Treading Water

My 1st Cake

2010-05-21T21:45:00.003-05:00

OK so its a little basic. It took me two days but its done. My first complete cake. I only have white frosting sheets right now. I'm pretty sure I need at least one more color. OK two more colors. Green for sure my fake cake is already pink.

Great Site for Good Prices

2010-05-20T10:41:00.002-05:00

I have found a new craft site that is great prices on crafting supplies

ScrapbookPal.com check it out for yourself

YEAH!!!!

2010-05-20T08:44:00.004-05:00

My Demo kit is on the way. I completed my training last night and I should be receiving my kit which contains "The Cake Machine" today or tomorrow. I'm so excited!!! Hopefully its today and I will try to make my 1st cake tonight and post a picture.
I'm flooded with possible ideas. I think I'm going to do something totally AKA and I'm sure it will be pink and green inspired.
Whenever I get it expect plenty of pictures. Me and my mini assistant will be in full swing when the time comes.

In other news from the craft world its "HELLO THURSDAY"
For all my none Cricut obsessed friends its the day Provo Craft releases new carts. A very big deal. So I will be online checking out all the projects from those lucky few who get to test them out. One of my favorites is Robyn @ My Pink Stamper.

Happy Thursday Everyone

Nkenge

YAY ME!!!!

2010-05-10T20:11:00.003-05:00

Guess who just got her dream job? Guess? I will give you 5 secs.....
Me!!! I'm so excited. It's as close as I've ever been to having the perfect job.

I am one of the many new cricut demonstrators across the country.

Somebody is paying me to play with the new Cricut Cake

(Image courtesy of HSN)

I cannot believe my luck. So it would be more of a dream if it was full time and paid an obscene amount of money but I'm not going knock it. I am so grateful for the chance to really do something and have fun with it.

So posted below is a video of what the cake machine can create. Its awesome and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2010-05-09T21:05:00.007-05:00

I had a very restful and quiet Mother's Day. I spent it with my little family and my extended family. My husband and I had a very nice dinner, visited with my in-laws and my surrogate family( my BFF Reiko if you've never seen her site check it out here! )

Here as promised are the cards my husband and daughter created for me.

This is from my husband . This is from Georgia. She's eating a banana.

Sidenote: I was reading the paper this morning and their was an editorial about mothers day and the commentator stated he didn't buy his wife a card because she was not his mother simply a mother. My husband is great year round and takes on my parenting responsibility than a lot of dads I know. He is our day care and then works a full day to come home go to bed and start all over again. If he didn't do more than acknowledge all I do and I did the same it would be cool but I think it's a little shady to not give your wife some kudos. So that being said if you have a great partner (Especially one that make you wonderful little treats like mine) give then a hug and say thanks that's all we really want in most cases.

My Crafty Husband

2010-05-06T16:38:00.003-05:00

Its mothers day this weekend and Ive been busy finishing my cards. I must have inspired my dear husband because he made two cards. One for me I haven't seen and one for his mom. The crafting bug has bitten my family. He raided my scrap stack and crated this cute card.

In other news I applied to a company that is doing demo's of the cricut around N America. I really excited about the possibility. Let's hope for the best.

Thank You Gift for my Crafting Crew-CUPCAKE SOCK

2010-05-01T18:15:00.007-05:00

I made this cupcake sock for my friends that helped my complete the scrapbooks for my sorority. They were awesome and were at my home twice a week. Its a spa basket to help them relax after working so hard. It included the cupcake sock I finally perfected and it included a few spa tools. I picked up at Michael's. The cupcake wrapper is cut using Easter2010 @ 4inches

Card for My Dad

2010-05-01T17:44:00.004-05:00

Here's a card I made for my dad. Most people who know me know that I'm crazy about my father. He is a perfect a dad as you could ask for. So he's been helping me a lot lately and I am planning to send this out with my Mother's Day card so he feels just as special. *sidenote* My mom's pretty perfect too!

This is the inside. I used wild card cart on my Cricut E to cut the card and the envelope at 5 1/4 Also the DAD were cut out from Wild Card. The "You're #1 I used the Studio G stamp set I picked up at JoAnn's a while ago. It was on sale for I think $.50(FIFTY CENTS).

National Scrapbooking Day!

2010-05-01T16:37:00.000-05:00

Well its national scrapbooking day today for all my non crafty friends. I am planning to post some projects later tonight after my munchin is down for the night but I am working on a few things now.

My Beautiful Dividers

2010-04-24T13:40:00.005-05:00

Ok so these are the divider pages I love so much that I did for my AKA scrapbook for last regional conference. I used a variety of Cricut carts but mostly Hello Kitty Font and Forever Young.

and the winner is......

2010-04-18T17:27:00.002-05:00

ME! My crafting storm is over for a few months. My chapter has won a record setting(my opinion) amount of awards. It was fun we are chapter of the year. Now I need to take some pictures of all the awesome work. After I rest up.

blogcandy!

2010-03-30T01:20:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure how to post things in my side bar with out the widget but Nancy @ Windstar is celebrating 3 cancer free years with blog candy.

Here is the link to her site:http://windstarcreations.blogspot.com/

SU Treat Cups

2010-03-10T11:07:00.009-06:00

I just got a delivery from Stampin Up! I have been stalking the UPS website for the last week tracking my precious package across the country(side note I'm also tracking/stalking FedEx and my JoAnn's hasn't move for 3days).
I ordered the Sweet Treat Cups , circle and hearts.
I wanted to rush home right after work to collect my stuff but when I got to my MIL house to pick up my munchkin she was passed out. I mean sleep like she was coming off a 12hr shift. I really hate to wake her so I sat around for about an hr and let her rest. Once the princess arose we headed out. I needed to swing by Toys R Us and pick up some pampers and sippy cups which forced me into rush hour medical center traffic. So all and all we got home at about 630ish I just knew I has missed them. So me and Ga sat down to dinner and some Yo Gabba Gabba. Just before 7 I heard the best sound in the world. The UPS van pulling up. My cups were there,YES! Soooooooooo, of course I had to make my BFF the ever fashionable Reiko a card with them. She has a nerds problem you would know it from reading her blog here. She was to happy to see that little cup of NERDS. I also made a card for our other girlfriend who has been great with play dates(breaks) with our daughters.

