Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Congrats to my Mama!! (a whole month later)

So we ventured out to LA back in October and had a ball!!  The weather was perfect, the traffic was ehhh but the palm trees made it all better and we made it to Roscoe's!!!  And most importantly, my mom and a couple of her friends finished the Half marathon!!!  I was so happy for them and my mom was too funny when they called her name as she crossed the finish line! lol! Of course Cayden was in tow and enjoyed himself as always, he made it to the cockpit and took over the controls as usual.  He loooveeessss airplanes so I was just as excited as he was!  Here are a few pics from our escape.  Oh yeah, we made it on the TMZ tour too...too bad we didn't see anyone and the weather dropped 10 degrees within 20 minutes and I was freezing!  Luckily they had blankets for us :-)
At the Finish Line!! 




We ventured into the Hollywood Hills to crab a flick of the Los Angeles skyline and the houses we saw were a DREAM!  You also saw a lot of security gates and tour vans but it was worth the drive to capture such a breathtaking photo.  I had to get a picture of my palm trees, I'm going to find a way to plant one in my backyard lol  Traveling is one of my passions and I wish one day I can do it and get paid for and take my family along for all the experiences.  I like to get away from the daily routines from time to time and just relax.  Cayden was definitely a trooper and I made sure I took him to the Children's museum out there which is really nice, Mr Bones Pumpkin patch where he could go inside the gate to feed the animals.  I was more nervous than he was and of course he tried to sit and lay on the goat.  My baby loves animals lol!  I have include some pics in the Cayden's corner section of my blog.




Thursday, October 10, 2013

Tell Em' Kanye!!

I have found yet another interview proving why Kanye is so dope!  Yeah Yeah Yeah he is always in his feelings and overly emotional but when you really believe in what you are speaking and doing it gets frustrating when others try to downplay you and take you for a joke.  I really understand what he is getting people to try to see but like he said society and the media has warped our brains into thinking totally different.  Racism has evolved into class-ism which happened years and years ago but it's now coming back around.  I loved the example he used about women buying overly expensive bags to feel like they are better than the next person when having a lot of nice things doesn't equal to you having a good quality of life.  That is sooo true!  Now, he never said having nice things was wrong but when you get these things to make yourself feel above the next, that is where the line is drawn.  I agree with him that quality time with your family is the ultimate having EVERYTHING and having the best quality of life. 



Skip to 1:45 to start with Kanye...this is also part 2 of the full interview.  Kanye has what a lot of people lack now days and that is...pure PASSION

Friday, September 27, 2013

Shameless Maya ... +++++ Energy

So this chic is like my virtual BFF!!  I sooo love her and I stalk her youtube page looking out for all her new videos lol #dontjudgeme.  I just love her energy and like she says she isn't perfect but she is always looking to inspire others to live their life on purpose and shamelessly.  Below is her latest video about how she stays positive and it was so on point!  I have definitely done a lot of these things but sometimes it takes one bad circumstance to throw you off your high energy horse :-(  Be sure to check out all her videos and you can see her transformation from her Day 1 of 365 days of living shameless.  It's just amazing how you can change your life by taking action and focusing, this is what inspired me because I actually watched her transform herself and her life, literally one day at a time...ok maybe one week at a time lol



I've pulled out my journal I keep in my purse to jot down a few new goals and I have to pray daily to remain focused.  The thing that throws me off is when I'm on the right track and someone or something just throws me for a loop and I'm like WTF did I do???  Then I go on this negative vindictive rant in my head and plotting out my revenge then I'm back to my confused state of mind!  Did I mention I'm a cancer....we forget NOTHING.  But I'm working on that....

Rome was not built in a day lol!  Enjoy and Happy Friday!!

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Kanye & Zane Lowe Interview...GOOD SHIT

I love Kanye West!  No matter how over the top he is, he always speaks his truth and truth in general.  His timing may be off at times but he says what needs to be heard but because media curbs what is put out it's always a big uproar.  We are afraid to ruffle some feathers, myself included that's why at the end of the day I can respect Kanye.  This interview was really good!  He's just a passionate guy trying to keep people aware of what's REALLY going on in society.  We have so many negative distractions to take our focus off of the lies that are being fed to us.



"That's the main thing people are controlled by, their perception of themselves.  They're slowed down by their perception of themselves"

This statement was so true!  If you feel you can't do anything, you will NOT do anything and we have to challenge ourselves daily to do something we thought we could not do.  Even down to the smallest things...

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

You have to Listen to Yourself....










