At times.....I wish I never met him then I wouldnt know what it felt like to feel. To feel warmth...to feel the radiance from a smile. To live for the day and not worry about what tomorrow will bring because a mere thought of the future just might spoil the day.
the breeze from the air was fresh and not stale...
the sky was the limit and the clouds could make you feel as though you were traveling...
the streets were paved pathways with no endings....
the thrill of discover was an adventure....
At times......I wish I never met him then I wouldnt know what it felt like to feel. Then I wouldnt know what it felt like to live in memories.......
My thoughts.....My ambitions.....My goals...MY LIFE....there may just be something in here to inspire you.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Bored kids during a heat wave get even
Yes we live in Texas...yes it is understood that it is "suppose" to be hot here during the summer, however, southern children STILL want to go outside! As a parent, I have to make the choice of allowing them to go out into the sauna like heat or stay cool in the house.
About a week ago, I opted for the latter and those little rascals wasn't too happy about it. Rewind a bit to earlier that morning. I went to the local store to purchase some ice cream and a cake. Not just any cake but a chocolate fudge cake which my 2nd oldest did the honors of slicing. Mind you we all adore chocolate cake and I told them the last two slices were mine. "Ok mom" chimed out of their mouths.
A couple of days later, I enter into the dining area of our home with my mouth watering for cake and ice cream. Pop....I opened the lit to the cake container and there are the two slices of cake that were mine. I take one slice, put on a saucer and head to the kitchen to get the vanilla bean ice cream out of the freezer. Hold on wait a minute...the top and sides of the cake has been WTF bitten off!!! I rush over to the table to examine the other slice and as I lift the top once again....my eyes first went into a squint then overly stretched....someone bit off both slices? Grrrrrr....
I questioned each child..."Did you bite of the top and sides of my slices?" Each one answers "No mom...why would I do that?" Double Grrrrrr....
Exhausted with disgust I say in a loud tone..."You know, whoever did it should've just finished it...I mean why leave the rest of the cake without the icing?" They each pause.. look at me for an instant then continue on with what they were doing.
I stormed into the garage and begin snickering to myself because I know how irresistible this cake is and also remember when I had did the same as a kid. Talk about karma! LOL my Mom did say these things will come back on me as a parent. Not funny mom...not funny.
About a week ago, I opted for the latter and those little rascals wasn't too happy about it. Rewind a bit to earlier that morning. I went to the local store to purchase some ice cream and a cake. Not just any cake but a chocolate fudge cake which my 2nd oldest did the honors of slicing. Mind you we all adore chocolate cake and I told them the last two slices were mine. "Ok mom" chimed out of their mouths.
A couple of days later, I enter into the dining area of our home with my mouth watering for cake and ice cream. Pop....I opened the lit to the cake container and there are the two slices of cake that were mine. I take one slice, put on a saucer and head to the kitchen to get the vanilla bean ice cream out of the freezer. Hold on wait a minute...the top and sides of the cake has been WTF bitten off!!! I rush over to the table to examine the other slice and as I lift the top once again....my eyes first went into a squint then overly stretched....someone bit off both slices? Grrrrrr....
I questioned each child..."Did you bite of the top and sides of my slices?" Each one answers "No mom...why would I do that?" Double Grrrrrr....
Exhausted with disgust I say in a loud tone..."You know, whoever did it should've just finished it...I mean why leave the rest of the cake without the icing?" They each pause.. look at me for an instant then continue on with what they were doing.
I stormed into the garage and begin snickering to myself because I know how irresistible this cake is and also remember when I had did the same as a kid. Talk about karma! LOL my Mom did say these things will come back on me as a parent. Not funny mom...not funny.
Staying super cute during this recession...
When I initially "heard" of what was taking place in our beloved country which resulted in a recession, I thought to myself "Are you freaking kidding me?" A recession = not as much spending to look super cute and oh so fly.
The reality of it is...how can one maintain her super cuteness and not brake the bank. I must say that I have contributed much to the malls and fashion outlets in order to stay within the realm of style.
No more....
I have enough Prada, D & G and Burberry handbags to match any outfit. Now, I say this not the exaggerate on name brand items but to make a point. There are certain items that we as female MUST have, however, these items must be manufactured with quality materials and being that I carry a purse 'er day I NEED one in which my handle will not break after a couple of weeks of handling or so that my zipper does not get jammed and I have to break it to get inside.
