I am trying to keep my eyes and ears open for blogging ideas if I am going to meet the challenge and blog every day this month. This came up in one of my face.book groups so I thought I would use it.
What is the best and most helpful advice that you have ever been given and who gave it to you ?
I think the best advice I ever got was from my great-grandmother Savannah (we named my oldest niece after her). It was pertaining to my relationship with my sister. She told us both " Never allow anything or anyone to come between you and your sister. You need to be there for one another no matter what." This advice came during a time when me and my sister were bickering and fighting all the time and fighting to become independent of one another, developing new friendships and our own way of doing things. We are only 14 months apart and we are very close now but when we were younger our personality differences and just the younger sister/older sister dynamic caused a lot of strife at times. End the end my great-grandmother was a wise woman. I have wonderful friends and have many great people in my life that support me, but my sister and her love and support for me throughout my life is unparalleled (besides my mother) and she has proven to my a very loyal and trusted confidant.
Here are some of the pieces of advice that others shared on the thread that I really liked.
"When you are going through Hell.....keep going" Easier said that done but no less true.
"Spend your money on experiences and not things." I have definitely learned to do this.
"No one ever wins an argument " Hmmm this is deep.
What's your best piece of advice ? Share in the comments !
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Showing posts with label blog challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blog challenge. Show all posts
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012
30 Blogs in 30 Days
There is some blog challenge going around the internet, a writer Aliya S King has challenged writers/bloggers to write 30 posts in 30 days so I am going to do my best to step up to the plate. Since this month has 31 days and this is just day two of the month I will start today & try to finish out the rest of the month.
What's on my mind right now..........How I wish I had more hours in the day to do what I want to do instead of what I have to do. How I wish I was independently wealthy or at least had my mortgage paid off so that I could work when I want to LOL. How I wish that I could financially bless people in my life that I see who are living in a way that makes me proud. How I wish I had more time for social networking, even when I spend what already amounts to ridiculous amounts of time on it anyway. I love Pin.terest, Face.book, Inst.agram, Twitter, Yelp and of course reading my favorite blogs & writing on my own blog. Not to mention The K.not which is quite the resource with all of this wedding planning as well as the numerous blogs I read by brides planning weddings. There are just not enough hours in the day ! Plus I have all these magazines that come in the mail that stack up & I feel guilty if I try to throw them away cause I don't have time to read them. I am addicted to the written word ! I wish I had more time. There is so much to see, learn, do, watch and experience. I want to live a life of leisure ! LOL But honestly, I am so very blessed that I have the type of life that gives me the opportunities that I do have. I don't work as "hard" as many people and I earn a "comfortable" income for what I do everyday. TiffanyinHouston wrote a post today about struggling that really made me think. I can honestly say that being raised by a single mom until I was 12, we did struggle. My biological father was not present and provided no financial support at all. I had two alcoholic grandparents so my mother's support system was not that great. I do have memories of having to eat beans towards the end of the month, having no furniture in our apartment for quite a while, our electricity getting turned off a few times, and my mom having to ask friends for gas money so that she could get to work. But my childhood was very happy and those situations were temporary. I was never trapped in poverty. My mother has always been a hard worker and very determined. She was a very involved and active parent and we always had fun with her. She taught me so much about faith and perseverance. My mom got married and she continued working hard to carve out a great life for me & my sister that led us to great educational opportunities which led to me having what I consider a very good life today. Yes, I have had disappointments in my life, divorce, daddy issues, infertility, financial setbacks, but honestly the things that I deal with are considered "first world problems" and I would not want to gamble and throw my life back into the water and take chance of pulling out something much more challenging. So tonight as I sit on my leather sofa, in my air conditioned home that I own, sipping a glass of vino, surfing the internet while my fiance is outside grilling our dinner, I think I am doing just fine.