Here are my latest creations:

I think I should have added a ribbon to the card. and I'm still on the learning curve with Wild Card so I liked the card but it could use some tweaking.

Products Used:

Wild Card for card
Forever Yound for Model
DCWV paper stak All Dressed Up
Cuttlebug folder Swirls
Cheap Black Ink for destressing(It came from Big Lots)
Stampin Up! Treat Cups(Yippe)

paper crafting

2010-02-24T22:15:00.002-06:00

Ive been working on my sorority scrapbooks for competition. I'm beat. On the upside I made my dedication page and it is F.A.B.O. My book is dedicated to my honey do who has been a real blessing while Ive been in a scrapbook coma.

posting pics later. I'm pissed I have to stop tonight because I ran out of blue ink and the epson printer. It is the machine of the devil. My lexmark would still be printing damn you Office Max for having that ink vampire on sale (It was a steal for $30 who knew). It drinks ink I'm buying ink almost every other month.

blogcandy!

2010-02-22T22:11:00.004-06:00

so ive been blog hopping and found some nice blog candy

http://truesgiftsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/2010/02/more-blog-candy-wow-how-time-flies.html

http://pinkpiggywiggy.blogspot.com/2010/02/fancy-some-pink-piggy-candy.html

http://jacquesmagnolias.blogspot.com/

http://lazycatscards.blogspot.com/2010/02/its-candy-time.html

http://stamping-fantasies.blogspot.com/

Layout for Competition.

2010-02-22T15:38:00.002-06:00

Trying to finish a scrapbook for competition and I am whipped. My deadline is Sun. I guess I will post on my neglected blog again starting on Sunday.

V Day Cards for friends and In laws

2010-02-14T16:01:00.004-06:00

Fasting...

2009-02-25T21:45:00.005-06:00

A few days ago I wrote this and never finished it.

Tonight I had a converservation with my mom about Lent. She had just gotten in from Ash Wednesday service. We talked about what she planned to give up for Lent, like red meat. It got me to thinking because I haven't yet decided what I plan to give up by tomorrow.

So I have decided to work with mom and give up the red meat. I also plan to give up something that sounds a little selfish at first but its something I really need to work on.

Tonight I post on A Former Hot Girl's blog:

U know I have been trying to be "Turbo AKA" (angel's term) for a while now and I wrote a post about lent and never finished it. I am going to pull back. My baby is become a rea road warrior clocking miles on Houston freeways. I gave up a 3 things this yr.1. Red Meat(me and mom are doing this together) Its been not too bad. I made the best pesto chicken artichoke pizza tonight. 2. No cussing (this is killing me I admit to having a potty mouth and bad attitude at time)3. Be selfish. Its not what it seems (I am going to stop being such a available person and stop saying yes to everything and everybody. I told you Ive been on the run lately. I need to stop and spend time with Georgia at home before the street lights come on.)
Ok thats alot I know I will probably copy it and post it on my blog. We're sleep and I was at work late testing.

Outlet Shopping

2009-02-07T07:25:00.003-06:00

Is it really worth it? Most outlets are far from the center of town where I live(east Egypt far). The proclaim really good deals and crazy savings. I've been to outlets here and there but I could never really wrap my mind around the 30-40 min and up drive.
I have a few kids parties including my own soon to be 1yr old. So, I figured I go out to the Osh Kosh and Carter outlets and stock up. The problems is that the last time I did trudge out to an outlet I couldn't see the value. It was just the same as staying close to home and running to the store down the street.
I had a friend who went out to the recently opened outlet in Conroe( its been open over a yr I just haven't been). She went on and on about the deals so I said I'd give it a shot. It is the money saving season after all.
Do you shop at outlets? Is it because they are conveniently close or because of the great deals?

Adventures In Babysitting.

2009-02-02T23:10:00.002-06:00

Adventures In Babysitting does anybody remember that movie. I am a 80's brat pack movie fanatic. It was a great movie if you haven't seen it WGN or TBS will most likely air it in the next week or so, catch it if you can.
I bring it up because I kept a friends daughter today. It was interesting. She slept the 1st twenty mins and when she woke up she looked at me like WHAT THE HELL???? WHO ARE YOU????
It go me to thinking how my daughter behaves when I leave her with people. Granted my daughter has actually only been kept by my in laws@ one house. Last weekend I wanted to give my mother in law a break so Reiko kept her for me. I know she got with her over her food. I forgot to tell Reiko my baby is a beast about that bottle and you cannot go slow on the spoon feeding she will blow (scream)you away.

The whole point was I was working double time tonight with two babies under 1yr old. I'm whooped.

Tighten the Purse Strings

2009-01-26T01:10:00.005-06:00

With everyone feeling the effects of a recession right now it should come as no surprise that I'm tightening my budget. I've trimmed away alot of the fat but now its damn near anorexic.
Even Oprah has been heavy on the financial talk lately. She has Susie Orman giving away her 2009 Action Plan to Keep Your Money Safe and Sound. It was available for free download for a limited time. I did download it but I'm not so sure if I can link to it on my blog. It may be construed as copyright infringement. That's the last thing I need somebody trying to get me for my last 2 pennies. Any who, towards the end of the show she offered a simply challenge to save.

