Goal: Maiden Voyage

Inspired by 43Things.com, I've started this blog to track and document my goals. This is more to me than just New Year Resolutions; this is a transition of lifestyle.

You are welcome to follow along with me. I know I will need your encouragement through this journey.

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm a

Romantic Spiritual Extrovert.

0% of the 13653 people who have taken this quiz are like me. Go Figure!

Here are the initial goals
Hair: transition hair from relaxed to natural
Book1: get Book 1 published
Book2: complete draft of Book 2
Story1: complete draft of Short Story 1
IntApp1: deploy internet application 1
IntApp2: deploy internet application 2
GetFit: Complete goal of getting fit by age 40
Move: Complete unpacking in bedroom and garage
Windows: Purchase or make window treatments for dining room, office, and guest room
Office: Unpack and organize office
SonRoom: Decorate son's bedroom
DiningSet: Get a new dining room set
FamilyRoom: Get new seating furniture for family room
Master: Get new bed in master bedroom
HubbyRoom: Add addition to house for Hubby's space

A New Journey

As many do this day, I reflect upon what I have accomplished this past year, note the tasks that were left incomplete, and set goals for the upcoming year.

I've decided to take New Year's Resolutions much further than I have done in the past. I've verbalized them; I've written them on a list. Now that I love blogging, I've started a new blog, A Plan In Action, to document and track my personal goals. The goals are not just for 2009, as I know all will not be attainable in one year, but a place so share my desires and aspirations.

You are welcome to join me. I look forward to your comments, concerns and suggestions.

Thanks for stopping by to visit. You have always been welcome.

Happy New Year! 2009

The Feeling of Christmas

I have been wondering for days what would be my Christmas post. A version of this touching story came through my email, but before posting, I researched its validity. I found the text below on Perfection at the Plate which appears to be the original.

Also while researching, I found several sites that reviewed this story in a manner that saddened me to know that I contributed to the sites’ statistics. I will not link those sites here. Basically they did not get it. This story is about how we treat those less fortunate than ourselves. It’s about what we should value in life. These “reviewers” criticized the manner the child was being treated. Suggesting the child was being belittled because the assistance that was given to him. I do not believe the parents, teammates, or the people in the stands thought with malice in their hearts. They gave the child a moment of peaceful joy. There should be nothing wrong with that.

The Feeling of Christmas = Love + Peace + Joy

Merry Christmas,

Sista GP

In Brooklyn, New York, Chush is a school that caters to learning-disabled children. Some children remain in Chush for their entire school careers, while others can be mainstreamed into conventional yeshivos and Bais Yaakovs. There are a few children who attend Chush for most of the week and go to a regular school on Sundays.

At a Chush fund-raising dinner, the father of a Chush child delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he cried out, “Where is the perfection in my son Shaya? Everything that Hashem does is done with perfection. But my child cannot understand things as other children do. My child cannot remember facts and figures as other children do. Where is Hashem’s perfection?” The audience was shocked by the question, pained by the father’s anguish and stilled by his piercing query.

“I believe,” the father answered, “that when Hashem brings a child like this into the world, the perfection that He seeks is in the way people react to this child.”

He then told the following story about his son Shaya.

Shaya attends Chush throughout the week and Yeshivah Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway on Sundays. One Sunday afternoon, Shaya and his father came to Darchei Torah as his classmates were playing baseball. The game was in progress and as Shaya and his father made their way towards the ballfield, Shaya said, “Do you think you could get me into the game?”

Shaya’s father knew his son was not at all athletic, and that most boys would not want him on their team. But Shaya’s father understood that if his son was chosen in, it would give him a comfortable sense of belonging.

Shaya’s father approached one of the boys in the field and asked, “Do you think my Shaya could get into the game?”

The boy looked around for guidance from his teammates. Getting none, he took matters into his own hands and said, “We are losing by six runs and the game is already in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we’ll try to put him up to bat in the ninth inning.”

Shaya’s father was ecstatic as Shaya smiled broadly. Shaya was told to put on a glove and go out to play short center field, a position that exists only in softball. There were no protests from the opposing team, which would now be hitting with an extra man in the outfield.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shaya’s team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shaya’s team scored again and now with two outs and the bases loaded and the potential winning runs on base, Shaya was scheduled to be up. Would the team actually let Shaya bat at this juncture and give away their chance to win the game?

Surprisingly, Shaya was told to take a bat and try to get a hit. Everyone knew that it was all but impossible, for Shaya didn’t even know how to hold the bat properly, let alone hit with it. However as Shaya stepped up to the plate, the pitcher moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so that Shaya should at least be able to make contact.

The first pitch came in and Shaya swung clumsily and missed. One of Shaya’s teammates came up to Shaya and together they held the bat and faced the pitcher waiting for the next pitch. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shaya.

As the next pitch came in, Shaya and his teammate swung the bat and together they hit a slow ground ball to the pitcher. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could easily have thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shaya would have been out and that would have ended the game.

Instead, the pitcher took the ball and threw it on a high arc to right field, far and wide beyond the first baseman’s reach. Everyone started yelling, “Shaya, run to first! Shaya, run to first!” Never in his life had Shaya run to first.

He scampered down the baseline wide eyed and startled. By the time he reached first base, the right fielder had the ball. He could have thrown the ball to the second baseman who would tag out Shaya, who was still running. But the rightfielder understood what the pitcher’s intentions were, so he threw the ball high and far over the third baseman’s head, as everyone yelled, “Shaya, run to second! Shaya, run to second.”

Shaya ran towards second base as the runners ahead of him deliriously circled the bases towards home. As Shaya reached second base, the opposing shortstop ran towards him, turned him towards the direction of third base and shouted “Shaya, run to third!”

As Shaya rounded third, the boys from both teams ran behind him screaming, “Shaya, run home! Shaya, run home!”

Shaya ran home, stepped on home plate and all 18 boys lifted him on their shoulders and made him the hero, as he had just hit the “grand slam” and won the game for his team.

“That day,” said the father who now had tears rolling down his face, “those 18 boys reached their level of perfection. They showed that it is not only those who are talented that should be recognized, but also those who have less talent. They too are human beings, they too have feelings and emotions, they too are people, they too want to feel important.”

Am I a true Libran?

For some odd reason, horoscopes popped in my head. To follow the thought, I started Googling to see if I matched the description of my zodiac sign, Libra. Here is what I found on Astrology.com (italicized) and the pic.

You’re born under the sign of Libra, which represents the element of air, or the intellect. You’re most definitely a thinker — you like to use your mind to tackle problems. Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac, which refers to relationships of all sorts and your connection to the world around you. I love word problems, except for those approaching trains.

People know you as someone who loves to socialise. Your outgoing nature and love of communicating brilliant ideas to people around you is one of your strengths. You’re rarely at a loss for words … even on your worst day you have the gift of the gab! Well, talking did get me in trouble in school until 3rd grade. Parents put a stop to it.

You not only have the ability to share your ideas in a very natural way; you also have charm in the way you convey your feelings. This is another of your very positive traits. Even people who don’t agree with what you have to say can’t resist you and will usually behave well around you — you’re simply a nice person. I wish my son would behave around me.

Your love of communication makes you an excellent mediator and negotiator. Coupled with the fact that you’re always reasonable in the way you deal with people, this means your friends and co-workers can always depend on your having a balanced viewpoint, even in the fiercest of arguments. Not unless I'm in the argument then it's 'my way or the highway'. No, just kidding.

In fact, if there’s a problem with you, it comes out of the fact that you’re so good at seeing all the sides of a problem and staying impartial. This makes it hard for you to commit to one side of an argument — you don’t want to be seen as biased, and you want everyone to like you! Or I just don't agree with either side.

What ends up happening is that the way you get everyone’s approval is by agreeing with everyone. This is not a good idea, because you’re agreeing to things for the wrong reasons: to keep everyone on side, rather than because you’re firmly committed to something. Try not to do this, because it can mess up your dealings with people. You don’t need to bend over so far just to be accepted. NO, NADA, NON, Nr, and NEIN. This is not me.

