Throwing mad shade since 197nunyah...

Wednesday Inspiration ~Quote

2012-02-22T05:00:00.001-05:00

“It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life
interesting.”

― Paulo Coelho, Alchemist

This quote wraps up my weekend perfectly

Instant Gratification

2012-02-15T08:35:00.000-05:00

This weekend we lost one of the greatest voice to ever, Ms Whitney Houston. I found out about her death early Saturday night and I was floored. When I told The Mr. He refused to believe me saying and I quote " If Whitney died they would interrupt this Knick game", and then it happened EVERY radio station in NY started playing her music. (This is always the flag to let you know someone has passed.)

As I spoke to my friend Dee on the phone, on, I started to get that feeling of overload. The radio was on, CNN on, Social Media flashing new feed every second and this feeling of Whoa I need to get off ride I had to force myself to log off.

The next morning I spoke with two people about Whitney, and then went on with living. I watched a little VH1 soul but after a while it just becomes too much. My twitter and FB timelines are calling for a tribute at the Grammys tonight! And it had better be a great one, not some old B.E.T type tribute. I'm confused, hasn't she only been dead a few hours? The show is tonight, there's no way anyone can pull this off.

The show airs and it's a snoozer, and finally we get to the part where we honor those that passed away in the last year, and Whitney appears on the screen. Tears flow as Jennifer Hudson sing "I will always love you", she is flawless, and the tribute is over. As a fan of Whitney's music I am happy because it was simple and beautiful but the masses are pissed beyond belief. The angry chants went something like this:

"That's IT? "
"There had better be more because I stayed up to watch this show"

Annoyed I commented, "if people must have more than hit the play button on all the music they downloaded the night before and hush". Monday night on the news I watched fans huff and puff about how unfair it is that the Houston family is choosing a private funeral service. *sigh* Confused, I wondered how we as a people have gotten to a place where we feel like we are owed this much. Can't the family mourn their lost mother, wife, daughter in peace. All of this got me thinking how social media and the Internet has changed the way we interact. With the world at our fingertip we act as if our every want (not need) isn't met immediately, it's okay to abandon all adult reasoning and scream like toddlers.

And sadly this want knows no boundaries. From the birth of Blue Ivy to the death of Whitney Houston we are demanding our wants be fed even if it means crossing boundaries. We become obsessed, crazed Stand on the flip side we become less caring, less loving, less respectful and therefore less human. This is something I don't want to be a part of.

I don't have the answers on how we change it all, but I am going to work on how I receive and process the world going forward.

Chris Brown insights yet another blog post

2012-02-14T05:00:00.001-05:00

This weekend the Grammy's aired and boy was it a bore. Nothing new, same old, same old award show (with the exception of Adele). As I forced myself to watch I realized that twitter was a blaze because Chris Brown was performing. I guess I was so tuned out I didn't even realize he was on stage, I find his music annoying. I know lots of women love him so I never gave it a second thought when the hashtag #TeamBreezy flew across my screen. When I went to bed (way too late) I just put his performance in the bag with all the other God awful until I read this , 25 Extremely Upsetting reactions.

No other words would come from my mouth besides WOW! Women saying that Chris Brown's good looks would allow him to beat on them. Yes Society we have a REAL Problem and that is a lack of self-esteem, which I tweeted.

@f_uitlist: These tweets about letting Chris brown beat you because he's fine are just... All I can say is Self Esteem Get You Some!

I thought most people would see it that way but I was wrong, people were actually blaming Chris Brown, saying it was wrong for him to perform... huh? Before I go off on a tangent let me say that I do not support Chris Brown and what he did to Rihanna. I find his behavior on most occasions reprehensible, but I also believe in forgiveness and the process of rehabilitation. Chris Brown at that place, and we should take the time to look at the situation as we know it, hope that he is seeking therapy and working through his issues. He is but 23 years old and has a lot of time to grow. I've seen boys become men who were once in the same place, this is not to say every abuser can be reformed.

For those of you ready to scream she's blaming the victim, you are wrong. I don't, nor will I ever blame Rihanna because she is a survivor of domestic abuse. I watched three of my best friends deal with abusive significant others and though at the time I didn't always understand it I NEVER blamed them. I also watched as they have all healed and wished their former abusers the strength to get better and to be able to move on.

Now my real issue here is with the women that think it's okay to say things like this, Chris Brown is actually a non-factor in that case.What needs to be addressed is how do we tell women you deserve more than just having some fine man beat you? What would lead you to put yourself out on a social work as having the lowest self-esteem EVER? I see this as a teaching moment for women. We all need to reach out to young girls and speak to her about these things. Too often we just think that EVERY one knows their self worth. It's not true, some never feel that in their lives. Stand up and tell a woman in your life, You deserve to be loved and appreciated. The more they hear it the more likely it is to sink in.