1. don't spend any money for 1 day.
-Done! I'm broke anyway.
2. don't use a credit card for 1 week.
-Done! Again, I'm broke anyway.
3. don't eat out for 1 month.
-Ok pump your brakes Susie!!! Now we have a problem.

I look forward to eating out at least once a week. Heck, I have a food related blog all about eating out. I don't think I can do it. I am no less broke than I was for the first two short term goals but a whole month with out even swing by Cream Burger for a $1 shake is just wrong.
I cooked Sunday. It was quick and didn't kill me. I really love to cook but its more a convenience and pleasure eating out. One of the few small pleasure I can afford. I am going to struggle through and see how well I do. I'll be meditating on it, a whole lot.

What about you?

Do you think you can take the challenge? If so, what will be the hardest part for you?

Tired

2009-01-23T23:35:00.002-06:00

Since I've been working at a new school I have to be honest I could not complain. Its been wonderful. It has a rep of being a lil' hood( its amazing my husband and reiko among others went there). Anyway, I had the day from hell. I don't know where them little demons came from today that entered that door but I was too done.
I'm so glad its Friday.
We are invited to a party Sat. I might actually have a drink or two. I've been laying off the drinks lately.
I hope you all have a nice relaxing weekend.

I WON!!! I WON!!!

2009-01-19T13:19:00.002-06:00

Ok I never win anything but this is the second time I've won something in blog world. I've been reading Good Girl Gone Shopping since Ive been blogging. I actually subscribed because I like that she introduces me to new product lines I may not have notices. Well the contest was about your shoe passion. Mine personally are Mary Jane's I love shoes with a strap. Around my ankle I think its supper sexy, so I wrote about that. I really like the new styles of Mary's with the fat straps and different fabrics. I won a Shubi Bag from Shoe Smitten. It will come in handy since I wear cute shoes up to my classroom and then kick them switch to flats while the kids are there.

Since I won I think I will play Mega Millions tonight. It might just be my lucky day.

Thanks Good Girl........

One More Thing

2009-01-13T21:59:00.004-06:00

Here are horrible pics from the aforementioned party that played havoc on my knees. Me and my boo getting our boogie on. I love this top and spent more than I wanted to on it. It was too cute to pass up. We won't mention how big my boobs are now since April 10th. My niece and I went shopping over the holiday and when I told her the size bra I needed her and my sister screamed it in unison. I have never been more embarrassed in my life. This picture was taken before I kicked off those boots, which are only ankle length

New Year!!!!

2009-01-13T20:46:00.006-06:00

Ok I've been totally slacking on the blog. I have been exceptionally busy and caught up with teething. I've started a new job (not new different). It is the same job I've had for a while but in a new place. It is a totally different environment then I am used to. It functions like a whole new animal. Its the IBM vs Microsoft difference one day I'm in a blue suit in a grey cubical the next I'm eating granola on my exercise ball listening to wind chimes. You would think the one is clearly a more happy place. Well let's just say the grass is always greener. Any who. I do like it I actually talk to alot of the staff, I love the kids and can't stop laughing at some crazy antics. So I never know whats going to happen. I am assigned to a class but I'm rarely in there. I bounce where they need me mostly and try to make a little bit of a difference.

Ok so I've been thinking what my new goals are for this year. I never was one for resolutions I usually just work on something(s) and try to make a few things better. I cannot stand people that get all hopped up on this New Year's Resolution crap. I think by Feb. all that is dead. I just want to make general improvements in the way I do things. So here is what I'm working on.

Improve my money management skills.

- I want to pay off/down all my credit cards. I need to get my student loan back on track. That interest is a beast. I need to give something daily to payoff fund.

Get my body back in shape.

-No brainier. I plan to get back to swimming daily. Unlike a lot of new moms I don't have an excuse. My mother-in-law is the best babysitter. She is there whenever I need. Doesn't want me to rush from work so I can in all honesty dedicate one hour after work to go to the gym.
Just between you and me. My husband and I went to a great party and danced for about 30mins. The next day my knees and back were killing me. That stiffness and pain lasted 3days. Truly a sad sight. I was so fine 10yrs ago. My butty was still thicker than gumbo but I loved it. My short term goal is to just regain my flat tummy and buy a pair of knee high riding boots off the rack. At this point I have to go to the big girl store and order online. NO THANK YOU!!! I want to walk into DSW and buy a cut high heel boot right off the shelf. I do not think I'm asking for much.

Cut the cycle of procrastination.

I don't know what my fear is. I am crippled when it comes to getting things done. I know they need to be done will walk around with things completed in my purse but not get them turned in. I know I get it from my dad he is a major procrastinator. I even told my husband about it so it didn't create problems in our marriage. Its that bad. I realize I need to work on it. I started the year with my calendar which I write down due dates. Now I just need to work on the between time. Baby steps people.

Clear up some of my chaos.

All my friends know I thrive in chaos. My house is a cluttered mess. I cannot let go of anything. If my parents gave it to me It stays. I still have the cutest letter my dad sent me. Its actually a note he sent with $20 buck when I was in the dorm. It is on my fridge. It has to stop. I will stop forming emotional ties to receipts from Denny's.
1 because my baby is quick trying to become a toddler and is trying her best to move around.
2 because I can take it anymore.
I suppose the fact that I'm fed up is good. It will make me edit the stuff in my life.

Ok that's what I'm working on this year. What are you planning on working on this year?

*PS I really want those boots.

Back from the City

2009-01-03T16:40:00.004-06:00

We made it back from Miami with minimal travel wounds. The baby is big and spoiled after a week with Nanna and Pappa(and the family). I plan to rest until I go back to work on the 6th.