Making decisions is an area in which you excel, but again, don’t jump to conclusions simply to please others. You have the ability to look at all sides of an issue, so use it. Sometimes you get stressed if you feel you’re being obstructed somehow. The answer is to get all the relevant facts; running off and asking others to support you will just confuse things. OK, OK, you got me on this one.

And anyway, if you look inside yourself you’ll realise that you can rely on your own experiences. You don’t need to use others as a crutch for your decisions. Not others as a crutch but I will use their decision as encouragement or caution.

When you get to know people, you are perfectly comfortable sharing your feelings with them, and you’ll go to some trouble to make them feel at ease. You create harmony in your environment to match the harmony in your character. Yeah, that's true.

This relates to the fact that your ruling planet is Venus. This is a soft and gracious planet, and feminine by nature. Your softer side is expressed in pretty much everything you do — the way you entertain guests, the type of home furnishings you like to buy, the clothes you wear and even your personal grooming. I do prefer solid, soft colors.

All these things express the natural flair and grace which is part of that Venus temperament. There’s no way others won’t notice your style. People see you as elegant and tasteful — and that’s people who know you well as well as people who’ve just met you. Really, aw, shucks now.

You often make a great first impression because you are such a good communicator and connect so easily with people; this makes you an ace networker. Some people believe you must have an ulterior motive because you are dealing with so many people at once, but it’s really just that you absolutely love socialising and partying. You are a real ‘people person’. Uh, blogging?

Because Venus is the planet of love, you seek love this in everything you do, and particularly in relationships. Finding your soulmate is a big dream, perhaps even your most significant life mission — you will go to great lengths to meet lots and lots of people. Who knows where you’ll find the right one? You have a lot to give to the person you feel is your perfect match. Already found him.

Very few Librans find the peace and satisfaction they’re looking for until they’ve connected with that special person. Once this happens, they can really get into their work, family and other domestic affairs with energy. Gets tiring too.

There are three grades of Libra. Which of these do you fall under? You can figure it out by the date of your Libran birth.

If you're born between the 24th of September and the 3rd of October you are a true die hard Libran and have the qualities of Venus fully dominating your life. You are artistic, caring and full of love and social warmth. Venus provides you with loads of friends, perhaps too many at times. This is my category. Uh oh, Twitter Followers 400 and counting.

Librans born between the 4th and 13th of October are a little wacky by nature but harmless. If that's you, life is a bundle of fun and you can expect the unexpected from time to time. You like the surprises that life throws at you.

The final portion of Libra occurs between the 14th and 23rd of October. Were you born during this time frame? If so, you are the type of Libran who is constantly on the hunt for knowledge and information. You are an eternal student who will never tire of learning news things. As well, you will never grow old as Mercury's co rulership of your life ensures a sprightly and youthful attitude. Hmmm, I'll to compare to other Librans I know.

Libra is a movable air sign, which means there’s creativity in you. You are quick to grasp ideas, and you have a need to produce works of art and unusual or original things. You bring a touch of art to anything you do. Remember to incorporate this part of you into all your life’s activities; you’ll be richly rewarded. Confirms I should publish my book and get the internet application online?

What about you? What is it about you that matches your zodiac profile?
Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra
Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces

Do ED meds trigger mental illness symptoms?

I was talking to a Sista the other day and she informed me of several relationships that were in trouble. In all the cases the women were contemplating leaving or have already left their husbands. These marriages ranged in length from 2 years to about 60 years.

Unfortunately it was not surprising that the marriages were in trouble. The troubling issue was the cause of breakups. In each case, the husbands had demonstrated or had been diagnosed with mental problem, such as depression, paranoia, and hallucinations.

We wondered why it seems there are more cases than usual and only the men were inflicted. She posed a question that made me wonder, 'Could erectile dysfunction medication trigger mental illness symptoms?'. She had no evidence that any of the men had this ailment, it was just a thought since there is a bombardment of commercials for ED.

I have done some Googling and not have found anything to substantiate a positive response to that question, but then again there wouldn't be if no one has done the research.

So what do you think? Does this question have any merit?

Thank You, Thank You Very Much

Twitter Friend, Shon Bacon (@chicklitgurrl), has gracefully blessed me with the Honest Scrap Award.

There are some simple rules to accept this award:
1. List 10 honest things about yourself, hopefully interesting.
2. Pass the award on to 7 bloggers

Here's my list of 10
1. I have difficulty verbally expressing my true emotions
2. Unintentionally, I can offend those closest to me by humor
3. People may be shocked at how often random stuff pops into my head
4. I have a fear of growing old alone. Women in family have out-lived husbands.
5. I am the social odd-ball among my siblings
6. I am excellent at putting forth ideas, but am dreadful in following through
7. #1 goal for 2009, launch internet application that I started its design a little less than 10 years ago.
8. #2 goal for 2009, publish inspirational novel that was completed in 2007
9. I have highly sensitive hearing. Normal sound levels for others annoy me.
10. I can visualize #7's fruition, but not path to get there


I bestow this award onto these for their straight-forward approach to writing
1. Raw Dawg Buffalo
2. A Choice of Weapons
3. Aunt Jemima's Revenge
4. Renaissance Black Woman
5. Oyin's World
6. The Certain Sound
7. What Tami Said

Condom on Mall staircase

I know I wrote about prevention, but this is not quite what I expected. It has been said that you have to be careful what you asked for.

My son and I were perusing the Macon Mall last night in search of warm clothes for his ride today on a float in a Christmas Parade. Normally I would have parked at Sears, went in, made my purchases and left. I am not a "walk all over the mall shopping" type of person anymore, especially with a kid in tow who asks for every Batman, Transformers, and Star Wars toy he sees. But since Dad was at work and niece at a sleepover, it was excellent oppportunity for mom and son time. He hasn't had much of that in a long time.

I did park near Sears expecting it would be where I would make my purchases. We walked from that end to the other visiting several clothing stores. Noticing the Steve & Barry Going Out of Business sale and many other shops that have closed since my last visit was the first disturbing revelation. As we approached Dillard's became aware that store was closing also for it had already opened a new store across town. The upper floor in the two-story mall had been sealed closed. Only the lower floor allowed entrance. Having no nearby escalator, the 6-ft wide staircase was the only option to descend to the lower level. At approximately the 6th step down, I almost stepped on the item pictured above. Thankfully son was to my right using the banister. Coincidentally, son was concerned with a painful substance that suddenly appeared in this shoe. He did not notice I had stopped to take the picture.

What puzzles the mind is where did this encounter occur and how did the paraphernalia get discarded in the middle of a staircase in the middle of the mall, appearing to be freshly used?

A Geeky Holiday Dream (2nd Place Tie)

Geeks tie for 2nd place in Door Decorating Contest held at work place.



Hey check this out for theme details. He posted before me. Why repeat? He had included his great original poem that he wrote that went along with the decorated door.

Even though we did not win 1st place by the judges, we did gain...

1. Unofficial Peoples Choice Award from those who understood its meaning
2. 1st time we were able to work on a project together, normally assigned to different teams
3. Opportunity to demonstrate our creative skills outside of programming.
4. I discovered a new toy, The Glue Gun, LOL

From a Yankee to a Dixie Gal

my fave pic from mom's garden
As a dear friend plans to move her family from the New England area to the Land of the Dixie, I feel it is my duty to assist in the preparation of sticker shock.
They may be some things that we understand naturally that her family needs to know beforehand. I will try my best to list as many as I recall from the differences I discovered while working one winter in Chicago.