I feel the same way about shoes....there are just certain styles of footwear that suites my fancy esp a 4" ankle strap beauty. I have nothing against Payless however, I will only purchase a sandal type of shoe from this outlet. My "get it girl" shoes on the other hand will be designer. Why? Think about it like this, when you put those babies on your feet you already know that the goal is to show them off and surely I don't want my foot to be cramped or swollen looking from prancing around.
As far as clothing, I have begun to search the second hand outlets to find items that fit my fancy and what a deal on the prices! To me...articles of clothing do tell your attention to detail, however, I don't foresee anyone walking up to me pulling out the label to verify if it is the real deal. So, knock offs is the way to go too.
Here are a couple of tips on how I maintain the life of my material possessions:
Purses---put inside a white cotton pillow case, bind the ends and toss in the washer. Do not, however, put in the dryer---allow to air dry.
High heels shoes--wear of that heel and strap will eventually happen but don't toss the shoe...take it to the local shoe repair shop and get it repaired.
Clothes---after purchasing second hand clothing and before you wear...wash them with your desired detergent and add some Borax to the wash. OMG! I love Borax...it gets your clothing freshly cleaned and is useful for many household cleaning projects as well.
Makeup---oh yes...those of you who love to give face do not have to overspend on makeup to look super cute. Basic blushers, eye shadows, liners and glosses can be purchased at your local Walmart,Walgreens or CVS. The trick to applying your shadow without it leaving a noticeable crease is to apply a bit of foundation to your lid first. Always...always apply some form of moisturizer to your face before applying blushers. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to your lashes at night to keep them fresh and the next day you will see a difference in how your mascare wears. Lipstick queens...a bit of concealer on the lips before you apply the lipstick will give a smooth appearance. Glossers, use a neutral liner on the outside edge of your lips before applying.
As for hair, well I am a natural so my extended apologies to my stylist for losing a great tipper.
These days....I can appreciate my take home pay more versus "giving" it away because the commercials say I should. I can plan a sensible family vacation and not charge it thus creating a bill for enjoyment...no more Capitol One!
So we can stay super cute during this recession and be mindful of how we present ourselves to the world while spending less.
The reality of it is...how can one maintain her super cuteness and not brake the bank. I must say that I have contributed much to the malls and fashion outlets in order to stay within the realm of style.
No more....
I have enough Prada, D & G and Burberry handbags to match any outfit. Now, I say this not the exaggerate on name brand items but to make a point. There are certain items that we as female MUST have, however, these items must be manufactured with quality materials and being that I carry a purse 'er day I NEED one in which my handle will not break after a couple of weeks of handling or so that my zipper does not get jammed and I have to break it to get inside.
I feel the same way about shoes....there are just certain styles of footwear that suites my fancy esp a 4" ankle strap beauty. I have nothing against Payless however, I will only purchase a sandal type of shoe from this outlet. My "get it girl" shoes on the other hand will be designer. Why? Think about it like this, when you put those babies on your feet you already know that the goal is to show them off and surely I don't want my foot to be cramped or swollen looking from prancing around.
As far as clothing, I have begun to search the second hand outlets to find items that fit my fancy and what a deal on the prices! To me...articles of clothing do tell your attention to detail, however, I don't foresee anyone walking up to me pulling out the label to verify if it is the real deal. So, knock offs is the way to go too.
Here are a couple of tips on how I maintain the life of my material possessions:
Purses---put inside a white cotton pillow case, bind the ends and toss in the washer. Do not, however, put in the dryer---allow to air dry.
High heels shoes--wear of that heel and strap will eventually happen but don't toss the shoe...take it to the local shoe repair shop and get it repaired.
Clothes---after purchasing second hand clothing and before you wear...wash them with your desired detergent and add some Borax to the wash. OMG! I love Borax...it gets your clothing freshly cleaned and is useful for many household cleaning projects as well.