What's on your mind ? Are you up to the challenge to blog for 30 days straight ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
What's on my mind right now..........How I wish I had more hours in the day to do what I want to do instead of what I have to do. How I wish I was independently wealthy or at least had my mortgage paid off so that I could work when I want to LOL. How I wish that I could financially bless people in my life that I see who are living in a way that makes me proud. How I wish I had more time for social networking, even when I spend what already amounts to ridiculous amounts of time on it anyway. I love Pin.terest, Face.book, Inst.agram, Twitter, Yelp and of course reading my favorite blogs & writing on my own blog. Not to mention The K.not which is quite the resource with all of this wedding planning as well as the numerous blogs I read by brides planning weddings. There are just not enough hours in the day ! Plus I have all these magazines that come in the mail that stack up & I feel guilty if I try to throw them away cause I don't have time to read them. I am addicted to the written word ! I wish I had more time. There is so much to see, learn, do, watch and experience. I want to live a life of leisure ! LOL But honestly, I am so very blessed that I have the type of life that gives me the opportunities that I do have. I don't work as "hard" as many people and I earn a "comfortable" income for what I do everyday. TiffanyinHouston wrote a post today about struggling that really made me think. I can honestly say that being raised by a single mom until I was 12, we did struggle. My biological father was not present and provided no financial support at all. I had two alcoholic grandparents so my mother's support system was not that great. I do have memories of having to eat beans towards the end of the month, having no furniture in our apartment for quite a while, our electricity getting turned off a few times, and my mom having to ask friends for gas money so that she could get to work. But my childhood was very happy and those situations were temporary. I was never trapped in poverty. My mother has always been a hard worker and very determined. She was a very involved and active parent and we always had fun with her. She taught me so much about faith and perseverance. My mom got married and she continued working hard to carve out a great life for me & my sister that led us to great educational opportunities which led to me having what I consider a very good life today. Yes, I have had disappointments in my life, divorce, daddy issues, infertility, financial setbacks, but honestly the things that I deal with are considered "first world problems" and I would not want to gamble and throw my life back into the water and take chance of pulling out something much more challenging. So tonight as I sit on my leather sofa, in my air conditioned home that I own, sipping a glass of vino, surfing the internet while my fiance is outside grilling our dinner, I think I am doing just fine.
What's on your mind ? Are you up to the challenge to blog for 30 days straight ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Day 30 The Goodness of His Grace & Mercy
The Final Day Challenge: A picture of yourself this day and 5 good things that happened since you started this challenge.
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| On Mother's Day with my family |
- Remember this post from over a year ago ? Well, last week literally the day after I wrote this, I was informed that my job will NOT be relocated from Houston. I will have a new desk in Sugarland (a suburb) but I will remain in my same position, working in the field, doing what I enjoy doing. Praise God ! He hears our prayers.
- Me and Mr. Mixologist got to spend 4 days together mixing business and pleasure in New Orleans our favorite city and did some wedding planning and had some fun. Still no date just yet, but we got to see two actual weddings at venues we were considering and nailed down some decisions for our wedding and we agreed on most everything.LOL
- Over this past holiday weekend, I got a random FB wall post from my step-daughter that read, "Just thought I would let you know that Si'Maya is now 12 lbs, 15 oz and 23 in..... and she says she loves you". I have not seen her or the baby since the day she was born and this made my heart smile.
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| My pretty granddaughter |
- My beautiful 11 year old niece Savannah graduated from 5th grade. I can still remember the smell of her milk breath. LOL. Amazing just how fast time marches on.
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| Happy Graduate & her teacher |
- I learned that if I set my mind right. I can do anything I want to do. This is the first 30 day blog challenge that I have ever actually finished in 4 years of blogging *smh* I know crazy right ?