Tagged

2008-12-22T22:48:00.004-06:00

My snowed in LS tagged me. This would be my 1st on in blog world. Reiko does tags via email all the time and I generally ignore her or just respond to her.

But since I love Karla and she is in a happy place I will not be the one to disturb it. I was to send good vibe to her in all ways possible.

6 Things about Me.

1. I am a total geek. Most people think I'm nerdy but to be honest I'm a complete geek. There was an anime and manga junky. My favorite all time and probably one of the 1st I was on cable was Lupin the III.

2. I talk to my parents and sister everyday. I did talk to my brother daily but he's in Iraq so he calls once a week.

3. I want two things from myself for Christmas. A Nikon D90 and a Wii..So if anyone in cyber happens to pick either or the two up I would be glad to accept it. I usually don't want gifts I stopped wanting gifts around 13-14. Just before high school. I just wanted to hang out with my family,eat, and read a good book.

4. I am completely disorganized and have to work very hard at making it look like I am organized. I live with a planner if I didn't I would get nothing done.

5. My baby is my world and I cannot wait to see her everyday. I did not however, enjoy being pregnant. It was a nightmare I did get a perfect baby for all the trouble. She is the perfect blend of me and Rodney.

6. I have a food blog that Ive been working on in addition to being a photo taking anime junkie I'm a FOODIE. When its up I'll post the link.

Passing it on to
http://areliapoeticallyspeaking.blogspot.com

Home For the Holidays...

2008-12-17T00:01:00.006-06:00

Its my daughters 1st Christmas and I'm excited. Mind you we have not and will not put up a tree or purchased any gifts I'm just happy to be going home to spend the holiday with my mom and dad. They are seeing her in spurts and this is a treat for them.

My mom punked me to get out of bed on Saturday and take little Ms. to take a picture with Santa. I am not one that goes to the mall. I hate malls to be honest. SO the thought of going to anybodies mall during the holidays is crazy in my eyes. However my mom laid it on thick. So, I bundled up the cutie and we trekked to the mall. It was a traffic jam of people, bags, cars, strollers and noise. I was on overload. My baby loves the crowds. She likes people watching so she had a ball. Her dad not wanting to miss a sec of her life met us when he got off work.

WE WERE STILL IN THAT LONG NIGHTMARE OF A LINE.

She did great unlike the other babies. She smiled and didn't really care that Santa was holding her. She is the perfect baby. Really, she is.

Oh she had her 1st taste of our food that was not blended to mush.. We gave her pizza crust to gnaw on. She's cutting teeth and its taking forever. The crust helps the gums I think but we have created a little monster. When she sees a plate now she has to have it. Or she stares you down like a mad women and gives the most pitiful cry you have ever heard.

Missing

2008-11-24T08:54:00.001-06:00

Our internet is not functional so I have not posted in awhile. I have some pretty interesting post coming.

WE DID IT

2008-11-04T22:39:00.001-06:00

WE BARACKED THE VOTE!!!!

2008-11-04T22:34:00.002-06:00

I'm so excited. All the hatefulness and ugliness that went down. Barack came out of it with his head held high. Fighting the good fight and came out a winner.

YES WE CAN!!!!

YES WE DID!!!!

OUR FIRST FAMILY....Looking Great.

VOTE

2008-11-04T16:41:00.003-06:00

If you don't get off you behind and vote today I don't know what else to say. You are a sorry excuse for an American. Period. Its the most basic form of democracy and all people don't enjoy it. Don't take it for granted.

A Cautionary Tale.

2008-10-31T12:25:00.001-05:00

I picked this up from Black and Married with Kids Blog. Thouht I'd post it here for the folks that check out my blog.
We have 4 days to go.

THE TIME IS NEAR, D-Day, or Election Day Party

2008-10-27T23:51:00.005-05:00

Ok so the Nov 4th is upon us. In some ways I can barely wait for the day can get here. In others I am nervous about what might happen.

*side eye* at all the crazies out there pulling stunts. A plot to blow folks up, DAMN SKIN-HEADS. I'm good with you not liking me but damn you don't have to blow innocen people up.***

Anyway. Me and the kiddo went to vote toearly today. It is usually not my thing.I absolutly love voting on the actual day of the election. I feel all patriotic. I know I'm corny but I get misty and re-establish all my romantic ideas about the political system that take a major beating the other 364 days of the year. In a way it reestablishes my faith in the system. SO we go in the long line. I fed sister girl and bundled her up and we were ready to wait. It was a pleasant suprise that it only took about 20-30mins max to weave our way to the end. There were all kinds of folks in that line. A few pregnant chicks(about to pop) , a chick in a neck and back brace, some clearly gay couples(they were way to friendly to be friends touching things friends don't), three blind girls (holding hands,walking in a line), a scattering of folks with various broken body parts, and me and my urban chic monster baby stroller.
I only went early because I have a crazy busy week coming up. I start a new job and I'm interviewing to pick up some Christmas extra cash part-time.

I'm thinking I might invite a few people over to have a little election day wrap up party and watch the results come in. I can be home by 7. I really don't think I want to be by myself when it happens. My wonderful husband will be working (AS USUAL).

Ants in my pants or Standing at the door of destiny

2008-10-21T20:58:00.002-05:00

OK so the title I couldn't choose. I feel like an impatient kid waiting on something my mom promised me in so many ways. I also feel like something great is about to happen. I have a tangible tightness in my chest wait... What am I waiting on we a few things

1. Like about 57% of America (by some polls) I cannot wait for Nov.4. Its been two long years of waiting for a change to happen in our country. I may tease Reiko over at God's Favorite Shoes but I am so proud of her for getting out the 1st day to vote early. I will be in line hopefully tomorrow to cast my vote and BE THE CHANGE I WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD.