Makeup---oh yes...those of you who love to give face do not have to overspend on makeup to look super cute. Basic blushers, eye shadows, liners and glosses can be purchased at your local Walmart,Walgreens or CVS. The trick to applying your shadow without it leaving a noticeable crease is to apply a bit of foundation to your lid first. Always...always apply some form of moisturizer to your face before applying blushers. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to your lashes at night to keep them fresh and the next day you will see a difference in how your mascare wears. Lipstick queens...a bit of concealer on the lips before you apply the lipstick will give a smooth appearance. Glossers, use a neutral liner on the outside edge of your lips before applying.
As for hair, well I am a natural so my extended apologies to my stylist for losing a great tipper.
These days....I can appreciate my take home pay more versus "giving" it away because the commercials say I should. I can plan a sensible family vacation and not charge it thus creating a bill for enjoyment...no more Capitol One!
So we can stay super cute during this recession and be mindful of how we present ourselves to the world while spending less.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Simplicity
There is this one man who is extremely dear to my heart. We met over 20 yrs ago, on a whelm I guess you can say. He was the "extra" man in one of my good friend's life and she and I were pretty cool. Cool enough to be roommates, I might add.
Ok...anyway it just seemed like whenever her #1 would come over to the house #2 would call and she would always be like "could you just talk to him until I get rid of #1".
Harmless right? It was at that time but then after a while #2 started to call and ask for me.
"Me?"
Hey buddy you are seeing my friend sooo what's the deal...right? He would say...he enjoyed my conversation because I actually had something to talk about. Ok so cool...no problem.
We started to hang out...just hanging out. Like going down to the riverfront and listening to music while sitting on the hood of the car starring up at the moon. Ahhhh good times..no pressure. Now please keep in mind we both were18ish(I moved out of my parents house right after graduation from high school) in the late 80's.
This guy was oh sooo cool really and over time a relationship did develop...but not until I moved out from being my friend's roommate and not right away. She and I are still cool to this day believe it or not.
I would stay back and attend a local community college for a year and then transferred to a university (due to financial reasons) and work two part time jobs. He would be one of the first in his family to attend college on a full scholarship in the Arts and thus began our journey.
During this first year of being declared independent, we barely stayed in touch and many events took place that would cause us to run into each other. Like when he crossed over to become a Sigma...the celebration took place at an university which I had friends who attended and I was there visiting. Lo' and behold...he spots me in the crowd to tell me the news. When he and a friend was in a car accident...my phone number was the only number that he could recall and boy was I on pins and needles when in the wee hours of the morning I receive a call from a hospital almost 100 miles from where I lived.
I took care of him...nursed him back to health (smiling to myself).....
Over the years though, we both moved on while staying in touch at the same time. I went off to college and a year later served in the military during Desert Storm. Got married. Had a family. Became widowed.
He finished school...never married but had a couple of children which by the way bare the same years of birth as mine. Yes, our children are the exact same ages give or take a couple of months.
Presently we talk and he seems to think I am spoiled...maybe just a bit however I think that it is more like " I know what makes me smile"---started to say happy but had to change it because what makes us as humans happy is still out of grasp for most.
I told him that although we were young at the initial time of our meeting....what we shared was pure and untainted. He seems to think that it was puppy love and I totally disagree.
I say this because....imagine back to your first love...you were young, carefree, impulsive with NO BAGGAGE. You did not know what it felt like to have trust issues...to feel worthless....to over accentuate in order to feel pretty. Who was worried about how much vanity would really cost us and being a authenticated gold digger was not even a thought. We were just content to be in that person's company. To share a laugh. The simplicity of it all. It wasn't a bother for the other person to call you several times during the day and you lit up when you answered the phone because you KNEW for a fact that you were the ONLY one.
I miss that sooo much and I only felt that with him. Now, our children are growing up and about to send our oldest two off to college in a couple of years and I long for that closeness once again.
I reside in the south and he in the north. He would rather I come there....and I would rather he come here.
Maybe one day we will figure this thing out.....
In the meantime whenever I see the street lights begin to power up...or I am in my backyard and the fireflies begin to glow...I long for a better day and simpler times...when double dutch would prove who the baddest b*tch was on the block....and hop scotch was prove of agility...popping wheelies on your bike and how fast and hard you threw the dodge ball earned you respect at least 4 streets over......
And that special man who bring these memories into retrospect.
Ok...anyway it just seemed like whenever her #1 would come over to the house #2 would call and she would always be like "could you just talk to him until I get rid of #1".
