Jumping Ship...IMPORTANT PLEASE READ!!!

Ok, so for the past two days I've gotten emails that blogger is NOT letting you guys leave comments. WTF is up w/ that? It's beyond irritating. I've always heard that blogger be on that bs but this...is a whole nother level of tomfoolery. So...I'm jumping ship and moving!

My new address is: www.mzinspiredmind.wordpress.com Don't worry, I'm going to have a housewarming and all over there! Update your blogrolls!

Love ya!

Living my life like it's golden

I'm in a 'mood' today. An extremely grateful, blessed mood. The past few months I have been thru the ringer. I've went thru more changes with situations with my life. I've had extreme highs and low lows. When I woke up this morning(and it killed me to get out of my warm cozy bed and out into the 30 degree OH weather) I realized that I was blessed to see today. I was freezing cold, but thank you God that I'm not homeless with nowhere to sleep in that freezing cold.

I looked at my son and realized he needed a heavier jacket on today and I thanked God that I didn't 'get rid of him' like so many told me to when I found out I was pregnant at a very inopportune time in my life.

I looked at my daughter in her peacoat and bookbag swinging off her back and realized how much that lil girl means to me. She's so much like me(to much like me). That little girl taught me the meaning of love and sacrifice. When I found out I was pregnant w/ her, I was a vain 20yr old that didn't believe that a child fit ANYWHERE w/in my busy life style. The thought of having a car seat in my first car made my stomach lurch. She is my beautiful first born.

I got in my car and sighed b/c it was cold but at least I have a car. This is the first car I've bought w/ NO assistance from anyone. I did it all by myself. For some this is nothing, for me it was a milestone.

I drove into work and thought about how there are at least a million and one other places I wish I could be, but thank God I have a job. I didn't have a job for the first month and a half when I moved back to OH and it was a depressing time.

I'm busy. I actually had to 'schedule' a 3way call w/ two of my best friends from my Howard Univ days. I miss those chicks so much. We're all leading busy lives though. I had to literally stop myself the other day while cooking dinner and make myself call my granma. If you read yesterday's post, you know how important my granma is.

I have a FT job and just got a PT dream job(in my field, PRAISE HIM!) and just had an interview for a seasonal PT job. Yea, I know I'm crazy but the holidays are coming and I have a lot of things I want to do before EOY financially.

I'm working on the prereqs for my MA program and upon the advice of someone in my field, have decided to get my licensure in Chemical Dependency Counseling. This time next year, I'll be licensed in the state of OH.

My daughter is playing basketball and in her school's musical. My son is gearing up to start basketball as well.

We are busy, but this to me is living life. So many lessons have been learned and for that I'm thankful. I've had people come and go(which has hurt) but it's all for the best.

I'm finding out who "I" really am and I'm liking this person. I'm living my life like it's golden.

Toasty Thursdays--1st Edition

ENJOY!!!!!

Fuzzy Melonberry

Highball Glass
Ice or Shake and Strain

1oz Peach Schnapps
1oz Barcardi Melon Rum
6oz Cranberry Juice

Mama...you know I love you...

This picture makes my heart smile. This is Barack and his grandparents. His grandma was a HUGE part of his upbringing. It was because of her that he's had so much of the success that he has had. She put her grandson's needs above her own and provided for him. She made sure he attended an elite school while living w/ her in Hawaii. It was because of her love, that he excelled and stayed away from a lot of things that unfortunately claim so many of our youth(young, black youth especially).

My parents had me in their early 20's(Dad was 24 and Mom was 27). They got married when my mom was 3 months pregnant w/ me. My Dad was in the Air Force and my mom was a teacher. She eventually stopped teaching and started working for a very popular Children's magazine as a computer analyst. They moved around quite a bit due to his going on different 'tours' as they are called in the military. My parents wanted me(and eventually my brother) to have the most 'normal' upbringing possible. This led to me living with my granma for most of my adolescent years. I thought it was cool b/c my granma is and was one of the coolest people ever. I'm tellin you Tiddee(as she's called due to a book she used to read to my brother and I ) is the dopeness.

My granma has taught me so many important lessons that even though she doesn't think so, I take heed to. I try and pass these same 'jewels' as I call them on to my daughter. I'm so very grateful that I've gotten to have the relationship that I have w/ her. I'm also thankful that my children have had the relationship they've had w/ her.

My granma's birthday was in September. We were supposed to take her to Pappadeaux for dinner(both of our favorite place). At 4:15am, on her birthday, I woke up feeling sick to my stomach. Something didn't feel right. At 5:30am, my Aunt called to let me know that Tiddee had had a heart attack and was in the hospital. I immediately went into a panic. My granma had a health scare 2 years ago and it was very touch and go. We almost lost her. I couldn't deal w/ losing her now. I have so much more to accomplish. I want her to be front and center at my wedding(even though she doesn't want me to fool w/ a man b/c she doesn't want me to get sidetracked). I want to celebrate many more birthdays with her. I want to sit at her table and continue to eat her wonderful Sunday dinners and holiday meals for the rest of my days. My granma is more like a mother than my own mother. It hurts my heart in some ways to say this, but I'm equally blessed I guess.

This post is nothing but a dedication to my granma, my Tiddee, my 'Mama'. I love you granma, more than you'll ever know. I hope your proud of the woman I am and am becoming.

Ps. I would have put a picture I have of the two of us on this post, but my granma don't play that. She don't want no parts of the 'Innernets' (LMAO, she's from the old school!)

Wishful Wednesday--My First Home

This is the sort of house I want but on a smaller scale for my first home.



I have a book(a vision book??) where I write down any and all things that I eventually want in my life. The main fuel behind my fire for moving back to the Midwest was so that I could prepare(mentally and financially) to buy my first home in the next year to year an a half. In my book, I have all the things I would like my first home to have.

Now, I know enough first time home buyers and have watched enough shows to know that I will need to be flexible. I'm ok with that. Some things are more important on my wish list than others. I know the style of home I want and the price range I would like to stay within.

Here are the things on my wish list for my first home:

In a cul-de sac(I'd like the kids be able to play w/out an increased amount of traffic)

Bay window/nook (off of my dining room. I envision curling up there w/ a good book)

A Formal dining room. ( I LOVE to entertain so this is very important to me)

Basement (preferably finished..this will be our family room too)

Loft(b/c I LOVE the look of lofts)

Mantel(how cool is it to have your own mantel!)