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Chris Brown doesn't need your forgiveness but from the likes of these tweets some women need to start .forgiving themselves and healing.

NYC Wellness Workshop

2012-02-13T11:43:00.000-05:00

A few months back The Jaded Nyer and I attended a party, we had a great time but happened to notice a lot of women in attendance were out of shape. Interestingly enough the opposite held true for the men, who were all buff and cut up giving the appearance of healthy living. In passing I made a comment that we needed to reach out to women to help them get on the path to a better, healthier life.

I'm sure people are like "oooh here we go with another group of experts" but it's not that at all. Recently we've both made changes in our lifestyle, from what we eat, drink and how we exercise and it's worked. So we thought what better time than now to share the steps that have worked for us. Our changes in lifestyle gave birth to our First NYC Wellness Workshop. Come out and join us as we help you find new, fun ways to stay fit and keep those pesky resolutions you set!

Click the link below to register!

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My abs hate me, my sweet tooth is like UHM WTF but I haven't felt this healthy in years.

21 day Yoga Challenge ~ Week two

2012-02-11T09:32:00.001-05:00

Inhale, and God approaches you. Hold the inhalation, and God remains with you. Exhale, and you approach God. Hold the exhalation, and surrender to God. ~Krishnamacharya

Last week I shared my progress after the first week of the 21 day Yoga Challenge, which turned out to be a great week. My body felt stronger, my mind was clear and everything I've loved about Yoga came rushing back to me. This week wasn't that much different and I managed to stick to my set schedule even the one day CJ was sick. I felt good about that but struggled with what to write about, and then it hit me. Right in the middle of one of my favorite poses, wheel pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana) I realized I wasn't breathing. It quickly came to me that when a pose is challenging or I get tired, I don't breathe! WHAT THE HELL?

Everyone that has ever spoken the word Yoga knows that breathing is the end all be all. Your breathe guides your practice, so why am I choosing to stop when I feel challenged? Why am blocking everything I know is right and what I have been taught will help me? The simple answer is my need to control. In the last 24 hours I've felt my self stop breathing, clenching my jaw and tension in my neck during challenging poses, anger at a colleague and frustration at someones mistake! All of this points directly to my need to control things that actually should be left to the universe. So I'm going to work on that. I will breathe through every pose, I will surrender my mind and body and when I feel tired I will rest.

Let's hope that week 3 brings better results.

Wednesday Inspiration ~Quote

2012-02-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

“At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.”

~ Lao Tzu

#Sentimental

2012-02-07T23:12:00.000-05:00

I'm just in that kind of mood. I've loved this song since I was a kid, it brings up memories of the quiet storm and me crossing my finger and wishing for it to come on.

This should have been the first song we played once we were married. Ah well I sing it around the house enough so we can dance to it anytime.

I'm living in a box

2012-02-06T19:35:00.000-05:00

I love what I do, I love what I do. how many times have you repeated this mantra to yourself as you prepared yourself to go off to a job you hate?

I remember feeling this way at my last place of employment. To be fair it was true, I loved what I did, unfortunately the people I worked with made it hard to do my job, so I left. I was reminded of this last night as I started fleshing out the next move in my career, and trying to decide whether I even want to stay in this business. I can honestly say I love what I do, I am good at it and it actually brings me joy but again sometimes the people I work with.....well yeah. I had to ask myself if being good at something means it's the only thing I should do? my answer NO. I'm good at a lot of things so why (besides the obvious reason of too little time) can't I try to do a little of all the things I love. In the last few years I have felt like I could be doing more but when I express my interest there is always someone in the background asking me to choose one or the other. These pressures force people into a box and often into unhappy situations. So how do we get around that?

I don't know.

I do know that I have started to shake the feelings that others might judge me and am working on a few things outside of my 9-5 and I love it. The planning (especially with good friends around), the support and hopefully a really successful event. Life is just too short to sit around thinking I could have done this or that, so my plan is to just do it all.

21 day Yoga challenge

2012-02-03T10:31:00.001-05:00

I've been doing yoga for years, over 10 years to be exact and I've always loved it. I took my first class after a rather intense boxing class because I felt sore and figured the stretch would help. I knew nothing about Yoga but feel in love immediately. As is my nature I went hard, several classes a day, practice at home, I was all yoga all the time. I didn't really see it as anymore than exercise, until a very challenging time in my relationship. I will never forget the moment I felt secure enough to surrender to the poses, my breathe and feel a spiritual understanding and connection. I cried for 40 minutes after that class. (It's weird because I visited that class several times after and never found that yogi again) I have only felt that intense sense of relief twice in my life, the second being the day I gave birth (also made possible by Yogic breathing and vinyasa.)