Mater Mea plug again...i really like Hannan's interview!  A lot of times I feel I can't pursue certain things since being a parent is my first priority but reading her interview and she has THREE boys I know I can do it.  She clearly says it's not easy but it's worth it and it makes you an even happier parent.  It's just so scary getting out of your cubicle life and having to go after what's uncertain.

Friday, August 30, 2013

August 28th: 50th Anniversary of MLK March On Washington


I'm sooo glad I was able to be apart of history and be apart of it with my family!  My boo was at work so he missed out but he was definitely there in spirit lol  The festivities were really nice and inspiring despite the little bit of rain we endured throughout the day.  I was so glad I was able to hear the 3 presidents speak as well as Dr King's son and sister.  Everyone was really nice, we even met some new folks from New Jersey and we felt like we had known them for years.  It was just amazing to me how 50 years later Dr King's dream was realized in some aspects especially that a black president was speaking on the milestone anniversary of his Dream speech.  Like many menitoned that day, we clearly have a ways to go but we have seen progress and we just have to stay on top of the younger generation to not digress.  Things are slowloy looking like they are going backwards from the lack of enthusiasm, discipline and drive that some of the youth display, the Trayvon Martin Case definitely showed that we are still fighting for equal rights and they have just gotten a little more savy with the way they discriminate.  But if we band together and show them we are serious we can make progress and realize Dr King's FULL dream!  My father was out there looking SHARP representing for the men in his suit.  I saw a picture on FB where it had Dr King and all the other leaders of his time marching 50 years ago in their suits and the caption was "when they took us seriously" then the picture below was the youth of today with their pants hanging down showing boxers and ass with the caption reading "why they don't take us seriously now"....so my Dad being in his suit was definitely making a statement.  I had a great time and there were all different races, religions, age groups united for the same cause! 









Tuesday, August 20, 2013

This Year...wheeew!

As I turned 30 this year I can definitely say all my 30 years of lessons, speeches from my parents, situations I've watched on the outside etc. were put to use all throughout this year!  I guess I have been making conscious decisions to do things different regardless if people agree or not and have been actually taking action for a change that I am seeing all these different scenarios arise.  It's definitely scary since I've been one to stick to the norm, the safe and not do or say things for peace sake but in the end I was the one suffering.  So now that I have been looking at conflict as a positive and as a way to move forward I realize not everyone can handle genuine honesty.  I think our culture has changed to just keeping things looking good on the outside no matter how damaged they are on the inside.  I know I had been living like that for a while, nobody wants people to be upset with them or to make people feel uncomfortable but at some point things have to be done or we will be stuck being bitter and complaining to everyone else BUT the person who needs to know.

I also realized a lot of people don't self examine themselves so when things are brought to their attention it's devastating or they feel it's you just because you have been the ONLY one to care enough to mention what you see.  I feel one should be able to express how they feel as long as their motives are good and it is done in a respectful manner.  A lot of people can give criticism but when it's time to take it you see a whole different person come out.  But that is definitely not stopping me.  I found myself becoming a little bitter some years back because I would hold soooooo much in just to be sure I didn't ruffle any feathers but at the end of the day I was being affected then my thoughts because my outward actions. 

This post is really random but let's just try to keep it real with each other...like REALLY real, a lot of people claim they are real until it comes down to being real with themselves. 

Thursday, August 8, 2013

EBONY: Trayvon Martin

Be sure to pick up a copy of the new Ebony mag!  There are 4 different covers and they are all realllly nice.  I never posted anything in reference to the verdict for the Trayvon Martin case because I was beyond pissed, disturbed, disappointed and many other emotions.  The blatant racism was just ridiculous and it sent a very powerful message as to what our society is about.  We still have a long way to go and it begins WITH US!  If we don't treat ourselves with respect, what message are we sending to every other race???  But it's all a set up because the laws were never meant to protect us and media is made to give us false images and to those who have no guidance, it's slowly killing our race away.  I just hope this situation doesn't gradually be forgotten about because there are laws that really need to be adjusted and updated!  I just feel so bad for Trayvon's parents and they are being very strong and handling this situation with so much grace and class.  I know they are doing their work behind the scenes to get justice or to be sure this NEVER happens again.  Like Oprah said, this is the modern day Emmitt Teal case.  We need to really wake up and pay attention to what is going on.  Stop focusing on shoes, clothes, swag, poppin bottles and "looking good" because none of that stuff gets us anywhere in the long run.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