1) When offered ‘tea’, assume it will be sweetened, sometimes twice as much as necessary.
2) Expect dinner rolls to warm and coated in honey butter
3) There are only two seasons, HOT and NOT SO HOT. You may get one week of what you may call winter, but rare. I haven’t seen my parka since I left The Windy City in early 2000.
4) Don’t expect snow. You may get flurries, even some accumulation, but it will be a memory in two days.
5) You may think that triple-digit weather is bearable, but you must take into account the high humidity. Every day can be a bad hair day. Ponytails are common.
6) You will have BUGS, not insects, year-round, especially skittas (mosquitos) and gnats.
7) You may be accustomed to sandy soil. Especially in Georgia, you will have red clay. It’s staining, mushy, and will definitely kill your plants if not properly prepared.
8) If you do not have outdoor allergies, you will develop them. Since no Winter, plants and grasses can bloom all year
9) States are bigger. It may take you days to drive across them.
10) Southerners are NOSY. We will know your entire family history at first meeting. You will not need a video security system, everyone will know who’s been to your house, just ask. And no need to order the local paper. Folks will tell you everything you’ll need to know, even if you did not ask.

It may take some time before you are fully converted. Hubby has been here since 1988. He has given up the Indians for the Braves, Browns for the Falcons, but still wants Fried Fish and RICE. One day he’ll be converted to Fish-n-Grits.

And please don’t be like Cousin Vinny, “What’s a Grit?

Giving Thanks for Blessings and Awards, Part 3

I have been working on this three-part post for almost two weeks. Having put in 12 hours OT last week, hosting family and friends for the holiday, and then finally taking some recommended rest, did not leave much time for blogging and twittering.

It was great having everyone here. My Mom was estatic she had her mom, all her sisters, her children and grandchildren under one roof. My older brother and a friend flew into the ATL and drove down here. My younger brother and his family made a day-trip from the ATL. Grandma and aunts drove in from Savannah, GA and the rest were from this area. We had 18 in all out of the expected 19. There could have been at least 10 more from Savannah, but they were not able to come.

It was a long tiresome day, but a true blessing that we all could share it on the first Thanksgiving in my new home.

Here a few pics of the fixings...

Giving Thanks for Blessings and Awards, Part 2

This blog was started to improve my writing skills but it developed into so much more and to my surprise received some new great friends, especially RawDawgBuffalo and LoveBabz. They are leaders by example of how visions become alive. Their most recent endeavor, Raw Dawg Buffalo Radio, exemplifies what can be accomplished in a short amount of time.

Recently this blog received some unexpected accolades...

I was shocked, excited, and honored for this blog to receive its first blog award, Superior Scribbler Award, from Revvy Rev. I thank you.

Words cannot express the warmth I received from his kind words in his presentation to me. Having been newly introduce to The Certain Sound, the articles have provided clarity on modern issues and their spiritual relationship within the church.

Within days, this blog received its second blog award from my SisterCuz, LoveBabz .

I have been humbled to receive this award from someone who has inspired me so to move forward in all aspects in life for there should be no limitation in my potential.

Before I pass on these awards, here are the rules:

Superior Scribbler
1. Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.
2. Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.
3. Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.
4. Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!
5. Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

Uber Amazing Award
1. Put the logo (award image) on your blog or in a post.
2. Nominate at least 5 blogs that you feel are Uber Amazing!
3. Let them know that they have received the Uber Amazing Blog Award by commenting on their blog.
4. Share the love by linking to this post and the person you received the award from.


Even though there are many blogs that inspire or move me, here are a few that I have read for some time.

I pass the Superior Scribbler Award on to:
Reading Writing Blogging
Morphological Confetti
:2830:
The Prisoner's Wife
this is my life...love it or leave it

I pass the Uber Amazing Blog Award on to:
Lisa C Writes
From My Brown Eyed View
Mothers Who Write
Living Loving Laughing
Free Spirit

Giving Thanks for Blessings and Awards, Part 1

Even though I do it all year, it's great to dedicate a special time to give thanks to the Lord for all the Blessings in your life. That is what this holiday is for me. Giving sincere thought and thanks for that I have been blessed within the previous year.

A few highlights...
After being on my own for 10 years and having to go back and live at Mom's (heavenly thankful) for 5 years, we were blessed to be in our own home again.

Both hubby and I have recovered well with the diverse medical procedures we had in the past few months.

At school, son is finally being successful in conduct along with his usual academics.

We are blessed with the opportunity to help my niece live in a stable productive enviromnent.

My mom (in her sixties) is well as usual. Since we moved out in May, she has painted the walls and refinished the hardwood floor in room hubby and I stayed, refinished an antique bed and dresser for that room, painted ceiling and wallpapered the bathroom my family used, and now just finished painting the ceiling and hallway leading to our rooms. Great Role Model.

A few weeks ago, became a (step) grandmother to a beautiful baby girl. (pics later)

There are many more, but these were just a few.

Women’s Health: Suffer with Fibroids no Longer

Sorry for the delay in posts. I have been preparing for a health event in two days.

Years ago when I was pregnant with my son, I was told that I had uterine fibroids. They were small at the time and no need for concern. Like many women, especially those of African descent, having uterine fibroids is common and without complications, there is no need to worry about them.

For those like me, the complications become a way of life without the knowledge that is it not normal. It has been common to hear the women in my family discuss the discomforts during their menses. Figuring it was just a “family thing”, I did no research to discover why we suffer.

Last year during my annual exam I expressed concern for my IUD placement (4 years old) and the practitioner was concerned about the fibroids. Being I was a new client of theirs, they scheduled an ultrasound to check both in addition to a complete blood workup. Not hearing from the office, I assumed all was fine.

This year I scheduled my annual exam at the IUD removal date (5 years). The practitioner, a different one this time, recommended that we wait until hubby was cleared from his procedure before the IUD removal. After the exam, we met in her office to discuss my test results from the previous year.

To our shock, I was supposed to have been contacted last year. My iron levels were and the ultrasound showed that the IUD was near my cervix and ready for expulsion. She ordered a new round of tests and prescribed iron supplements.

During the first ultrasound the tech (a man) did not identify anything on the display to me. This time the tech (a woman) turned the display to my view identifying the large fibroid and the NON-EXISTENT IUD. She had to check the “other way” to verify. will not discuss that further…

It was confirmed at next office visit. The IUD had left the building and no more discussion was necessary. We talked about the fibroids, the results noted one large one and others, sizes not specified. After discussing several options, myomectomy for the largest one, but the others can grow larger, Endometrial Ablation which can reduce some symptoms but does nothing for fibroids, and Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) that attacks all fibroids.

As I researched this condition, I discovered there are many women like me who dealt with the complications of uterine fibroids and had no idea that treatment is readily available.

Since there are no future fertility issues and I am far away from menopause, I took door #3. UFE is non-surgical and has the quickest recovery.

Last week I had a pelvis MRI to better document the fibroids and their placement to confirm my eligibility for the procedure. To my surprise the procedure is scheduled for Thursday. I am anxious to finally be relieved of the complications and a little nervous about the complexity of the procedure. At this point the complications outweigh the complexity because my faith exist, all will be fine.

If any of you or your family members is suffering too, I encourage you to review the sources below and any of the plentitude of others out there. No one needs to suffer needlessly, I plan to NO MORE!

Resources:
Atlanta Interventional Institute
Ask4UFE
Ask4Tell4

Pork vs Beef vs Education

compliments of @tokyosteven on Twitter

OK so the other day we had an office picnic. All kinds of food were provided – hot dogs, hamburgers, sides, desserts and they even roasted a pig! When we were in line, the hot dogs were next to the barbecue. Now, being allergic to poultry and knowing that most hot dogs are made with chicken, I asked the girl (who had helped in preparing all the food, even so far as pulling the barbecue off of the pig) if the hot dogs were 100% beef. She looked a bit dumbfounded. “That’s OK. I was just asking because I’m allergic,” I mentioned.

“Well, I don’t know if they’re 100% beef or not, but I know THAT is!” She pointed over at the barbecue.

Oh really? “No, it’s not,” I said calmly.

“Oh yes it is!” She was starting to get upset.

“I can guarantee you it’s not beef,” I suggested.

“I know for a fact it is!” she shot back.

OK, I figured it was time to let her off the hook. I leaned over and half whispered, “Beef comes from a cow. Pork comes from a pig.”

She blushed and made up some excuse about being tired. Everyone had a good laugh.

