Goal Complete: Hair

Hair: transition hair from relaxed to natural

I couldn't take it any longer. I was loving the feel and texture of my natural more and more each day and disliking the feel an texture of my relaxed just as much.

The humidity here has destroyed many time-consuming and costly hairstyles.

So tonight at a visit to a salon to temporarily rid the gray that my son has given me (gray-rate increased rapidly after son was born), as soon as I walked in, I told my stylist to cut it off. I had been transitioning for 27 weeks, yesterday.

Surprisingly to "the me of 6 months ago", I had no hesitation and no regrets.

On the drive home, through thick fog, I had the sunroof open. Woohoo!

Here's some before shots:



It's scary to see how others view your hair from behind.


Doesn't seem much of a loss.


Initial "dry" cut, kinda crazy looking


Final back (still a little wet)


Final front (this forehead runs in dad's family line)


Mom's reaction
You look like your Aunt and Cousin J (dad's side)

Son's reaction (while he giggled)
What happened to your hair? Why did they do that?

In preparation for Hubby's reaction in the morning, I stopped by the Caribbean Restaurant next door to the salon to bring home Oxtails and Red Beans and Rice.


As a styling option, stylist said my hair has a natural curly pattern. If she texturized it, with the gel, I could have a curly fro. Since it's still chemicals, I plan to research other options.

Brawl at Summer Camp

After all my hard research in locating a Summer Camp for son and niece to attend, what do I get in their first week? You would figure that a place that "supposedly" certifiably teaches Character Choices, Abstinence until Marriage, and Conflict Resolution coupled with the Camp being held in the Family Life Center of a Missionary Baptist Church would be able to handle a group of 30 youngsters with the goal of 100 and capacity to handle 150.

It is still hard to believe what occurred when I arrived to pick them up this afternoon. Even before entering the main hall from its primary external door, I could hear incoherent, but unmistakable yells and calls of a fight. Mind you, I haven't heard such since high school over 20 years ago, but still recognizable. Rushing in, my first thoughts were "WHERE ARE MY KIDS?!!!".

Moving like a swarm of killer bees, the crowd moved around the room through the maze of circular tables and surrounding chairs, but constantly encircling the confrontation. Even now, I can see them in slow motion jeering and actually enjoying the carnage. As I made my way closer looking for my kids, and trying not to crush any onlookers, I could see glimpses of several instructors trying to separate the fight participants. I did not focus on them as I was still scanning the crowd.

Even though these events happened within a minute or two of my entrance into the hall, relatively it felt like hours. Eventually the center of the crowd moved in my direction, kids floated around me where the yelling and screaming being magnified in the spacious 20ft ceiling hall. All of a sudden I was in the eye of the storm. A hurricane because then I found my kids, with bloodied faces, on the floor entangled along with several adults and three or four other kids, my son being the smallest.

I don't know how loud I streaked but the entire room fell "pin drop" silent. Being in a Christian facility I hoped my language was appropriate, even now I still don't remember what I said and I'm too afraid to ask.

Then as a stone being skipped on a lake, the mob quickly rippled away. The sorting of kids and interviews began as the maintenance personnel attempted to restore order to the hall. I followed the director as he led my kids away to be interviewed. A woman from the kitchen staff arrived with wet cloths and began cleaning their faces that was beginning to swell. I couldn't do anything but look and listen.

Basically this was the story. A few boys began teasing my son about the amount of food he had been consuming for the past few days. This was no surprise to me because the boy can EAT. He has an extremely high metabolism and is constantly active. He began to get upset and then my belligerent niece stepped into the mix to defend him. Nudging began and converted to pushing and then strikes. Seeing her being struck, my son began to attack back. The rest is self-explanatory.

Being that it was the first week and the Camp management understood that there may be clashes in personalities, so they put all the kids on probation. At least that's one battle settled. As soon as they were excused, we left as quickly as possible through the repositioned tables and chairs not before me giving the "evil eye" to the other kids in the altercation.

Exiting the building, my thoughts were about my mom. My parents had always taught us to not physically fight, but to find alternate means of conflict resolution. Now I have the daunting task of informing her that her two oldest grandchildren were fighting.

