year. Then I’ll be able to concentrate on my mastercard and student loans. I actually paid off the store credit card back in April/May and haven’t used it since. And I am happy to report I paid off the Visa as well. But sadly, I ran the balance back up.

*Hair maintenance – I wear a pony tail entirely too frequently, so I’m gonna commit to a better hair care regimen. I faired just ok with this resolution. I found a few styles that required little to no manipulation and sported those styles a few times, but of course the ponytail was present at least once a month…….not bad at all.

*Home Projects – new windows, new ceiling fan, new living room lighting, new carpet downstairs. I actually did very well here, I got new lighting in the living room and both bedrooms with ceiling fans. Additionally, I got that new carpet. The windows are the next thing to work on.

*Healthy living – I’d like to lose at least 15 pounds and exercise at least twice a week. I understand that by exercising the weight loss might turn to weight gain because muscles, but I’m cool with that, better fab than flab. Additionally, I’d like to increase my fruit and vegetable intake and cut down on the snacking. Man did I do poorly with this one. As opposed to losing that 15 pounds, I’m positive I gained it. URGH…….

*School – maintain focus to finish in December. I am happy to report that I maintained focus and I’m a final exam away from completing my last class. A local snow storm caused my final exam to be rescheduled to Jan 9, 2010……so wish me luck!

*Hobbies – take some classes for professional development as well as fun. I’d really like to take a class in cake decorating and banking & investing. Aw, heck naw……..this was a big fat fail.

*Reading – expand my reading selections; my personal reading preference is fiction by African American authors, well I’d like to expand to include self-help (personal finance) and mystery. Another big fat fail. I did continue my reading between semesters, but I stuck with the usual.

*Living – this year I’ve been much of a homebody, sitting around awaiting invitations to go out and be about. Well in 09, I aint having it. If I have to hit up happy our all by my lonesome, well I’ll do just that. I want to get out more; after all I have one life to live, so I might as well live it. Tomorrow is not promised people! I did get out and about more this year…..I hung out with some junior high friends as well as high school friends. I even went to see a band play twice, LOL. I connected with some NSU buddies and went to see them.

Overall, I’d say I did just ok with my new years resolutions. Needless to say 2010 is an opportunity to step it up. And I shall do just that………

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Happy New Year - 2010

2010-01-03T19:12:00.002-05:00

Hey blog World,
I know it has certainly been quite minute since I've posted anything. So much was going on.......I'm typing up a summary as we speak, but I had to swing thru and wish everyone a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

I can’t do it…….

2009-09-28T22:24:00.002-04:00

So I planned to watch the TV show Trauma tonight on NBC and while the first 13 minutes held my attention, I had to change the channel.

Ok, let me back up with some history/additional personal information. Back in 2001 I was on a road trip with my grandmother and three young cousins going to visit my aunt and uncle in North Carolina. My aunt who lives in Cali even flew in for the week as well…….we had a lovely week of relaxation. On the way home just as we get vicinity of home, we crashed. The accident was near fatal. My grandmother (maternal) who was the front passenger was fine, the oldest cousin in the back had a broken leg or ankle and another cousin had a ruptured spleen.

I had the worse and most severe injuries of everyone in the car. I suffered a concussion and a serious neck injury. My neck injury was at a level just above paralysis. I have no recollection of the accident.

And because of this I’m a bundle of nerves when I’m the passenger in a car and when I see accidents, in person or on tv. So back to the show……….dude was driving and texting on the highway and cuts off a gas truck and just about runs into the back of a SUV when he swerves and runs into the concrete median. He’s hit by another car and so begins the ripple affect of a major highway accident involving multiple cars and injuries.

I’m damn near in tears after seeing the crash. So I had to turn……..I’ll probably turn back, but it is so hard to see automobile accidents.

Yeah, I turned back and the show was actually pretty decent. I think I’ll tune in next week. I’ll cover my eyes for any car crashes.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Fall 2009 TV shows

2009-09-17T12:10:00.000-04:00

There’s much buzz around the internet about the fall TV schedule. I’ve read some synopsis and have sorta decided on what my fall 09 tv viewing schedule will consist of. Wanna know……..here ya go:

Sunday:
8:30 – The Cleveland Show
9pm – Desperate Housewives - CBS
10pm – Cold Case - CBS

Monday:
8 pm – Lincoln Heights – Family Channel
9pm – Trauma - NBC
10pm – Castle - ABC

Tuesday:
9pm – NCIS: Los Angeles - CBS
10pm – The Good Wife - CBS

Wednesday:
9pm – Law & Order SVU - NBC
10pm – CSI: New York - CBS
Thursday:
9pm – Grey’s Anatomy - ABC
10pm – Private Practice - ABC

Friday:
8 pm – Law & Order - NBC
9pm – Ugly Betty (CBS) or Southland (NBC)
10pm – on my own…………

Saturday: on my own……

Looks like Monday is the only day I need to rush to be home by 8. This is good because I’ll be able to run some errands, like hit Tar/get. And for real, I could pass on Tuesday’s night show, as I’m only watching NCIS for LL.

What tv shows are you watching this fall?

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Fwd: The Strong Black Woman is Dead...

2009-09-15T12:38:00.001-04:00

A friend/classmate shared this on facebook. I think it is so powerful and moving. So you know I had to post/share here on my blog.

The Strong Black Woman is Dead...

On September 14, 2009, at 11:05 p.m.,

while struggling with the reality

of being a human instead of a myth,

a strong black woman passed away.

Medical sources say she died of natural causes,

but those who knew her know she died

from being silent when she should have been screaming,

milling when she should have been raging,

from being sick and not wanting anyone to know

because her pain might inconvenience them.

She died from an overdose

of other people clinging to her

when she didn't even have energy for herself.

She died from loving men who didn't love themselves

and could only offer her a crippled reflection.

She died from raising children alone

and for not being able to do a complete job.

She died from the lies her grandmother

told her mother and her mother told her

about life, men & racism.

She died from being sexually abused as a child

and having to take that truth

everywhere she went every day of her life,

exchanging the humiliation for guilt and back again.

She died from being battered

by someone who claimed to love her

and she allowed the battering to go on

to show she loved him too.

She died from asphyxiation,

coughing up blood from secrets

she kept trying to burn away

instead of allowing herself

the kind of nervous breakdown she was entitled to,

but only white girls could afford.

She died from being responsible,

because she was the last rung on the ladder

and there was no one under her she could dump on.

The strong black woman is dead.

She died from the multiple births

of children she never really wanted

but was forced to have

by the strangling morality of those around her.

She died from being a mother at 15

and a grandmother at 30 and an ancestor at 45.

She died from being dragged down

and sat upon by UN-evolved women posing as sisters.

She died from pretending

the life she was living

was a Kodak moment instead of a 20th century,

post-slavery nightmare!

She died from tolerating Mr. Pitiful,

just to have a man and the house.

She died from lack of orgasms

because she never learned

what made her body happy

and no one took the time to teach her

and sometimes, when she found arms

that were tender, she died

because they belonged to the same gender.

She died from sacrificing herself

for everybody and everything

when what she really wanted to dow

as be a singer, a dancer, or some magnificent other.

She died from lies of omission

because she didn't want

to bring the black man down.

She died from race memories

of being snatched and raped

and snatched and sold and snatched

and bred and snatched and

whipped and snatched and worked to death.

She died from tributes

from her counterparts

who should have been matching

her efforts instead of

showering her with

dead words and empty songs.

She died from myths

that would not allow her

to show weakness withoutbeing chastised by the lazy and hazy.

She died from hiding her real feelings

until they became hard

and bitter enough to invade

her womb and breasts like angry tumors.

She died from always lifting something

from heavy boxes to refrigerators.

The strong black woman is dead.

She died from the punishments

received from being honest

about life, racism & men.

She died from being called a bitch

for being verbal,

a dyke for being assertive

and a whore for picking her own lovers.

She died from never being enough

of what men wanted,

or being too much for the men she wanted.

She died from being too black

and died again for not being black enough.

She died from castratione

very time somebody thought

of her as only a woman,

or treated her like less than a man.

She died from being misinformed

about her mind, her body

and the extent of her royal capabilities.

She died from knees pressed too close together

because respect was never part

of the foreplay that was being shoved at her.

She died from loneliness in birthing rooms

and aloneness in abortion centers.

She died of shock in courtrooms

where she sat, alone,

watching her children being legally lynched.