What good has happened in your life in the last 30 days ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Day 29 My Hero
hero: a man (or woman) admired for his achievements and noble qualities
My younger sister is most definitely my hero. We are only 14 months apart. She would probably tell you that growing up she felt like she lived in my shadow. However today, she most definitely has grown into such a wonderful woman that I truly admire. I know many professional women with a lot on their plates, but my sister has a sincere kindness and humility like no one that I know. She is the mother of 3 very smart, talented, well mannered children who all excel academically, athletically and are active in their church and community. My sister is a wife of 17 years to my BIL. She is the First Lady of their church and plays an active role in the Sunday School administration and supports him in so many ways. Be it hospital visits, funerals or marital counseling, she is his full on partner in their ministry. We spent last Christmas with them at their church and I got to see first hand how the whole family works together in their church each Sunday, I was so proud. I know I mentioned on the blog last year that my sister completed her Doctorate Degree in addition to her Bachelor's and Masters Degrees. The remarkable thing about it was that she did it with a perfect GPA of 4.0 in all of her coursework. Though it took her some time to complete her Dissertation, she did this while raising 3 kids all under the age of ten ! Professionally she is a Vice President of a College which is an incredibly demanding position and she still makes time to sit on several Boards in the community including Jack and Jill of America in which she worked for a few years before she got my nieces and nephews involved in the organization currently. She is not as active in our sorority (AKA) as she used to be, but I really don't see how she has time for anything else including sleeping & eating LOL. I don't know how many hours she has in HER day, but just putting this blog post together is making me tired, LOL. The most noble qualities of my little sister are her giving, helpful spirit, her friendly nature, her compassion and her sense of humor. She is not one to tout her achievements and I have many friends who she knows pretty well who would never know anything of her accomplishments because of her humble nature. She is just not one to talk too much about herself or her accomplishments. I consider that MY job as her proud big sister and just wanted to take this opportunity to say how she is truly a remarkable woman. We have so much unspoken history between us, so many shared experiences that no one else could understand, she supports me like no other. I know all of the challenges we both have faced and I am incredibly proud that she is my sister, my hero.
Who is your hero and why ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
My younger sister is most definitely my hero. We are only 14 months apart. She would probably tell you that growing up she felt like she lived in my shadow. However today, she most definitely has grown into such a wonderful woman that I truly admire. I know many professional women with a lot on their plates, but my sister has a sincere kindness and humility like no one that I know. She is the mother of 3 very smart, talented, well mannered children who all excel academically, athletically and are active in their church and community. My sister is a wife of 17 years to my BIL. She is the First Lady of their church and plays an active role in the Sunday School administration and supports him in so many ways. Be it hospital visits, funerals or marital counseling, she is his full on partner in their ministry. We spent last Christmas with them at their church and I got to see first hand how the whole family works together in their church each Sunday, I was so proud. I know I mentioned on the blog last year that my sister completed her Doctorate Degree in addition to her Bachelor's and Masters Degrees. The remarkable thing about it was that she did it with a perfect GPA of 4.0 in all of her coursework. Though it took her some time to complete her Dissertation, she did this while raising 3 kids all under the age of ten ! Professionally she is a Vice President of a College which is an incredibly demanding position and she still makes time to sit on several Boards in the community including Jack and Jill of America in which she worked for a few years before she got my nieces and nephews involved in the organization currently. She is not as active in our sorority (AKA) as she used to be, but I really don't see how she has time for anything else including sleeping & eating LOL. I don't know how many hours she has in HER day, but just putting this blog post together is making me tired, LOL. The most noble qualities of my little sister are her giving, helpful spirit, her friendly nature, her compassion and her sense of humor. She is not one to tout her achievements and I have many friends who she knows pretty well who would never know anything of her accomplishments because of her humble nature. She is just not one to talk too much about herself or her accomplishments. I consider that MY job as her proud big sister and just wanted to take this opportunity to say how she is truly a remarkable woman. We have so much unspoken history between us, so many shared experiences that no one else could understand, she supports me like no other. I know all of the challenges we both have faced and I am incredibly proud that she is my sister, my hero.
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| My sissy and her hubby :) |
Who is your hero and why ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Monday, May 28, 2012
Day 28 Why You Stressing ?
What stresses you out ?
I don't like conflict. I don't like disagreements.Or better yet, I don't like it when folks have to let it be known that there is some sort of conflict. I like for people to get along. I am the peacemaker. I try to squash beef. I try to take the high road if I can. Don't get it twisted, I will state my opinion if need be. In fact I am pretty opinionated. I just respect other's rights to have an opinion as well & don't have a real issue when we don't agree. I respect other's rights to be themselves. I just don't think that every situation requires energy, especially negative energy. This type of ish totally stresses me out.