Once we reached the car, I noticed the time. Hubby was waiting at home for our return so he could use my car to get to work. His car was at the repair shop. I already had left work late and was now an additional half-hour delayed. On the 30-minute ride home, I had to explain to him what I have told you. He wasn't happy that he would be extremely late for work, but surprisingly, he was pleased that they stood up for each other. Me too, actually. We've always wondered what they would do if a situation like that arose.

As I sit here, comfortably in my office chair, writing this post, I can envision the first image of them, on the floor, each pulling on a child's leg, like I'm pulling yours.

I hope you enjoyed this piece of fiction. Love Sista GP, LOL

Journal #1

Journal Entry 1 (draft)
Journal, I need to tell you what happened starting last night. I have to tell someone or I’ll just lose my mind. Well you know how I walk around talking to myself. So last night I was doing it again and complaining about how it was Friday night and all my girlfriends were out with their men and I was home alone, AGAIN, craving masculine companionship. Now I know my laments were exasperated by the second glass of White Merlot I was sipping, but it was true. I know I can’t compete with models but I’m well kept, I exercise, eat right, and dress decent too. So, why I don’t have man? Well other than being extremely selective in mates, highly opinionated and routine-oriented, I was thinking what was wrong with me, you know.

In order to better my mood, I was wearing my favorite white satin lace-trimmed nightie. You know the one I got from VS to match my finished bedroom. You should know what happened next, as I was pacing the room I began to admire it again. Not trying to be boastful, but I did an excellent job. My master suite is perfect, just like it’s inspiration in that décor magazine. Once I saw it, you know I had to have it. I’d been searching for months for the right look.

There was plenty of room to work with being 23 ft by 15 ft. There’s enough space for the master suite to have six feet of space beyond each antique cherry-stained nightstand adjacent to the matching king-sized 4-poster bed. A burgundy settee flanks one wall in that space as matching Victorian armless chairs flanks the opposing wall. The antique mahogany cedar chest inherited from my great-grandmother accentuates the foot of the bed. You know I had to sit down on the bed and swirl my fingertips along the white Egyptian linens and duvet.

Then he called. The ringing of the nightstand portable phone startled me back to reality. It was Mathias. You know, MrFlirt. I played it cool, as sober as possible, “Hello”.
He started laying on thick, “Hi, Scrumptious, how are you this fine evening?”
Still trying to sound sober, “I’m well Mathias, and you?”
“Glad you asked, Delicious, I’m real sleepy. I’m driving from Florida and too tired to make it home. I was wondering if I could rest tonight at your place and continue my journey tomorrow.”
My first thoughts were NO WAY, not tonight. I’m too buzzed to have a fine man in the house. But then how could I turn away a friend into a dangerous situation. I must have been gone to forget there were several motels at the interstate exit to my home because I said, “Sure, you can, the guest room is available. When will you get here?”
He laughed and said “Soon.”
Trying to stay focused, I asked, “How soon is soon?” He laughed again and then the doorbell rung. I almost screamed.
Calmy, I said “Oh you’re funny. Give me a sec.” And hung up the phone. I ran to my bathroom, checked my hair and face and grabbed the long matching robe to my nightie. I know, I know it wasn’t the best attire to be greeting guests, especially this one but I had no time to change.

Flipping on the porch light, before opening the door, I felt I was in trouble and in for a long night. I could see his gleaming seductive eyes through the arched glass panels in the door.


...okay blog fam, should I continue writing this story? I'm thinking of starting a collection of random fictional journal entries.


Note: everything in this blog is automatically copyrighted.

And then there were 3 (post #100)

It's coincidental that the topic of my 100th post relates to one written almost 50 posts ago, the arrival of my niece for temporary residence into our home.

Although, not all goals were achieved, there were many accomplishments in areas of personal growth and confidence, diet and exercise, and chore routines. We desired more effectiveness in her academics, but it is difficult or just mere impossible to help someone that rarely allows you to assist. Perhaps with more time and different academic environment, the results would have been different. As a slight consolation we had to remember, not all could have been expected in a mere seven months.