She died in bathrooms

with her veins busting open

with self-hatred and neglect.

She died in her mind,

fighting life racism, & men,

while her body was carted away

and stashed in a human warehouse

for the spiritually mutilated.

And sometimes when she refused to die,

when she just refused to give in

she was killed by the lethal images

of blonde hair, blue eyes and flat butts,

rejected by the O.J.'s, the Quincy's, & the Poitiers.

Sometimes, she was stomped to death

by racism and sexism, executed

by hi-tech ignorance

while she carried the family in her belly,

the community on her head,

and the race on her back!

The strong silent, talking black woman is dead!

Or is she still alive and kicking?

I know I am still here.

-Laini Mataka

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

09 VMA

2009-09-14T00:31:00.009-04:00

I'm not really into the music awards shows anymore. But fa.cebook was abuzz about Kan.ye and something he did so I decided to stay up and watch the encore showing and here are my notes/comments:

Jan.et's tribute: nice, liked it.....

Taylor.Swift/Kan.ye/best female video: um, it was really in poor taste of Kan.ye to interupt someone during their acceptance speech to voice his personal opinion. It wasn't his show, so his actions were really uncalled for. And might I also point out that the video he mentioned in said interuption was just ok and doesn't really deserve video of the year award, said video was just ok, nothing to write home about or interupt a speech for!

Russ.ell Crowe as the host: um hit or miss for me, I like his accent and he can be funny at times

Wa.le as the house band, I likes.......

La.dy>Ga>Ga performance: WTF.......maybe I need to hear the song to understand, but I just didn't get it.......the blood and the hanging?????

I'm liking Wal.e................

I'm not sure if I'm really gonna stay up to watch all of this......I'm sure I'll see highlights on various blogs tomorrow.

the trailer for that new twilight movie looks abit interesting, I actually stopped what I was doing and looked at the trailer.

Beyo.nce's performance: ok I'll give it to her.....she can perform and she can sing I'll just leave it there. (please movie directors and producers, don't hire her for acting gigs, I beg of you)

I can't believe I'm still up........

TraceyMorgan/Eminem continuous skip: the very first part I chuckled, but that's it........where is this headed, I need for the end to get over with

why does Emin>em always look mad.......he won for best hip hop award, which I think should have went to HOV, I so love D.O.A

Kid.Cudi and Wale, loving the sound.....yeah I'm dancing

WTF is up with this LadyGa character.......she's in all red now with her face covered in some red lace, ok so she take off the face mask mid acceptance speech in which she states the award is for GOD and the Gays

ok, now P.ink's performance was creative.......

um, is Wa.le changing his clothes......he's going hollywood aready? Jimney cricket, he's the house band..............

Be.yonce wins video of the year award and invites Taylor.Swift to come out and finish her acceptance speech

LadyGa changed her clothes again????? now she has some white get up on looking like an eskimo with this thing around her face

so after the HOV performance I'm gonna call it a night. I do have to work and will need to be up again in about 6 hours......

I'm a HOV fan so yeah I loved the performance with Alicia.Keys, and I will certainly purchase his new cd when it drops!

Good night all

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

It still hurts.......8 years later

2009-09-11T11:54:00.003-04:00

Eight years later and I still cry for the lives lost from the tragedy that occurred September 11, 2001.

Although I didn't lose anyone, I still feel a great deal of sadness.

The since of security I once knew was shattered.

As I wipe tears from my eyes as I type this, I won't forget those that lost their lives as a result of that national tragedy.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Yay for me.......

2009-09-09T17:46:00.002-04:00

I’m not sure if I documented here on my blog that I reach a huge financial milestone a few months back. I finally paid off my NY&Co store card………this is a fete since every time the balance got down to about 150 or so, I’d run back and charge it up again. The balance never exceeded 800, but it got pretty close a few times.

So that leaves two major credit cards to pay off, one with a balance a little over $1,000 and the other just under $16,000. But I'm confident one the smaller one will be paid off by May 2010 and the other............well I'll put an extra 50 on the monthly payments I make to expedite paying it off.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

That’s not her……

2009-09-09T12:19:00.001-04:00

I attempted to watch that video circulating with Ms.Maia.C, but I refuse to believe it’s her. My refusal is due in part to a few factors:

One – I just don’t think it looks like her, the quality of the video is not all that great

Two – I can’t believe that a brother would video that and exploit her in that manner.

Third – I don’t want to believe it’s her!

So, I’ve seen a few rebuttal videos regarding the video in question as well as blogs about it. And in my daily perusing of blogs I came across a blog with a link suggesting bloggers do some research on Maia and mental illness before commenter. And while I had no intention of commenting I thought the suggestion to research was a good idea. I also hear Ms.Maia.C’s mother, the late BeBe Camp.bell’s book entitled 72 hour hold is based on the experience of a mother going thru the struggle with a child who suffers from mental illness. So, I’ve decided to read the book, not that it's a alternative to the research but I like to read, so why not read this one.

Again, not that I believe or even want to believe that there is an ounce of truth in that video I just think instead of pulling her down any further or participating in her down fall, we need to educate ourselves, tell the entire truth, and/or leave it alone. There are countless rumor mills and gossip columns doing enough of exploring and exploiting celebrity lives, no need to add to it.

“When you don't value yourself, you violate yourself!
God is Love Rev Run”

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Fwd: Wisdom on stress

2009-09-01T10:53:00.001-04:00

This is an excellent bit of wisdom!

A young lady in front of the room, confidently walked around while leading and explaining stress management to an audience; with a raised glass of water, and everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question half empty or half full?'

She fooled them all. "How heavy is this glass of water?" she inquired with a smile.

Answers called out ranged from 8oz. to 20oz.

The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you hold it.

"If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance."

"In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

She continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on."

"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time practiced."

"So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work/life down. Don't carry it home pick it up tomorrow."

"Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can. Relax; pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short. Enjoy it and the now 'supposed' stress that you've conquered!"

And then she shared some ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
1. Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
2. Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
3. Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
4. Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.
5. If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
6. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
7. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
8. Never buy a car you can't push.
9. Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
10. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
11. Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
12. The second mouse gets the cheese.
13. When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
14. Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
15. You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
16. Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
17. We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
18. A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

* * * * Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today!!!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Sears is the WORST.................

2009-08-15T20:48:00.003-04:00

I had the worst experience with sears these past few days. And while I can accept some responsibility, the customer service I received from my local sears store is the absolute worst. In a day when consumers are very hesitant about making large purchases because of the economic crisis we are going thru, when a customer does decide to make a purchase it would behoove a company to exhibit the absolute BEST customer service. But what did I get........the total opposite. From salesman that neglected to ask essentials questions, to a delivery person arguing with me in MY home and lastly not being able to speak to store manager makes the experience worst ten fold.

Here is the exact email I sent to sears customer service:

I recently attempted to purchase a stacked washer/dryer unit from the Landover store. I explained to the salesman I was looking for a replacement for an existing unit. The only questioned asked by the salesman was if I had a drying coil already, and proceeded to insist that I needed to purchase a new one, since the delivery persons might not want to re-attach the existing one.

The original unit was delivered but had to be returned because it was bigger than the existing unit.

Enter problems: The return/exchange experience was THE WORST. I explained the situation to this salesman and was instructed to go thru the online product availability and let him know when I'd made my choice. (Apparently, he was too busy to assist me with my purchase, only for me to find him chatting with another salesperson later) Once I made my second selection I was then told that I needed to be directed to another department since he was unable to handle the process. He proceeded to call a number and was told to tell me that I had to wait until the first unit was returned to the warehouse before anything could be done. I asked for a manager who assisted with the new purchase and I was promised delivery that day by the local delivery guy.

The local delivery guy arrived to deliver the machine the next morning. But he encountered problems attempting to remove the existing unit. He proceeded to tell me my husband and a friend would need to assist him and his assistant in removing the old unit and installing the new unit. An argument ensued after which I instructed him to return the item to the store.

The regular delivery people arrived to install the replacement, but I was then told that my existing unit was 220 volt and the replacement was only 120. The deliver guy went on to explain that I would not be able to wash and dry at the same time with the NEW unit. He proceeded to get the delivery department on the phone of which I was told that if I returned to the store even though it was well after 6 that I would be ensured delivery of another unit the next day.

I arrived at the store and spoke with a departmental manager and was promptly told that since it was after 3 I could not receive next day delivery (which contradicts what I was told by the delivery department on the phone).