3-4 bedrooms(everyone will have their own room + a guest room)

2.5-3 bathrooms(I can't stand sharing a bathroom w/ the lil people and don't want guest all in my business when they are using the bathroom)

Garage(does this really need an explanation)

Backyard(hopefully already fenced in w/ a patio)

Master bdrm w/ walk in closet(my clothes, shoes, purses need to fit)

Master bath(preferably w/ a garden tub, stand alone shower, double vanity)

Thoughtful Tuesday...

The below quote came from my 'Daily Word'(Rev Run's daily email)

UPDATE: I've sat and thought about this quote some more and what the author is saying makes sense, but I still feel(mostly) the same as earlier.

It is not the man who has too little, but the man who CRAVES MORE that is poor.....
-Seneca


My thoughts: I'm not to sure I really agree w/ this. The general definition of crave is: to have an appetite or great desire for. I think that by craving more, we strive for more. We have a desire to be better than what we are or to have more than we currently have. Nothing is wrong w/ being content, but what's wrong w/ wanting more?

Anyone else??

Guess What??

Some of you know that I have been trying to get my foot in the door at certain employers in my field(Criminal Justice). I got a PT job at a WONDERFUL place that will get my foot in the door. This is the type of place where there is much room for growth and I could honestly see myself retiring from there. I'm soooooooooooooo happy. God has answered my prayers!

Quit Playin

I'm a natural born procrastinator(more proof that horoscopes ain't ish). Capricorns by nature generally are NOT procrastinators. I, on the other hand am one of the biggest ones I know. I am currently pulling myself in a million different directions and need to get some peace about myself and my situations. I've even noticed that it's affecting my blog. Here lately, I've wrote a lot more 'fluff' than what I'd like. While talking to my blog BFF, she told me that fluff is ok. Hell sometimes we need fluff in life, we can't always be happy, sad, serious, etc. She's right!

I'm the Queen of List. I make list of almost everything that needs done in my life. I even have a list of all the list I have (sad I know). I need to sit down and do my Vision board(it will be completed this weekend) and get on track with the millions of thoughts, ideas, etc. that are running rampid thru my head and life. To gain some 'order' in my corner of the blogosphere, I've decided to do a daily post of some sort. This will reduce to much fluff(don't worry though, I'll still have plenty of random moments for your reading pleasure) and keep me accountable for writing at least SOMETHING every day.(A goal of mine)

So...in addition to the fabulous randomisity(<--it's not a word, I know it) here are the post that will be on the weekly line up.

Mandatory Mondays--these post will be devoted to things that MUST get done during the week.

Thoughtful Tuesday-- I'll post a quote or affirmation and give my thoughts on them. You all are welcome to give me ideas for quotes or affirmations as well.

Wishful Wednesday-- I'll tell something that's on my wish list. It may be tangible or intangible.

Toasty Thursdays--hell it's almost Friday, I'll give you a drink recipe or two

Football Fridays--I'll give commentary on the upcoming weekend's games. I'll ONLY focus on NFL and NCAA OSU Buckeyes games.

A MUST Read...

I can't remember the last time I've read for leisure. We all know that reading is my favorite past time. Well last week, I decided to get some of the books that have been on my reading list for the past several months. Usually, I would run to your nearest Borders, Barnes & Noble, etc and buy these books. Well in these economic times, I'm trying to cut down unnecessary spending. I instead made nice w/ our local library. The kids LOVE going to the library and checking out books and honestly so do I. It gives us something to do as a family and it's FREE! I'm grateful that both of my kids love to read as much as I did/do when I was a child. My daughter is just like her mother and her nose is always in a book or writing something.

E. Lynn Harris is my favorite author. He's also the best friend of one of my friend's mom's! A lot of people say that the homosexual relationships in his books turn them off. I say to that, to each his own. I look at it as all part of good writing. The world has homosexual relationships in it, so what's wrong w/ a book that has them in it? ::shrugs shoulders::

This book is a MUST READ! I was on his website the other day and saw this title. I didn't even realize he had a new book out. I guess that's what happens when your days(and nights)are consumed w/ reading for Organized Leadership and Thoughts on the Death Penalty(Fall quarter classes). I just got the book from the library today after work and I'm done w/ it. I don't play when it comes to good reading. I'm usually in bed by this point, but couldn't go to sleep until I finished it. I just put the book down.

Has anyone else read it? If so, what are your thoughts?

Absolute hotness....

So I'm a purple fanatic. I absolutely adore any and all things that are purple(as if you couldn't tell!) I heart Victoria's Secret and LOVE that one of my BFF's works in HR for them, so yea a nice 40% discount is mine! I happened to be fooling round on the website and saw this...I had to do a pause, gasp, and sigh. This WILL be mine..I mean it is the absolute hotness. The croc makes it even hotter!
It's $125 before the discount.

My Prayer for today

Dear Lord,

Please help me stay in my seat and refrain from smacking the dog shit out of the backwards ass hicks that I work w/.

Lord, let me bite my tongue as they talk about the movie 'Losing Isiah' and how this movie "happens all the time in the Black community". How the hell do you know what happens in the Black community? Have you ever been to any black community?? I guess that doesn't happen in 'your' communities huh?


Lord, also let me close my ears to the conversations of Barack Obama and how corrupt he is. I will be so glad when it is 11/5 and Barack is President and that's just all there is to it.

I cannot take it anymore. Lord, please give me strength to hold my tongue and close my ears to this nonsense. In the meantime, I am applying for other opportunities.

Ps. Sorry for cussing, you know I'm still a work in progress.

Funny you should call today...

I love Gerald Levert(RIP). He and Luther(RIP) are my favorite male singers. There isn't a song of either that I don't like. When I first heard this song, I dam near fell out of my chair. It spoke to me in more ways than one.




Isn't it funny how there's that '1 person' for all of us, that no matter who we're currently with or what we may have been thru, that person STILL just does it for us. NO MATTER WHAT! SIGH. In the very beginnings of this blog, I talked about "WB". He is/was the only man I have ever truly loved. I thought I knew love before him, but it's clear I didn't know love until him. We broke up due to our relationship being him, I, and our BFFs. They had entirely to much 'say' in our relationship and ultimately, they are what broke us up. We should have been mature enough to work thru it, but we(he) decided to end it. This was almost two years ago now. Since the breakup, we've seen each other a few times and each time, something is confirmed to me. I still love him, I'm still in love w/ him and I doubt anyone will ever be able to take his place.