MATER MEA: Celebrates Motherhood


Just wanted to share one of my newest favorite sites Mater Mea !!!  I first saw this site on twitter through a RT and since then I have been in love!  I look forward to the bi weekly posts they put up and when I forward the links to my friends I start out with "NEW MOM ALERT" lol  Oh wait....what is Mater Mea about??  Sorry lol  This site highlights awesome moms, normally in the NY area who are being amazing moms who have had or are having great careers and overcoming many obstacles along the way.  Some of the moms may have been a career woman than chose to be stay at home moms after their children came along.  The moms, the kids, the wording, the photography just everything is great!  Since I'm a fairly new mom (my baby is 18 months TODAY, check out Cayden's Corner on my blog) #shamelessplug back to the topic, I love anything dealing with being a better mom, inspiration from other moms, children, creativity for children and allowing them to be themselves.  I feel in order for that to happen they have to SEE you at your very best and see you work hard.  We can tell them what to do until we are blue in the face but if we don't take action where they can emulate it, the message does not resonate the same.  No mom is perfect and we all have our bad days but that is also apart of the lessons we can teach them.  We will never get everything right but as long as we pick up and keep moving forward things will work out.

There are so many inspiring stories from young moms to middle aged moms so there is something for everyone!  I'm always tweeting them especially on Mondays lol!  When I initially found the site I read through all the posts that I had missed in one day.  Be sure to check out this great site!  Hopefully one day I can write for them or even be featured because I am surely one heck of a mom and I am in a transitional phase in my personal life so who knows where I'm on my way to.

Thanks again Mater Mea for changing the game up with POSITIVE MEDIA!!

Kelly Cutrone...love her!

Found this old interview of Kelly Cutrone talking about her book "If You Have to Cry, Go Outside" and she makes some really good points!  I first saw her on The Hills and she was no nonsense and very cut throat!  But like she says in her interview you have to be stern, strong and not a cry baby when you are trying to be successful.

I loved her description of how Disney kind of molds the mindset of girls to become a princess, marry and have babies.  And that once you do that sometimes you still aren't happy and have no clue who you are.  Grant it, this process works for a lot of people and others obtain it and think they will see fireworks and live happily ever after but they really look up like "what's next"....Her point about not having to do things in order can still have benefits is so true!  We should teach our young girls how to be strong and live for YOURSELF, not for your parents, not strictly for the money but do what you actually LIKE to do.  You will never have an 100% approval rating so why even try to get that because no one knows YOU better than who else...YOU!



She can be kind of cut throat but I agree with some of her points and like what she is trying to do as far as talking to young girls and bring awareness to various causes all over the country.  I purchased her book "Normal Gets you Nowhere" a couple weeks ago and I'm sure I will enjoy.  I have to finish my current read "And the Mountains Echoed", which is great, then I can listen to Kelly curse me out and tell me how much of a whimp I am lol




Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Melody Ehsani & Reebok

I soooo love these shoes and I just copped my pair!!  Melody is a jewelry designer who is teaming up with Reebok for a second time releasing the "M.E. Betwixt Mid" sneaker.  These shoes are limited editions and I missed the last pair that came out and they were fiyaahh too!  I looove me a nice sneaker that can be worn forever and with almost anything lol  The shoes are available for presale on her website and will be available in selected stores on August 2nd.

I am always in support of a good cause and something with meaning behind it, I know they still are making money but you get my drift lol, the LOVE on the toe of the sneaker came from one of Melody's favorite quotes by Julie Walker "Love is the only nutrient in the world that can be expressed"....this is so true.  Love can heal and change many situations.  Melody and Reebok also teamed up to donate her entire personal design fee to a school for girls that helps fund their development and education.  There is also a quote in Melody's handwriting inside of the shoes that says :


"Competition is a myth, ain't nobody else like M.E.! Love is the only nutrient in the world that can be expressed.  If I wake up to who I am, I will accomplish miracles, because I choose to arise and be M.E.  Then will I shut off this voice that makes me think I am not....By the grace of God 'I will see myself' "

I soooo love this quote!!  Being as thought I'm in a stage where I'm really growing and working extremely hard to keep focused, this said everything I needed to hear.  Not saying this quote is the reason I bought the shoe, the shoe is just fxckn dope but the message is on point as well!!







Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Changing My Life One Day at A Time....