Because of this recent experience I'm regretting the decision to purchase from Sears. I chose to purchase from Sears because of its longstanding reputation for quality products and knowledgeable sales staff. Unfortunate for me that my experience was met with poor customer service and sales staff that weren't all that knowledgeable.

And to further substantiate the poor customer service, I called the Landover store 8 times in an half hour time frame in an attempt to speak with store manager to no avail. I was hung up on several times and barely get the full name of a manager. One sales woman in the large appliance department told me she only knew his first name to be Carlos. The main number listed on the receipts is apparently a customer service support center and not actually the store. So there was a form of disconnect there as well when I inquired about a manager, as someone else told me the store manager’s name is Ralph Saylor.

This whole experience has been unsettling and frustrating. And has changed how I view the company. I no longer feel comfortable recommending Sears as a retailer to friends and family.

I'm hoping to get a chance to speak with someone regarding this experience, but based on my attempts to speak with a store manager I would be surprised to get a call.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

I get it..............My Awakening

2009-07-21T17:04:00.001-04:00

A time comes in your life when you finally get it....when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out...ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying and blaming and struggling to hold on.

Then, like a child quieting down after a tantrum, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes.

This is your Awakening.

You realize it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to magically appear over the next horizon.

You realize that in the real world there aren't always fairy tale endings, and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you....and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are... and that's OK.
They are entitled to their own views and opinions.

You learn the importance of loving and championing yourself... and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval.

You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you or didn't do for you - and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected.

You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that everything isn't always about you.

So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself... and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties... and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for.

You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with.

You learn that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix.

You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.

You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You learn that alone does not mean lonely.

You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO.

You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs.

You learn that your body really is your temple. You begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin to eat a balanced diet, drink more water, and take more time to exercise.

You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear, and uncertainty and so you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul.

So you take more time to laugh and to play.

You learn that, for the most part, you get in life what you believe you deserve, and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different than working toward making it happen.

More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance.

You also learn that no one can do it all alone, and that it's OK to risk asking for help.

You learn the only thing you must truly fear is fear itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms.

You learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.

You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people... and you learn not to always take it personally.

You learn that nobody's punishing you and everything isn't always somebody's fault.
It's just life happening. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls.

You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you.

You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.

Then, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than your heart's desire.

You make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.

You hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind.

Finally, with courage in your heart, you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best you can.

~ Author Unknown

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Change the name, PLEASE!

2009-07-13T15:01:00.001-04:00

Ok so I’ve been married for almost 4 years now and I’ve resided in my current residence for 5 years now. Please tell me why my home warranty company still has my maiden name on the account??????

I’ve renewed said policy 4 times, the first two times I mailed in a check with a copy of my marriage certificate and driver’s license with a letter requesting that the last name be changed…….so why am I on hold with someone now who’s telling me I need to send in the exact same information that I’ve sent in on two different occasions.

Apparently, I’m calling the corporate office and the documentation I sent in was to a local office. So she’s trying to get ahold of someone at the local office to which my renewal information (and name change request) was sent to.

Again, he’s apologizing…….ok, now someone else is apologizing. I’m glad I’m not all uptight about it……..but this is one of those tedious tasks that irks me….because I took time out of to be proactive in requesting the name change as well as submitting the supporting documentation that proves the name change, but the request is over looked.

In the end dude is very apologetic and is going to change the name without me needing to resubmit further documentation.

Surgery and the first 10 days of recovery........

2009-07-10T09:05:00.001-04:00

The day of surgery I had to be at the hospital two hours before surgery was scheduled to begin, which for me was 9:30 so my anticipated arrival at the hospital was 7:30. Seeing as though it was a normal work day we needed to factor in traffic on the beltway, so although the drive would only take 20-25 minutes we left the house an additional hour, 6:30.

I was calm, cool and collected for the most part. My mother and husband were there keeping the mood and aura up with jokes. But when I was called back for the pre-op procedures by myself, I broke abit. I made it all the way thru the countless questions and instructions and changing in the gown. It took the pre-op nurse explaining all that would take place they bought the tears on. Thankfully it wasn’t full out right crying, and I sucked it up abit when my mother and husband were allowed to come back. But I broke down again, and when my mother asked what I was crying for and her subsequent chuckle led me to suck it up and forget about my nerves.

The anesthesiologist finally came and put in the first of two doses and that was all she wrote for me. I can’t recall much else, I did a little scoot or two to get on the surgery table but I woke up in my assigned room with my mother and husband walking thru the door.

The nurses were very attentive, every 30 minutes I had to have my blood pressure and temperature. By the time I left I grew very tired of that. The day after the surgery I was forced to get up, brush my teeth, do some walking and sit in a chair for abit.

Day 2 I woke up with a fat hand, where the IV was. So they took the IV out and put a hot pack on it. My stepmother came thru to visit for a few and later on my mother and mother in law came thru to visit.

Day 3 was preparation for discharging. I was determined to get moving about and around. So I did some walking around and the time went by quickly and before I knew it I was taking the bumpy ride home. Damn the state and their failure to handle potholes.

Day 4 (Thursday) I woke up pretty early to some pain, so I got up to eat and take my meds. I’d read somewhere that moving around helped with recovery and healing, so I decided to spend the day downstairs sitting up on the living room couch. I had to make several trips up the steps to use the bathroom and well, let’s just say I was worn out by the time I went to bed.

So day 5 was be spent in bed for majority of the day………damn what I read, my body is saying differently.

Day 6 – additional bed rest was in order, I started watching the countless DVD’s I’d borrowed from the library

Day 7 – it’s my birthday but more rest in preparation for going to the doctor for the first post op visit, more DVD watching and homework due

Day 8 (Monday) – doctor’s appointment where I was told my fibroid weigh a hefty 324 grams, um yeah that’s huge considering the normal non-pregnant uterus is 60-100 grams; mother and I had lunch and went to Target to pick up a few more supplies I needed for my recovery. And back I went.

Day 9 – guess what, I was tired and beat down so bed rest was in order

Day 10 – Since hubby had to work on my birthday and the stores closed early, we ventured out today to get my birthday gift. Not at all like I expected, but I got it anyway……..then back home.

So there you have it my first 10 days of recovery. It’s slowly coming along. The incision site stings and the numbing has begun to wear off so I’m still on the meds.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Not a fan......

2009-07-08T23:50:00.001-04:00

but I like this song.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Today's my birthday!

2009-07-05T08:35:00.001-04:00

Your Birthday Predicts You're Fiery

Ever since you were born, you've loved taking risks.

You crave excitement and thrills. You are driven by your passion.

You may have a wild streak, but you also love learning and experiencing life.

You're multi-faceted and can't be labeled. You're sexy, smart, flexible, and stubborn.

What Does Your Birthday Predict About You?

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Fibroids, Smiroids!

2009-07-04T22:53:00.001-04:00

So the top of the year I was told by a physician that I had a really large fibroid and it needed to be removed. Anger and Confusion set in. Anger because I knew I had them cause a former OB/GYN told me so, but he said they were small and insignificant and since they caused no pain I didn’t need to take any action. Fast forward to two years ago when I broached the subject with another doctor who said the exact same thing, and now they are an issue. So I was angry that my body was starting to fail me. Confused because I didn’t have any pain of other symptoms that warranted the removal of the fibroids, not too mention removal would call for surgery with a long recovery period.

So I sought a second opinion and it was confirmed that since my getting up in age and if I wanted to have kids, that I’d need to have the fibroid removed, heal then get pregnant.

And I had surgery June 29, 2009……………………..

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

2009-07-04T13:18:00.000-04:00

glitter-graphics.com

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

2009-07-04T11:58:00.000-04:00

glitter-graphics.com

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

2009-07-04T09:45:00.000-04:00

glitter-graphics.com

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

2009-07-04T00:05:00.000-04:00

glitter-graphics.com

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Social life……What’s that?

2009-07-03T16:14:00.000-04:00

I’ve been out a few times since I last posted. I have a girlfriend that wants to check out all that the DC/MD area has to offer as far as parties. And well I tagged along once or twice. But what really jump started my way party going was a party filled weekend in May. A guy I went to junior high and high school with had a party on a Friday night and of course I was more than willing to attend, especially since it was since MD so I didn’t have to worry about parking! So I hit that up and had a blast. A few other junior high pals came thru and it was on……..