My current situation(yea it's no longer a relationship as far as I'm concerned) is heading down the drain fast. It amazes me how a 30yr old man can act his shoe size(11.5) and not his age. It amazes me how I can have the upmost faith in someone but if they don't have that same faith in themselves, well it's sorta a lost cause. I won't be with someone that is content in their current way of life and not interested in growing. I won't be with someone where partying is more important then handling business. I love to party like the next but there's a time and place for everything. M-S is NOT that time and place. I have kids to get off to school and work and school for myself.

Anywhoo...I wasn't going to go out this weekend at all. Saturday was 'Sweetest Day'(total Hallmark holiday that it seems only parts of the Midwest celebrate) and both my BFF and I were feeling 'some kinda way'. We decided over a bottle of Grey Goose(me) and a bottle of Cuervo 1800(her) to go to our local watering hole. We go and who do we see but WB and his bff(which is my bff's ex boyfriend). I see him. He sees me. We hug. I notice his hug last a lil to long and is a lil to tight. They are the hugs I used to love when we were together. Sigh.

We talk a lil and then continue to mingle. When the bar closes, we go outside and realize we parked next to each other. (He's moved from Buckeye soil so he had got a new truck and I didn't know it. I got my new car and he didn't know it). We talk and decide to hang out some more. He's a member of a Motorcycle club so we go to the clubhouse and continue the night. Around 4am, I decide I'm sleepy and head home.

I get all snuggled into my bed and am just drifting off to sleep when my cellphone rings. It's about 4:30am at this point. I open my eyes and see it's WB's BFF #. I answer and he says "hold on a sec". WB gets on the phone, my heart starts to race.
WB ask me come over so we can play Xbox<--an inside joke of ours. I start grinning from ear to ear and hop out of bed. I keep my pajamas on b/c I'm jus going to the house that WB and his bff used to share so no big deal. I get there an it's just like old times.

We both had unresolved issues that needed to be addressed from our breakup. We both got it all out on the table. I'm not sure where 'we' are headed but everyday I pray that we will end up back together.

I wonder if that's why God hasn't put anyone special in either WB's or I's lives. Is it b/c we're meant to get ourselves together (what we both are doing) and then end up being stronger than ever as a couple? ::shrugs shoulders:: All I know is that it's funny that WB still got me LIKE THAT.

Maybe I'll blog one day about how we met.

What's cooking week of 10/20/08

UPDATE: I have added the Chili recipe to the comments!





Sunday(today): Chicken and steak flank Caesar salad w/ liqueur and chocolate infused strawberries for dessert(for those over 21 in the house ONLY! LOL)

Monday: Fried whiting, mashed potatoes, okra

Tuesday: Crockpot Italian chili (my mom's recipe...YUM!!!) cornbread

Wednesday: Leftover crockpot chili

Thursday: Coney dogs and french fries(there's a BOO BASH at the kids school<--one of many Halloween activities) so that nite needs to be quick and easy

Thank You!!!!

I want to thank Ieisha for giving me the "Best Blog of the Week" award. I am beyond honored and happy that I could give all of us in the blogosphere ideas on how to stay focused on our goals(Lawd knows I need to take my own advice!)

My Vision

Disclaimer: The below is not my vision board. Once mine is completed, I'll put a picture of it on my blog!






The other day a fellow blogger(and someone who I hope to meet way sooner rather than later!!! *hint hint*) talked about needing ideas for how to prioritize things in her life and get back some of the focus she had lost, due to her busy schedule. We've all been 'THERE'. Hell, I feel like I'm vacationing 'THERE' as we speak. Life has been one big ball of chaos for the past few months. I'm a procrastinator by nature and when you have procrastination+ unorganized chaos=pure de hell! LOL.

Here lately, I have lost focus on the things I want. When I made the decision to move back to Buckeye soil from the East coast, I made a promise to myself, that I would NOT get sidetracked. I was here to accomplish 3 main goals: start planning for my first home, finish my MA, and save money. I have gotten sidetracked and even thrown a 'relationship' in the mix, so yall already know my head is GONE right about now. Life waits for no man, I mean hell we only get one shot. I realize that I need to get my mind right and put my game face on to accomplish my goals.

I think making a vision board is an excellent idea for myself(and others) to maintain focus. I did a little searching(Google is my BFF) and came up w/ a 'How to' of creating your vision board.

What is a vision board?

A vision board is typically a poster board on which you paste or collage images that you’ve torn out from various magazines. It’s simple.

The idea behind this is that when you surround yourself with images of who you want to become, what you want to have, where you want to live, or where you want to vacation, your life changes to match those images and those desires.

Supplies you'll need to create your vision board

Poster board. (Target sells a really nice matte finish board. I highly recommend it.)

- A big stack of different magazines. Make sure you find lots of different types. If you limit your options, you’ll lose interest after a while.

- Glue. Not Elmers. (It makes the pages ripple.) I like using Yes! Glue or Rubber cement. Glue sticks are my second choice because they don’t last.

The Five Steps of creating a vision board

Step 1: Go through your magazines and tear the images from them. No gluing yet! Just let yourself have lots of fun looking through magazines and pulling out pictures or words or headlines that strike your fancy. Have fun with it. Make a big pile of images and phrases and words.

Step 2: Go through the images and begin to lay your favorites on the board. Eliminate any images that no longer feel right. This step is where your intuition comes in. As you lay the pictures on the board, you’ll get a sense how the board should be laid out. For instance, you might assign a theme to each corner of the board. Health, Job, Spirituality, Relationships, for instance. Or it may just be that the images want to go all over the place. Or you might want to fold the board into a book that tells a story.

Step 3: Glue everything onto the board. Add writing if you want. You can paint on it, or write words with markers.

Step 4: (optional, but powerful) Leave space in the very center of the vision board for a fantastic photo of yourself where you look radiant and happy. Paste yourself in the center of your board.

Step 5: Hang your vision board in a place where you will see it often.


The three types of vision boards

1 - The “I Know Exactly What I Want” Vision Board

Do this vision board if:

- You’re very clear about your desires.
- You want to change your environment or surroundings.
- There is a specific thing you want to manifest in your life. (i.e. a new home, or starting a business.)

How to create this vision board:

With your clear desire in mind, set out looking for the exact pictures which portray your vision.


2 - The “Opening and Allowing” Vision Board

Do this vision board if:

- You’re not sure what exactly you want
- You’ve been in a period of depression or grief
- You have a vision of what you want, but are uncertain about it in some way.
- You know you want change but don’t know how it’s possible.