I remember having a party at my house where a group my friends who don't like one of my other good friends (personality conflict in my opinion). I was actually brought to tears by the situation that arose because of a comment that was made by my friend that the several friends didn't like (they already don't care for her). I hate the fact that I have to plan events worried that there will be an issue. At my next event, I had to make a choice of who to leave off the guest list. I hated that. I don't get it. After some time had passed though, I tried again. At my last event (our engagement party) all parties were present with no issue. It was cool, not even cordial ( they totally ignored her) which was fine by me. I can just do without the comments and the snark. LOL
What stresses you out ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
I don't like conflict. I don't like disagreements.Or better yet, I don't like it when folks have to let it be known that there is some sort of conflict. I like for people to get along. I am the peacemaker. I try to squash beef. I try to take the high road if I can. Don't get it twisted, I will state my opinion if need be. In fact I am pretty opinionated. I just respect other's rights to have an opinion as well & don't have a real issue when we don't agree. I respect other's rights to be themselves. I just don't think that every situation requires energy, especially negative energy. This type of ish totally stresses me out.
I remember having a party at my house where a group my friends who don't like one of my other good friends (personality conflict in my opinion). I was actually brought to tears by the situation that arose because of a comment that was made by my friend that the several friends didn't like (they already don't care for her). I hate the fact that I have to plan events worried that there will be an issue. At my next event, I had to make a choice of who to leave off the guest list. I hated that. I don't get it. After some time had passed though, I tried again. At my last event (our engagement party) all parties were present with no issue. It was cool, not even cordial ( they totally ignored her) which was fine by me. I can just do without the comments and the snark. LOL
What stresses you out ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Day 27 My City - Houston
I love my city !
What city are you reppin' ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
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| Bayou City |
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| Bright Lights |
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| Part of the Skyline |
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Day 26 Dream Wedding
How timely is this ? I am actually planning it right now, though since I definitely have a budget, I don't know if our New Orleans wedding will technically qualify. Of course if money was no object, this would be a whole lot easier LOL
My dream wedding would have unlimited flowers, every where, so fragrant you would think you were inside a flower shop.
My dream wedding would have our favorite artists providing the wedding sound track at the ceremony and reception to include..... Lalah Hathaway, Kem, Jill Scott and Will Downing.
My dream wedding would have plenty of food prepared by world renowned chefs and offer several different types of cuisine so that nobody would leave dissatisfied.
My dream wedding would be at some sort of private tropical resort with perfect weather that has been overtaken by ALL of our family and friends for at least 4 days of pre-nuptial and post- nuptial events in which everything was provided for all of our guests. I'm talking spa treatments, golf games, dancing, drinking, water activities, cookouts, brunches, cigar smoking, spades tournaments, dominoes, wine tasting, all of the things we enjoy. From all things hood to Bougie at its best ! LOL
My dream wedding would involve no more than 150 guests so that we would have the opportunity over the 4 days to spend some quality time with everyone.
My dream wedding would feel like an all inclusive vacation for all of our guests and a bonding opportunity for our family and friends.
My dream wedding would culminate with a 3 week Honeymoon in which we would travel to at least 3 different continents and come home totally refreshed and renewed and ready to be married and do the work to stay married !
I know it sounds over the top but I guess a girl can always dream.......
What are some elements of your dream wedding ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
My dream wedding would have unlimited flowers, every where, so fragrant you would think you were inside a flower shop.
My dream wedding would have our favorite artists providing the wedding sound track at the ceremony and reception to include..... Lalah Hathaway, Kem, Jill Scott and Will Downing.
My dream wedding would have plenty of food prepared by world renowned chefs and offer several different types of cuisine so that nobody would leave dissatisfied.
My dream wedding would be at some sort of private tropical resort with perfect weather that has been overtaken by ALL of our family and friends for at least 4 days of pre-nuptial and post- nuptial events in which everything was provided for all of our guests. I'm talking spa treatments, golf games, dancing, drinking, water activities, cookouts, brunches, cigar smoking, spades tournaments, dominoes, wine tasting, all of the things we enjoy. From all things hood to Bougie at its best ! LOL
My dream wedding would involve no more than 150 guests so that we would have the opportunity over the 4 days to spend some quality time with everyone.
My dream wedding would feel like an all inclusive vacation for all of our guests and a bonding opportunity for our family and friends.
My dream wedding would culminate with a 3 week Honeymoon in which we would travel to at least 3 different continents and come home totally refreshed and renewed and ready to be married and do the work to stay married !
I know it sounds over the top but I guess a girl can always dream.......