A few days later, I saw her again and we rode the elevator together. She saw the to-go cup I was carrying and asked about my lunch. I told her that I had been to a local barbecue restaurant and then added, “I had their 100% beef pork barbecue.”

“Mmm, that sounds nice,” she said complacently.

Some folks never learn. Honestly, I was just trying to bust her chops in the elevator. But in the end, I still don’t know if they’re beef chops or pork chops.

ain't parenting fun?

There comes a time in midst of cooking, cleaning, laundry, and planning, when a parent may want to scream. For all you do, you feel unappreciated when you discover that your kids have not completed the simple instructions you give them.

Don't bother other kids stuff
Don't ride your bikes in the muddy clay
Fix your bed when you get up
Keep your (shared) bathroom clean
Empty the trash in your rooms
Clear your toys when you're done
Don't ride your bikes up to the door
Get out of bed when your alarm goes off

When confronted with disobeying the rules, all you hear is 'OH, I Forgot'...

I felt the urge to yell and scream several times this past weekend, but chose other options that kept my blood pressure at its normal 120/70.

The progression of consequences for their actions was:

Son:
Ride your bike only in street or sidewalks
Stay off bike, since you can control it
Unplugged TV
Stay in the yard

Niece:
Stay off bike, since you can't remember
Unplugged TV
Stay in the yard

If they continue, it will be
No visitors
Stay in house

So parents, there are many ways to encourage, influence, manipulate, and persuade, your kids without blowing a gasket.

Son was up, dressed, and fixing his breakfast within 15 minutes of his alarm sounding.

It's so nice being a parent.

four pregnancies in three years?

Age 16, pregnant, but "claimed" it was false positive
Age 17, pregnant, but "claimed" miscarriage
Age 18, pregnant, but "claimed" stillborn (possible hoax)
Age 19, pregnant, allegedly

How can we get through to our young women that this is not good?
The ramifications on their health, mental and physical, can be tremendous and irreversable.

It's hard to teach prevention when they are not in your home and under your care. Surrounding influences is master.

next steps to a better country for all

Now that we have a new president-elect, there are two things that we must do:

1) Remember our Nov. 5th etiquette

2) Don't let this happen

I will do my best for both...

now what if...is it possible?

I am not writing this post on the eve of what is going to be a monumental day in history to change any one's mind. Actually "if you don't know by now, you will never know" who to vote for.

These are just some thoughts that have been floating around 90% of my brain while the other 10% has been engaged all day. Thoughts of campaigns, rallies, slanderous advertising, promises, plans, agendas, prank calls, massive media coverage, blogs, and micro-blogging. There is so much hype and propaganda that it is hard to discern the truth of what an elected official will accomplish. I need to get this out of my head so I can sleep tonight.

So my mind came to rest on a WHAT IF situation.
WHAT IF there was a candidate that was held as the GREAT WHITE/BLACK HOPE.
WHAT IF there was a candidate that gave excellent speeches that were heartfelt to the masses.
WHAT IF there was a candidate who could appeal to 95% of the voting population.
WHAT IF there was a candidate who could raise unprecedented amounts of capital.
WHAT IF there was a candidate who one appeared intelligent, articulate, and "down to earth" at the same time.
WHAT IF there was a candidate who appeared to have the answer to most of the problems facing the majority of the voting population.
WHAT IF there was a candidate who ran a campaign like well-oil engine that purred continuously.

WHAT IF this candidate was the result of an elaborate, meticulously-planned, well-financed PR project. The image created by this project was the best that any voter had ever seen.
WHAT IF this candidate won by a horrendous landslide.
WHAT IF this candidate failed to render proposed agenda.
WHAT IF this candidate was able to blame failures on existing conditions from when term commenced
WHAT IF this candidate was reelected, without any accomplishments

WHAT IF this became true...COULD IT?

Hubby says I have no faith, I say I have low expectations, but an active imagination

science project ideas

I need your help. It's science project time. I need ideas for a 6th grade student project. I want to avoid the suggested sites since most other students will be searching them for ideas. It is recommended that students topic the project in earth science.

Last year, we (niece and I) worked a project on acids, bases, neutrals. She was graded a high A, of course with her techy aunt.

So blog fam, please submit some suggestions, she has to submit her project proposal on Monday.

Thanks
Sista GP

children promoting candidates

Does a parent have the right to indoctrinate their political views onto their children? At what point/age does a child get to have his or her own views?

If you received a letter from your child's (private) school requesting your permission to allow your child to participate in a campaigning session on a street corner during a school day (8AM-9AM). Would you give permisssion?

Etiquette for Nov. 5th

I was sent a list for etiquette for Nov. 5th if a particular candidate won the election for President of the United States.

The list was humorous, so I wrote a list for those in case your candidate did not win.

I have posted both lists:
If your candidate wins
1) No crying, hugging or shouting "Thank you, Lord" - at least not in public.
2) No high-fives; at least not unless the area is clear and there are no witnesses.
3) No laughing at the McCain/Palin supporters.
4) No calling in sick on November 5th. They'll get nervous if too many of us don't show up.
5) We're allowed to give each other knowing winks or nods in passing. Just try to keep from grinning too hard.
6) No singing loudly, "We've Come This Far By Faith" (it WILL be acceptable to hum softly).
7) No bringing barbeque ribs or fried chicken for lunch in the company lunchroom for at least a week (no chitterlings AT ALL! This may make us seem too ethnic.)
8) No leaving Kool-aid packages at the water fountain.
9) No Cupid Shuffle during breaks (this could indicate a little too much excitement.)
10) Please no Moving On Up music (we are going to try to remain humble.)* *
11) And number 12. No reciting The Color Purple…”all my life, I had to fight”……

If your candidate did not win
1) No rioting, don't beat up anybody (Roots, 1977)
2) Don't claim foulplay, if you haven't done your own research
3) Don't rely on "Joe's website" for all your information
4) Don't rely on just CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, etc. to supply your knowledge of what's happening in the world
5) Can't watch C-SPAN live? watch recorded sessions online
6) Got XM? listen to C-SPAN Radio
7) Got internet? a boatload of informational resources available
8) Be aware, video clips do not tell the entire story
9) Create your own opinion; don't let others make it for you
10) Continue to be active and watchful of politics in all levels of government

pro-life...pro-choice...how about prohibition

For years I have had issues with many Pro-life/Pro-Choice demonstrations. Floating signs, chants, marches, and even violence. Why not deal with the cause of the pregnancies in question?

resulting from assault:
How about free anonymous counseling for individuals to deal with the desires/urges of physical abuse? There should be a focus on rehabilitation rather than increased incarceration of offenders. What solution does just time give?
Eliminate the assault, eliminates the result.

resulting from underage ignorance:
Parents, I mean real ones, even though you may think that your teen, or even, pre-teen child is not old enough to know how babies are made really made, wake up!!! Talk to them. They may know more than you think. It is better for you to tell them rather than letting them learn from experimentation.
Teach your child that actions have consequences. Let your child know that what he/she does can have an affect on the rest of their lives.
Also parents, remember actions speak louder than words. If your child knows you are running through many men/women/both, they will think it is ok for them to do the same. How can you tell them different. You are their most influential teacher.

resulting from adult stupidity:
Now there is only one form of contraceptive that is 100%. For all others, there is a chance of failure. If you are not willing or capable of dealing with a pregnancy, mentally, physically, financially, or socially, don't do the deed.
If a contraceptive labeling states 99.99% prevention, that only means that if used according to their testing, it should work, but if it does fail, the manufacturer can't be blamed.

Condoms burst, pills reduced effectiveness by antibiotics, depo shots 3% failure first year, lost IUD (yeah that's me, but no pregnancy Thank God)...things happen
If a method fails for you, why continue to use it? I've known several women who have multiple conceptions while on the shot. Why continue to rely on it? Why not use a backup method?

I am not claiming to be perfect. I just feel more thought, research, and action need to be taken for all of us.

What are your thoughts?