How to create this vision board:

Go through each magazine. Tear out images that delight you. Don’t ask why. Just keep going through the magazines. If it’s a picture of a teddy bear that makes you smile, then pull it out. If it’s a cottage in a misty countryside, then rip it out. Just have fun and be open to whatever calls to you. Then, as you go through Step 2 above, hold that same openness, but ask yourself what this picture might mean. What is it telling you about you? Does it mean you need to take more naps? Does it mean you want to get a dog, or stop hanging out with a particular person who drains you? Most likely you’ll know the answer. If you don’t, but you still love the image, then put it on your vision board anyway. It will have an answer for you soon enough.

3 - The “Theme” Vision Board

Do this vision board if:

- It’s your birthday or New Years Eve or some significant event that starts a new cycle.
- If you are working with one particular area of your life. For instance, Work & Career.

How to create this vision board:

The only difference between this vision board and the others is that this one has clear parameters and intent. Before you begin the vision board, take a moment to hold the intent and the theme in mind. When you choose pictures, they will be in alignment with the theme. You can do the Theme Vision Board on smaller pages, like a page in your journal.


*The above information is compliments of: www.christinekane.com/blog/how-to-make-a-vision-board

I.CAN'T.WAIT

So, the hotel has been booked. We'll book our flights soon. My two BFFs and I more than deserve a vacay sans men or kids. What happens here will surely stay here, the beautiful beaches of Cancun, Mexico. We wanted to do something 'EXTRA HOT' but are all in the process of buying homes, in school and we're all parents. In other words, we're taking an economical vacay! LOL

My Sentiments exactly

I tried to embed the video(if for nothing more than to look at the sexual chocolate of one-Reggie Bush) but Youtube was dumbing out.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Music TRULY is the soundtrack to my life. There isn't a time in my life where I can't relate some song to how I was feeling or what I was going thru. The lyrics below pretty much sum up how I feel about my current 'situation'(yea, I'm hardpressed to call this a relationship w/ the way he's acting)



"Like A Boy"-- Ciara

[Verse: 1]
Pull up your pants
(Just Like Em')
Take out the trash
(Just Like Em')
getting ya cash like em'
Fast like em'
Girl you outta act like ya dig
(What I'm talkin' bout')
Security codes on everything
Vibrate so your phone don't ever ring
(Joint Account)
And another one he don't know about

[Hook]
Wish we could switch up the roles
And I could be that...
Tell you I love you
But when you call I never get back
Would you ask them questions like me?...
Like where you be at?
Cause I'm out 4 in the morning
On the corner rolling
Doing my own thing
Oh

[Chorus]
What if I?...
Had a thing on the side?
Made ya cry?
Would the rules change up?...
Or would they still apply?...
If I played you like a toy?...
Sometimes I wish I could act like a boy

[Guy Chopped & Screwed Voice]
Can't be getting mad!
What You Mad?
Can't Handle that!
Can't be getting mad!
What you mad?
Can't handle that!

[Verse: 2]
Girl go head and be...
(Just Like Em')
Go run the streets
(Just Like Em')
come home late say sleep like em'
Creep like em'
Front with ya friends
Act hard when you're with em' like em'
(What)
Keep a straight face when ya tell a lie
Always keep an air-tight alibi
(Keep Him In The Dark)
What he don't know won't break his heart

[Hook]
Wish we could switch up the roles
And I could be that...
Tell you I love you
But when you call I never get back
Would you ask them questions like me?...
Like where you be at?
Cause I'm out 4 in the morning
On the corner rolling
Doing my own thing
Yea

[Chorus]
What if I?...
Had a thing on the side?
Made ya cry?
Would the rules change up?...
Or would they still apply?...
If I played you like a toy?...
Sometimes I wish I could act like a boy

[Guy Chopped & Screwed Voice]
Can't be getting mad!
What You Mad?
Can't Handle that!
Can't be getting mad!
What you mad?
Can't handle that!
Can't be getting mad!
What you mad?
Can't handle that!
Can't be getting mad!
What you mad?
Can't handle that!

[Bridge]
If I was always gone
With the sun getting home
(Would Ya Like That?)
Told you I was with my crew
When I knew it wasn't true
(Would Ya Like That?)
If I act like you
Walk A mile off in yo shoes
(Would Ya Like That?)
I'm messing with your head again
Dose of your own medicine

[Chorus]
What if I?...
Had a thing on the side?
Made ya cry?
Would the rules change up?...
Or would they still apply?...
If I played you like a toy?...
Sometimes I wish I could act like a boy

[Guy Chopped & Screwed Voice]
Can't be getting mad!
What You Mad?
Can't Handle that!
Can't be getting mad!
What you mad?
Can't handle that!
Can't be getting mad!
What you mad?
Can't handle that!
Can't be getting mad!
What you mad?
Can't handle that!

[Music Plays]

[Outro]
If I played you...
Would yo like that?
Had friends...
Would you like that?
never call?
Would you like that?
Hell naw
You wouldn't like that
No!

[Half-Chorus]
What if I made ya cry!
Would they still apply!
What if I...
If I played you like a toy
Sometimes I wish I could act like a boy!

Full Moon

I don't know why but this song has been running thru my head all morning. I so wish I would have brought my iPod to work w/ me so I could listen to it in peace!






Full Moon: Brandy

My Day w/ Oprah

It was something that most folks could only dream about. I actually got to spend a day w/ Oprah. Oprah is a media mogul. I mean how in the world did "I" get this lucky. I had the opportunity to go to her home(which is amazing btw) and spend the entire day w/ her.

We started off w/ her giving me a grand tour. I thought it was cool she took the time to do it herself, instead of having a member of her waitstaff do it. She's extremely personable and I felt more like I was visiting an Aunt than OPRAH! She has two dogs. One is a huge Labrador and the other a Pomeranian. I absolutely adored the Pomeranian but couldn't stand the lab. Dammit, if the lab didn't leave me alone the whole time!!

We ate lunch on her deck which was more like a resort than a deck. We had a mixed green salad w/ vinaigrette dressing and lobster tail that was freshly imported from Maine. We had sorbet for our dessert. The food was decadent.

After lunch, we just sat and talked. She asked me about my goals. I told her how important this non-profit was to me. I explained that by the age of 32(5 short years from now) my non-profit would be up and running. I explained that I had recently decided to go to law school so that I wouldn't need to hire a staff lawyer(unless Ieisha comes and works w/ me! LOL) She told me that she had the up most faith in me. I asked her would she be willing to serve on my Executive board and she said she would be honored. I could have cried right then, I mean my goodness, if I have Oprah on my team--I'm something like unstoppable!