So it's Day 8 of me getting on the treadmill in the mornings before work!!  I think this is honestly the longest stretch of me sticking to exercising besides when I was younger and was in sporting activities.  I am so proud of myself and I actually look forward to getting on the treadmill each day.  I was going to try to do every other day but knowing me that one day off would throw me all the way off and have me making excuses.  So I just started off with an attainable goal which is do at least 10 minutes a day and do arm workouts twice a week in the evenings.  Starting with 10 minutes, now I have worked myself up to 16 minutes and yes I run the entire time on an incline!!  Now that I have gotten to 16 minutes, 10 minutes is a breeze for me.  I have a purpose for doing this which is why I have stuck with it.  My purpose is definitely not to lose weight lol but to get my metabolism going, get my brain moving and my private time to meditate and talk to God.  When I say I can see a drastic improvement in my productivity at work and even in the evenings when I get home I'm not ready to pass out as soon as I walk in the door.  I just feel better overall and I start my day off on a good note and that is usually how the day ends up.

I definitely have to talk to myself during those last few minutes on the treadmill because the back of my thighs get to burning lol  And I just tell myself, "you are jogging to your new life" "jogging to accomplish new goals" "jogging to those doors that God is waiting to open" "jogging to show God you are disciplined and ready for his blessing" and those statements help me push through.  I also keep the time covered up and occasionally I peek at it but I focus more on my thoughts than the actual act of exercising itself.  I have been involved in a lot more projects and been given more opportunities at work and I enjoy coming in.  I mentioned before that I had been looking for new jobs for foreverrrrr and nothing has came about and now our company seems to be reorganizing and I'm really liking what they are doing!  I know I don't want to work a 9-5 for the rest of my life but for now clearly this is where God wants me and I am going to take advantage of all opportunities and do my best and with a good attitude and we'll see where things go....

I'm really excited and I am going to continue what I'm doing, I've eliminated a lot of unnecessary situations out of my life and I feel so free!  Everything is a learning experience and I've definitely learned a lot of lessons so now it's time to take action and DO ME!

The Little Things...

I love this pic!  It's actually a screen shot of a video of my guys racing each other...already! lol  It's the little things that kids remember and that create an everlasting bond between them and their parents.  Of course, they like the "things" we buy but really can you remember EVERY thing your parent bought you??  There are those couple items that we just had to have and probably remember but what we remember the most from our childhood are the memories made together.  Los and I always are creating memories together and with our guy and he is theeee best father hands down!!  No, I don't post pics of him all over my social media sites every time we do something together or every time he does something nice.  Everything is not for everybody and some people really don't care they just want to have something to talk about, I also feel certain parts of our lives should remain intimate and I am a very private person when it comes to my family.  Like Fab said "Ya'll could say whatever, just don't bring the family up"....
Some need to validate themselves and get comments from people everyday but when it's real and you are secure you don't need anyone's approval but each others.  I am really grateful to have these two awesome guys in my life...Boogy too lol and I wouldn't trade them in for anything even though they work my nerves from time to time but we all need some excitement here and there! :-)  Spend time with your kids because time waits for no one and you definitely don't want to look up and your kids are 16 and you are wondering why the relationship is non existent...relationships don't just "happen" when they are teens those relationships are building through their childhood and children may forget the things you buy but they will never forget the way you made/make them feel....

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Great Interview!!

With Jay Z of course!!  I left his name out of my post title for those who are tired of my Jay Z obsession lol  But really....this is a great interview!!  Elliott Wilson is a great interviewer!!  They talk about almost everything instead of the basic questions that most people ask.  You can tell he has studied Jay and knows a lot about different topics to keep the convo going.  They touch on Obama, Trayvon Martin in which Jay called Zimmerman a "fxckn mall cop" LOL his anxieties about being a Dad, RocNation Sports etc.  They say study the greats and Jay Z is definitely one of the greats all around.  I admire is business mind so much!

I hope you enjoy!!  #FACTSONLY





Wednesday, June 26, 2013

I'm Making Progress....

.....now if I will just discipline myself to keep moving forward!  These tweets were right on time.  If you have been reading my blogs for the THREE years that I've been blogging, you can see that I've been trying to make changes for the better and getting out of my comfort zone.  In the process I have done that but then I run back to my comfort zone if I get anxious.  It is definitely a cycle that I have been in for so long which has led me nowhere so I have been sloooooooooooowly breaking the cycle.