What are some elements of your dream wedding ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Friday, May 25, 2012
Day 25 Looking Forward To
One of the things that I am excited about and looking forward to is the opportunity for my family and close friends meeting and spending time with Mr. Mixologist's family and close friends at our upcoming wedding. We are both very family oriented, despite the fact that we both live in a city where neither of our families live, LOL.We talked a lot about this when we were in New Orleans last weekend on our wedding planning trip. It is one of the reasons that I am glad that we are having a wedding as opposed to eloping because we discussed the fact that his Aunts would never get to meet my Aunt's his favorite cousins would never get to meet my favorite cousins and his parents would likely not get to hang out with my parents unless somebody died or something ! I know it sounds morbid but we actually talked about this. Since they live on opposite sides of the country and not very close to us. That's just the way it is. I have heard so many stories about these people and have only met a few of them. He has actually met more of my family based on proximity, but I still have close friends from home that he has not yet had a chance to meet and I am so looking forward to this. I know that we will only have a short window of time during our wedding weekend but it is better having that than not having the opportunity at all.
What are you looking forward to ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
What are you looking forward to ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Day 24 Something I Have Learned
One of my former Managers used to always say....." Nothing too good or too bad lasts for too long "
I would definitely agree that this is something that I learned and something that I learned to consider when I am feeling overwhelmed about the latest changing situation be it work related, relationship related, family related or just anything that I am struggling to accept. When I look around my life, the life of my friends and family, I see that it is true. It is just life. There are challenges, unforeseen circumstances, tragedies and unexpected blessings for everyone. We don't get to pick "our cross" as some would say. So much of this life is out of our control and yet we struggle with that fact all the time. I think its just human nature. But you have to learn coping mechanisms that allow you to find some peace in the chaos and just continue to get up and say "Good Morning" and you will make it through. Just like my tagline up above on this blog......
This life is filled with joys and sorrows, unexpected blessings and challenges you never expect, but the curiosity about what tomorrow will bring, and the understanding that I am in His will is enough for me.
What is something that you have learned ? What has life taught you ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
I would definitely agree that this is something that I learned and something that I learned to consider when I am feeling overwhelmed about the latest changing situation be it work related, relationship related, family related or just anything that I am struggling to accept. When I look around my life, the life of my friends and family, I see that it is true. It is just life. There are challenges, unforeseen circumstances, tragedies and unexpected blessings for everyone. We don't get to pick "our cross" as some would say. So much of this life is out of our control and yet we struggle with that fact all the time. I think its just human nature. But you have to learn coping mechanisms that allow you to find some peace in the chaos and just continue to get up and say "Good Morning" and you will make it through. Just like my tagline up above on this blog......
This life is filled with joys and sorrows, unexpected blessings and challenges you never expect, but the curiosity about what tomorrow will bring, and the understanding that I am in His will is enough for me.
What is something that you have learned ? What has life taught you ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Day 23 Favorite Movies & TV Show
This is hard. I watch a lot of movies a lot of different genres. I like action, suspense, comedies and drama. The most recent movie I saw was "Thin.k Like a Man" which I thought was hilarious. I am not a Ste.ve Harvey fan but since the movie was loosely based on his book and had strong actors, I was interested. We took all of the mothers and Aunts on Mother's Day Weekend and they absolutely loved it. It was a great female bonding excursion. They loved Kevin Hart.
As far as TV, this is a little easier. I love ANY type of investigative show/crime drama. I am an original Law & Order fanatic and have seen every episode of that show and all of the spin offs of it (Criminal Intent, SVU, LA etc). Some Saturdays I can catch a marathon and watch several episodes that I have seen already & still enjoy it. I love puzzles and figuring things out, and putting things together ( just the investigator in me I guess, LOL). Some of my other favorites are Southland, The Closer, Person of Interest, Blue Bloods and Criminal Minds. This genre is pretty popular hence the fact that there is always a new one popping up.
What are some of your favorite movies and TV Shows ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
As far as TV, this is a little easier. I love ANY type of investigative show/crime drama. I am an original Law & Order fanatic and have seen every episode of that show and all of the spin offs of it (Criminal Intent, SVU, LA etc). Some Saturdays I can catch a marathon and watch several episodes that I have seen already & still enjoy it. I love puzzles and figuring things out, and putting things together ( just the investigator in me I guess, LOL). Some of my other favorites are Southland, The Closer, Person of Interest, Blue Bloods and Criminal Minds. This genre is pretty popular hence the fact that there is always a new one popping up.