Harmless right? It was at that time but then after a while #2 started to call and ask for me.
"Me?"
Hey buddy you are seeing my friend sooo what's the deal...right? He would say...he enjoyed my conversation because I actually had something to talk about. Ok so cool...no problem.
We started to hang out...just hanging out. Like going down to the riverfront and listening to music while sitting on the hood of the car starring up at the moon. Ahhhh good times..no pressure. Now please keep in mind we both were18ish(I moved out of my parents house right after graduation from high school) in the late 80's.
This guy was oh sooo cool really and over time a relationship did develop...but not until I moved out from being my friend's roommate and not right away. She and I are still cool to this day believe it or not.
I would stay back and attend a local community college for a year and then transferred to a university (due to financial reasons) and work two part time jobs. He would be one of the first in his family to attend college on a full scholarship in the Arts and thus began our journey.
During this first year of being declared independent, we barely stayed in touch and many events took place that would cause us to run into each other. Like when he crossed over to become a Sigma...the celebration took place at an university which I had friends who attended and I was there visiting. Lo' and behold...he spots me in the crowd to tell me the news. When he and a friend was in a car accident...my phone number was the only number that he could recall and boy was I on pins and needles when in the wee hours of the morning I receive a call from a hospital almost 100 miles from where I lived.
I took care of him...nursed him back to health (smiling to myself).....
Over the years though, we both moved on while staying in touch at the same time. I went off to college and a year later served in the military during Desert Storm. Got married. Had a family. Became widowed.
He finished school...never married but had a couple of children which by the way bare the same years of birth as mine. Yes, our children are the exact same ages give or take a couple of months.
Presently we talk and he seems to think I am spoiled...maybe just a bit however I think that it is more like " I know what makes me smile"---started to say happy but had to change it because what makes us as humans happy is still out of grasp for most.
I told him that although we were young at the initial time of our meeting....what we shared was pure and untainted. He seems to think that it was puppy love and I totally disagree.
I say this because....imagine back to your first love...you were young, carefree, impulsive with NO BAGGAGE. You did not know what it felt like to have trust issues...to feel worthless....to over accentuate in order to feel pretty. Who was worried about how much vanity would really cost us and being a authenticated gold digger was not even a thought. We were just content to be in that person's company. To share a laugh. The simplicity of it all. It wasn't a bother for the other person to call you several times during the day and you lit up when you answered the phone because you KNEW for a fact that you were the ONLY one.
I miss that sooo much and I only felt that with him. Now, our children are growing up and about to send our oldest two off to college in a couple of years and I long for that closeness once again.
I reside in the south and he in the north. He would rather I come there....and I would rather he come here.
Maybe one day we will figure this thing out.....
In the meantime whenever I see the street lights begin to power up...or I am in my backyard and the fireflies begin to glow...I long for a better day and simpler times...when double dutch would prove who the baddest b*tch was on the block....and hop scotch was prove of agility...popping wheelies on your bike and how fast and hard you threw the dodge ball earned you respect at least 4 streets over......
And that special man who bring these memories into retrospect.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
A Cougar...WTF!!
Here is a small listing of cougar characteristic:
"Cougars are obligate, opportunistic carnivores, meaning that their diet is principally meat..."
"They are also adept at hunting smaller animals.."
"Solitary hunters, cougars depend on stalking and ambush, tactics employed to take down prey often 7 times their size."
Ok...so here is an article I read regarding the characteristics of a cougar "woman" let me know what you think about this type of labeling.
Top 5 Characteristics of a Cougar Woman
There's a society of older women out there that can be called Cougars. Typically, they are 40 or older.
Says Valerie Gibson, author of Cougar, A Guide for Older Women Dating Younger Men, "When it first appeared, "Cougar" was a derogatory term---It is still a "derogatory term" aimed at an older woman who was in a bar, perhaps had had too much to drink and was approaching younger men."
That is not the case anymore. Today, a Cougar woman is admired and desirable--Now I can agree with this statement, however, the admiration and desire stems from the fact that 1) when a younger man is approached by or is approaching an older woman he is generally thinking..."sexual experience and she has her OWN money".
Here are five characteristics of a Cougar woman.