Last Friday was the last day of her school term and she moved back home. We pray that any positive experiences she had in our home, she will remember and incorporate them in her journey to be a successful young woman.

To my surprise, my son has not expressed much sadness for her departure, being that she was like a sibling to him. He had grown more than I thought.

We miss you already, De-De.

Aunt Ne-Ne

Goal: deadling approaches

This weekend is the one year anniversary of being in this home. I had a deadline of having all unpacking done by this weekend. Since we are no way near of completion of this task, you can probably guess the plans I have for this weekend. Since it is late and I need to rest for the upcoming body aches from a marathon unpacking sessions, blog with you later.

A difference a year makes

Sorry folks it took so long for me to post here. I have been working through some things. I wanted to write, but not had the energy or focus to do it. Oddly, out of what appears to be nowhere, I had the urge to really write tonight.

Monday of last week, I stayed in town to help Mom with some yard work. We spent a few hours clearing the shrubbery along one fence line. Since my home was built on a treeless lot, it had been first time since we moved from her home that I done work like that. It was amazingly refreshing working with pruners, hacksaw and hedge clippers. Son helped also by clearing the cuttings from the driveway disposing in old metal trash can and larger pieces to curbside for pickup. Nearing the end as I helped him clear the heavier debris, I was suddenly reminded of the last time we were doing almost the same. That day was the one year anniversary of the Mother's Day Tornado 2008.

(click link below image for more pictures)

From Mother's Day 2008 Tornado

Flashbacks from that morning clouded my mind like the gloomy sky above. Being awakened by weather alert sirens...watching local new with live Doppler radar...hearing report of tornadic cell on path directly to us...losing power as I was leading my son to the nearest bathroom...pounding debris slamming against the house where son and my bedrooms were as I pulled son across his chest into the bathroom...waiting patiently for wind to calm as talked on cellphone to sister who lived not far away...in the darkened night, calmly waiting for dawn to access the impact...discovering the severed utility poles and enormous trees...utility lines strung haphazardly in front of property, fence to fence preventing exit...the days of clearing debris...return of utilities for semblance of previous living.

So many 'what-ifs' still plague my mind.
What if the tornado traveled a few hundred feet north of the path it took. We would not have received just the northern brunt of wind force but the entire destructive force.
What if my parents had not had the three tall pine trees removed years earlier? Would they have impaled the house as did others that were in the direct path of the twister?

I thank God the surviving the events of that day. Even though the past few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster, I am grateful to have lived it.

Signs, pics and ads... #2

It must have been a parent who did this.


You can have your slacks hemmed while you're pumping gas. Now that's "green"!


Never let your son clean and vacuum his room unattended. He tries to multi-task. Found napkin, crayons and legos...clogged in vacuum.


HELP WANTED: Spell Checker needed.


Even fish have the Survival of the Fittest Mentality (excluded from fun and game category)

Goal: Afternoon evoked backache

As the one month anniversary since the death of Mr. TV approaches, Hubby and I are making preparations for a new TV in the household. Being that the new one will be located above the fireplace in the family room and the current TV in family room will be moved to the master bedroom, the question arises, 'What to do with current entertainment unit (similar to this)?.

Being the creative design genius that I am (you are supposed to be laughing here), I proposed the idea of eliminating the center section pulling both end pieces together forming a single curio type unit on an opposite side of the room. This removes the unit as the main focal point and allows full usage of storage space for the insane number of CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes that were housed in this monstrosity.
I remove them last evening to lighten the load of the furniture shuffle that is to take place this evening.

One may think that the task of packing media would not cause a backache, but I have yet to mention my previous task of the afternoon, that only a stubborn person who refuses to take on new tasks until prior ones are completed would do prior to the arrival of much needed assistance just because this person feels there are too many outstanding incomplete tasks already existing in the household.

Earlier in the week, this (meaning ME) stubborn person's husband, under supervision, trenched a path away from house foundation where known groundwater expels. The plan was to create a french drain or dry stream to direct the water away from foundation. With expected precipitation later this week, this stubborn person (Me again) decided to spread the landscape lining and fill the creviced clay soil with gravel without assistance since the "other person" felt the walls of the trench should not collapse under rain conditions.