Last week I joined the employee committee at my job and I am also a head of the Events subcommittee.  I also joined with a group who are majority new hires and a few old employees but not many.  So I am forced to be involved and alone without anyone I'm too familiar with.  We have started a book club and a philanthropy group.  Everyone is really cool and I'm looking forward to stepping out there.  I also joined a kickball league which takes place on the National Mall *bites nails*....I don't know ANYONE besides one co worker who just started at my job so this will be ummmm different. lol  But the games are only one day a week, no practice just pure fun and we hang out for a little while after the games if we want to. 

I am on my way to become the best me and I can't stay stuck in my same routines.  I know there will be a day where I look back and laugh at how fear held me hostage for so long.  I know for a fact this won't be forever.


Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Seven Sevyn....Magna Carta Holy Grail

My birthday is almost hereeeeee!  July 7th and Jay Z has decided to gift me a great gift for my 30th!!!  His new album!!  During the Spurs game...by the way my Spurs are take it all tonight...Jay had a 3 minute commercial showing him in the studio working on the new album!  He has some of the greatest collaborating with him so I know it's going to be dope!  He's actually releasing it to Samsung note users on July 4th and the first 1 million people get a free download then he release it to the public 72 hours later...which is MY BIRTHDAY!!!  Jay Z is definitely changing the game with this one....Samsung has already bought 1 million copies which is why they are giving away those for free and they say that totals up to $5 million off the break for Jay Z.  This is why I admire Jay, he is always coming up with new ways to stay relevant and get that CASHHH (in my Juicy J voice).....


Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Q.U.E.E.N

"even if makes others uncomfortableeeee....i will love who i am"



Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu DID DAT! lol  I was definitely partying at my desk and this is going to be on repeat!  They picked the perfect two for this song because they do them and do it well!  Janelle Monae's flow at the end was crazy even though it probably went over a lot of people's head.... 

...no no the booty don't lie....oh nooo the booty don't lieeee


Hump Day Motivation!

I wanted to share a few tweets from Freshalina's twitter from last night that were exactly what I needed at that exact moment!  I think I have finally figured out the service that God wants me to give and I was researching schools to improve my skills and get certified.  Of course, my mind got to running and coming up with all of the obstacles of why I could not do it then I "mind checked" lol myself and came up with the positives.  The tweet about not being able to get a job was sooo on point!  I have been applying to jobs for almost 6 years and I have not got a new one or even a damn interview!!  I'm like I know I have what it takes so what's the problem!  Not that I am complaining about my current job because I am definitely blessed but once you feel there is nothing more to learn or even contribute it's time to make a change.  Getting turned down for job after job definitely gets your creative juices flowing and I lost my creative mindset once I got settled into my normal routines and being comfortable for a while.

So I prayed and prayed, revamped resume after resume, applied to jobs in different fields made creative cover letters...the whole 9!  I heard God say create your OWN and get out and give.  I also think about Jay Z who I loveee so much for his business sense and everything else he stands for lol  How no one would sign him so he went out and did his own thing and hasn't looked back since.  Then for a while I was stuck at what I could do that would give back and be fulfilling for myself and afford me a flexible lifestyle.  I see that God did not want me to get stuck in the 9-5 rat race because I know if I was to get a big promotion or a new job it would be even harder for me to walk away and do what I'm really meant to do because of comfort and convenience.  Not to say anything is going to be easy but it's worth it.

Just thought I'd share for anyone who is at a hard spot between their normal routine and going for their dreams, ask any successful person if their road to success was easy and I'm sure you will get a HELL NO!  So go for it and trap up those boots and get ready for the journey :-)

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Day on the MALL

Who said black folks don't have picnics on the mall???!  We do and we had us a good time!  We had a nice and fun day out on Saturday to enjoy the weather and we will definitely be making a habit out this.  Cayden had a ball and he loved his chair that his Mi Mi bought him :-))  Boogy was in tow of course but he wasn't feeling being on his leash.  We packed up the cooler, Los is definitely a boyscout so he was prepared lol  We had lemonade, iced tea, sandwiches, salad, potato salad, chicken and green beans!  oh and of course music...Cayden had a ball running around and people watching.  We saw tons of dogs, other kids and families, bike riders amateur football players and of course the usual tourists.  Just had to share a few pics from our day out.  To put the icing on the cake we had crabs with my cousin at her house after our day on the Mall...yummy!  SPRING IS HERE!!