Smokey says it all...

things happen for a reason

We may not understand why events occur when they do. So many of them shape our lives in preparation for what we must one day face and conquer. We must accept them as blessings to a more divine end.

For two years non-continuously starting the summer 2006, we searched for a new home. We dealt with non-responsive realtors, over-priced resale homes, non-spacious new construction homes, and many homes in fair to poor conditions. Twice invested in home inspections. I say invested because critical problems were found in each.

When son started kindergarten his behavior problems occupied much of my time, the home search time was drastically reduced. A year later we started to actively search again when a home was offered for sale on the same street as my mom. This sparked out interest again. Eventually we found a new realtor who worked with us until the end.

We never suspected to live so far from town (job, school); we sought a location where hubby could park the tractor part of his truck (over the road driver). We found a lot in a great neighborhood close to what is known to be best elementary school in county. Two months after moving in, hubby was offered an opportunity to make shuttle runs and to be home daily instead of bi-weekends. He took it.

Now, as of last Friday, unfortunate circumstances has led my niece to be living with us until at least to the end of the school year. It is a true blessing that we are able to provide her a stable, productive environment where she can make achievements in academics, physical and emotional health, and personal well-being.

We soared over a major hurdle already, fractions. She started with a frown and "I hate fractions!" to a glowing grin when she finally understood. She is as proud of herself as I am of her.

There is not much concern for the kids behavior towards each other. Since both have had limited interactions with their half-siblings, they have always treated each other as such.

It is amazing to me how the daily occupants of this household has doubled in just three months time. Adjustments will need to be made from all of us, we are willing to give this honest try.

Not sure how much time I will have for blogging, but I suspect writing, which is new to me, will be my vice for peace of mind.

So the saying is true, "Things Do Happen For A Reason"

biological nail color

I had planned a lengthly satirical post of the discovery of an alternative to nail polish. Because of my normal activities, I rarely wear anything other than clear. I hate when polish chips so easily on my nails. So a discovery of a long lasting nail color that doesn't chip or flake, has no fumes and no need to spend time at a nail salon would be a monumental discovery that deserves Nobel Prize nomination.

Earlier today, hubby and I were loading railroad ties onto a truck when one slipped and smashed the tip of the middle finger of my left hand. When the nail turned bright red, the thought of the post came to mind. But now, as it is late at night after I continued to load the rest of the ties, drove home, prepared dinner, put everyone to bed, reverted this blog to the previous template, and now write this post, my finger is almost purple, sore, and throbbing. No lengthy post tonight and maybe none for the next few days.

Although it is an interesting concept to generate the color under the nail instead of painting color on top. In this trial, it is tricky to not break any delicate finger bones and not have the "side effect" of throbbing pain.

More trials are necessary, are you interested?

blog trivia #1

A turtle walks in line

12 turtles are in front of him

3 turtles are behind him

How many turtles are in line?
What is the basis of your answer?

Obama channel, what's McCain's?

As I get caught up on my household duties after slacking for several days, here is a litte something to hold you over...


Hubby discovered the OBAMA channel (73) on DishNetwork the other day. Basically it is a replay of all the messages that have been playing over the past few months.

So I wondered, what would be McCain's channel?

How about Boomerang: (Bush's Policies) Right Back At'cha?

What do you think McCain's channel would be?

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY: fit at 40..one year goal

From Blog Pics

Every year for the past few years on my birthday I reflect on my accomplishments and seek new goals.

At 37, I started playing soccer (adult women); it was the first time ever playing any sport.

At 38, I completed the first full draft of a romance novel, my first serious writing effort.

Now at 39, my focus is on health; one of my declarations. For several years I have struggled with my weight and have tried several different "plans". I've come to understand that dieting (controlled eating plan) alone is not enough. I need to commit to a regular exercise routine. I must receive adequate rest and maintain a stable stress level.

Even though I started working towards this goal weeks ago, today is the official kickoff. The first day towards a priority goal to be a healthier me.

One year from today, hopefully sooner, I plan to post a picture of the NEW me wearing the dress pictured above. The dress is around here somewhere. The photo was the second and last time I ever worn that dress.

I know that picture was taken prior to pregnancy, prior to marriage, months before meeting hubby, but I made it half-way there before (1999) so there is no doubt that I can be...

...FIT AT 40...SEE YOU THEN! more like YOU SEE ME THEN!

i'm no Michelle or Coretta

I maintain full-time employment to contribute to our household.
I prepare our meals to sustain our dietary needs.
I perform the duties of maintaining the cleanliness of our home.
I nurture our child with all I have to give as a mother.
I satisfy your physical needs with all I have to give as a wife.

I do this all for the love and sake of our family.

Why do you need to compare me to Michelle Obama?
Why do you need to compare me to Coretta Scott King?

They are exceptional women. They are who they are because they follow no other.

Look at me for who I am and what I do.

I am no Super Woman, I am not Every Woman, I am me.

Dr. Phil's Test, I'm...44

I received this at work, not sure if this is really a Dr. Phil's test, but it is interesting.

What is your score?


The following is pretty accurate and it only takes a few minutes.
Don't peek, but begin the test as you scroll down and answer.

Answers are for who you are now and not who you were in the past. Have pen or pencil and paper ready.

This is a "real" test given by the Human Relations Dept. at many of the major corporations today. It helps them get better insight concerning their employees and in their prospective employees. It's only 10 Simple questions, so grab a pencil and paper, keeping track of your letter answers to each question.

Ready?
Begin.

1. When do you feel your best...
A) in the morning
B) during the afternoon and early evening
C) late at night

2. You usually walk...
A) fairly fast, with long steps
B) fairly fast, with little steps
C) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
D) less fast, head down
E) very slowly

3. When talking to people you...
A) stand with your arms folded
B) have your hands clasped
C) have one or both your hands on your hips
D) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
E) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with...
A) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
B) your legs crossed
C) your legs stretched out or straight
D) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with...
A) big appreciated laugh
B) a laugh, but not a loud one
C) a quiet chuckle
D) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you...
A) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
B) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
C) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted...
A) welcome the break
B) feel extremely irritated
C) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most...
A) Red or orange
B) black
C) yellow or light blue
D) green
E) dark blue or purple
F) white
G) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep you are...
A) stretched out on your back
B) stretched out face down on your stomach
C) on your side, slightly curled
D) with your head on one arm
E) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are...
A) falling
B) fighting or struggling
C) searching for something or somebody
D) flying or floating
E) you usually have dreamless sleep
F) your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:

1.  (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6 
2.  (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1 
3.  (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6 
4.  (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1 
5.  (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2 
6.  (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2 
7.  (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4 
8.  (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1 
9.  (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1 
10. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1 

Now add up the total number of points.

OVER 60 POINT: Others see you as someone they should 'handle with care'. You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality, a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once, someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting, someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding, someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you, realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well, know that you aren't.

What is your score?

mommy, you feel like you're going to have a baby

This is not what you want to hear at the end of the first day you got up at 5 AM and completed the 3 mile workout in "Walk Away the Pounds" by Leslie Sansome, worked all day, helped with homework, sorted bills and other papers, prepared dinner, reviewed spelling words with him and currently in the process of washing dishes.

It is understandable that kids say exactly what's on their minds and have not learned tact, but really, did he actually have to say it out loud?

I have been working out and eating healthier, but I have been looking for the MAJOR motivation to keep me on track. THIS WAS IT!!!

LET'S SEE WHAT HE SAYS BY CHRISTMAS!

seatbelts? mobile phone? what about pets?

You can get a traffic ticket by not wearing a seat belt. If you don't care to save your own life, by wearing a seat belt you have a better chance of not losing control of your vehicle in an accident. You at least have a chance to save another one's life.

You can get a traffic ticket by not securing young children in a safety seat or seat belt. If you do not care they they may become a projectile, others do.

From Blog Pics

You can get a traffic ticket if you cause an accident and it was discovered you were using a mobile phone at the time.