2. I've been having work issues and have been really stressed well that is all working itself out I go sign my W-2 for the new J.O.B. tomorrow and will be working close to home and regular again. Thank God. I am so not a sit at home too much kinda chick. I need to be out and about doing something so I do not run my Boo crazy and cause more problems for us than would really happen if I had something to occupy my damn mind.

I cannot wait for this week to end so I can breathe a little easier.

**Side note the baby got another round of shots today.
It was the worse experience in my short life. I wanted to cry. My smiling happy baby cried bloody murder. I ha to hold the precious down while they inflicted this pain on her. She was all snugly before the nurse came in. She had laughed, smiled and flirted with everybody in the lobby. Played with the nurse while she took her temp. and weight(which is up to 15lbs. she was 4 lbs at birth)
I usually make her Dr. visits to coincide with Rodney's off days but not this time. He's been the one to hold her when she gets the shots and I leave. Then come back in to calm her down. It really did hurt me more than it hurt her. It really is true. She is now happily dozing next to me in bed. I think tonight she will sleep with us. I'm not even trying to put her in her bed. She deserves it.

M.I.A.

2008-10-20T11:16:00.002-05:00

I know I've been missing in action but I have been visitin others blogs and commenting when I felt it was necessary. I have been having a jumble of things going on and I haven't had much advice or insight into my own mess of affairs. I'm working it out and will be posting a thought provoking and insightful post soon. I hope.

Now back to my own mini me who takes half my mind well 2/3 of it most of the time.

People Trying to Keep You Down

2008-10-10T13:22:00.002-05:00

It will be short because I'm so upset. Most everybody here knows I'm a teacher. Well Ive been tying to get into a new district. My last school I thought I could use the department head as a reference. I did an excellent job, have great test scores, and I'm good with my kids. Silly me. The HR person from HISD called me to say I need a better reference because on a 1-5 scale she didn't give me above a 1... A ONE!!!! Come on that's sad and slightly depressing. I was not social and didn't hang out with y department. But DAMN!!! I would never have expected...Goes to show people will cut you up behind your back.

VP Debate

2008-10-02T19:50:00.004-05:00

I am really looking forward to these debates. I am going to work at keeping a spirit of open mindedness. I hope I can keep my cool. I've been laying off politics for a few days because I think its running up my pressure. I will give Gov. Palin her time and some small part of me hopes Sen. Biden does not pull his punches. She needs to be dealt with like any other politician. Foreign governments will care 2beans that she is a women and she needs to stand her own ground.

On a side not it makes me sad that Gwen Ifill the moderator has been challenged because she has written a book about black politics in general. Its a slap in the face to black women. No matter how much you achieve that you could even be judge by something that really has no consequence on the job at hand.
I hope she rocks it. I'm sure she will she is a great moderator and will take control.

I have no idea why?

2008-09-28T14:07:00.002-05:00

Have you ever been sitting in a room and wondered how you got there. Wondered what is holding you trapped in this space with thede people. People who clearly are not using common sense right now. Some never.
I had that experience this weekend. I was in a room full of supposedly smart people who were biting each others heads off at every turn. It was truly amazing.
It was kinda like seeiing a kid with a box on their head bumping into a wall over and over again. Its kinda funny kinda sad. It left me a little drained.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

2008-09-23T23:02:00.002-05:00

We are finally back on the grid. I was really starting to lose it. CenterPoint/Reliant/HL&P or whatever they are calling themselves can kiss my grits. I have stuck with them pretty much because I have always had them. Before the deregulation of public utilities and I never changed. You better believe I am all over this change of companies now. These people have been downright lying about our service and when they were going to get it on. I am pretty earth friendly so I think we will be switching to Green Mountain a company that produces most of its energy from wind power.

So this is a shout out to CenterPoint they are officially kicked to the curb.

SEEING RED !!!!!!

2008-09-23T00:26:00.003-05:00

CENTERPOINT IS TRIPPING

I have nothing cleaver or remotely funny to say. We still do not have lights at our home. We have pretty much moved into my husbands aunt condo which is empty because her son is working overseas for a few months. I am very thankful for a safe place to lay my head and get out of Houstons heat. I do however really want to lay in my own bed, shower in my restroom, and cook on my stove. It is amazing how you can miss the smallest things.

ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE BECAUSE IT CAN BE GONE IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE...

Happy 33rd Birthday

2008-09-20T17:42:00.005-05:00

Today is my 33rd and all I really wanted was a yellow cake with buttercream icing. I told my husband this and he went out and made it happen. For those that don't know we live in Houston and do not have lights, yet. We have been camping out with friends and relatives during the day and getting home by sunset to sleep. He snuck out to make this lovely cake happen for me. It was a welcome surprise and a nice little bit of normal.

My sweety worked real hard on this cake and it was ugly beautiful. It just goes to show that money doesn't always make the best gifts. I little hard work and thoughtfulness goes along way.

NO ADVICE OR THOUGHTS. BE HAPPY!!!

Oh in case you were wondering I'm using the neighbors wi-fi. They have their lights. Centerpoint electric sucks the people all around us have lights and me and about 8 neighbors do not. Sucks.

Dark Days

2008-09-17T16:26:00.003-05:00

Well the worse of it is over and we (me, my family, extended family and friends) are great. Nobody suffered anything too bad. My LSs mom did live on Galveston and we're not sure about her home but she is in Houston at Kesha B's house and doing just fine.

I've had my personnel ups and downs this week but I will pray on it and it will be ok.