We then talked about my love life or lack thereof. Oprah asked if I could have anything, anything at all at my wedding what would it be? I told her I would have LOVED for Luther to be able to sing at my wedding. We both expressed our sorrow at him being gone. I told her that her home was beautiful and asked if anyone had ever hosted a wedding there before. She told me that they had. She said she wanted to give me a gift. I politely declined, I mean just being in her presence for a whole day and her accepting a spot on my Executive board was more than enough. She told me that when that special guy found me, that she'd like me to have my wedding at her home. I couldn't believe it. I almost fell out of my chair.

I thanked Oprah again and again. I was blessed to have met her and been able to personally spend a day w/ her. The advice and wisdom she gave is something I won't ever forget.

My cell phone rang and I excused myself. Then I woke up. DAMMIT if it wasn't a dream! No more taco salad for me before bed. SIGH! LMAO

We now interrupt your regularly scheduled programming...

*Jus cause I'm bored and don't feel like doing any work right now...


1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
~hmm...got serious about my blog

2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
~I kept most of them and yes I will make more for 2009

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
~Yes, my lovely niece Violet Sky was born


4. Did anyone close to you die?
~I had people die but no one that I was very close too(thank God)

5. What countries did you visit?
~ha...jus the good ol US of A


6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
~a sense of order in my life. 2008 is/was very very chaotic and I didn't help by not being as organized as I should have been.


7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory?
~7/19/2008 when I moved back from MD to OH, 8/30/2008 when I bought my first car w/out any co-signer assistance


8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
~moving back to OH from MD and w/in 2 months, getting a new place, new car, having a job and I and the kids being enrolled in school

9. What was your biggest failure?
~letting others' opinion of me make me doubt myself


10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
~nothing to serious, thank God

11. What was the best thing you bought?
~my 2006 Grand Prix GT

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
~the kids for doing oh so well in their new school(s)

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
~my 1st cousin and a friend who is no longer a friend. I don't speak w/ either anymore.


14. Where did most of your money go?
~cost associated w/ the move

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
~things falling into place w/ some of my business ventures

16. What song/album will always remind you of 2008?
~Any and all things Kanye West

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
~
happier or sadder? MUCH happier
thinner or fatter? MUCH thinner
richer or poorer? MUCH richer


18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
~started speaking my mind instead of just thinking what I wanted/needed to say


19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
~dealt w/ insignificant people and their issues

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
~w/ the fam


21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
~Probably my BFF

22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
~I sure did

23. How many one night stands in this last year?
~NONE! When I "play" I play for keeps

24. What was your favourite TV program?
~The Hills

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
~I know they say you shouldn't hate people but YEP I do

26. What was the best book(s) you read?
~Stay tuned for this answer

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
~Jazmine Sullivan

28. What did you want and get?
~a new life

29. What did you want and not get?
~a million dollars (ha)

30. What were your favorite films of this year?
~Why Did I Get Married and The Family that Preys

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
~I turned 27 and I spent it w/ 3 very important people(my kids and my dad)

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
~being able to travel more

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
~Getting my swagger back sexy


34. What kept you sane?
~blogging(no seriously!), family, God, my goals

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
~Barack Obama

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
~the whole Election process

37. Who did you miss?
~my Ex

38. Who was the best new person you met?
~ME. (seriously, 2008 I did a LOT of growing and finding myself)

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
~You only get one chance at this thing called life. Ride it like the wheels are going to fall off.


40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
~Don't follow me, follow my moves, I'm not a role model.

PSA!!!!!!

There are a few 'causes' that really pull at my heartstrings. I am a BIG advocate of the Susan G. Komen foundation for the cure and the March of Dimes. A few women in my family have/had breast cancer so I know that I'm even more at risk and how important it is to spread awareness. The March of Dimes really helped when my own son was born a preemie at 36 weeks old with respiratory problems.

As we know(or at least you should know) October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. All over the world, many activities are held to support awareness and raise funds for further research. Yoplait yogurt has a program that starts every October.

Here's how it works:
Go out and buy Yoplait yogurt(it's healthy for you and there are soooo many flavors how could you not like it??) with the pink lids. For ever pink lid you send in, Yoplait will donate .$10 to the breast cancer cause up to $1.5 million. They(Yoplait) guarantee a donation of at least $500,000. The money will go towards research and treatment across the country. You have from now until 12/31/2008 to mail the lids in. So far 437,242 lids have been received. The directions for mailing the lids in are simple: rinse the lid(s) off, bag them and put them in the mail. The mailing address is: Save Lids to Save Lives, PO Box 420704, El Paso, TX 88542.

We can even set up a Bloggers team to keep track of how many lids we collectively send in. For more information and really cute paraphernalia, please go to www.yoplait.com

If you all are interested in setting up a team, let me know and I'll set it up.


I implore all of us to make sure we are giving ourselves monthly breast self examinations. Pass the word on to all the sista girls in your life. You could save a life!!!

Here are the five easy steps for a self-examination:

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.

Here's what you should look for:

Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color
Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling
If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention:

Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin
A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out)
Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling

Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.


Step 3: While you're at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).


Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter.

Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.

Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you've reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.


Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in Step 4.







Disclaimer: I am NOT an employee of Yoplait or any of its subsidiaries. I'm just a staunch advocate of breast cancer awareness and research.

Respect the Star

You know that Mzinspiredmind has been BUSY when she hasn't even talked about her 'Boys in quite some time! SIGH. For those of you who don't know football or don't like it(insert *gasp* here), the above picture is of Tony Romo(DC Quarterback) crying b/c of a fumble. I feel like crying myself right now when it comes to my 'Boys.

They started out so very strong at the beginning of the season. I'm still disturbed that Arizona beat them in an OT yesterday. WTF! I've actually been working today(I know I can hardly believe it myself) and didn't hear the latest. My "big brother" texted me w/ this news 'Romo has a broken pinkie and is out for a month'. I gasped and flew to www.espn.com STAT!

Here is what I saw: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3640890

According to the article, Brad Johnson will be his replacement and he'll only be out for 3 games, provided he follows the schedule. The games that he'll miss, I'm not really to concerned with. I probably shouldn't speak to soon though, I wasn't concerned w/ Arizona and well we saw what happened.

I still RESPECT THE STAR!!!!!

Furniture moving...

So as you can see, I got tired of the same ol look in my little corner of the blog world. I LOVE the color purple(the actual color) so this layout matches me to a T! I also put a picture of myself and my youngest on here. I got to thinking, I need to have an actual picture on here. I didn't want anyone to think I was a fake! LOL.