1. Cougar women desire younger men.
We've heard of older men who desire younger women. Well, Cougar women desire younger men. If she's 45, she may date someone who is 30. If she's 75, she may date someone who is 50. It's not hard for Cougar women to date younger men these days. Younger men are pushing the trend, and we can also see it with some celebrity women. Says Valerie Gibson, "It's cool to date an older woman today." I must say I have dated a few younger men and it was nothing more than the obvious. For me...dating a much younger man is as much a chore as dating a much older man. You have to pacify, pet, baby, be too understanding...blah blah blah. They are asking "where are you going" and "when are you going to be back". This can cause a great strain on an older woman and esp if she has children from a previous relationship. So I would have to tag this as a "teacher/student" experience. Lawd!
2. Cougar women have positive self images and care about the way they look.
3. Cougar women are independent.
A Cougar woman is single and independent. However, there are women out on the scene, such as Halle Berry or Demi Moore, that are routinely called Cougars, even though they are married to or live with younger men. What's important is that Cougar women are financially independent. They don't need a man to take care of them. It depends on how you define "needing a man". IF one is referring to this in a financial aspect and you got it going on like that then yeah, you can "go and get" without anyone questioning your spending habit. However, IF one is referring to the sexual aspect of the NEED...then I'm sorry I do NEED a man. Period.
4. Cougar women like sex.
Cougar women like sex and they know that sex does not die after a certain age. Says Valerie Gibson, "In the past, as women grew older they were pushed aside or widowed, and they stayed that way. Controlled by a history of puritan religion and other influences on society, sexual older women were feared or avoided." A Cougar woman has sex, enjoys sex and ignores negative attitudes that may exist that says that older women should not have sex. Nuff said.
5. Cougar women don't seek children, cohabitation or commitment.
A Cougar woman wants to enjoy your life without the expectation that she has to get married or live with someone. She may have children, but chances are those children are grown. A cougar woman's life is not dependent on whether or not she has a mate Companionship is more like it. I say this because being a woman, there is much to consider when you start dating a man much younger esp if you have children as previously mentioned above. If YOU have children and HE doesn't, he will eventually challenge your loyalty and attention. If HE is by some means worth the time and effort to consider a commented relationship...then you may have to consider the possibility of having a child for him (sigh) AND dealing with the possibility of losing ALL that weight again which btw will be even more challenging due to the fact that your metabolism has decreased by 10% since you were 20 y/o and all of your other "cougar" friends are out having fun and vacationing whilst you are stuck in the house because your little one is teething and your "younger half" is out kicking it with his boys cause YOU are trying to be his mother!! WHEW!! I just have some dear friends who thought it was a good idea to go this route....wooo thank GOD my baby is 10 y/o!
So my question is what is an older man called when dating a much younger woman? A pervert?
Trying to make the "BEST" decision...
As I sit here at my desk awaiting the next "crisis" to occur...I am also studying. Yes, studying...well let me back track a lil bit. Originally, my "plan" was to add additional credentials to my career goal in the Petroleum industry but thanks to BP, careers in certain positions are hanging by a string. So, I have decided to enter into a RN program. Um...yeah, I can be compassionate and caring plus the money is great and the career opportunities does not have a glass ceiling--right?
I have always been a good student...nothing to brag about but for the most part...a good student. So I am feeling pretty good about "this" career choice : ) My children seem to think it is pretty cool too and for some reason they figure they can get a "doctor's note" at the drop of a dime hmmmm. NOT!! Lol. So, I will definitely keep you posted on how things are going.
I kinda have my schedule planned out for the next three semesters...ok
Fall 2010--Psyc 2314 Human Growth and Dev; Biol 2401 Anatomy & Physiology I, refresher Biol I (info will be on the H.E.S.I. Assessment Test)
Spring2011--Biol 2402 Anatomy & Physiology II; Fine Arts Elective (to have at least 7 hrs)
in April take the H.E.S.I Exam, submit application
Summer 2011--Pharmacology
I hope that my journey will inspire some of you to not just hold a position. As "life" is swiftly changing...we too have to make adjustments and be diligent about our decisions. Right now...I am sleepy but I have a shift to complete AND I am getting a head up on studying before class actually starts. I am about to go walk around a bit to stretch my legs and maybe catch a breeze of humid air outdoors. Hey, if you are in the field and have any advise...hit me up.
Peace
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