My baby is loving the after Ike time because we have been visiting people who have lights during the day so I can conduct business, get online, heat up food, etc. She is being passed around and never put down so she is in heaven. We don't nearly hold her that much so she is eating it up. She has dozen of new faces to explore and keep her fed and giggling.

Vintage Ike

2008-09-12T15:58:00.004-05:00

I have a problem. I laugh at the wrong time or have crazy thought and ideas when I should be dead serious.
So its fitting that I would include some IKE video because all i keep thinking about and watching on tv is Hurrican IKE

Nutbush

Get Back

Shake you tailfeather

UPDATE IKE!!!

2008-09-11T15:43:00.009-05:00

The real head of this house the Little Miss O is getting ready too. She is really doing what she does best to get ready. Helping her dad get the yard cleaned up and bushes trimmed. She is the supervisor. After lunch and all that work she had to shut it down.

Preparing for the Storm

2008-09-11T12:42:00.008-05:00

This week we have been following Hurricane Ike in our house. It hit Cuba for two days and has taken 80 lives thus far. I have lived through a CAT 5+ hurricane growing up in Miami (Andrew)

My husband thinks its funny that to this day and living in a area that does not typically get storms I still keep a hurricane kit stocked with everything from can goods to charcoal. I never want to live like that again. My parents, my brother and myself were trapped in our hallway closet overnight while the storm proceeded to rip off my parents bedroom and all of our roof. My parents house is concrete like most homes in Miami.

We have decided to ride it out and have cleaned up the yard and pulled out my plywood. Yes, I keep plywood for the windows and will be boarding up the windows shortly. Hopefully you all are safe and we will keep up updated.

*This image provided by NOAA shows Category 2 Hurricane Ike in the Gulf of Mexico at 11:32 p.m.

Sunday Afternoon

2008-09-09T12:23:00.005-05:00

I think politics were/are going to make my head explode. That's part of the reason I love this blog. I can let unload all my comments for the time and get it off my chest. I think sometimes when some crazy background or information a candidate has been trying to cover up comes out I will bust if I do not talk about it. So thanks blogging world for letting me get some things off my mind. Believe me the baby does not care that mommy is so moved by a speech she wants to cheer or so pissed by a position she could spit (spitting is gross). She just wants to coo about her day and pee,poop, and sleep.

Anyway, I thought it was a good idea for me to unplug. So we went to the park for some quiet family time. The city has a great new park and the baby enjoys getting fresh air by the end of that 1st lap around the park her eyes get heavy. I think its sensory overload and she sleeps to process. There is so much to look at boats, fountains, trees, dogs, people. I took a few minutes to lay in the grass with my honey while she napped in her carrier and let my brain relax, too. I think I've been on information overload. All this stuff is coming at us and its hard not to drown in it. There is so much coming out about certain people its hard to stay objective and look at the issues. Especially when the people spewing the negativity is the main person who should be standing on their issues. It is so easy to turn a campaign into a superficial popularity contest. Much like the high school "best" contest.

So now I feel a little lighter its good to unplug every so often.

Advice: Sometimes its good to cool down and just float and enjoy the warm water.

Happy Birthday

2008-09-05T13:40:00.004-05:00

Today is my baby brothers birthday. He is training to go back to Iraq right now but I actully miss his crazy butt. He is in the Army (5yrs) and is going back to Iraq for the 3rd time. I know a lot of us have friends and family fighting/serving in Iraq. I will be glad t have him home for good.

Happy Birthday Lil'Bro.

This is us at our family reunion's white party this summer.

I Won! I Won! I Won!

2008-09-05T13:20:00.004-05:00

I read a few blogs daily. Ok more than a few. Its addictive. One for great tips and fashion advice is Brown Girl Gumbo. She ran a little contest for lip gloss and the Married Lady won it. I was a little shocked to win because I'm so slow at getting back to things. I have baby brain sometimes. Its tuff being a new mom. Its SMASHBOX O-GLOSS. Its suppose to change colors to your perfect shade based on your personal body chemistry. I'll try it out and give my 2 cents. Considering I dont have a standard beauty regime it will be honest. I am all about my 'Fro but I am not so much a makeup girl.

TIP: It doesn't cost you a think to give it a shot. Keep Kicking.

1st Black President

2008-09-02T16:16:00.004-05:00

I was talking to my husband the other day and we had an interesting conversation and it just dawn on me to write it down. He was commenting on the DNC After-Party show on TV One. We watched every night. They gave a totally different perspective than we would have gotten from other cable news stations. *I am a politics junkie lately so I also had it streaming on my computer so I could get different camera angles* He was commenting on the question they posed asking if people considered Bill Clinton the 1st Black President. Pretty much the consensus was yes.
I just don't get that. It really burns me up. I will accept that he was a president that was very open and sensitive to our needs as well as those of other minorities. He worked very hard at improving the condition for all Americans. The thing that really bothers me is that the reason he is identified with African Americas is because he did ignorant things while in office and could play the saxs.
*I know I'm boiling things down but I just want this to be quick so I can stop bugging my honey with it. He runs from me when I'm watching CNN or C-Span, poor thing.
Comments like only a black man can play the sax like that or get a BJ on the job. Is that all black maleness boils down too. Its sad. I like Pres. Clinton. I appreciate all he did and does for the country. I just do not agree with the connections some people make between him and Black American. I get accused by my students of not being black enough or uppity because I do not do certain things. (Like split verbs or use contractions when I write or talk to them and will not answer when they do). I like to go to plays and will bring in music for them to listen too. (not Tyler Perry related. Broadway people!) I like to show them all sides of history so we look at all the prospectives of a time (whats in the book and whats not) we learn the entertainment of the time, the clothing trends, social issue, eta all. Its hard teaching history and government in 2008, y'all. I do back flips to make it fun and interesting and all I get is I'm not black enough. They just want a worksheet. Being ignorant is not what being of African Decent is About.

