Life is Hard, Laugh Anyway

Music Memories – Can’t take my eyes off of you

2012-05-21T20:53:11Z

This one is probably dating me a tad bit, but I fell in love with Lauryn Hill’s music back in college and played my CD over and over again!! As a matter of fact, I need to load it into my playlist. I also had the pleasure to see her live in concert, and she rocked it!!

Okay.

Back on track. This week’s song is how I felt after I truly believed he might just be the one!……or at least I wanted him to be.

Is there a song that makes you reminiscence back to that moment you knew your significant other was the one? Tell me about it.

Enjoy!

Hormones and Aging ~ by a Four Legged Mom

2012-05-21T20:47:00Z

First of all, I’d like to thank Latorsha for having me as a Guest on her fabulous blog! I look forward to reading what interesting things you have to say on a daily basis. You’re truly a fabulous mommy and wonderful wife to your hubs but most of all, you’re someone I consider to be a friend. Love ya girlie! Muwah!

********************************************************************************************************************

Who am I? First and foremost, I’m a four-legged mom. Momma to a rescue pit bull (American Bulldog/American Staffordshire Terrier).This is my claim to fame and how I’m mostly know by….Pit Bull Mom. And I’m totally cool with that. However, what you may think of pit bulls, may not be necessarily true. Give them a chance, read my blog, and let me change your mind about them. Secondly, I’m married to a United States Air Force Veteran. My hubs and I married in 2004 and have been going strong since. Yes, thankfully, he retired in 2007. For the record, deployments suck! Now is Mr. Fed Ex in our house. I work full-time as an Administrative Assistant and in my non-paying hours, I spend it mostly with my pit bull (Titan, aka Pibbles), with the hubs, blogging, tweeting, and looking for my next challenge. And lastly, I’m Pagan. No, not I don’t worship the devil or anything so don’t let that scare you. I like to say, I’m a spiritual person…just not religious. Thus my latest bloggy, Pibbles & the Hormonal Heathen.

~~~~~~~~

It’s a Saturday and I’m sitting here wondering how much more I can take! What? You may ask? Well, these blasted hormonal changes is what I’m talking about! See, since I was about 36 (about the same time I got married I might add), I started noticing changes in my body. The weight was started to pack on; some things (as in the tightness of my skin) was not as tight as previously; my menstrual cycle started changing (for the worse I may add); the sneezing and/or coughing accompanied by a lil squirt or two (yes, the bladder starts to go as well); and I noticed a slight drooping and saggage (in my womanly areas).

The additional weight could be due to not going out every weekend and dancing. The changes in my “cycle” could be due to not taking birth control anymore (hubs got the big “V”). The skin, drooping, and saggage… well, I can’t explain that one except for HORMONES and AGING! Ok, I did try to blame it on being “married” but that didn’t last long. So, I started researching…thanks to the wonderful world wide web! Man, you can find answers to anything and everything on there!

Come to find out, these are all the beautiful things women have been blessed with, especially those who are getting “older” and peri and/or pre-menopausal. Yes, did I mention the hot flashes out of no where and the night sweats? Yeah, waking up at 2 am in the morning and find out you peed the bed!? No, this is another glorious thing called the night sweats. And for the record, there ain’t no turning back!

There are ways to control and/or regulate some of these changes but I haven’t been pushed to that point yet. I stress….YET! But if these menstrual cramps and gushing of lord knows what doesn’t stop soon, I WILL seek the advice of my Doctor and get some dang happy pills! Oh what I would do to just have a typical “boner” issue versus all the rest of these glorious womanly things. Did I mention thinning hair, skin and/or vaginal dryness, no sex drive, MAJOR sex drive, crying on minute and happy the very next? Oh yes, these are the joys!

Now I’m 43 going on 44 this summer. Yes, I’ve gained about 30 some pounds since I got married. I blame that on the hubs. Actually, EVERYTHING gets blamed on the hubs, including my mood swings and my “not so perky anymore” boobs. It is his fault. Why? Because he has “manhood”. A “member”, a “unit”, a penis. So, it is his fault. He just needs to learn to accept it.

On the bright side, yes there is one, once I get through probably another 5 years of all these heavenly changes, I’ll then hit my “Crone” years. Yes, No More Menstrual Cycle! Woohoo!! This is the biggest thing I am looking forward to! As I haven’t hit the glorious “Crone” years, I can not talk about those changes. Only what I’ve read. They aren’t all that glorious yet, I’m assuming, I’ll grow so accustomed to the current changes that I won’t mind the “What’s yet to come”!

I’d like to say, I’m currently in a lil rut, yet I am fighting it. I will not let it beat me. Eventually, I will learn to embrace it and grow “older” gracefully. But for now, I’m going to continue my battle the best way I can. I haven’t come that far yet that I’m willing to toss out my thongs, but I do have a few “not so” granny panties in my drawer now.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I just coughed and need to go change my shorts. Are you ready for it?