What are some of your favorite movies and TV Shows ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Day 22 The Future
I want my future to be a life filled with laughter, love, good health, and peace.
I want to be able to travel the world and make wonderful memories with my future husband.
I want to continue to guide my nieces and nephews into adulthood and help them realize their dreams.
I want to pay off the mortgage early and own a small business.
I want to grow spiritually and have a closer relationship with Him.
I want to assist my parents with having a comfortable retirement.
I want to live a fulfilling life and have a positive mindset, willing spirit and remain open to new experiences.
What do you want your future to be like ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
I want to be able to travel the world and make wonderful memories with my future husband.
I want to continue to guide my nieces and nephews into adulthood and help them realize their dreams.
I want to pay off the mortgage early and own a small business.
I want to grow spiritually and have a closer relationship with Him.
I want to assist my parents with having a comfortable retirement.
I want to live a fulfilling life and have a positive mindset, willing spirit and remain open to new experiences.
What do you want your future to be like ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Monday, May 21, 2012
Day 21 Pride
Something you are proud of.
I am proud of the woman I have become. I am a wonderful daughter. I am an asset to my parents as opposed to a liability. I am proud of the sister I am. We are very close and share a lot. I fully support her and my BIL. I am proud of the Aunt that I am. I'm committed to helping them grow and learn. I so appreciate the blessing that my sisters children are in my life. I am proud of the friend that I am. My closest friends know that I am loyal and supportive no matter what. I step up when needed without hesitation. I am proud of the partner that I have become. I have learned some real lessons from my past relationships and try to apply as much as I can to my current one. My heart is open and trusting, despite the things that I have experienced. I am proud of the journey that my life has been. I am proud to be His child.
What are you proud of ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
I am proud of the woman I have become. I am a wonderful daughter. I am an asset to my parents as opposed to a liability. I am proud of the sister I am. We are very close and share a lot. I fully support her and my BIL. I am proud of the Aunt that I am. I'm committed to helping them grow and learn. I so appreciate the blessing that my sisters children are in my life. I am proud of the friend that I am. My closest friends know that I am loyal and supportive no matter what. I step up when needed without hesitation. I am proud of the partner that I have become. I have learned some real lessons from my past relationships and try to apply as much as I can to my current one. My heart is open and trusting, despite the things that I have experienced. I am proud of the journey that my life has been. I am proud to be His child.
What are you proud of ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Day 20 What If ?
...I had moved to another state to go to college. I wonder how my life would be different ?
...I didn't have fertility issues. How many children would I have by now and what would they be like ?
...My biological father had been an actual father to me, would my life be better or worse ?
...I had followed my passions instead of being practical ? Would I really be happier ?
...I won the lottery. Could I really keep it a secret, while traveling and living the life I dream of ?
Do you have any "what if " questions ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Day 19 The Ex- Factor
Somethings I want to say to an ex........
Peace !
Do you have anything you want to say to an ex ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Peace !
Do you have anything you want to say to an ex ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Friday, May 18, 2012
Day 18 I Miss......
- Having summers off. It's one of those things you can't truly appreciate until you are an adult with responsibilities and obligations.
- Laying in the bed with my great grandmother Savannah and listening to her tell stories about her life when she was younger. All those summers I spent with her are priceless memories.
- Innocence. Life was so much simpler when I didn't have worldly experiences. I wouldn't take nothing for my journey, but some days I really do understand the idea that "innocence is bliss".
- Trying on clothes and actually liking how they fit me 99% of the time. LOL.
- College life. It was the perfect mix of independence without full scale responsibilities.
What are you missing right now ?
Thoughts ? Questions ? Comments ?
Beautifully Complex
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Day 17 Ipod Shuffle
Put your Ipod on Shuffle, first 10 songs.
Since I have not been able to find my Ipod since my niece was here for spring break I am just gonna list 10 random artists that I am feeling right now. Most of these are true talents flying under the radar in my opinion and being slept on. I have to thank my musical twin, Mr. Mixologist for introducing me to the majority of these artists. Here they are in no particular order....