I had a pretty good weekend. Yesterday kinda sucked. I mean my 'Boys lost(but you MUST still respect the star!), the Mr. pizzed me off(even though he has no idea that he did) and the kids were a lil unruly. I need a spa day. I think one of those is in order stat! I still haven't ordered my Obama t-shirt, SIGH! Mzinspiredmind is one busy girl, but I am about prioritzing this week.

Pray for your girl and I'll be back w/ something more meaningful later on.

*muah*

Meals for the week of 10/13/2008

Yea so um, it sucks that I'll be at the plantation tomorrow. I so wish I didn't have to work. Anywho, here is the menu for the week. Remember, I only do Sun-Thurs.


Sun(today): Baked pork chops, corn, broccoli au gratin, crescent rolls

Mon: Taco salad

Tue: Crockpot short ribs

Wed: Coney hot dogs(I have class so when I get home, I need something quick and easy so the kids don't get to bed to late)

Thurs: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, cauliflower

Be careful...

what you ask God for....you just might get it.


That is all....

Let me put you up on some game.....

UPDATE: I'm having a "moment" and tried to get pictures of both products side by side but you see what happened.














Dude, I'm on a roll today. I think this is my 3rd post of the day!!! Maybe it's b/c I'm at the plantation and these folks have pissed me off, so guess what? I ain't working!

Sidebar: Remember when DL Hughley was on 'Kings of Comedy' and was like "Black folks the only people that will go to work and tell their boss what they ain't going to do". "I ain't come to work today shit!". LMAO!

Anywhooo....

In a couple of different post this week, I've mentioned products and gotten some questions in my comments field about said products. I've gotten back to most of you guys about them but I figure I might as well let everyone know! I'mma put you up on some game...LOL


The first I mentioned was 'Rx for Brown Skin'. The Lady Girl asked me what this was. This is an entire skin care line that is designed for WOMEN OF COLOR! Dr. Susan Taylor (she's been in ESSENCE mag) created this and I've heard AMAZING things about it. It is a bit pricier than your Clean & Clear or other drug store finds but come on--skin care FOR US BY US, is priceless in my opinion! The website is www.rxforbrownskin.com

The second product is that of phytospecifics. I first heard about this hair care line when I lived in MD last year. After reading Fergie's blog and seeing her pictures of her hair, I decided to join the "cult" so to speak and get in on the goodness of Phyto. I've been a loyal Mizani user for umpteenth years and dare I say this...but Phyto got Mizani beat hands down! You can find Phyto at www.sephora.com

Hmm...there was another product I wanted to talk about but I forgot. LMAO!

Reading is fundamental...

Ever since I was little, I have LOVED to read. So many times, my parents would wonder where I was and I'd be holed up in my room reading. I started out with Shel Silverstein's books and Dr Seuss. As I got older, I loved books like "Roll of Thunder, hear my Cry" and was a maniac about the Babysitters Club series and almost anything by Judy Blume.

Here lately, I have barely had time to talk to my friends and family(but I always manage to blog..hmm) so I almost NEVER get to read for pleasure. I love my major but I get sick of reading about the Criminal Justice system and sociology( *insert gasp here*)

I just asked a few friends of mine if they'd be interested in starting a book club. The majority of us are mothers and we all are working and/or in school as well. I know that time is of the essence, but we all can use some "down time".

In looking at Oprah's site(dude, she is like the go to person for dam near EVERYTHING in life! LOL) she has outlined the 'how to' of starting a book club.
While reading, I noticed something and had an EUREKA moment of sorts.

Why not do a virtual bookclub?? I know that some of you (those w/ blogger and blogspot) are already a part of a bookclub but I mean a bookclub for "US". A bookclub that all of us(I and my readers) can partake in. I have a real diverse group of virtual friends and thought it would be fun.

So what do you guys think? Also, if your in a bookclub or have been in a bookclub before, what are some tips or suggestions?

Riddle Me This...

Facts:

Your a Republican.
You admit to a room full of your co-workers that McCain/Palin are NOT equipped to be President and VP of the U.S. (in your opinion)
You tell the room that you will however, still be voting for them.



WHY?????


Oh, that's right because you'd rather have McCain who is one sneeze away from death and Palin who can see Russia from her kitchen window, than to have a black man as President.

SMDH.

For my(and your) comic relief....

I'm low key pissy right now and really don't want to interject that into all of my folks here in Blogland. I plan on doing at least 2 more post today. A "tell 'em why you mad" type post and a happy go lucky post<---lol. Let's just say the reason for my inner turmoil is I'm really really starting to despise my job and my co-workers. I am praying that God blesses me w/ my heart's desire which is a job in my field. SIGH. I jacked this from another blog I read on the regular. Just needed a lil "pick me up".



1.Your rock star name (first pet, current car):
~Misty Grand Prix

2.Your gangsta name (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe):
~Rainbow Sherbert Stilleto

3.Your Native American name (favorite color, favorite animal):
~Purple Panda

4.Your soap opera name (your middle name, city where you were born):
~MyChene(my seen) Columbus

5.Your Star Wars name (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 of your first name):
~Ripsa

6.Superhero name (2nd favorite color, favorite drink):
~Grey Goose(HAAAAAAAAAAA LMAO!)

7.NASCAR name (the first names of your grandfathers):
~Alfred Wilbur

8.Dancer name (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy):
~Lolita Lempicka Now or Later

9.TV weather anchor name (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter):
~Simpson San Francisco

10. Spy name (your favorite season/holiday, flower):
~Fall Calla lilies

11.Cartoon name (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now):
~Peach slacks

12.Hippie name (what you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree):
~Donut bonsai

13.Movie star name (first pet, first street where you lived):
~Misty Lily

I'm in love.

I bet ya'll thought this post was about to be about my manfriend and I huh? NOPE! LOL. I'm a technology whore. I can't help it. I love any and all things electronic(especially cellphones and computers). I had heard the *buzz* about a new BlackBerry that was coming out, but really hadn't paid much attention. I have an intense love affair w/ my BB Curve 8330 so I figured "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Well, that was until I went on my carrier's website(Verizon) to check out my bill. When I saw "IT", I just knew. It was love at first sight. After reading the reviews on it on:crackberry.com(which YES is a REAL website and of MUCHO HELP for any and all BlackBerry users) I just knew it was the one for me. I'm most excited that for now, the phone is a Verizon exclusive, so everyone and their mother WON'T have it! I have a phone upgrade coming on November 12. I.CANNOT.WAIT to get this new BB! SIGH. I'm sooooooooooo in love!