~~~~~~
Pit Bulls leave pawprints on your heart.
~Rescue a Pit Bull today~

Be sure to check out Pibbles and the Hormonal Heathen for more of the snarky, sometimes hormonal pit bull mommy and veterans wife. You can also follow her on twitter @Pibblesnheathen.

I am so thankful to this fab lady for stopping by and getting the conversation started on hormones and aging! Be sure to leave your comments, advice, and expertise in the comments! We are listening!

Music Memories – Independent Woman

2012-05-16T15:47:53Z

Most of you that follow this blog probably have seen me mention that this summer I will celebrate my 10 year wedding anniversary! WOW!!

Let me tell you it has been quite a journey, and to GOD be all the glory. In order to countdown to our anniversary I thought that each week I would share a song with you that gives you a glimpse of our love story.

We both enjoy music a lot and some of our most romantic moments are when we sit and listen to old songs and just let the memories flow.

But I will admit every song might not be all roses, but we are still standing 10 plus years later. I hope you enjoy the music memories over the weeks and if you can relate to them let me know.

This first week we start off with a song that was kind of my theme song. It was the year of college graduation, new beginnings, and coming into my own.

Enjoy!

Being a SAHM

2012-05-16T01:55:25Z

My son is now 5 years old and until a couple of months ago he had been in full time or part time day care/learning center since he was 10 weeks old! I am currently in process of seeking a job after relocating but for now I am a SAHM, which is quite interesting and challenging.

Here are just a few highlights I’d like to share with you.

Screaming doesn’t mean what you initially might think. This was proven recently when I heard screaming while in another room. As I ran in a panic to my son’s room visions of him having removed the outlet protectors from the sockets passed through my mind. When I got to him he was laying in the bed with the blanket over his head. I asked him why are you screaming I thought you were hurt? His response “I was just pretending”.

Some days despite wanting to stay home and sit on the couch, it’s best to just go somewhere. ANYWHERE! Sometimes even a leisure drive around town is worth the gas money to know he is safely secured down in his booster seat and I know where he is. But then there are the days when he is the backseat driver. Note: pick your battles wisely.

Watching Y&R isn’t the same with a 5 year old walking by and eyeballing a bedroom scene. Thank goodness we have DVR again. Don’t judge me!

Doing morning shopping at the grocery store isn’t the in and out event it is when shopping alone. And who knew I’d one day be so excited about the child friendly carts shaped like a race car, but most of all the safety belt that prevents him from picking up items.

Kids know everything, and won’t hesitate to tell you what to do. You know, things like how to make breakfast, the best volume for the TV, the best way to clean, and even how to send text messages!

Now I must take a moment to pat myself on the back for learning how to quietly sneak around in the house without waking him up in the morning…….given he hasn’t already jumped into the bed with me to watch cartoons.

This list could seriously go on forever, but now it’s your turn. What are some of your favorite mom moments? And if you are a SAHM please tell me your secrets? Scratch that! If you are a mom, tell me your secrets to make them listen. I mean I am in charge……right? RIGHT?

Looking back at the moments

2012-05-13T23:59:55Z

I thought I would start out this week, sharing this message with you because when I really sit back and think about my life’s journey it often holds to be true.

Do you ever reflect on your life to remember the things that brought you to this exact moment? Tell me about it in the comments, I’m listening.

Mother’s Day

2012-05-09T17:37:23Z

Wishing you a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend.

I know for many it is a joyous occassion and for other’s it is filled with loss and memories of what used to be. I pray that you all find the joy in motherhood whether it is from your children, grandchildren, close relatives, or friends.

And don’t forget those women in your life that filled in when your own mother wasn’t there.

Tell me who are you honoring this mother’s day?

Hair 101 – Just be CUTE!

2012-05-08T23:29:39Z

So much talk among women about how to wear your hair. For example the present discussion among African American ( Black) women -natural versus relaxed.

Honestly I think both are beautiful and ultimately a matter of choice & comfort.

I just encourage you to stay in your lane. Relaxers aren’t for everyone regarding hair…. And possibly health too. But that isn’t the point today.

By the way I wear my hair relaxed.

Natural is awesome and very unique. I’m not an expert, cause honestly I haven’t seen my natural hair since 1990. Before that if you count the hot comb press & curl. Ha!

But below are some bloggers who rock their hair at it’s cutest! First meet Fran at Bossy Girl in the City

For more information about what is going on in the pics, be sure to check out this link here.

Next is Dani from Ok Dani

Read some of Dani’s hair post here. I’ll tell you she is expecting her first baby soon, so be sure to go and show her some baby love.

So some of you are wondering where I’m going with all this.

Easy.

Whether you wear your hair relaxed, natural, braids, weaves, extensions, or a wig. Just be CUTE!