Here are some before and after pics:


What makes this worse is that those heavy entertainment unit section will have to be moved this evening. Delivery in the morning...

Should I Get Married?

I've been working on this post for about a month, not quite getting my thoughts together. As this day approached I felt the timing would be appropriate for this post for the subject matter. Today is mine and Hubby's 11th Wedding Anniversary.

The original post started like this:

This is not a question for me, but for some, it is. There are many situations where this question is being contemplated. A thirties-couple where one knows they love the other, knows that the other would do their best for him/her, but there's still hesitation. A late-twenties couple has been seeing each other sporadically over the years producing a child now almost pre-teen and recently another child, but they've never married. Another couple in early twenties who has had volatile lifestyle years, recently produced a child and now wants to marry to "do the right thing". A teenage couple expecting their second child with barely any means to support themselves, excluding any children.

In all cases, this decision is to not be taken lightly. With the increasing divorce rates in this country, one could wonder WHY? Why should they get married? I am not writing this an an authoritative on the matter, but from experience, mine as hubby and I were a couple for almost two years before we became engaged, the another two years before married. Next month will be our 11th anniversary, and from the relationships of others I know personally.

After today's events, my thoughts have taken a different direction. This morning, the plans for the day were for son to attend his school's gospel concert practice while I spent some time at a salon for a manicure and pedicure. Hubby worked night shift and was participating in deep slumber. For the anniversary celebration, we were to have a family dinner tonight with the three of us. Niece is spending time with other family members.

Amazing how quickly plans changed. As I ATTEMPTED to drive in reverse up my driveway, I felt something wasn't right. I stopped. Looking ahead tire marks scarred the concrete. I pulled ahead back to previous parking spot. It felt like the car was dragging something. Exiting the car, I noticed behind more tire marks. Immediate thoughts of locking wheels. As I rounded the front, there sat a COMPLETELY flattened tire.

At this moment, we were a 30-minute drive away from the church where son had to be in 30 minutes. I ran in the house, woke hubby, asking he had plans for his car. Being the person he is, he sleepily began getting out of bed to address the situation. I quickly transferred our travel stuff and left in his car.

Returning about an hour and a half later, hubby had just completed replacing the flat with the mini-tire and was preparing to go with me to Sears Auto Center. This was surprising since he had only a few hours of sleep.

The day was rearranged. By the time we would arrive to town it would have been soon time to pick up son. To fill the time, hubby suggested we TV shop. So we did (not purchase yet), then picked up son. Now I am not the person to sit in an auto center shop with a kid while waiting on service. I had hubby drop me off at Mom's while they did their "father/son" thing.

Arriving later with TWO fresh new tires, apparently another was needed, I soon left with them for an anniversary lunch instead of dinner. It was too early for the Japanese restaurant (the only one in town that matters), so we opted for steak at Longhorn's Steakhouse.

As I sit here now writing this post, hubby is sleeping, son is playing race car along the back of the sofa, over my shoulders and through my hair, gorgeous sunlight beams through the windows, I reflect upon the blessings of the day.

1. Hubby said there was a nail in the tire. We have no idea when the nail first punctured it, but at the speed of the flat, we suspect it happened on the way home last night well after dark. Son and I had spent the evening with family and friends. Hubby had gone to work on night shift. The last half of my drive home is rural, two-lane and not well lit. There are plenty of unfortunate places we could have been stranded, but we had arrived home safely.

2. After only a few hours of sleep, hubby spent the day making sure my car was right. Ensuring safe travels for son and I.

3. The three of us were able to have a lovely family meal together away from home, a rare treat because of our conflicting schedules.

When people discuss marriage, many times the same issues are discussed, finances, parenting, roles, etc., but there are so many precious moments in life that must be remembered. Sacrifices for those you love "Just Because" you love them. Cherishing every second cause you'll never know how many more you will have together.

To those contemplating marriage, think hard on what you are willing to give, what you are expecting in return, and how well you can adjust to meet the needs of your potential spouse. Marriage is a joining of spirits. There is no losing of one's self, but a blending of two. What you do for your spouse is what you are doing for yourself.