The next night (Saturday) well a high schoolmate had his party in DC and I felt compelled to hit that up as well……and of course despite my not drinking much I had a good time as well. My feet were killing me by the time I got home. Oh and need I mention hubby was home well before me on both nights……..LOL, funny how he stays out late when I’m home but when I go out he’s home before me, riddle me that, LOL.

Let’s see then there was Friday night at Hal.f Note that was interestingly PACKED. A Saturday night at the same place had me grooving to a new all woman band, they are really nice. There were a few other gatherings that followed, but they weren’t that note worthy.

And then we had a junior high school gathering, and the turn out was nice and decent. The responses were slow to come in, and then a hiccup with one of the guys that helped to plan it caused us to switch venues at the very last minute. But all in all, everyone that attended said they had a good time and want to get together again. We joked and clowned each other, took loads and loads of pictures and well we were the last people in the place that night.

These are folks that went to junior high school together, go figure. All thanks in part to F.acebook and people wanting and willing to get together. And I look forward to many other gatherings with these and more people I went to school with.

My high school reunion is coming up in August and I’m hopeful that many will participate for a weekend of fun.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Hey Blog World!

2009-07-03T11:53:00.000-04:00

So much has gone on since I last posted. I’m sure I’ll forget to mention something. Its probably easier for me to break down everything in several posts instead of hurting your eyes with one long and drawn out post. I’ll start with school:

School is going fine. I passed my spring class, the one that required 5 written papers in addition to a group project. It was abit touch and go there for a sec and I had to pull out some aces for the final two papers since I missed the third one. But in the end I passed and I can definitely say my writing improve some due to those assignments. Some of the assignments submitted by others forced me to up my game.

I’m taking a summer class as well; it requires two papers both of which are due at the end of the semester. Oh and I have a final exam, go figure………there are about two questions from the textbook that we are required to respond to in the conference in addition to responding to two classmates every week. Lastly, there are two open book exams given one of which I passed with 88 with a comment on more wording needed.

And I’m happy to report that I have one more class to finally complete the requirements for my very first undergraduate degree. YAY ME!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Fwd: The Pastor and Son

2009-05-01T10:33:00.000-04:00

The Pastor and his son -

Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at the church, the Pastor and his eleven year old son would go out into their town and hand out Gospel Tracts .

This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came time for the Pastor and his son to go to the streets with their tracts, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring down rain.

The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, 'OK, dad, I'm ready.'
His Pastor dad asked, 'Ready for what?'
'Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out.'
Dad responds, 'Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring down rain.'

The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking, 'But Dad, aren't people still going to Hell, even though it's raining?'

Dad answers, 'Son, I am not going out in this weather.'
Despondently, the boy asks, 'Dad, can I go? Please?'

His father hesitated for a moment then said, 'Son, you can go. Here are the tracts, be careful son.'
'Thanks Dad!'

And with that, he was off and out into the rain. This eleven year old boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a Gospel Tract .

After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone-chilled wet and down to his VERY LAST TRACT. He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a tract to, but the streets were totally deserted.

Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell. He rang the bell, but nobody answered. He rang it again and again, but still no one answered. He waited but still no answer.

Finally, this eleven year old trooper turned to leave, but something stopped him.

Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist. He waited, something holding him there on the front porch!

He rang again and this time the door slowly opened.

Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady.. She softly asked, 'What can I do for you, son?' With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said, 'Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that * JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU * and I came to give you my very last Gospel Tract which will tell you all about JESUS and His great LOVE.'

With that, he handed her his last tract and turned to leave. She called to him as he departed. ‘Thank you, son! And God Bless You!'

Well, the following Sunday morning in church Pastor Dad was in the pulpit. As the service began, he asked, 'Does anybody have testimony or want to say anything?'

Slowly, in the back row of t he church, an elderly lady stood to her feet.

As she began to speak, a look of glorious radiance came from her face, 'No one in this church knows me. I've never been here before. You see, before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world. Last Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so in my heart that I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or will to live.

So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof, then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair, so lonely and brokenhearted I was about to leap off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, 'I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away.'

I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and more insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly...

I thought to myself20again, 'Who on earth could this be? Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me.' I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder.

When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life. His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you!

The words that came from his mouth caused my heart that had long been dead, TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, 'Ma'am, I just came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU .' Then he gave me this
Gospel Tract that I now hold in my hand.

As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I closed my door and read slowly every word of this Gospel Tract. Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them anymore..

You see-- -I am now a Happy Child of the KING. Since the address of your church was on the back of this Gospel Tract, I have come here to personally say THANK YOU to God's little angel who came just in the nick of time and by
so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in hell.'

There was not a dry eye in the church. And as shouts of praise and honor to THE KING resounded off the very rafters of the building, Pastor Dad descended from the pulpit to the front pew where the little angel was seated..

He took his son in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably.

Probably no church has had a more glorious moment, and probably this universe has never seen a Papa that was more filled with love & honor for his son... Except for one.

Our Father also allowed His Son to go out into a cold and dark world. He received His Son back with joy unspeakable, and as all20of heaven shouted praises and honor to The King , the Father sat His beloved Son on a throne far above all principality and power and every name that is named.

Blessed are your eyes for reading this message.

Don't let this message die, read it again and pass it to others. Heaven is for His people!
Remember, God's message CAN make the difference in the life of someone close to you.
Please share this wonderful message...

If you love JESUS, please forward this message.
Spread His word, and share His goodness and faithfulness.

Matthew 10:32 says:
'Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will acknowledge him before My Father in heaven . But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before My Father in heaven'

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Fwd: Lucky Dog

2009-04-30T10:09:00.000-04:00

Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.'
Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy.

Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.

Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease....in fact; she was just sure it was fatal.

She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through.

If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him! The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.

Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap.

Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.

When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body f felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life.
He had covered her with his love.

Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.

Remember....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget....the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most Credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us.

If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God

A small request
All you are asked to do is keep this circulating.

Dear God, I pray for the cure of cancer.
Amen

All you are asked to do is keep this circulating, even if it is only to one more person, in memory of anyone you know that has been struck down by cancer or is still fighting their battle.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Fwd: Sharing Peanuts

2009-04-29T12:08:00.000-04:00

A tour bus driver is driving with a bus load of seniors down a highway when he is tapped on his shoulder by a little old lady.
She offers him a handful of peanuts, which he gratefully munches up.

After about 15 minutes, she taps him on his shoulder again and she hands him another handful of peanuts.

She repeats this gesture about five more times.
When she is about to hand him another batch again he asks the little old lady, 'Why don't you eat the peanuts yourself?'.

'We can't chew them because we've no teeth', she replied.

The puzzled driver asks, 'Why do you buy them then?'

The old lady replied, 'We just love the chocolate around them.'

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Almost back in stride

2009-04-18T12:45:00.003-04:00

Ok, previously I mentioned computer issues and well I paid a little money and to have those issued worked out. So then I couldn't get online at all, and leave it to veri.zon to complicate matters more, I was told to call Toshiba regarding lack of wireless connectivity. At any rate I finally got someone that knew what and how to do things and now I'm happy to report that I'm typing this message from my laptop.

Now I just need to get my paper done and posted.......

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Bad Me.....

2009-04-17T11:42:00.004-04:00

Hey blogland, I see it's been a real minute since I posted anything. Actually this will have to be short as well. You know how life is, things come up and I haven't been good at juggling things. In fact, I'M A MESS..............there's so much going on. Here's a break down:

Work - just when I think I have some free time to work on something, I get caught up in something else, more specifically something not as important as the other things that need my attention and time.

School - As I've stated in the past I'm a huge procrastinator. And remember that paper that was due 4/5 and I waited until 4/3 to start, well here are the results:

Third Case Study
4/5/09 18:09:53
Graded
88%
Very good paper. The detailed analysis of the transactions was excellent. Further discussion about the apparent weaknesses in internal control and the questionable change in equipment vendors would strengthen the paper.

And will guess what I have another paper due 4/19 and I have yet to start that. Most of the research is done, but I still have to read what I have and at least do a tenative outline by the end of the day. At least this class is almost over.......then I can relax for all of a week or two before summer classes start up, then it's back to the grind for me. I'm determined to finish by the end of the year, even though I wont be able to walk until May 2010.

Family Reunion Planning - actually the only reason this is listed is because we are having a fundraiser event this evening. We've been racking our brains trying to find ways to get the family back into paying the dues so we can finalize the plans for our August reunion. And some how we decided to have a happy hour and sell appetizers; then we expanded that idea to include card games. So wish me luck with this.