As delirium sets in....

Hmm, so I only got 2 hours of sleep last nite. Yep, you read right, 2 hours. I was up doing some work for both of my courses, then had to deal w/ some coonery that kept me up until 5am.(Let's set the record straight now, it wasn't GOOD coonery). I can barely think straight, maybe that's b/c I've also downed two "Monster Energy" drinks. Nevermind the fact that they make my heart race...SIGH. So here it is random ish that's currently on my mind...

1. I really care about you, but you got 1 more 'gin to pull some mess like you did last nite and we are THROUGH!

2. Seriously, how is it that 2 kids who NEVER pee in the bed, BOTH pee in the bed last nite?

3. All of my co-workers except for one drive me up a wall.

4. I need to get focused and buy a GRE study book. I've decided to pursue the rest of my MA online at a different university. It's an EXCELLENT program, and just makes more sense w/ my lifestyle.

5. I can't wait till Friday. It's payday, I get my hair done, and I'm getting my Obama t-shirt.

6. This week is NUTS for me. So much to do and I'm the Queen of Procrastination

7. I'm not making spaghetti tonite as was listed on my meal planner. I've still got a nice amount of Chicken Divan left(which was OFF THE CHAIN)

8. My skin has been doing so well and this morning I wake up to a breakout...LOVELY! I think I may start using Rx for brown skin. I've heard a lot of good things.

9. I need to get hip and start using Phyto, I was reading back thru Fergie's blog and her hair is BEAUTIFUL! Peace out Mizani!

10. Mo money, mo problems

Burning the midnite(10pm) oil.....

I haven't really been around the blogosphere as much as usual today. I was tired and now I'm burning the midnite oil(even though it ain't midnite cause if it were, I'd be knocked out) studying for my "Thoughts of Death Penalty" class midterm that is Wednesday. I also have a presentation to do in my Organized Leadership class, so umm yea your girl is BUSY. This week is going to be nuts. I also have an Alumni nite at my High School which will begin the prep for our 10 year reunion. Dam, I can't believe it's been 10years already. Don't worry, I'll still be around this week, may just not be as much as usual. I promise at least 1 post a day though.

Oh yea, I guess I'm in a relationship now. WOW, that's an entirely different post in itself. For those of you who have been following for a while, yes it is w/ my "manfriend". This is definitely interesting thus far.

How I'm feeling...

Disclaimer: NO this is NOT my cat. I'm not really a cat person. I don't think Spade(my new dog...there's a story behind that) would appreciate me having a cat. It's just a random pic I found on the 'Net.

I am T-I-R-E-D. This weekend was muy productive, but your girl is tired. Apparently what my g-ma has been telling me for some time now is true: "Girl, you ain't no spring chicken no more, you need your rest".

A Good Idea

BC(before children), I was the type that would NEVER cook. I was known for burning egg rolls that just required being put in the microwave(yea I was THAT bad lol) Once I had my daughter, an then later my son, I refused for them not to have home cooked meals as much as possible. I felt that it was sort of my duty as a mom to make sure they ate good meals not constant bs.

Everyone on my father's side of the family can cook their ass off. I mean it don't make no sense! Sitting down at my father's table, my g-ma's or any of my aunts is guaranteed to be a treat. Once I got serious about wanting to learn to cook, I actually got pretty good. This was about 6 years ago. Now six years later, I can burn in the kitchen if I do say so myself(and I do :) )

One of my most favoritest( <---I know it's not a word, I made it up) blogs is that of Fergie's. She does a "meal planning menu" every Sunday or Monday where, yep you guessed it, she has outlined her meals for the week. This is an excellent idea. There is NOTHING worse than scrambling around during a busy work week to figure out what's for dinner. I started meal planning last year while living in MD b/c it made my life a thousand and one times easier. I am the crockpot Queen. For those of ya'll that don't have a crockpot, RUN to your nearest Tarjay and get one. It is truly a lifesaver when it comes to making dinner, especially in the Fall/Winter months.

I've decided to follow Fergie's lead and start posting my recipes for the week. It will give you all menu ideas for the week and hold me accountable. I feel like when I tell others I'm going to do something, I feel more accountable for it.

So w/out further ado and many kudos to Fergie, here is my menu for this upcoming week. FYI: I don't believe in cooking on Friday or Saturday unless I'm having a party or something. I'm sorry, we leave those nights up to pizza, McDonalds or the like! LOL. My menus will be from Sunday-Thursday


Sunday: Crockpot roast, mashed potatoes, corn

Monday: Chicken Divan

Tuesday: Spaghetti

Wednesday: Crockpot chili

Thursday: Left over crockpot chili

Feel free to add what you'll be cooking this week in the comments

All that I can say.....

One of my absolute FAVORITE movies is Love Jones(followed closely by Lean on Me). To sum up my weekend here are three quotes from the movie that relate to the shenanigans of this weekend(it ended up being an entirely kid free zone).

Darius Lovehall: Let me tell you somethin'. This here, right now, at this very moment, is all that matters to me. I love you. That's urgent like a motherfucker.

Savon Garrison: When a man gets a hard on, you know where the blood come from, right? His head and his feet. So A - he's stupid and B - he can't run.

Savon Garrison:All of these people running around here jumping, skipping, falling in love...falling in love ain't shit. Somebody PLEASE talk to me about how to stay there...


SIGH

My Liberating Moment

Everyone who knows me, knows "Ms Fix It" I am not. I detest putting things together or trying to fix things. My usual fix for any and all things handy is to either:

A. Call my dad

B. Call my brother(can't do that now, he's out of the country..he's in the military)

C. Call whatever Mr. Right Now I'm dealing with and have him handle it.

Well my manfriend(look to the "You Asked, I Answered post") and I are in a weird place right now. We spoke last nite for 45minutes on the phone, which for us is like an eternity. It was a really good conversation; but like I reiterated to him time and time again during the convo, this does NOT erase our underlying issue(s). Anywhoo, this is NOT a post about he and I so back to the point of all this.

As you all know the lil folks and I just moved into our new place. I really like the place thus far. My only real gripe is my shower. I am a shower taker. Taking showers is more than just getting the day or nite's grime off, it's alone time for me. It's relaxation. My shower does NOT do the trick. I can't stand my shower head. Today on my lunch, I decided to see about getting a new shower head. There's a Lowe's down the street from my job so I decided to go in.