Friday, April 26, 2013

The Past is Done...Give what you wish to receive


Alex is always on the ONE!  This post was nothing but the truth and I had never heard this quote until today.  I always thought that our childhood and past can really affect our future but this quote opened my mind to see differently.  Not to say that the past plays no part in our actions but the past does not have to cripple you if you want to have a better future.  If one has not received love, they may not know how to express it or may be a little reserved on when to give it in fear of not being hurt or rejected but the more love you give the more you will receive!  If we hold on to what we didn't get or have, we hold back all the good we can get NOW.  So why have a loveless past, present and future??  It will take time to open up and let down walls but intuition never steers you in the wrong direction.  There will be heart breaks, hurt feelings and disappointments but that happens to everyone.  Just use those times as lessons and move on and get back to giving as Russell Simmons would say! :-)

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Ideas Please

I've been thinking hard lately about my students I tutor...current and old students.  I reeeally enjoy the kids, they are hilarious and it makes me feel good giving back to the younger generation.  But it's bitter sweet because each student is awarded a certain number of hours through the program I work through so once their hours are done I no longer tutor them.  Unless they get more hours in the future.  Of course, all my kids have my number so they can call or text me whenever but I was trying to think of a way where I can still get together with all my kids from time to time.  They vary in ages so I don't know how to incorporate them all.  Also, I don't have a lot of spare time being a mommy and working with the new students that I get.  But I really enjoy the kids and they seem so disappointed when I tell them it will be our last day tutoring.  It definitely makes me feel good to know I have influenced them in so little time.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Revenge...Let It Go

Ok God!  I hear you...LOUD AND CLEAR!  I've been praying lately for God to help me to discern my voice from his in my head as well as the courage to actually LISTEN, not only HEAR what He's telling me.  Boy did he work fast on that request.  I am a terrible over thinker so I'm always in my own head which is where the difficulty comes when trying to Listen to God's guidance.

 Lately there are a couple situations that have come back to my mind that I had written off and moved on from.  They have been in my mind heavy and to the point where I want(ED) to seek my own revenge.  When people do or say things that I feel aren't right, I don't forget!  I may move on and it will not be anything that bothers me but when a situation comes up those actions pop right back in my head.  It gets to me even more when I know things or have ways where I could get revenge on that person at any moment.  I'm not an angel but one thing I don't like to do is intentionally hurt anyone's feelings or worse so I get mad at myself because I feel I bite my tongue too much when I know a person is really weak but do things to portray otherwise.

Yesterday, we went to church...at 8am might I add lol  there was a guest preacher and part of his message spoke on LEARNING TO FORGET!  This was the day after I prayed for God to help me to hear and LISTEN to his guidance.  The preacher was saying how many of us can't forget anything and most of the times we replay one thing in our head thousands of times which magnifies that one wrong doing and makes it feel like the person is constantly doing this thing to us.  He also said we need to learn to forget and let God handle them and sometimes he'll allow you to watch them get dealt with by him.  Seeking our own revenge only takes away from our blessings and I can not allow that to happen.  I am very blessed and I have to be sure to keep what's important in the forefront of my thoughts.

THENNN...this morning I was watching an interview on the breakfast club and Terence Howard was on the show speaking on a movie that he's working on that has to do with REVENGE.  Once I heard that, I immediately logged into blogspot and got to typing!  He said: "Revenge is violence against your own soul"  and he also said you end up having to apologize in the long run so why do it in the beginning.  People end up suffering worse when you let time handle them.  Lord knows it's not easy but I can say I will make a conscious effort to stop replaying things in my mind, I have to be a conscious thinker or else my thoughts will have me doing and saying all types of crazy mess!

Just thought I'd share because I know we all want to get pay back but most times, that pay back doesn't feel as good once it's done.





Thursday, February 21, 2013

Getting Back to the Basics...

I saw this post on FB a few minutes ago and thought it was a great post to blog about...with the killings of the two high school boys in the area over the past few days this was right on time!  Kids priorities are so messed up now days, everything is tied to what "image" can be portrayed and how much stuff can I acquire.  Don't get me wrong, EVERYONE loves nice things....I know I do!  But the focus everyday should not be how can I get those things and as a parent we have to be careful what we focus on because that will be the same things our kids grow up to put value on.  We get our kids used to name brand everything, expensive this and swagged out that then when they are too spoiled to get up and work hard on their own to buy these things they will do whatever it takes to keep up with the flashy lifestyle we've made them accustomed to.  I can say I have been guilty of this with my son, not necessarily putting a focus on name brand clothing but I do LOVE shoes and nice clothes.  But I can say all nice clothes are NOT expensive and I am a BARGAIN SHOPPER!  Now I know for a fact my son has no clue as to what he is wearing and I will never tell him "go get your Jordans out the closet" because he doesn't need to know what Jordans are at 1 but I like them.  I know as parents we want the best for our kids but is it really necessary??  For me, I'm a shoe fanatic...I like clothes but I LOVE shoes!  But will I stand in line for some...HELL NO!  Have I in the past when I was a teen...ABSOLUTELY!  But now days it's becoming deadly just to have on the latest pair of sneakers.  Everyone has also become obsessed with their kids being "swagged out"....we are allowing the tv and videos dictate what "cool" is for ourselves and kids.  Half the people on tv we are trying to keep up with don't spend a dime on anything they have on!!  It's free promotion for the labels and brands when they GIVE these people all the expensive things we see.  But here we are breaking the bank, maxing out credit cards just to keep up with a person who actually HAS the money to buy what they want but they are smart enough to just take what's FREE.