High School Reunion - I need to lose some pounds and get in shape. Did I mention the cost? $110 per person. And it's actually the same weekend as my family reunion. So I wont be attending the sunday festivities (family reunion is that day), but I'm really looking forward to the meet and greet Friday night as well as the formal dinner Saturday night.

Home front - the new carpet has been in for a little over a month now and I still haven't began to look for someone to change the lighting fixtures. Nor have found a table.

At any rate, I'm gonna do better. I'm gonna get back into writing lists of things that need to be done and due dates.

Dang, I said it would be short, but looks like I had a little something to say huh.......

Happy Friday and have a GREAT weekend!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Randoms

2009-04-07T18:14:00.005-04:00

This class is kicking my butt. Yeah I knew before hand that I’d be required to write at least 5 papers, but geesh.

So many murder suicides going on, it’s scarey.

I haven’t seen my niece since February, and I miss her. Her mother plays too many games.

My 20 year high school reunion is coming up, the cost is 110 per person! And I hear the venues are still tentative.

I wish I wasn’t so addicted to computer games. Did I tell yall I bought a ninetendo DS……

I don’t really wear sneakers, but I saw these and I really want them.

I’ve been taking Ginseng for two weeks now and I really can’t tell a difference. But since I have much more left, I’ll finish it.

I watched Two Can Play That Game on BET the other night and man, Morris Chestnut is FINE!

I’m supposed to hang out with friends Friday night; I sure hope I get some research on my next paper done by then.

Speaking of my next paper, it’s due April 19.

My laptop is acting really funny…..strange things. New internet windows open up, can’t get facebook, pictures don’t load for websites…..whoas me!

I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have a job. I have three friends out of work on the grind for new employment.

My google reader has been at 1000+ unread posts for about a week now……..I’m not sure when I’ll catch up. The harder I try to get thru the stuff the more stuff comes in.

Not much is going on with me…..just my head ringing from my school load. I’ll be so glad when it’s done and over with. At least this first degree; I’m hoping the second degree will be much easier.

It took me dang on near three hours to develop this list……gish its finally time to go home.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Fwd: Four Boyrfriends

2009-04-01T13:07:00.001-04:00

Once upon a time there was a girl who had four boyfriends.

She loved the fourth boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes
and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but
the best.

She also loved the third boyfriend very much and was always showing him
off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would
leave her for another.

She also loved her second boyfriend. He was her confidant and was
always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl faced
a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through
the difficult times.

The girl's first boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great
contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did
not love the first boyfriend. Although he loved her deeply, she hardly
took notice of him!

One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought
of her luxurious life and wondered, 'I now have four boyfriends with
me, but when I die, will I be a alone.'

Thus, she asked the fourth boyfriend, 'I loved you the most, endowed
you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that
I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company? 'No way!', replied
the fourth boyfriend, and he walked away without another word.
His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.

The sad girl then asked the third boyfriend, 'I loved you all my life.
Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?' 'No!',
replied the third boyfriend. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm
going to marry someone else!' Her heart sank and turned cold .

She then asked the second boyfriend, 'I have always turned to you for
help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow
me and keep me company?'

'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!', replied the second
boyfriend. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.'
His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was
devastated.

Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter
where you go.' The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend.
He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and
neglect.

Greatly grieved, the girl said, 'I should have taken much better
care of you when I had the chance!'
In truth, you have four boyfriends in your lives:

Your fourth boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort
you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you
die.

Your third boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth. When you
die it will all go to others.

Your second boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much
they have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to
the grave.

And your first boyfriend is your spirit. Often neglected in pursuit
of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.

However, your spirit is the only thing that will follow you where ever
you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only
part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with
you throughout Eternity.

Thought for the day: Remember, when the world pushes you to your
knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.

Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you've decided
to see beyond the imperfections.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Hey Blog world

2009-04-01T10:06:00.000-04:00

I’ve been gone way too long……so much going on. Google has been acting funky lately, then my laptop has something going on with it and then hubby is always on the desktop on facebook playing a game. Also factor in school, and well you have it all in a nutshell. Things are abit hectic and crazy right about now. So my posting might be sporadic.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Fwd: Need Washing

2009-03-25T10:12:00.001-04:00

Here's another good message e-mail I received:

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world... Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in 'Mom let's run through the rain,' she said.
'What?' Mom asked.

'Let’s run through the rain!' She repeated

'No honey, we'll wait until it slows down a bit,' Mom replied.

This young child waited about another minute and repeated: 'Mom, let's run through the rain,'

'We'll get soaked if we do,' Mom said.

'No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning,' the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.

This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?

'Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!'

The entire crowd stopped dead silent.. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes.
Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said...But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

'Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD lets us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing,' Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.

And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them. Send this to the people you'll never forget. It's a short message to let them know that you'll never forget them.

If you don't send it to anyone, it means you're in a hurry..

Take the time to live!!!

Keep in touch with your family and friends, you never know when you'll need each other -- and don't forget to run in the rain!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

My iPod

2009-03-23T15:46:00.006-04:00

I have a really old ipod, it's actually one of the first generation ipods that I won at a work conference. At any rate, when I first got it, back in 2005, I loaded most of the cd's I had onto. It's only 4gm, so I ran out of space rather quickly. So I'd always delete and add more/different music. However there are some songs that I REFUSE to delete and well, as I was sitting here at my desk this song begins to play. To say that I love this song, would be a grave understatement. This song just moves me......at any rate take a listen and let me know what you think.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

2009-03-22T12:06:00.001-04:00

You Are Rain Boots

You are a very playful and fun loving person. Nothing can slow you down.

You are dreamy, and you can find the romance in anything. The littlest things make you smile.

You are outgoing and friendly. You always find yourself talking to strangers.

You are optimistic about the world. Even when it's raining out, the sun is shining in your heart.

What Kind of Boots Are You?

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

2009-03-20T12:04:00.001-04:00

You Are Spring Break

You are fun loving and celebratory. You live for good times with friends and strangers.
You like meeting and mingling. You are a social person by nature.

You like to "play hard"... even if you don't work hard.
You are able to let go of your worries and truly enjoy life.

What'>http://feeds.blogthings.com/whatpartofspringareyouquiz/">What Part of Spring Are You?

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

School status

2009-03-18T14:38:00.000-04:00

My current class is coming along just fine. Not sure if I mentioned that for my first paper I got 80. The professor posted some of the other submitted papers and mine paled in comparison to those. So needless to say I need to really put forth some effort with my next 4 papers. (Yeah 5 papers and I’m cool since there is no final exam.)

And for the group project, the one I worked hard on and gave myself so much credit, well we got 79. Yeah, the comments didn’t make sense, but I’ll leave it alone.

At any rate, my next paper is due this Sunday (3/22). And nope I have yet to begin working on it. I started reading the information, but it got abit confusing to me. I think I should stop attempting to read anything of value while on the train.

I did a little research and only one thing I came across proves to be helpful for this particular paper. Good thing I have textbooks to refer to and use as a source.

Happy Wednesday to ya!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Late weekend recap

2009-03-18T12:16:00.002-04:00

Hey blog world……I know it’s been a minute since I last posted. So many things going on. How about I start with a weekend recap:

Friday I left work to head further into DC for a bridal shower gift. I was able to find a piece of lingerie and a nice picture frame. I’d have to take back the two frames and album I previous purchased; I wasn’t too thrilled with them as a gift anyway.

I got home Friday night and lounged…..then decided to do something with my hair about 12, I was up until 3am setting my hair.

Saturday I was up by 9 and out the do by 10:30 am……yeah I’m shocked since I usually sleep until 12. But I had to run out to Arundel Mills to pick up my new purse and then get back in time to pick up my mother in law and her mother for the bridal shower. The shower started about 1, we arrived about 2. It was really nice and intimate. I would have thought more people would be there. At any rate, the food was good and the bride to be got some nice things. And one in particular I’m gonna have to go find for myself…..LOL, she actually got two in two different colors.

After dropping mother in law and grandmother off I had to rush home and change clothes to be in New Carrollton for the car pool to B-more for the play. We saw Love Overboard. It was really good, incited some reflection on my part. But I think most serious things incite reflection for me. That’s not too say the play was overly serious, cause there was some comedy…….it was really funny. And if it by chance comes to your area I suggest you make it to see it.