So if I am wrong for holding a phone to my ear with my shoulder, while maneuvering a coffee mug in my lap, at the same time shifting gears as I drive along I-75 at 80 mph without wearing a seat belt and having 4 children bouncing around unsecured in the backseat, WHY HAVEN'T I HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT PET OWNERS DRIVING WITH THEIR PET IN THEIR ARMS?

No matter how trained they are, dogs, cats, snakes, whatever, have their own minds. At any given moment, they can obstruct view, injure driver, leap onto steering wheel, or gear shift. Any number of mishaps can occur.

Don't they make travel cages and harnesses for use in vehicles?

I am not against pests, I mean pets.
I do not have any, my hubby and son are enough to handle.
It is just that if you take on the responsibility of mastering an animal, you should properly take care of it and do your best to protect it.

If you do not know what to do, Google It, call the pound, go to A Store for Dogs. Do something. Learn something.

Am I off base here?

would have been 77

As I unpacked yesterday in a urge to finally clear out boxes in my office. I opened a box of old books. I did not peruse them to see who they belonged to, but assumed they belonged to hubby since they were biblical study in nature.

After arriving from work, hubby looked at a few and said they were not his.

Puzzled, I opened one, Matthew Henry's COMMENTARY ON THE WHOLE BIBLE VOL. VI., and immediately saw my father's name and the address of his aunt's house. It is where he lived before he purchased the home for my mom a few months before they were married. This book was over 45 years old. The other addresses were my parents' first home and the address were I was raised.

Oddly, there was no copyright. I was able to find out that the original text was published in 1706. I am now intrigued. I have sent a message to the publising house. Hopefully someone will call me back.

Some of the other texts I found of his are ...
Bible Readings for the Home, 1949
James Moffatt, The Bible, A New Translation, several copyrights up to 1954
The Lost Books of the Bible, 1926

Now there were a few books that should belong to one of my brothers. I doubt they were apart of my father's collection and all of my old books and school texts have not been unpacked yet.

J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, PART ONE and PART TWO
Stephen Demko, Primer for Linear Algebra

Ironic or coincidental, books that will provide another perspective into my father's life, are found on his would have been 77th birthday.

Happy Birthday Dad!

have you wanted to...#1

When driving to work this morning, just after dropping off my son at school. Two vehicles zipped by me at tremendous high speeds. They did not slow down through the school zone.

For a few seconds, I had the urge to cause them to fatally crash and hope the drivers had not already contaminated the gene pool with their seed.

Don't want any more of them around.

Have you wanted to do something like that?

my first, First Friday

In promotion of downtown Macon, every first Friday of the month, one can stroll the streets visiting many forms of music, art, and entertainment. A family friend, owner of Patcessories and Personables, a clothing and home accessories store, promotes a variety of entertainment each month. She also provides refreshments to those who stop by. Not only does she promotes her store but allows promotions of others.

This past Friday, the owner and two students from the Hayiya Dance Theatre performed West African dance on the CONCRETE sidewalk just outside of my friend's shop. The young lady is in the 8th grade and has been at the studio for at least 3 years and the young man is in the 9th grade. I am not sure how long he has been at the studio. The owner and instructor is in the background.

Next month, I plan to visit the multi-floor art gallery nearby. It is amazing what you do AFTER you move away from a city.

new sleep drug: speeches by mccains

Cindy is no Michelle. Nothing else to be said.
...
Last night, Palin's speech coverage was interrupted by baby Palin getting his hair slicked by sister's spit. Tonight, John McCain's speech is visually interrupted by some Anti-McCain protesters. The guy in the black shirt with the banner, "McCain Votes Against Vets" and the woman who lost her jacket in the shuffle to be escorted out.
OMG!!!, he just called them "ground noise and static". How demeaning??? What happened to freedom of expression. That is just like saying, "Pay no mind to the man behind the curtain", the one that truly matters.
...
Interesting, there are a lot of empty seats in the house. Those folks look just as bored as feel right now.
...
Oh, I can't take anymore..I dozed off, woke back up and he is still rambling.
...
No sleep loss tonight...

palin's rant: gotta get this off my chest now!

I am starting this post now before Palin completes her speech. I have avoided political posts, but I have to get this out tonight as I suspect this will cause me sleep loss if I don't.

How does Palin get the nerve to exploit her baby's syndrome as a means to get votes? ... to parents of special needs children... you have an advocate in the White House... What a load of crock?

If she is so for Special Needs children, why is she tramping off on the campaign trail and leaving her 4-5 month old special needs child in care of others. Her youngest daughter was shown using her own SPIT to smooth out the baby's hair on international television. Maybe she is going to drag these kids around with her forfeiting them a stable daily environment.

How dare she parade her family to the world when her daughter is going to need tremendous help and support in the near future. Her time is going to be limited, therefore, she will be mostly unavailable. Maybe she has been promised taxpayers will take care of her kids.

And her jokes are lame.

I can't believe I stayed up for this, but after watching most of the DNC, I wanted to base my opinion of the GOP by watching the RNC instead of reading others commentary.

Thank goodness it is over...GOOD NIGHT!!

UPDATE: MIDNIGHT
Can't sleep yet.

At a time when many families wished their loved ones hadn't returned from the war in bodybags or pineboxes, she had the audacity to parade her son's deployment and nephew's tour. Again, a ploy for more votes at the sacrifice of own children.

Another thing, WTH have the boy who knocked up your child paraded along with the rest of your "family"? If he was so important, why did she not introduce him? She just skipped over him as if he did not exist. She could have introduced him as a future son-in-law. I noticed her daughter made a conscious effort to keep holding his hand.
We will see how long this farse will last.

Maybe if she hadn't went on her, "I love McCain" rant, followed by her lame attempts to discredit Obama and Biden, and then ticking me off in her "here is my average family" monologue, I would have had the focus to listen to the issues portion of her speech instead of starting this post. Maybe her speech writer thought she would appeal to mothers, but NOT this one.

I try to go to sleep now...

who's on first?

Lady1 introduces Man1 to Lady2, Lady3, Lady4, Lady5, Lady6 @ Lady2's place during Spades night.
Man1 offers the ladies to play at his place since complaints of noise at Lady2's place. (all the ladies would have had the same complaint at their place)

In the beginning, all ladies would go together to play at Man1's place. Over time, only Lady1, Lady2, and Lady3 would go. Eventually, Lady1 stopped when she realized that Man1 was interested in Lady2. (Lady2 was unaware of reason and cause of Lady1's departure from the group)

Soon after Lady3 stopped, then it was only Lady2. Since Lady2 only went to Man1's place to play spades, there was always at least 4 people there.
Lady2 began to notice certain actions of Man1, but was not sure of their meaning.

One day during a phone conversation, after being confronted by Lady2, Man1 admits interest in Lady2. Lady2 admits interest in Man1, but questions his relationship with Lady1. Man1 says he can't be with Lady1, since she once dated one of his boys, Man2. Lady1 never discussed with Lady2 how deep her feelings were for Man1. Only mentioned that she had dated Man2 and Man2 was friends with Man1.

Lady2 then questions Man1 about his long-time girlfriend. Man1 admits he still is with girlfriend, Lady7. Lady2 tells Man1 that she can't pursue anything with him as long as he is with Lady7.

The day after the above conversation, Man1 calls Lady2 to ask to play spades, they need a fourth. Lady2 agreed, but warned by Man1 that Lady7 will be there. Out of curiosity, Lady2 still agreed to attend.

So Man1 and Lady7 arrive to pick up Lady2. Man1, who's usually wide-open, joking, and jubilant, is quiet. Lady7 is quiet. WTH!

Throughout the evening, Man1 was quiet and subdued when Lady7 was in the room. Whenever she left, Man1 would return to the person that Lady2 had previously known. Lady2 tripped all evening while she and Man3 won it all. Man1 and Man3 were excellent players. Lady7 was too conservative.

When time to go (Man1, Lady7, and Lady2 outside), Lady7 walked to her own vehicle WITHOUT any hugs/kisses with Man1 AND LEFT BEFORE Man1 pulled off to take Lady2 home. On the way home, Lady2 tripped on Man1 AFTER he asked how she felt about the evening.