We need to get back to the basics of teaching character, integrity, love and values.  When you have all those things in order...the "things" will come and they won't be as much of a big deal because on the inside you feel even better than you look on the outside.  In church on Sunday, the pastor spoke on having character over looking good on the outside.  There are a lot of people who attain success that people dream of but their character doesn't allow them to stay there or fully enjoy it.  That's why people end up bankrupt, strung out on drugs, etc.  They thought being able to attain things would bring them eternal happiness and once they realize that is farthest from the truth they become sad and depressed.  Then it's like "now what"???  So raising "spoiled kids" is not always what's best...they become bored with all the things they get and can become very unappreciative if that's all the focus is on because they just expect it.  They aren't taught how to work for it and that this is not what's important but only a bi product of hard work and dedication.  Let's focus on education, helping others and loving each other as is...not by what one looks like or is wearing.  Instead of posting pics of our kids in their new outfit or new shoes, let's see pictures of that report card or them working hard at the table doing homework and reading a book!  There are a lot of dumb and ignorant people who hide behind their appearance and image so as the saying goes DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE! 

Just pray for me and my shoes fetish :-)  Yes, I'm guilty but I will definitely do better!

Be sure to check out Scotty Scott's FB page!!  He has some really great thought provoking perspectives!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Embrace Emotion

" Stop pretending that I have it all together and if I'm scared be scared...allow it...release it...move on"

I loved when Beyonce' said this in one of her vlogs she shared during her interview with Oprah.  This is so me!  Sometimes we try to be so strong that we don't allow ourselves to identify with our emotions.  We definitely should not dwell on fear but acknowledging that is there and why can help with the process of overcoming it.  I'm trying to work on this DAILY...

Friday, February 15, 2013

Betseyyyyy

Love me some Betseyyyyy!!!  I came across this pic when I was looking for the shoes she is wearing and I had to share!  All of her pictures, fashions and clothes exude FUN!  She is an older woman but will still do a split without notice!  Not sure what's up with the mini Betsey but that's her....unpredictable!

DO YOU!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Shout out to my newest Valentine!!  I looove my little rockstar with everything I have!  I never really got caught up in the hype of Vday but I do feel you should use it as an EXTRA day to express genuine love.  The true definition which is: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
                                 Love never fails
I am definitely blessed to be able to experience Valentine's Day everyday with my Man and my Prince...oh yeah and Boogy (our dog) lol  So today I will be cooking dinner, sipping some wine and dancing to some music with my family!  I was thinking about taking Cayden to Chuck E. Cheese buuut I think we'll stay in for tonight.  Enjoy your Valentine's Day and I hope you put your reservations in early!! LOVE YA'LL....

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Shoegasm...Adidas Harlem GLC

So I have to have these in my life!!  I've always loved sneakers!  I have thrown boots and heels into the rotation but I can never get enough of a dope pair of kicks.  Teyana Taylor is coming out with her first sneaker through Adidas and they are hot!!  I'm happy for her and her success...she has always been in the industry but more of a behind the scenes person.  She is now under Kanye's G.O.O.D label and seems to be doing very well.  But just thought I'd share the video with her talking about the shoe and so you can see what they look like.



Yay or Nay??

I know I'll be making that trip to the Georgetown Adidas store to grab me up a pair....

Go MEEEEE...

I know this post is so random but I was just thinking about things in general and I just realized I have been to church 2 Sundays this month!  The only reason I missed church the one other Sunday of the month is because Cayden was sick.  I said I was going to try to go to church regularly this year and I'm starting off pretty good.

I know who cares lol

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

GROUPthink....