After the play we started looking for a place to party. We attempted to hit up Eden’s Lounge, but there was a limo right outside holding up traffic. And then we decided to hit up the BWX Lounge……I’ll leave it at that, not further comments on what I saw there….I’ll just say it was cool, but I probably wouldn’t go there again.

I was home by 3am and commenced to sleep until 4pm Sunday. Yep 13 hours of sleep…..I got up and had a bowl of grits, perused the sales ads and then had popcorn and watched tv while surfing the net.

So that in a nutshell was my weekend.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

2009-03-13T11:53:00.001-04:00

You Are Truth

You are communicative, talkative, and honest to a fault.
You love telling others about yourself, but not as much as you like hearing about them.

You connect easily with strangers. You're very open, and you can find common ground with people.
You love to gossip and tell secrets. Telling all is how you get close to people.

Are'>http://feeds.blogthings.com/areyoutruthordarequiz/">Are You Truth or Dare?

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

I’m still here…..

2009-03-11T12:01:00.000-04:00

I know it’s been a minute since I last posted. I’ve had a few deadlines two at work and one for school. The group project was due 3/8 and can I just say I did a good job. It was a power point presentation and I was tasked with combining the works by three people on three different aspects. I procrastinated until Friday 3/6 then rolled my sleeves up here at work and churned out a pretty decent presentation. I had to reformat the information from one of the sources, but it was all good. And I’m very proud of what I did.

This past weekend was cool. My carpet was installed; the people showed up 15 minutes early! We were given a window of 10 – 11 for their arrival so of course we were still in bed trying to get out. And I think different carpet was used for the last step. So I hope no one calls and asks for a reference. Saturday I didn’t do much, even though it was nice as heck outside. I went from the bedroom to the other room on the computers playing games and checking e-mail. I didn’t leave the house until 7 pm.

This weekend should be decent. Saturday I have a bridal shower to attend and then a play to see in Baltimore. Nothing planned as of yet for Sunday. Maybe I’ll find someone to meet me for lunch or something. Although I could use the day to begin my next school assignment which is due 3/22.

Happy Wednesday!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

2009-03-06T12:17:00.000-05:00

You Are Accepting and Open

When You Are Comfortable:

You are enthusiastic and flexible. You are open-minded. You prefer to learn from others... not judge them.

People see you as kind and cooperative. You are very supportive when friends are down on their luck.

When You Are At Your Best:

You are bold and dramatic. You have confidence in yourself, and that's enough to get you through anything.

People see you as capable and goal oriented. You have your eye on the prize, and others admire that about you.

When You Are in a Social Setting:

You are a shy, quiet person. Underneath your shell, you are compassionate and giving.

People find you to be friendly and welcoming. Your home is a place of comfort to them.

What Do Your Initials Say About You?

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

New carpet

2009-03-03T13:08:00.003-05:00

I believe I failed to mention we are getting new carpet. Not the bedrooms, just the living room, stairs and the up stairs hallway. Yep, we finally made a decision to go ahead and get it done. And by we I mean me.......told ya I was a major procrastinator.

At any rate, the carpet is due to be installed Sunday. So we have all of this week to clear out the living room. Guess how much we've done........drum roll......a big fat NONE. To my defense, I did call for bulk pick up of the stairmaster that's taking up space in the far corner.

Happy Tuesday!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Emotional Inspired

2009-03-02T21:01:00.003-05:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, I attended a play at the suggestion of LBJ. The play was entitled Heaven In My View. The play was written and directed by Tonia Vines for Act 2 Ministry at Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church in Washington DC.

Let me say I was so glad I went.......granted I was late, hair and parking issues. But I was there and thankful and grateful to be in attendance. By the time I arrived they were in scene 6 of the first act. Here are some of the highlights:

Scene 8 - Tribute to Langston Hughes - a few poems were reciting including the infamous Mother to Son poem. A great job by all that recited a poem, particularly the young lady reciting the moving and still relevant Mother to Son.

Honorable mentions for Act 1 include scenes 6 (Black Heroes), 9 (Good News) and 10 (Harlem).

During Act 2, I cried, laughed and felt inspired; highlights include:

Scene 3 - Separate But Equal - a depiction of the story behind the famous Brown vs Board of Education case that allowed blacks to attend the same schools as whites.

Scene 5 - I Have a Dream - the speech reenacted and the mourning of Martin Luther King Jr. as well as a reflection of his plight

Scene 6 - Music from the 1960's and 1970's - musical hits from the likes of Diana Ross & Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Jackson 5 to name a few.

Honorable mention to scenes 4 (Bus Boycott) and 8 (African-Americans of Excellence).

Overall, you can tell alot of hard work and dedication was put into the performance as everyone did an excellent job. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and was glad I made it to the performance. I left feeling uplifted and hopeful, but also inspired to do better because of my rich heritage.

We have a new president who should inspire us all to want to do better. He's attained the highest position in our nation and as such, we as a people have no limits......

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Weekend recap

2009-03-02T20:43:00.003-05:00

Hubby called about 5pm Friday to say he got tickets to the Wizards game, do I want to go. I hesitate, cause I don't like sports and I wasn't really up to dealing with the crowds. But I agree and we make plans for him to pick me up and then we'd look for parking and head on to the game.

I'm glad I went. The seats were decent, and the atmosphere was joyous. I barely knew what was going on and spent much of the time twittering......LOL. All of a sudden the crowd goes wild with applause, and I'm like what? What's going on, what happened? And guess who walks in.......our president. He left shortly before the game was over, but it was great to see him out and about with us regular folk.

Saturday was a busy one for me.......I didn't feel up to leaving the house but I had things to do. So I finally get out the door and the first stop was returning books to the library as I was on my way to Hubby's niece's bowling party. I stopped thru for a sec and chatted then move on to my next stop which was the beauty supply store and the GNC, then I hit up Walmart. My last stop for the day was to return the items I purchased a few days ago, you know the suit, jeans and sneakers for my niece. Yep I returned everything.

I need ti get home and dressed because I was attending a play at the suggestion of LBJ and then a party.

Sunday as I was resting from all the hectic Saturday, I get a call telling me a snow storm was coming. I got up and hit the Target and Shoppers and then it was back home for me.

We did get snow, but not enough to shut down the federal government. So I went to work......

Hope you had a good weekend!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Rite Aid is correct

2009-03-02T20:27:00.002-05:00

Just before the pending snowstorm, I hit up the Rite Aid in my area for a few items; snacks to be exact. At any rate I got my items and got in line. I was immediately behind this young guy (Hoodie) who was accompanied by two other young guys (hat and no hat) and a young girl. So Hoodie is next and tells Hat to point out the cigars he's talking about to the sales clerk. Here's how the conversation went:

Sales clerk: I'll need to see everyone's ID
Hoodie: why? I'm paying.
Sales clerk: yeah, but he's telling you what to buy. I need to see ID from all of yall.
Hoodie: I'm 21
Hat: I'm over 21
No hat: I'm 18
Sales Clerk: ok, let me see some ID.
Hoodie shakes his head

So the lady goes and picks you the items the Hat pointed out, but then comes back and this is how it went:

Hoodie: look we're all over 18, let me go ahead and pay.
Hat pulls out his wallet and states: Oh, my ID is in the car
Sales clerk: well I'll hold these until you come back with that ID

Hoodie says something else and they all walk out.

I pay for my items and walk out, and guess what, they were no where around.

Those kids were putting that lady's job in jeopardy for some dang on fruit flavored cigars.....youngins don't give a flying crap about no one but themselves. They had no concept of how hard times are and what it might mean for that lady to sell those items to her.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Movie Trailer: Obsessed

2009-03-02T11:50:00.000-05:00

Idris Elba's new movie Obsessed hits the theaters sometime this year:

I'm not a fan of Beyonce's acting, I think she should stick with singing. But I like, correction LOVE ME SOME Idris so I'll venture to the movies to see this one.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Praying works!

2009-02-27T11:05:00.002-05:00

So my brother texted me back with an update.....and things have worked out for the best. I'm so happy I can't stop crying......

I'm still praying though.....I need the bad news hubby shared to work out in our favor. I'll stay in prayer for that!