Since I have not been able to find my Ipod since my niece was here for spring break I am just gonna list 10 random artists that I am feeling right now. Most of these are true talents flying under the radar in my opinion and being slept on. I have to thank my musical twin, Mr. Mixologist for introducing me to the majority of these artists. Here they are in no particular order....
- Noel Gourdin I hope this guy gets a shot to shine.
- Wayna She is an Ethiopian beauty with a lot of talent !
- Choklate I can play this lady all day and all night. I also like her song, "Never Change". Truth.
- Zo ! Actually a producer & part of the Foreign Exchange crew....nuff said. This CD is the bizness.
- Algebra Blessett ATL born & bred. Man, if this girl could just get some promotion.
- Darien Brockington He runs in the some good musical circles like Zo
- Conya Doss Some say she sounds like Mary J, but I think she has a little something different.
- Van Hunt This dude totally makes me think of a young Curtis Mayfield. My favorite song by him.
- Lina I love her style it's so different.
I hope you discover someone new to you than you can enjoy and support.
Who are you listening to lately ?
Any obscure talent that you want to share with blogland ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Day 16 Body Image
Your opinion about your body and how comfortable you are with it.
Aaah Body image. Like they say over on FB.....its complicated. Currently I am about 30 pounds past fine & about 50 pounds past stopping trains ! LOL. We won't discuss specifics here, but I am pretty tall, 5 '10" and subsequently, I can carry weight. Especially in my thighs and my rear end. I want to lose some, but my actions as of late, don't support it. Like many others, I am an emotional eater. I had big plans to get on board after the first of the year but alas my mom getting sick, put me in a slight funk that led me to find comfort in food. For the last year I have also been trying to manage the uncertainty regarding my job situation which should be settled soon (hopefully). I simply have not been managing my stress the best way. That being said, there are no excuses here, just the facts. I should be doing things differently. I could definitely do better and I am not at my best because I am not putting in the effort through proper diet and exercise. It's no secret. There is not a magic pill. I am a former runner, so I truly know what it takes to lose and maintain my weight. I simply have not been doing it. Therefore complaining is a mute point. I am obviously not that uncomfortable with it or I would do something different right ? RIGHT. Well the truth is I am not content at this weight. It definitely affects me. My love has also added some lbs. since we have been together & this may be a good thing, because we both want to get some weight off prior to the wedding. Having an accountability partner will help. We both definitely want to look our best for the wedding and in the pictures that last forever LOL. I would not describe myself as comfortable with my body simply because I think of losing weight often. But I will admit that I have let other things take priority over me taking care of myself and I should not do that. In the long run for health reasons, it won't be pretty. My last physical which was just a few months ago was great. I am the picture of health. My doctor told me that all my numbers were fine. Good health is a blessing, but it can be taken from you if you don't treasure your body. I really do need to start acting like I know that.
Here are some pics from back when my opinion about by body was through the roof ! LOL
Getting ready for the Essence Festival.
Just completed a Half Marathon about an hour before this picture was taken.
At my best friends Birthday Party.
How comfortable are you with your body ? Anything you want to change ? Why ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Aaah Body image. Like they say over on FB.....its complicated. Currently I am about 30 pounds past fine & about 50 pounds past stopping trains ! LOL. We won't discuss specifics here, but I am pretty tall, 5 '10" and subsequently, I can carry weight. Especially in my thighs and my rear end. I want to lose some, but my actions as of late, don't support it. Like many others, I am an emotional eater. I had big plans to get on board after the first of the year but alas my mom getting sick, put me in a slight funk that led me to find comfort in food. For the last year I have also been trying to manage the uncertainty regarding my job situation which should be settled soon (hopefully). I simply have not been managing my stress the best way. That being said, there are no excuses here, just the facts. I should be doing things differently. I could definitely do better and I am not at my best because I am not putting in the effort through proper diet and exercise. It's no secret. There is not a magic pill. I am a former runner, so I truly know what it takes to lose and maintain my weight. I simply have not been doing it. Therefore complaining is a mute point. I am obviously not that uncomfortable with it or I would do something different right ? RIGHT. Well the truth is I am not content at this weight. It definitely affects me. My love has also added some lbs. since we have been together & this may be a good thing, because we both want to get some weight off prior to the wedding. Having an accountability partner will help. We both definitely want to look our best for the wedding and in the pictures that last forever LOL. I would not describe myself as comfortable with my body simply because I think of losing weight often. But I will admit that I have let other things take priority over me taking care of myself and I should not do that. In the long run for health reasons, it won't be pretty. My last physical which was just a few months ago was great. I am the picture of health. My doctor told me that all my numbers were fine. Good health is a blessing, but it can be taken from you if you don't treasure your body. I really do need to start acting like I know that.