Group Think
They Play it safe
Are quick to assassinate what they do not understand....
They move in packs
Ingesting more and more fear with every act of hate on one another....
They feel most comfortable in groups
Less guilt to swallow
They are us
This is what we have become
Afraid to respect the individual
A single person within a circumstance can move one to change....
To love herself
To Evolve

~ E. Badu

I've always loved me some Erykah!  This pictures is one of my favessss!  She reminds me of myself, I love colors and sneakers are a girl's best friend! #phuckyopumps :-))  Back when she released Window Seat she had a "group think" awareness movement going, mainly on twitter, and I thought it was sooo true and also interesting.  She would ask people what their definition of group think was and all her followers gave so many good answers.

We have all been guilty of group think and sometimes still are apart of it.  Growing up, we are taught by schools and other places how to act, dress and talk in order to be successful.  How to look to get a job or to be accepted by the "heavy hitters" and sometimes that image is not who we really are but it's who we need to be in order to gain what others feel is success.  So as you get older you tend to lean towards what the "group" is doing...the group who seems to be HOT but when that gets old you have to change to still be accepted by the new "it" group or hot trend.  At some point enough is enough....it becomes stressful because in that moment you think well what about me???  What do I like, how do I feel and who am I?  Oftentimes we know who we are but the fear of not being accepted keeps you going down a path that you know is not genuine to YOU!  No one wants to be standing alone but if standing alone means you have been true to yourself then do just that!  There will definitely be replacements for those who have walked away and the new replacements will like you for the real you.

It seems social media has created the new age high school popularity contest amongst late 20s and 30 somethings....it's crazy to me the types of things I see on social media and most people do this all for the sake of some "likes" and ego boosting commentary.  While those same people are the main ones saying the total opposite off social media.  Social media was initially started for networking, keeping in contact and pure fun but now it seems to have become a sport and everyone wants to be apart of the GROUP.  It's even gotten so bad that if you simply don't push the "like" button then you have all of a sudden become the biggest hater in the world.  Nope my dear, some people may actually be OUT LIVING their lives and just didn't see your picture or they could have genuinely not liked the picture and that is ok...

I am striving to live a genuine life from here on out and be true to me and what I believe.  I know I have not always done that in the past.  When you are apart of a group it's hard to not pick up habits and thoughts of others and act in ways you normally wouldn't act if you were separate.  All things are not meant to be understood but as E. Badu says things and people who are misunderstood so often get assassinated.  And the assassination is done by those who barely know themselves but have cheerleaders to make them feel as if they do but being real with ourselves is not a big deal anymore as long as others like who we are on the outside.  I want to live a life showing my son that he can dress how he wants, state how he feels...respectfully, be himself regardless and be happy.  So the next time we are about to comment on the person who looks different or turn our nose up to the person who is down on their luck remember it could be you or once was you...step outside of the group or at least get your GROUP to continue to be individuals and respect others who choose to do just that.

LIVE....love....Laugh

Friday, January 4, 2013

Happy New Yearrr!!

Yeah yeah i know i'm 4 days late...#sueme! lol

But really it's a new year and the time to see all the gym's packed and all the changes people plan to make will be flooding...or have flooded or social networking timelines!  Am I lying???

I've never been one to set new year's resolutions because it's a set up for disappointment and it's too much pressure.  The one time you get off track with a resolution you tend to give up and revert back to your old ways.  So I think we all should set goals for ourselves throughout the year and just keep striving to reach them.  I know one of my goals is to just take my life and my family's life to the next level.  Now that is in all areas, spiritually, mentally, physically and financially.  2012 was one of my best years with the birth of my Prince Cayden!  I can't believe he will be 1 years old in a month...time slow down PLEASE!  So most of last year was spent adapting and adjusting to motherhood, getting my body back (whoot whoot) lol and giving my all to my family life.  That will definitely continue to be my focus for 2013 but now that we pretty much have the swing of things I can get back to incorporating ME into the equation.  I now have better time management skills and a pretty good home life routine.  There are a lot of things that I let fall by the waist side that I want to get back to.  I also allowed non sense to consume me as well and that's a main goal of mine...STAY FOCUSED!  I can't let the opinions or actions of others get to me.  Minimizing my circle to those headed in the right direction and are focused on meaningful things...this will help me out for sure.

I'm not sure if any of you have set goals, resolutions etc. but just do your best and don't get discouraged if things don't go as planned.  No one is perfect!  Just be sure to regroup and get back on that path...try not to take life too seriously and give LOVE as much as possible!  Nothing is promised so be sure to enjoy whatever it is you set out to do! 

Smile often.....