I go to the Bath section and see the mass of shower heads(who knew there were so many different shower heads!) I pick one out w/ three different massaging options and go get pliers as per the box, I'll need those too. As I'm walking to "Tool World", I get this sense of....of self sufficiency and liberation.

I know it sounds funny to some of ya'll but I'm serious. I'm so excited to get off work and put this new shower head on. Never before would I have undertook something even this simple, I would have passed it off to some member of the male species. I'm proud of myself for stepping out of my box and doing something handy.

I figure if I'm going to get our first house in a year and a half, I need to start becoming handy.

What more can I say?

I'm ready for it to be Nov 5th and Barack Obama is now President Obama along w/ VP Biden. I am so sick of hearing backwards ass hicks(ala my co-workers) talk about how intelligent Sarah is(is this a joke, if that bitch <---yea I went THERE, is intelligent then I'm an biochemical engineer). I heard two priceless pieces of bullshit just now.

1. Sarah Palin could be President one day(CRICKETS...you can't be fucking serious...sorry for the language, but COME ON!)

2. I don't know why people think Obama is qualified to run for President. He's only been a Senator for 7months. (*DEAD* where the hell are you getting your info from buddy??)


At this point, I just pray that "our" presence at the polls is supreme and that we make Obama/Biden, America's reality. If McCain/Palin win, GAME OVER. I'm moving to Canada or Japan(and that is REAL talk)

Words to live by....

I'm in some sorta zone today. I'm not sad or mad about anything, just kinda deep in thought I guess.

I love quotes and actually have a notebook full of quotes that I refer to when I need a pick me up. Here are a few that have been on my mind today. Feel free to add to them in the comments section...

~You have to have pain to truly feel joy.

~The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor—Rev Run

~A setback is a setup for a comeback.

~What is your misery will be your ministry.

~To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.

~A woman's heart should be so hidden in God, that a man has to seek Him, just to find her.

You asked, I answered....

So The Lady Girl and Ieisha both wanted to know how my weekend went....

Well well well, where should I start? Oh yea, it was NOT a kid free weekend, just a kid free Friday nite. The rest of the weekend was pretty hum drum, so for the purpose of this post, we'll just talk about Friday. Don't despair, Friday was an event in and of itself!

Friday

I left work at 4:30p. I was especially excited b/c I was getting the keys to my new apartment. I had lived between my Dad and cousin for the past two months and needless to say, I was OVER it.

I get to the apartment complex and the leasing consultant is on the phone clearly going off on someone. She proceeds to rant for a full five minutes as I'm standing there waiting. I start looking at my BB b/c I don't have time for this. I still have to pick the kids up and drop them off at my Dad's before my hair appt. She finally gets off the phone and says "I'm sorry sweetie, how are you". That right there kinda threw me for a loop. I mean wth seriously. She asks me do I want to go thru the leasing process "slow or fast". At this point, I'm thinking "is this a joke? Is Ashton Kutcher going to jump out of the bushes?" I tell her, lets go for fast b/c I have a hair appt.

The rest of the leasing process was pretty routine. I did however get lost on the way to my new apartment(Yea I know what your thinking, no the heifer did NOT walk me to my new home. SIGH). I go check the place out and check the mail( I had already fwd my mail to that address a week ago) and roll out to get the kids.

I pick the kids up, drop them off w/ my Dad and jump back on the highway to get to my hair appt. I get to the hairdresser. I get a relaxer(Mizani you are my heart) and my color(don't fret, it's just semi-perm so my hair is not in danger of falling out in clumps lol) I looked to dam fly if I do say so myself(and I dam sure do).

I call my BFF and ask her where she's at. She's pretty much the only person here I go out w/ all like that. She's the only that I trust totally w/ my life and who I don't mind seeing me in an inebriated state(it's probably b/c her azz be on that too)

So we decide to meet up in about an hour and go from there. A half hour after this convo, she calls me an says "I don't have ish to wear". Ok, we have to get creative b/c at this point it's after 10p and everything on Buckeye soil is closed. We get "creative" and she ends up looking super cute.

We go to our local "watering hole" and it is DEAD. I mean to quote the words of another friend of mine that was there...."It looks like every misfortunate looking man in {{our city's name here}} came out tonite" LMAO!!! It did though ya'll. It was almost 12:15am and the place closes at 2:15am so that wasn't a good sign at all. Thankfully, the menfolk started pouring in around 12:45am and it was all good.

I look up and see my "manfriend" come thru the door. He sees me and we smile at each other. I thought I was looking extra fly so ya'll know I had to do a lil "drink and my 2step". He noticed and sent me a text. I make my way over to him and give him a lil hug and kiss on the cheek. He tells me to make sure I don't leave his sight that nite. I had no intention of leaving his site..TRUST! LOL. I continue to dance, drink, mingle until the nite end's.

As I'm leaving, he tells me to wait for him in my car, I go to the car and collect my bearings until he gets there(like 5 min). He gets in the car and tells me we're going to an afterhours spot (Bootleg for those in the Midwest). On the way we stop at a gas station cause I had to pee something TERRIBLE! I go in the station and this guy stops to speak to me, I say hello and keep it moving. I get back out to my car and the same dude is talking to "him". Dude sees me approaching and goes back to his car. I get in my car and my manfriend proceeds to go off..saying how he doesn't want me speaking to his boys b/c they all want me. (WTF, dude don't blame your insecurities on me.) He decides that he wants me to drop him off at his car. He gets on his cellphone and starts exhibiting extreme bitchassness(c. Diddy) telling his friends that I "won't take him back to his car". I start laughing and proceed to drive to my apartment. We get there and I ask him to come inside so we can talk. He says "no, we both just need to realize there is no future for us". I get a lump in my throat b/c I can't front, I care about dude and we've tried to be together a couple of times but it just never works out.

I sit out there w/ him for a few minutes in silence. He finally ask can he go up to my place so he can use the bathroom. We go to my apartment and he starts walking thru the place saying how nice everything looks. I tell him thanks and go in my room to lay down. He knocks on the door and ask can he lay w/ me.

Now ladies, we all know what happens when a man "lays w/ us". I tell him I don't care. The most mind blowing sex ensued...Wooooooooooo chile' I mean just dizam!! LOL. I would give a lil bit more detail but a lady never kisses and tells *wink* Needless to say he didn't leave until Sunday after I cooked dinner. :)~

I'd say more about him but he did some truly foul shit and right now, I'm not sure what our "status" is anymore so.....I guess our story may or may not be to be continued.