Happy Anniversary, Hubby! Thank you for all you do.
Sista GP

OMG! I was the High School #1 Geek

This post is no way near left field as the last post. It's just informative or even a little humorous.

While attempting to take an evening siesta but constantly being interrupted by underage human beings that have no concern that I was trying to rest, it was the perfect opportunity for my mind to wander. Thoughts drifted to high school, to the classes I had, the groups I participated in, and the "social" events I attended or didn't attend. Then the revelation occurred.
AFTER ALMOST 22 YEARS, I REALIZED I HAD TO BE THE #1 GEEK OF THE SENIOR YEAR.

In my graduation year, we had 3400 students in grades 9-12, more students than a local university. Out of all the students, I could not think of anyone with a senior year "resume" geekier than mine.

Note: Geeks are not nerds, geeks have social lives.

Now you may think that I'm exaggerating. How could someone with such a great blog be such a geek? (you are supposed to be smiling now) But seriously, to prove my point I had to dig out my HS yearbook, Memories book and the photo album of ALL my report cards, and certificates since first grade (MOM made it).

Here are the top 20 highlights:

Mermories book:
20. Yearly calendar highlights NOTED: Japanese teachers visit school, my picture in paper the next day, Momma's surprise party, Beta club convention, Computer Science AP Exam, Calculus AP Exam, received first raise $3.45/hour.

19. Fall Sports page: My announcements for the March of Dimes Youth Board.

18. Winter Sports page: Announcements to Honors/club awards banquets and prom (did not attend)

17. Spring Sports page: stuff from Beta Club convention

16. That Special Someone and Those Special Times to Remember page: BLANK, even though I did find some INTERESTING letters that I had forgotten

15. Homecoming page: Medical records from having upper respiratory infection.

14. Senior Prom page: newspaper clipping with me, fellow student, and Japanese Teachers.

13. Favorite places: Mall, Bowling Alley

12. Spring Break page: receipts from Club dues and AP Exams. results from SAT

From Certificate and awards
11. Graduate w/ Honors

10. Presidential Academic Fitness Award Program participant

9. Who's Who Among American High School Students and several National Merit Awards in Mathematics and Science

8. March of Dimes Youth Board - ok, this was a good thing

7. Beta Club - social club for geeks to get out of class/school

6. Math Bowl Team

5. Mu Alpha Theta - Math Club

4. Golden Eagle Award Nominee - Science

Now, even if I did not have any of the previous items listed above, the following certifies the label #1 High School Geek

3. Class schedule: World Religions, English 12 Honors, Physics I Honors, AP Calculus Honors, Speech/Drama/Performance, AP Computer Math Applications. Only needed English 12, the rest were ELECTIVES

2. Science Bowl Team - Captain

1. Science Club - President (11th grade Vice-President)

Doesn't this qualify at least in the running for the title? or were you a geek more that I?

Prostitution should be legalized UPDATED

Prostitution among consenting adults 21+ years of age should not be an illegal act. For me, it’s an immoral act, but how can any government justify any authority on the matter? It’s just payment of services rendered like the kid who cuts my grass or the exterminator that sprays my house. At the end of the job, payment is made.

Prostitution limited to brothels
Prostitution regulated to only being performed in brothels allows registration, licensing, fees like any other service-related business. Since it involves public health, inspections can be mandated. These inspections include the physical property, but also the health of the service providers. Employees must be alcohol, drugs, and STD free. Just as restaurant and school/childcare inspections and ratings are maintained online, the brothel inspections should be made available. Potential clients should be able to research like any other business.

Employees
To prohibit underage solicitation, strict hiring practices must be maintained and monitored. Without fear of incarceration, many adults could enter this field of employment negating the need for minors. Employees would receive benefits as tips, healthcare, retirement, vacation, holiday, and sick leave, etc.

Pimps and Madams
Business owners would not have to be concerned with receiving clients’ payments through their employees. Clients would prepay or post-pay for services at the brothel. Accurate records can easily be maintained and make payroll distribution equitable for all employees. Competition would be based upon price and quality of services.