Here are some pics from back when my opinion about by body was through the roof ! LOL
 |
| Those were the days ! |
Getting ready for the Essence Festival.
 |
| When I was running like a beast - 13.1 miles later |
Just completed a Half Marathon about an hour before this picture was taken.
 |
| One of my favorite pictures of myself, I was so happy! |
At my best friends Birthday Party.
How comfortable are you with your body ? Anything you want to change ? Why ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Day 15 - Death Row Meal
If I was dying and got to choose my last meal, calories be damned, I would have to go out with a bang.......
Appetizer: Cajun Boiled Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce
Entree: Snow Crab Legs w/ Garlic Butter
Prime Rib
Baked Potato with Butter, Sour Cream, Cheese, Chives AND Bacon
(who cares about cholesterol I'm about to die ! LOL )
Steamed Broccoli
Garlic Bread
Dessert: Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
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Wine: A BOTTLE of an Ecco Domani blend (probably Chardonnay & Pinot Grigio)
Yes I said bottle, I would probably need to be buzzed if I am getting ready to die LOL
What would you want your final meal on this earth to be ?
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Appetizer: Cajun Boiled Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce
Salad: Spinach Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Entree: Snow Crab Legs w/ Garlic Butter
Prime Rib
Baked Potato with Butter, Sour Cream, Cheese, Chives AND Bacon
(who cares about cholesterol I'm about to die ! LOL )
Steamed Broccoli
Garlic Bread
Dessert: Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
Wine: A BOTTLE of an Ecco Domani blend (probably Chardonnay & Pinot Grigio)
Yes I said bottle, I would probably need to be buzzed if I am getting ready to die LOL
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Monday, May 14, 2012
Day 14 Picture Last Year
A picture of you last year - how have you changed ?
This is a picture of me and my intended having fun at a party at a wine bar last year........
The biggest difference is that I am even happier now than I was in this picture.
I am engaged now and I wasn't in this picture.
I am definitely "juicier" now than I was in this picture. LOL
I am definitely more in love now than I was in this picture.
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
This is a picture of me and my intended having fun at a party at a wine bar last year........
The biggest difference is that I am even happier now than I was in this picture.
I am engaged now and I wasn't in this picture.
I am definitely "juicier" now than I was in this picture. LOL
I am definitely more in love now than I was in this picture.
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Day 13 Goals
The goal that I am currently focused on is a financial goal. We intend to pay for our wedding without creating ANY debt. The caveat is that I also do not want to spend any savings that was accumulated prior to February of this year. I do not want to start off our marriage under any type of financial strain. I want the cost of the wedding to be behind us after we say our " I Do". I am a huge Dave Ramsey fan. (If you don't know who he is please Goog.le !) I have been a listener for several years and am getting Mr. Mixologist on board too as we merge our financial pasts and future together. He might not drink the Kool-Aid like I do, when it comes to Dave, but he does appreciate the basic principles that he teaches. In this economy, with so much uncertainty on the job front and the fact that I live in an older home that seems to always be in need of something, I want to remain on solid financial footing. I will not spend any Emergency Fund money for this wedding. Despite that, we do want to have a nice wedding which will require an aggressive savings plan. So we have been saving specifically for this wedding since February of this year and though we have not set a date, we will be married sometime in 2013. Our goal is to save as we go. We plan to stick to a strict budget and there will be no vacation this year. We will be heading to New Orleans at the end of this week to see some venues, meet with some vendors and get a better idea about when we will be able to plan and execute the wedding we both want. It is an exciting time. I am really ready for this trip. Mr. Mixologist has been very involved in reviewing websites, contacting vendors to schedule appointments, etc. and I couldn't be happier. This is a seriously daunting goal, but I know we can do it.
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?
Beautifully Complex
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