Question: (because I have no advice for thing) When are we going to as a group elevate ourselves? Should I just be happy in my bubble of friends who try? Should I leave my honey-do alone and let you all be my spring board for political discussion?

Gots To Be More Careful

2008-09-01T18:52:00.007-05:00

OK I am going to stop with all the political stuff,I am. Its so hard. I have a degree in Political Science and Public Affairs and I absolutely love politics. This has been the best race in years. Its my own personal form of drugs I get a crazy high watching them go at it. I'm so fired up now I cannot wait until election day draws near. I am going to drive my husband batty. I will probably never turn the tv off up all night trying to get every single scoop first hand.
OK so the reason for this post.
Sarah Palin: What can I say? Okay alot. I am dying to say something. A couple questions for you to ponder I know I have been.

Burning Questions
1. WHO THE HECK ARE YOU LADY?
2. WHY DO YOU HAVE A 4 MONTH OLD AT HOME?
3. DOES JOHN MCCAIN REALLY THINK YOU WILL PULL THE FEMALE VOTE ?
4. WHY IS YOUR 17YR OLD DAUGHTER KNOCKED UP? (THIS IS NOT A MOVIE ITS NOT FUNNY)
5. CAN SOMEBODY TELL ME WHAT SHE WAS THINKING WHEN SHE NAMED THEM KIDS?(Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, Trig...and they talk about black folks)
6. WHATS WITH YOU TRYING TO GET YOUR BROTHER-IN-LAW FIRED AND BLAMING IT ON A STAFFER?(you know that will come back to haunt you cuz they will sing like a bird)
7. HOW MANY PEOPLE ACTUALLY LIVE IN ALASKA?
8. IS SHE SPIKING MCCAIN'S DRINKS TO SPEED UP THE INEVITABLE?(THAT DUDE IS OLD. REALLY REALLY OLD)
9. WHAT'S UP WITH THAT HAIR? (OK TOTALLY SUPERFICIAL BUT FOR REAL WHATS THE DEAL)
10. OK LAST QUESTION(S) WHAT IS UP WITH THAT FAMILY HER 4 MONTH OLD MIGHT ACTUALLY BE HER SONS BABY AND THE DAUGHTER IS GOING TO MARRY HER BABY DADDY OR REAL DO PEOPLE DO THAT ANY MORE? HOW DO YOU GIVE A SPEAK IN TEXAS WHILE LEAKING AMNIOTIC FLUID AND THEN FLY ALL THE WAY BACK TO ALASKA TO HAVE A BABY? (THATS JUST NOT SAFE OR SMART)

*LET ME HOP DOWN OFF MY SOAP BOX FOR TODAY*

THE GRAND OLD PARTY(GOP) MY ARSE!!!

2008-08-31T18:25:00.002-05:00

THIS IS MCCAINS CHOICE. HE PICKS A WOMEN FOR ONE REASON AND HE COULDNT FIND A DECENT REPUBLICAN WOMEN OUT THERE. THIS ONE IS A LITTLE OFF. SHE HAS NO PROBLEM DEGRADING ANOTHER WOMEN. IT DOES NOT MOVE MY FEMENIST SPIRIT TO FEEL A CONNECTION TO HER. SHE HAS A FEW MONTHS EXPERIENCE AS GOVERNROR. IT COMES ACROSS AS A DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO ATTRACT THE FEMALE VOTE.

DNC Day Two....

2008-08-27T12:59:00.004-05:00

OK I have to add my two cents...I really think people who supported HRC in the primaries need to let it go. The prelems are over and the real deal is here. The sugestion that a true Dem. would vote for a Rep. just to go against someone who they feel has no exp. is crazy. HRC is not that exp. herself. She was the wife of a Pres. and Gov. period. He didnt even make her Atty. General like JFK and Bobby. She is a member of Congress just like Barack. That video of the sister damn near in tears was just sad. She is not the strongest Dem. she knows becuz she would let go of her personal opinion and support the parties candidate. Imagine how John Edwards supports feel right now. They were let all the way down but I dont see them running around talking about not supporting a Dem. because they were disappointed with the standing candidate. As a black women I will have my black behind in that line supporting the candidate on the ballot whos positions on the American situation most closely matches my own. McCain is trying real hard to keep my baby brother in Iraq and I could never support that. He wants my openly gay cousin to take 2nd class citizen status in my eyes and I can not vote for that. He sends his wife to the hospital for Carpal Tunnel flair up and my mom is walking around with bone spurs in her foot I cannot and will not support that.Its madness and in the words of Bill Cosby's granddaughter "COME ON PEOPLE

Michelle Obama

2008-08-25T21:36:00.003-05:00

937pm central time... I am watching 'Chelle and I feel like m homegirl is doing it. I cant tell you how much it means to me to see her standing up for her man. Opening the convention and setting the ground work. I sit here a total barrel of water with my baby in my arms. She is watching Michelle like she knows something great is happening. Not saying a word and she's been talking nonstop for the last 45mins. It is truly amazing. I am really proud to be an American Black Women for the 1st time my damn self Michelle.

weekend money making hustle.

2008-08-24T09:33:00.003-05:00

Okay I really need money to keep my head above water so I decided to have a yard sale this weekend. It was a sat-sun affair. I must say it was a great thing. I did my most brisk business on Sat morning between 7am-10am. I made enough to pay the lights, cell phone, and by a few weeks supply of milk for my baby. I think I will take a weekend of and the following weekend do another sale. This time I will hit up friends to clean out their closets and give up things the don't need or want.
I was so excited when I counted the money. I dropped a few dollars in my baby bank ($5) because she had to sit at my in-laws and not spend the day with me like we usually do on the weekend being silly. Well I'm the silly one she just sits and giggles and smiles occasionally mostly drools and poop. But I think the bonding time is really important for us. I will drop a few more dollars when the sale is over today.