There's is truth in the saying that you have to stay PRAYED up!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Good News needed

2009-02-27T09:57:00.002-05:00

Hubby shared some bad news last night. I asked some questions. He doesn't have a plan. I had a restless sleep last night. And I got up this morning and one of my brothers texts me with more bad news. So I'm praying for strength, guidance and courage right now.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

That damn Marshall’s

2009-02-26T14:27:00.000-05:00

I attempted to meet my brothers girlfriend last night o pass on his mail. Well the girlfriend was just about on her side of town, so we agreed to meet today. And instead of me going back in the house I headed to the beauty supply store. For what you might ask, especially since I have several bottles of shampoo and conditioner in the house already. Well I wanted to see if I could find this hot sauce for my hair. Yeah hot sauce, it’s a heat protectant for flat ironing your hair. At any rate I kinda sorta bypassed the beauty store because Marshall’s sign was shining so brightly. So I was lured in.

I wont say how long I was in the store, and you should be able to gage from that. At any rate, the shoe section was cool, nothing in my size. But I found the cutest blue Keds for my niece, and they were only $8.

I moved on the handbag section, and I saw a few bags…….but um, the colors were a little too not my speed; so I passed.

Next up was the kitchen section, not looking for anything in particular, especially since I’m on a spending hiatus (supposedly). Nothing jump out there either. I didn’t even find any cute picture frames, URGH!

So as they began making the announcements that the layaway department would be closing in 5 minutes and the store in 30 minutes (yeah I was in there that long, I did say I went to the shoe section and the handbag section didn’t I), I made my way to the front to pay for my nieces’ shoes.

But oh see, I saw these cute jeans…..and they had my size. Ok, not bad….shoes for niecey and jeans for me, total under $30. Cool, let me get up out of there right, naw the suits were calling me…..and of course I found a few in my size. So I got a new blue suit…….I’m so bad.

I get home and review my purchase and feeling guilty. And what do I discover, the shoes are the wrong size, the box says one size and the actual shoes are another size…….next I try on the jeans and well…..the button feels flimsy, almost as if it’s about to pop off and the jeans are too long.

So back they go……and now I’m sitting here debating on taking the suit back.

Decisions, decisions, decisions!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

that's all you called me for?

2009-02-26T10:33:00.002-05:00

My grandmother just called me on my cell while I'm at work:

Me: Hello
Grandmother: Good Morning, I know you are at work. But How do you spell your cousins name?
Me: (spelling the name)
Grandmother: (repeating the spelling)
Me: yeah
Grandmother: Ok, talk to you later

Really????.......must be nice to be able to pick up the phone and call people with small questions.
Doesn't she know I read blogs in the morning!!!

Ok, now I'm off to go grab a multi grain bagel from Cosi. I sure hope they are pleasant this time.
Happy Thursday!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

2009-02-25T13:09:00.001-05:00

I should be doing a real post and not these little thingys........but I can't help it
Happy Wednesday!

You Are a Red Light

You take life at a slow pace. Life is long, so what's the rush?

You are very selective. You don't make a decision until you're sure it's the right one.

You have amassed some wisdom in your life, and you put it to good use. You don't act rashly.

You are fair and impartial. People can count on you to do the right thing, even if you take some time to figure out what that is.

What Color Traffic Light Are You?

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

2009-02-24T10:12:00.001-05:00

You Are Apple Juice

You're very likable and quite popular. It's hard not to find something to love about you.

You are playful and fun. You try to bring levity to situations.

While you are entertaining, you're not very hyper or mischievous.

You are laid back, low key, and even a bit sensitive.

What Kind of Juice Are You?

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Crazy E Cheese - Weekend recap

2009-02-23T13:13:00.000-05:00

Friday after work I hit the target to look for a gift for my niece. I wanted to purchase a toy, but since I’ve always been the gift giver that prefers clothes over toys I was at a loss. I headed over to the children’s book in hopes of finding something worthwhile and I was fortunate enough to find a little sesame street collection of books.

I was then off to find a little something for my older niece for Luv-Luv day……I don’t like the sound of Valentine’s Day so I refer to the day as Luv-Luv day……..at any rate I stumbled on 75% off clearance items……..I got gift bags and an assortment of cute candies for my niece. And I was out of there in time to make it home for The Game. But it was a repeat, I was disturbed because the advertisement listed a new episode. At any rate I had a paper due Sunday, so I started working on that.

Saturday morning I was up too early thanks in part to a call from my mother reminding me I needed to pick up my niece for the party. My niece mother was to drop her off, but her car started acting up on the highway. So someone needed to pick my niece up from the side of the highway, my mother rushes to the aid and brings my niece to me, my hair was freshly washed and on rollers so I couldn’t leave the house.

Niecey and I had about an hour to kill before the party. I showered and attempted to dry my hair more, but to no avail I had to go the day with a ponytail and bushy ends……not a good look.

We finally arrive at Crazy E Cheese and greeted with a very long line. Good thing we were attending a party. The place was a mad house, and I’ve vowed to never ever attend another party there. My niece didn’t want to leave, no surprise there. And I had a massive headache and was highly irritated by the time I got in the car.

From there I had to run back home to pick up a few items needed for the party at a girlfriends house. Then I needed to drop my niece off, hit the liquor store, and meet another girlfriend who was attending the party as well. My night ended around 11:30 when I finally made it home and Hubby walked in with a crabcake from Jasper’s, YUMMY!

Sunday I awoke to the worst headache, as if I’d been drinking. I still had a paper to turn in so the rest of the day was spent getting my paper ready. I finally submitted it at 11:47 after a few glitches…….

Woe’s me, cause now I’m at work and eagerly anticipating my supervisor’s early departure.

Hope you had a great weekend and Happy Monday to ya!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Friday Randoms......

2009-02-20T17:19:00.001-05:00

I cheated on my spending hiatus for a $19 lobster and crab burger for lunch yesterday

I have a paper due Sunday and I’ve barely started; the cover sheet doesn’t count.

My youngest niece is having a birthday party tomorrow at Crazy E Cheese, to say I don’t like that place is a GRAVE understatement.

I’ll get to see my other niece tomorrow ‘cause she loves the baby and Crazy E Cheese.

I need a vacation……preferably in the Caribbean somewhere.

I’m really tired.

Hubby agreed to not take a summer vacation this year, I wonder if he’ll change his mind or let me change my mind.

Did I mention I have a paper due Sunday and I haven’t started. I’m such a procrastinator or slacker; maybe a combination of them both.

Next weekend will be a very busy one for me: three parties and a play in one day. How will I manage?

I need to go put the deposit down on my carpet. I said I was a slacker and procrastinator right.

I put this BADAZZ handbag on layaway last week and I can’t wait to get it out. Spring can’t get here fast enough.

I need to find a shoe place to have the heels on my shoes replaced.

I’m hoping my supervisor leaves early today, so I can skip out 10 minutes after him.

Did I mention I gave up drinking?

My high school reunion is coming up in August. I wont say how many years…..LOL, I’m not sure if I’ll go or not.

Dang February is almost over.

That is all……have a good weekend!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

2009-02-19T13:28:00.002-05:00

You Crave an Important Life

Your dream is to life a live a life that leaves a mark.

You'd like to have a mission or journey to complete, even if it takes years.

You want your life to be meaningful, and having a final goal brings you meaning.

You'd like to accomplish something big, if only to inspire others to believe it can be done.

The Sunset Test

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Glad it's Wednesday!

2009-02-18T11:20:00.001-05:00

Yeah, it’s been a few days since I’ve last posted……I take that back I posted Monday so it’s only been a day. At any rate, I got to work yesterday determined to finish this project by the end of the day. Only the network was down when I got to work……so you know what that meant……and then to make matters worse I couldn’t get focused when the network was back up……but I did get the gist of it done before I left work and now I’m determined to get the last portion done by the end of the day.

Hubby and I had dinner last night for restaurant week in DC. We ate at Smith & Wollensky, and it was decent. Of course it would have been better had they had crabcakes on the special menu, oh well I settled for the wild salmon with sautéed spinach and it was so yum!

Did I mention I finally saw Lakeview Terrace with Sam Jackson and Kerry Washington? Yeah I saw it, and I so don’t like to see him play the bad man in movies, likewise for Denzel. I liked to movie well enough.

And of course it got me to thinking what recourse would someone in Kerry’s position have against an arrogant cop as a neighbor.

Last but not least, my spending hiatus…….I was in the house ALL day Monday so no spending there and I spent 65 cents on a bag of dry ashe pretzels yesterday. I don’t anticipate spending anything today.

Happy Hump day!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

2009-02-17T10:35:00.001-05:00

You Are Flirtatious

You are outgoing, talkative, and incredibly social. You love swapping stories and jokes.

You're optimistic and enthusiastic. You're both good at being a cheerleader and at cheering people up.