Lady2 continued to play spades with Man1 at his place under the same conditions. Their friendship never did go any further or cross any lines.

Later, after Lady2 had moved out of town, Lady3 told Lady2 that Man1 said that he did not pursue further with Lady2 since he knew that Lady2 could possibly leave town for career purposes and Man1 did not want to interfere. Guess that is why he kept Lady7 around. Lady3 then told Lady2 why Lady1 had stopped going to Man1's place with them. Until then, Lady2 had no clue.

So, my questions to you..
Was Lady2 wrong to not pursue Man1 for reason of Lady7 instead of her girl, Lady1, who introduced them? or does it matter?

Was Lady2 wrong to continue to hang with Man1 even though they both knew how they felt about each other and he had Lady7?

We all know Man1 was wrong for pursuing Lady2 when he kept Lady7 in the wings. But were any of his interactions with Lady2 as a friend wrong? Should Man1 have invited Lady2 over when Lady7 was there?

Should Lady1 have discussed her feelings with Lady2 when she realized that Man1 was interested in Lady2 or was backing out the right thing to do?

Any other wrongs or rights?

money-saver tip #1: recycled pets

Want to know how to save money with your old dogs and cats.

Recycle them into collars!

public awareness #1: bogus caller id

When I started back on the blogging bandwagon, I decided to start several series of posts, 'have you wanted to...', 'have you noticed...', and 'money-saver tips...', but after a call last night, I must add a new one, 'public awareness...', and it had to be made as the first, so here goes...

A woman called my house last evening and left a message on my answering machine. I almost quickly deleted it when she started out by saying, 'YOU DO NOT KNOW ME, BUT...'. I am thankful that I listened to the message.

Apparently, she received two calls from telemarketing companies, one for satellite service and the other for automobile warranty insurance. This would have seemed normal except that the caller id of the calls had MY NAME AND PHONE NUMBER. She only answered the call since it appeared as a local number. She left her home number and I was able to talk to her later in the evening and gather more details.

She said that she asked them how they were using a local number to make the calls and the response was something like this, 'WE HAVE WAYS TO DO IT.'

Besides the oddity that my name and phone number was being used, but my home number is non-published and supposed to be caller id blocked.

I made calls to Windstream this morning and they are going to put check, traces, or something on my line to figure out how this being done.

I was transferred to their trap and trace service to see if anything more to be done. The service rep told me some telemarketing companies have been illegally putting in any number they want as the caller id. If I knew the actual number that they were calling from they could do more. Well, since they did not call me, I can't get that information.

I also reported this to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Response Center. If they get enough reports of this problem, they will investigate. That really doesn't really help me now, but is at least something.

After my phone call to the FTC, I realized something. The telemarketing service may have pulled my number from some collection of area numbers, but how did they get my name?

I will be making another call to Windstream.

how to respond

How should I respond when a recently married man at work says, 'Your husband must be glad he has a pretty wife'?

He was probably trying to be nice, but STILL.

Should he be aware how HIS wife would feel by him making such a comment? If I found out that my hubby said that to another woman, I would have the same thoughts as Jesse Jackson, Sr. in reference to Barack Obama's genitalia.

I think it is time for me to bring back to work some photos of my husband. I took them home awhile back. There were to many fire alerts at the office.

What do you think?

my first tag...

Lisa C has tagged me to play the Six Odd Things About Me game.

Here are the rules:
1. Link back to the person who tagged you
2. Mention the rules on your blog
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged.

I had trouble thinking of items so asked hubby and my girlfriends, so there are more than the requested 6 in this game...

Here is my list...
1. Only person I could find (searched internet) who has had oral surgery and whenever mouth hurt, the left foot would ache.
2. I did not start dating until I was 19. Only remember one date with this guy, THE LAST.
3. Don't need to use my toes to count the number of sex partners I have had.
4. (from hubby) Medicine that normally knocks him out (he's a big guy), would have me wide awake
5. (from hubby) I can work all day, stay up all night working, and work all day again the next day without crashing
6. (from friend) I am the only person who has expelled an IUD and did not know it.
7. (from friend) Only get upset (pissed) and shows a reaction to being pissed (upset) when I want to.
8. (from friend) Do not like sleeveless tops. I have a scar on my shoulder.


Tagging
The Prisoner's Wife
Lovebabz: A Life in Transition
Renaissance Black Woman
:twentyeight30
Write for life
Living Loving Laughing

God's Little Cherub

A friend gave me permission to post this. Her daughter was in a critical auto accident a few years ago. Her survival that day and her recovery since has been a miracle blessing. Now her daughter has had another...

God's Little Cherub

***** I have witnessed another one of GOD’s miracles *****

You know the story about my daughter (Daughter1) injuries when she had the accident. All of her internal organs shut down. Last year in August she had a miscarriage. She was pregnant again in November. Her OB/GYN told her that her body rejects the shot and she can not take birth control pills.

Daughter1 arrived at the hospital on Wednesday morning around 10:00am. She was still one centimeter. The doctor gave her “something” to soften her uterus at 1:00pm. Still one cm. The nurse assured me that she will NOT have the baby until Friday morning or around noon. Still one cm, I got ready to leave at 11:00pm and was planning to come back by 6:00am. When I got up to leave, her water broke so I stayed. One hour after her water broke, she had dilated from 1cm to 4cm. It’s about 12:05 or so. She was hurting so bad, she asked for an epidural. Around 1:40 she dilated 8cm. Around 2:00 she had dialed 10cm. The baby would not come out. Every time she lay on her left side, his heart rate would drop. When she pushed, his heart rate would drop. Her nurse say there is a chance the cord was wrapped around his neck. At this point the doctors begin to prepare for a Cesarean. 10 minutes later, the baby acted liked he wanted to come out again. She pushed but his heart rate dropped so low the doctor stop. He went to prepare for the Cesarean again. The doctor told her to lay on her right side and do not push.

Daughter1 and I was the only two in the room. She looked up and said someone just sat on the bed with her. I said…..well, maybe it’s my mom. So she begins to relax. About 10 minutes later, she said someone is sitting on the bed and is rocking. I said Daughter1; it has to be GOD or maybe my mom and dad. After she laid there for 30 minutes, I went to get the nurse. I had a feeling that she should not just be laying there and his head was at the opening ready to come out. The nurse checked her and told her the baby had to come out now. She called for the respiratory specialists. At this point everything was critical. 10 respiratory specialists were in the room in less then 3 minutes. It was like they were waiting at the door. There were 16 people in the room which included Me, Daughter1 and Daughter2. As she being to push his heart rate begin to drop and I called on the name of Jesus and asked him to please come in the room with us. When Grandbaby3 came out, the cord was wrapped around his neck and a knot was in the cord. He was not breathing.

The specialists begin to work with him tying to get him to breathe. Everybody else was silent except the ones working with him. My daughters did not know that he was not breathing but I did. All I could say was Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Lord have mercy. One of the respiratory specialists kept hitting him in the lower part of this back and another one were clearing and cleaning him at the same time. The head nurse is a friend of mine and she kept looking at me as if she was worried. Grandbaby3 made a weak sound and I shouted and said breathe baby breathe. Scream baby scream. They kept working with him and he began to cry. Thank you Jesus.

The head nurse told me she had to give Grandbaby3 two breaths. I explained to Daughter1 and Daughter2 what I was told and what was going on. I told them Jesus was there and his angels were there with the baby. Daughter1 has not gotten much sleep. I stayed with her 4 days last week to help with the baby. He is a good baby. I keep telling Daughter1 that GOD did NOT bring her this far to leave her.

Just as the Lord is on her side, everything will be alright. Please hug yourself for me because you would have to have been there to feel the presence of Jesus.

I thank my GOD at ALL time for HIS mercy and HIS present in our lives.

haven't felt up to blogging

Last Wednesday, I had oral surgery to remove a cracked wisdom tooth. Seemed all would be well. I used the conscious sedation option this time because of previous bad experiences with just the local stuff.