ADVICE FOR THE DAY: Let go of things that weigh you down and block the way for you to float freely.

SICK OF SAGGING

2008-08-22T00:45:00.005-05:00

ok I just want to know when this crazy ass trend is going to be over. I am oh so sick of dude dang near having then thing hanging out like its okay. They say its for comfort but that does not look comfortable it looks gay. GAY GAY GAY. Its not even a little attractive. Just look at that picture dude doesnt even need to have pants on. All his tired boxers are on display. And that tired excuse that is a part of the Hip Hop culture. These fools were not even born when "Hip Hop" started. I remember dudes being original Just take a look at the sugar hill gang. They had a dude in a tux with some Indian feathers in his air. This is just ignorant it has nothing to do with culture. PULL YOUR PANTS UP. okay I'm done.

PAID IN FULL (its a link click on it-learning new stuff)

2008-08-21T23:24:00.006-05:00

Okay I'm always thinking of a master plan cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat in my hand***okay had a Erick B. and Rakim moment.
I am planning to have a garage sale this weekend to unload somethings and make some money. My husbands aunt had one last weekend (I found out today) she made $700. I was just trying to make enough to pay the lights and put a few $$$$ in the bank. 700 would pay the lights and put a really good chunk of change in the bank. Its all about the hustle. My goal for the rest of the ear is to put at least $500 a month in savings min. A good healthy emergency fund. That's not a lot I spend a few hundred just on junk. So I can get honey to cut out the Starbucks runs and I can miss some slushies. (the happy hour at Sonics I'm killing them) We can make it happen. I read a book that said you should have at least 1000 in a emergency fund at all times. I think its more like 2500. A few months on the bills to give you time to make some moves.

Oh well, wish me the best in my selling efforts hope for a total sale out they buy everything even the 50cent tablets of notebook paper.

ADVICE: SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO GRAB A LIFE PRESERVER TO KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOVE WATER

Side Hustle. Everybody Needs One

2008-08-19T20:38:00.006-05:00

Ok to help keep your head above water it is important to have a side hustle. Mine is y baking. I am going to be selling baked goods to as many people as possible. So I tried out a few recipes today. Layered brownies (fudge brownies with a center layer of pecans,white chocolate chips, and caramel) and a classic layer cake. here are the pics of my 1st attempts. Oh and I know my pics are not the best my batteries are dead to dying.

Happy Birthday Daddy

2008-08-16T14:34:00.007-05:00

I am such a daddy's girl. My dad is truly my superhero!!! Think the Green Hornet+Batman+Superma+and the Green Lantern rolled into one. Except my dad has a cool mini 'fro and is married to my beautiful take no prisoners mom.

My daddy turned 59 today and its a great day. I'm so greatful for my parents. They have been so supportive of me all my life I hope everyone out there calls their dad today just to say Hi.

This is a pic of my Dad and my sister and my husband on our wedding day. It was suppose to be a beautiful outdoors tropical miami wedding on the beach overlooking the downtown city scape. Somebody had other plans. There was a serious thunder storm that came in 1hr before the wedding and nixed that idea. This was taken while they were trying ot move everything under cover. I was locked in a car and had no idea what was happening. It all turned out okay.

*I took down the pic have a better one coming soon

Let the current take you

2008-08-14T02:23:00.005-05:00

I grew up in Miami and my mom always took us to a great beach. Not the Miami Beach you see on tv just a nice local beach close to our house. I remember that if you stop moving and stood in one spot the current was strong enough to move you. Sometime it happened and you didnt even notice. We would go out and leave my mom on the sand. When it was time to get out we were 15-20 feet away from her. I thought it was the coolest thing. Just let the water take ou away.
I was thinking about this today while I sat at the Renissance Hotel at a so-called job fair. There was a sea of applicants all wanting the same thing the elusive new job. I jumped right in and let myself go with the current. Sad to say I didnt get a new job. I lot of frustration and disappointment but no job. I think I am going to have to swim against the current if I want to find a new job.

Word of Advice:
Don't let the current carry you away. You have to work at it to get where you want to be. Keep kicking!!!!!

Treading Water

2008-08-11T11:09:00.000-05:00

I took a swimming class at the "Y "the year I met my husband. Its funny what you remember about things. The one thing that stuck out about the class was the instructor constant refrain to "just keep swimming" no matter that I thought I was drowning. He was using a line from Finding Nemo by Disney/Pixar.
It has become my constant daily refrain well after that class. I have to keep moving and keep kicking or I will drown.
Like most people I know I have no idea how I do it everyday. Make the ends meet and keep the dots connecting. My bank account is suffering from my career choices. I'm a teacher and teachers are way underpay and well overworked. I'm a wife who truly knows my husband god bless him is from PLUTO,bump Mars and I inhabit one of the moons on Venus most of the time. I'm a mom of a happy cubby cheek little girl who gives me toothy grins even though I think she know I'm just figuring out as I go along. She the perfect cheerleader. I read one of my baby books (I'm sleeping with "What to Expect the First Year" )and she sits in my lap and happily drools while I figure what to do next or snoozes while I read my daily baby blogs.

This blog is intended to be my mental release and hopfully provide some ease to the rest of my cyber friends who feel like the are keep the head just above water.

WORD OF WISDOM:
CLOSE YOUR MOUTH, OPEN YOUR EYES AND JUST KEEP KICKING