If you see somebody wearing a cute do, that is different than what you prefer congratulate! Don’t hate.

Pretty easy.

So tell me what’s your hair do? Go ahead and give me the 411 I’m listening.

Confession: Self Wax

2012-05-04T03:18:33Z

Some of you know that I am no stranger to wax, as in bikini wax. Remember this post. Well despite all the great information that some of you have shared about alternatives and despite me considering all the less painful methods.

Guess what?

I decided to do it yet again!

But this time I got the brilliant idea to save money and do it myself. Easy, right?

I mean I have been through a few appointments now and I know the process. And no sense in having another person seeing my private parts.

So I go to the store and pick up one of the kits. Of course, on the box they make it seem pretty simple. AND I like simple.

Back home, I put my son in his room and started a cartoon DVD for him. I figured this was plenty of time to do the wax, shower, and get back to him before it was done.

So I warmed the prewaxed strips with my hands as directed, then applied and let it rip.

Hmmm…I expected to jump out of my skin, but it really didn’t do what I thought it would. So I tried again, and again, and again.

After about ten minutes, I had a sticky hair mess! My fingers were sticking to the strips, skin was sticking to skin, folds were sticking to folds, and I was on the verge on panic.

AND who do you call when this happens??

ABSOLUTELY. NO. ONE.

So I go back to the box to find the solution that helps remove the sticky wax aftermath.

It works beautifully!

BUT now the strips that I had left to use were not sticking.

Now I am wondering do I just give up? Nope!

I wait a few minutes and start again. It really shouldn’t have been this tricky, I am not a hairy bear!

The next strip goes on nice and secure, I rip it off and what do I see on the removed strip? Blood. I never remember this happening when I used a trained professional.

After almost using the entire box of strips, having my parts stick together with wax, and shedding blood from skin tear I now hear the song indicating the end of my son’s DVD, so I do what anyone would do…….

I finish up the best I can quickly, and head to the shower with my razor and shaving cream to fine tune the landscaping. Of course, I didn’t have any shaving cream. Why would I? My husband’s beard buster brand cream would have to do.

If you aren’t laughing then you might be wondering, will I ever do it again?

{sigh}

Probably.

Divinitee

2012-05-01T21:03:22Z

One of my favorite bloggers launched a business awhile back and I immediately fell in love with the message of the T-shirt designs. I thought it was unique and that it also made a cute fashion statement. I was going to wait and tell you about it after I had mine in my hands, but then I figured why wait? Especially since at the time of this post there is a sale, and it would be just wrong to not let you in on it.

So please check out Divintee Shirts, you might like it too. Remember Mother’s Day is coming up soon. AND be sure to check out Lipglossandbinky.com where this fab mom rants and raves about all sorts of fun stuff.

Note: I was not paid or compensated in any way for this post. All the information here is my own personal opinion and I was not contacted to write this post.

I’m still here

2012-04-30T11:49:16Z

I know. I know.

I kind of fell off the blog wagon for a bit. But let me tell you it was because I was busy living life.

That’s right.

I moved into a new house in a new state. My family and I have been enjoying the sights here and essentially being a tourist.

I am enjoying the warm weather and I’ve already gotten a tan but my feet have yet to walk the beach. But soon!

Okay. So now that I’m trying to get back on track let me officially thank you all for the love you showed me when I was featured at SITS.

All I can say is WOW!! I truly felt the love. I so appreciate my new and established blog followers. I am so glad to share my little corner of the blogosphere with so many wonderful people. Thank you all.

There are so many things I want to share with you but let’s start with a few things that just can’t wait any longer.

As some of you remember I’ve been working on getting back in the game. It’s coming along, and I am following up on some leads, so we shall see. I will tell you right now I am truly a full time SAHM and it has been interesting. I confess there are moments I don’t know what to do…..but I can handle it. I have too.

Next let me tell you that just when I thought my husband couldn’t cross the street without me, he made me do a double take over the last few weeks. I mean he stepped up to the plate and took care of business. Literally, he handled ALL the business of our move and getting things set up in the house. I was in total AWE! I’ll keep the specific details of my gratitude private, but just know I thanked him properly.

Wait! I must say if you don’t have a thank him properly plan of action, I recommend you get one.

Moving on………………

Lastly, I just had to tell you I had the best fried squash the other day that I would have slapped my mama for the last piece*. Good I tell you! Sitting here typing I really want to go and get more, but I gotta pace myself. Here in the south fried food is everywhere so I have plenty of opportunities to get more.

With that said, I am still exercising like crazy trying to stay in shape and be healthy. More on future goals to come.

So tell me what is new with you? Did I miss anything? Please share. I’m listening.

*Disclaimer I really would not slap my mama, she is old school and don’t play that. Even today, and I am over 30 years old, I’m not convinced she wouldn’t pull a belt out her purse and give me a lesson on respect.