Now a week later and still in pain, even when I know I have been over-self-medicating just to be able to function. Got mommy stuff to do.

Went back to see oral surgeon this morning in fear of having a dry socket. Not this time. He said that the tooth was impacted and he had to cut into the bone. He prescribed a different pain med since the Vicodin/Lortab stuff made me sick. I can't handle the good stuff. This one seems to take the edge off. I do not expect to be pain free.

Once life gets back to 'normal' and I feel like sitting up. I'll post some things that have been swirling in my head, while on and off the meds.

Be back soon.

I decided to be nice and NOT post any pics on this subject.

plans went awry

Well they were not too well-made, but at least there was a plan. The weekend before last I planned to spend half of Friday with my son's summer camp group at the Georgia Aquarium and Coca-Cola's World of Coke and then spend the rest of the weekend at the Blogging While Brown conference, returning home Sunday with my nephews, to spend the week with Grandma. While I would be away, hubby could be relaxing quietly at home while recovering from a voluntary procedure (blog about it later) and my son spending the weekend with my mother.
The only parts of the plan from above that actually happened were that my son did spend the weekend with my mom and my nephews did spend the week with her too. Everything else...not exactly...


1. I should have know when the notice stated the bus was to leave at 8 AM that CP Time had been allocated. The bus pulled off at 9 AM. Son and I had arrived at the departure location at 7:30 AM. Had I known, I could have gotten more than 1.5 hours of sleep that morning. In all the drive, I followed the charter bus, was uneventful. I did have fun with the kids at the aquarium and the Coca-Cola Museum. The 4-D theater was a unique experience.





2. I expected the kids to leave early enough in the day to be back before normal pick up time. Did NOT happen. They left around 5pm, nicely giving me a lift near my parking deck on the way out. It had started to rain.

3. The time is less than an hour before the conference's 1st event and I am no presentable condition to socialize. LoveBabz to the rescue. She lets me shower and change at her hotel. I got lost on the way (1st time).

4. We, LoveBabz and I, arrive at the event an hour before it's over and actually never went to it. At the same location, we met up with Raw Dawg Buffalo (RDB) and Mizrepresent (Miz), and ahh... never made it to the group. It was real cool hanging with the ladies; RDB split after introducing us to Kevin Ross, host of The Kevin Ross Show, who interviewed RDB and others, where in the interview RDB clarifed the word "dis-in-gen-u-ous (5 syllables)". LOL

5. After making sure Miz reached her car safely, LoveBabz and I left to drop her off at her hotel. (Lost again, 2nd time) Had to call my brother, former resident of downtown ATL now in BROOKLYN, NY!!! to make my way correctly. After dropping off LoveBabz, my great brother made sure I made it back to the expressway to go to my other brother's house, where I held my accommondations.

6. Made it to my brother's place without getting lost, he talked me directly to his family's house. Peeped in on my sleeping nephews, got to bed around 1AM.

7. Awakened at 4:30 AM by hubby, he is in pain. Half asleep with only 5 hours of sleep in two nights, I did NOT actually hear that he wanted me home. Slept a few more hours to prepare for the long day ahead. After daybreak, new plans, while brother and wife desperately prepared their sons to leave a day early, I was to attend any morning conference sessions as possible and they were to meet me to "off-load" the boys. LoveBabz actually got a pic of me on the crackberry trying to work out a meeting place. BTW, I missed my exit on the way to the World Congress Center that morning. Was trying to give mom details on the change of plans. Got lost again (3rd time). Stopped to ask directions (only women do this! LOL).


8. We met at RDB's place, A Store For Dogs, for the exchange. (Got lost again, 4th time).
While the grownups had a tour of the store, the boys fell in love with Famous. Didn't get a chance to see Lil Momma, but how RDB's son sleep through all that ruckus is beyond me.
Picked a few items for my "directional-saviour brother in Brooklyn"'s dog, Ripley. For her birthday in September, she gets a UGA dog bowl, her dad and I are grads, a squeaky toy, and an inflatable dog bed with washable cover.

For my reading collection, I got Bloggers' Delight Volume One Love and Redemption and RDB's Dirt Behind My Ears. Did not get lost. Brother and Sis-In-Law led me to the expressway.

9. Made it home safely. Hubby was feeling less pain within 5 minutes of my arrival. If he had just called the doctor that morning like I suggested, he would have needed to do what I did, and he would not have been in pain ALL DAY. But that will be the next post.

10. My Crackberry died last Friday evening. Could not get it replaced until Sat afternoon. I had withdrawal symptoms. But thanks to the kind folks at Verizon, I got my fix back on.

Lessons Learned:
1. Even though you lived in the suburbs of the ATL for 10 years, worked downtown/midtown/buckhead area over several years, once you leave and return, park your car and Go Marta
2. When you ask hubby if you should cancel your trip after he has unexpected surgery and he says 'Go ahead', DON'T GO. They behave like kids with a splinter.
3. Don't depend on RDB for directions until he remembers the street names.
4. And thank God your nephews did not sing, 'WHEN ARE WE GOING TO GET THERE?' to their own tune until y'all are 1.5 miles away from your mother's house. The alternative to 'ARE WE THERE YET?'
5. Do not fill your crackberry media card with pics and not bring your laptop to off load them. Eats your phone memory starting with call log and received messages.

the first time...

fresh
succulent
juicy
tongue-tantalizing
moist
tender
sweet

hmmm...yummy...first melon of the summer

sho'down at the OK corral

Why does it have to be so difficult at times to do the job that you were trained to do? You spend years gaining expertise in your field by seeking, understanding, and implementing proper procedures. Your goal is to service your customer in the most efficient manner while preserving simplicity.
Seems doable, practical, just plain easy, but not always. There can be times when a misunderstanding develops into a full-blown sho'down at the O.K. Corral. The Clantons and McLaurys meet the Earps and Doc Holliday all arriving with 6-shooters and rifles fully loaded and ready to defend their design for the town's new hotel annex.
The brawl lasts for days, each side reloading and dispensing their ammunition. No end in sight. For one family, not specifying which, it doesn't matter to have opposing opinions as long as the opinions have the same objective. Their goal is to follow standardized procedures to achieve a successful objective. When the objective is misunderstood, chaos is born.
With no sign of a resolution, a rancher suggests contacting the old sheriff in a nearby by town to mediate. A cease fire is called while he meets with both parties. The town awaits wagering as to the outcome.
The sheriff calls a town meeting for an airing of the issues and his recommendations.
After a long exhaustive venture, the issue resolved. Both families go their separate ways, construction needs to move along.
Seems all is well, except for the town folk. They need a winner and a loser. It was never meant for an 'us vs them' confrontation, but to some it needs to be.

So let it be said, the winner is 'the project' for it continues and the loser is 'time' for the strangers are heading this way and the hotel construction is behind schedule because of the delay.

can we start over?

I’m sorry TG that it has been so long since we have been together. I do remember the success we had. In the wee hours of early mornings when we came together were the best for of us. It was a time that we could be alone; just you and I developing our own rhythm. In the beginning it was hard for me, but over time, with patience and perseverance, I was able to adjust to the way you moved. Our time together affected me in so many ways. I became a stronger person, I felt better about myself, and definitely I had increased energy.

It was beyond my control that we separated and my absence lasted so long. My new job required that I traveled to Chicago that winter. I should have known that you would have preferred that I had gotten involved with SM or TM while I was away as a reminder of you. We both know that I would not have been satisfied; you had been the best for me.

By abstaining for so long, when I returned things were different. My interest in you had diminished, even though you were still there for me, waiting close for me to return to you. My priorities had changed. I should not have left you alone. Deep down inside, I knew that I still needed you, but could not make myself come back to you.

My life is different now and I desire that we be successful again. I promise to keep you near. I promise not to ignore you. I promise to be with you often. And if I must travel again, I may get involved with StairMaster (SM) or TreadMill (TM) while I am away, but TotalGym (TG), you can never be replaced.