You are a very charming person. You make connections easily, and you love harmless flirting.

Sometimes your charm can turn against you. People tend to think you're a better friend than you actually are.

Are You Flirtatious, Fearless, Factual, or Friendly?

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

One more day

2009-02-16T08:21:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad I have today off......that extra day will surely come in handy in getting some rest.

I've lost count of what day I'm on with spending hiatus.......and well to be truthful, cause I have no reason to lie, it doesn't matter much. I've spent everyday this weekend......

Friday was a birthday gathering for a friend at one of my favorite restaurants......and I had to get a card and a giftcard. So that was $30, and I shared expense with other friends at my table, so that was another $50 and then I needed gas to the tune of $13.

Saturday, I had a few carpet people come out to give estimates then it was off to run some errands. I barely found some thing for my niece. I got a summer outfit for about $13 and then 2 t-shirts from the disney store at $3 each, oh and I picked up a travel mug since it was on clearance for $4. And for Luv-Luv day, I got hubby some stuffed chicken breast and potatoes au gratin from Omaha Steaks. Last errand on Saturday was the grocery for a few things, and well I picked up some sparkling cider and a cake for hubby as well.

Sunday was the surprise birthday gathering for my grandmother. That set me back about $38. Afterwards, I came straight home........

Happy Monday!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

A Song

2009-02-15T10:12:00.001-05:00

I heard this song on the radio the other day and the lyrics hit me, so I had to post them. The song is by Marvin Sapp entitled Advance Praise.

I’ve had my share of ups and downs,

times when there was no one around,

God came and spoke these words to me,

praise will confuse the enemy.

I started singing,
I started clapping,
I started dancing,
people were laughing,
they knew my problems,
they knew my pain,
but I knew God would take them away.

That’s why I praise him with my hands,
that’s why I praise him with a dance,
He’s given me a second chance,
come on lets praise him in advance.

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Music I'm feeling

2009-02-12T12:01:00.000-05:00

I heard this song for the first time a few months back and have been digging ever since. I plan on buying the cd soon (after my spending hiatus of course).

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Still not spending.....

2009-02-12T11:07:00.001-05:00

YAY!
So last report was for Sunday with no plans on spending Monday. Well I'm glad to report that Monday was indeed a no spend day and like wise for Tuesday. Now Wednesday, well it was my grandmother's birthday. So for lunch I walked to CVS and purchased a card and a few snacks for a total of $6.13, so I'm still doing really well. Now today's my youngest niece birthday, and I wanted to go get her a card and a cupcake to take her tonight. I'm still up in the air about that. I might just do it this weekend instead.

My plans for the weekend include:

*reading school material - I still have six chapters to read in one book, case background info to read and begin report thats due 2/22, an article to read and prepare a response (extra credit), and begin working on my group project

*brunch sunday - my aunt wants the family to meet for a surprise birthday brunch for my grandmother, she's been really extra with the hints about her wanting to go to brunch

*niece birthday present - I just can't NOT get my niece something for her second birthday, so I'll hit the outlets for a few outfits and maybe a movie or toy for her

With Monday off, I'm hoping to get in some much needed house cleaning, rest, relaxtion and laundry.

Happy Thursday!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Day 7 spending

2009-02-09T15:02:00.002-05:00

The family meeting was earlier than I expected. Usually we meet around 2, but one cousin had to be at work by 4 so we moved the meeting up to 12.......it was so hard to get up and get out of the house. And then we had the nerve to take 3 hours.......but we did get something accomplished. We found a site to hold our family reunion in August. We used a portion of the monthly dues to pay outright the rental fees. The down side to that is, we prefered to have it on a Saturday, but the place was already reserved for that day so we are holding the reunion on Sunday.

I spent a total of $28 yesterday purchasing items for lunch and dinner this week.

I don't anticipate spending anything today, as I'm headed straight home when I get off work.

Happy Monday!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Day 6 spending

2009-02-07T23:10:00.002-05:00

I'm semi proud to report that I only spent $17.50 today. Oh and I put $12 and some change in my car. I can't believe the price of gas is inching back up. I paid 1.85 for 87 grade. Good thing the majority of my driving is on the weekend.

I hit the bank, then headed to Target to get a birthday present for my grandmother but ran into a high school class mate. And we actually stood around the store chit chatting for about an hour. After that I rush to library to pay my outstanding fines ($5.25, urgh!). I also met a girlfriend for a late lunch, then went to visit my grandmother.

And I've been sitting here watching Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson story.

Tomorrow I have a family committee meeting and then I'm back home to prepare for the week. But I do need to hit the grocery store to pick up some items for lunch.

Have a good night!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Sucker Punching Debt

2009-02-07T12:44:00.000-05:00

With my attempting to not spend this month, I’ve decided to allocate extra monies to pay down some debt. I just made an extra $100 payment to my major credit card and next week I plan to make an large payment on the one store credit card I have. The minimum payment is $30, well I’ll hit them with a $100 payment instead. I’d really like to pay that one off by June or July at the latest.

One might ask have I put any extra in my savings…..well grasshopper I sure did. You see I’ve adopted the motto of paying myself first. So before I pay any bills, I transfer money to two savings account. One I have no access to unless I go into a branch, which is a MAJOR inconvenience for me.

Well I’m off to find other ways to K/O my debt.

Happy Savings!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Day 5 spending

2009-02-07T12:25:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I left work and came straight home. So no additional spending.......hooray!

I'll report later on this evening on any spending. I anticipate some, but hopefully not alot and definitely not on clothing, shoes or beauty supply items.

Happy Saturday!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Day 4/5 spending

2009-02-06T14:51:00.001-05:00

Yesterday's spending totaled that 90 bag of dry popcorn.

Hubby called and ask if I could pick his mother up from the hair salon, so rushed from work to pick her up and then headed on home. Spending not a hot dime.......YAY!

Day 5, not so lucky so far. I accidently left my lunch on the stairs. So I had to purchase something. I settled on two bags of chips from the vending stand for a total of 1.50

Hopefully, I'll make it straight home and end the day with no spending.

Weekend plans:
watching tv, resting, reading, and watching The Wire.
A cousin is having a 50th birthday party, so I might swing pass there for a sec or two.
Oh dang I have to hit the bank tomorrow.....not at all bad since the deposit will go straight to my major credit card.

Double snap, I need to hit the library and pay my fines and see if I can extend the due date on the books I have.

Happy Friday and have a GREAT weekend!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Fwd: Revelations 3:8

2009-02-06T14:29:00.000-05:00

When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go, only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!

The power of one sentence! God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor. If you believe, send it. If you don't believe, delete it. God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close. If you need God to open some doors for you. Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing..

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

Day 4 spending

2009-02-05T16:26:00.001-05:00

So as I predicted I didn’t spend anything. I went to do my cousins hair and dropped past a friends’ house and rushed home just in time to watch Law & Order.

And seeing as though today is day 5, I’ll report that I spent 90 cents on a bag of dry popcorn from the vending machine. See what had happened was, someone else made some and the smell of popcorn is so contagious that I felt compelled to purchase some.

At any rate I don’t anticipate spending anything else today, as Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice comes on tonight. I’d like to read some before my 9pm shows start.

Have a good evening!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

They came

2009-02-05T15:42:00.002-05:00

my books that is.....they finally arrived and with no time to spare I ripped the box open to ensure the correct contents. I even took the initiative to start reading one.

Happy Learning to me!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs

The Survivors Club widget

2009-02-04T15:42:00.001-05:00

What was I thinking/New idea or approach

2009-02-04T14:19:00.000-05:00

One of my nieces’ and my grandmother celebrate birthdays in February. I certainly can’t get away with not spending any money. At the very least I’d have to get a card for each and shell out some money to my grandmother.

Oh snap, how’d I forget about Luv-Luv Day. I might be able to get away with just purchasing a card. After all, I’m sure he’d appreciate my making him a home cooked meal. But I’d have to cook something out of the ordinary, like steak or lasagna or pork chops. Let me think about it.

If all else fails, I can at least say I tried and go with March as a no spend month. Dang, my mother’s birthday is in March so that wont work either. April is my father’s birth month and May is youngest brother’s birthday. June might be promising…….LOL

Here’s another idea……what if I do 7 days a month of no spending. That would equate to 84 days, which is way more than the 28 days in February.

Houston I think we’ve got a plan. I’ll certainly post my results.

Happy Wednesday!

Peace, Blessings and Laughs