Economy
With the growing number of unskilled trade and non-technical people being released from our educational systems, many could gain employment in this field where job training may not be necessary. The increased tax revenue would benefit the governments (local/state/federal) thus reducing their debt. The revenue would be from income taxes, business taxes, and fees. Brothels could provide other amenities to generate revenue, spa, restaurant, visit-limited memberships, and theaters. They could provide an entire “date” experience to incorporate call-girl/gigolo services.

Reductions
There would be a reduction in the crime rate, since solicitation and payment for it would not be illegal. Hospital and/or Emergency centers would have less indigent patients as healthcare would be provided by employers.

This was just a train of thought, and please don’t ask how it occurred because I don’t remember. My mind just does this sometimes.


So what do you think?

UPDATE
I see that I need to express my point of view so hopefully no one will think that I have COMPLETELY lost it.

Act of sex is a sacred expression of Love, not a means of just physical satisfaction. Prostitution is the contradiction. Our bodies are a gift and to treat it in such a matter of horrible, whether it's voluntary or forced.

This post is a result of my wandering mind wondering how would/could someone justify the legalization of prostitution. I had to separate my personal feelings on this subject to present the points in terms of mainly business and the economy.

Rainy days in Georgia

At the time of the Great Flood of 1994, I was living in the ATL. I heard stories of the events from family in the central GA area. The flooding of the Ocmulgee River divided the city in half. My brother lived and thankfully worked on one side of the river and the rest of the family lived/worked on the other side. That summer there was a family reunion in Savannah GA, but couldn't attend because of the overflow onto I-16. I was not aware of anyone I knew who lived in the flood plain, but because of the saturated grounds, over the years the foundation shifted at my parent's house.



With all the rains we had last week, many inquired as if it was going to happen again. Daily, as I crossed that river on the same bridge that was impassable years ago, I would peep over the railing to see how much I could see. What I saw was disturbing. I could remember last summer, seeing the river bed, last week it seemed I could reach over the railing and saturate my fingertips. Flooding stage was marked around 25ft.

As you viewed the pictures above, what type of water feature did you think it was? A river? A lake? If so, your thoughts were incorrect. These pictures were of farmland that I pass on the way home daily. It shocked me when I looked over and saw the massive amounts of water. For a moment I doubted what was before me.
As shown below, the area is FARMLAND. Apparently the nearby creek, somewhere on the other side of the patch of trees could not handle the enormity and speed of the water.



Thankful for rural roads, I was able make a full stop in the road and absorb the amazement of nature.



Please note: the sets of photos were taken about 24 hours apart.

Blogoversary #1 Ask Me Anything

Ok blogosphere, it has been one year since this blog was started. I do not recall having any expectations as to what this blog would be like on this day, but i'm glad it is what it has become. I appreciate all of you that have shared my ramblings along the way.

Now, it's your turn. Your turn to speak to me. Your turn to pick my brain.

Ask me anything and I'll answer as honestly as possible (he, he).

So, what do you want to know of me? Are there any topics you would like me to write about?

Goal: Spring Cleaning

While reading LoveBabz's Spring Cleaning post, I had an inspiration.

For the past few months, I have been "going through" so many boxes that were left to unpack and tended to keep many of the "oh yeah, I remember this" stuff. In the end, much wasn't being discarded and had no place to go.

I just realized that I lived without this stuff for the 5 years it was in storage so it musn't have been too important. If it is not memorabilia, it will be shredded and/or trashed. Next month will be the first anniversary in this house and I refuse to have any boxes around when it arrives.

He died at midnight...no April Fool's joke

At midnight, it happened. Awakened by a sound like a squirrel rambling through an aluminum bag of nuts at a picnic, I was startled to a sitting position. "Where was that sound coming from? The TV? Why are the Northern Lights in the center of the screen? This can't be good."
Slowly, approaching it's right side, the crackling intensified. It's coming from the back. "Is it the DVD playrer or the VCR stacked on top? No, it's lower." Power off NOW! Investigating the other side, the undeniable scent of a burning electrical component solidified the conclusion. Picture tube was gone.

So now Mr. TV, Rest In Peace. You had a long run since the early 90's. Sorry you had to take your leave today of all days, but chance is like that. But just in case for some reason you've obtained an internal calendar, I'll try you tomorrow.