I practiced through my pregnancy regularly and for two years with CJ, it was the best time. Then life stepped in and shook that all up, I would still squeeze in a practice at home but slowly stopped going to class. I worked had to convince myself that I didn't miss it but I did. That feeling has became very intense in the last few weeks and like that mysterious Yogi I found a challenge on Yoga journal. The 21 day challenge is made up of three parts:

15 minutes of meditation
one vegetarian meal a day
one yoga a day.

Pretty simple.

Day one and two I went to the gym after work. I liked the teacher and even though I prefer Hatha I had a great practice.
Day three I woke up a 45 minutes earlier than I should have thanks to my TV and had a morning practice courtesy of yoga Journal's free full length videos.
Day four - six I did the Yoga journal videos and the went to the gym. This I find is the best combination for me. I start my day off with movement and end the same way, and so today day 7 will be the same.

So far I feel much stronger, My body feel lengthy and with the exception of Tuesday my mind has been clearer despite the chaos that has been surrounding me. All and all I can say this challenge is going to be a great experience, especially with all the many things I have going on in the few weeks. I've added one layer to my challenge and that's to turn off the TV before I fall asleep. For years I've convinced myself that I need the noise to settle down but I know now that's false, it just keeps my mind over stimulated so off it goes.

I think a weekly update on my progress will happen here. I want to chronicle the stumbles, the failures and obviously the many successes. For those of you looking to get into Yoga this is a great way to start. Log your days and see how much you change your mind set in 21 days!

Wednesday Inspiration ~ Quote

2012-02-01T20:27:00.002-05:00

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly."

~ Buddha

I'm no expert

2012-02-01T04:00:00.001-05:00

Of Course I'm an expert, I'm a blogger!

If you follow me on twitter than you know I spend a lot of time ranting, but in the last year I have been spent just as much time talking about healthy relationships, friendship and self-esteem. To my surprise people actually take what I say to heart and find my "Advice" useful. Who knew?!

I don't consider myself an expert AT ALL, I just see myself as having lived a really interesting life full of good and bad teaching moments. After a year of talking about it I'm just going to take 2012 by the "marbles" and open my blog up to you the readers. You can ask me any questions about life (not my life) that stumps you and I will do my best to answer. So send your questions here: Contact me, email, twitter whatever your choice. Let's get to healing folks!

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Y'all can blame La_Redatrice and Smarty's World for this :)

What are you inviting into your life?

2012-01-30T12:25:00.002-05:00

This morning while at Yoga, the Yogi in a spooky calming voice reminded us that while in child's pose we should make an effort to "meditate on what you are inviting into your life." In all the years I've been practicing Yoga I can honestly say that it takes some time for me to get to a place where I can mediate while in class, my mind is usually very busy. This morning as the class started all I could think about was getting through the vinyasa and off to the shower so I could make it to work.

But today as we reached the fourth sequence I almost felt as if I was watching myself. I watched my body glide through the poses, my mind cleared and I could hear my inner voice. I heard the same word repeated as I reminded myself to open my heart and let in what I want in my life. At the end of class I sat in child pose and mulled over the word that had come to mind. Peace. The only energy I want to allow into my life is that of a peaceful nature. I don't think my life is filled with too much drama but there are moments when I let things so insignificant get me all riled up therefore ruining my zen. I'm going to work on letting less of that happen starting today.

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I was also reminded that my practice is not only about remaining fit (in body) but furthering my connection to the universe. Let me go and re-read my chakra post.

On Monday I never go to work.

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000-05:00

If only kids knew how easy they have it. CJ sings this song all the time and then tells me I should stay home from work. I tried explaining to him that Mommy can't just "never go to work" but it doesn't always click. But I can dream, right?

Thanks to They Might be Giants.

SOPA and PIPA

2012-01-18T10:49:00.000-05:00

I can honestly say I wasn't paying much attention to this SOPA and PIPA movement. Not because I thought it didn't apply to me but because I was sure the US Government would act like there were bigger issues facing this country and FOCUS. Clearly I was wrong. In the face of double dip recession, high unemployment rates, a housing crisis and voter suppression using Jim Crow antics the United States Congress is choosing to focus on Piracy. *Slaps forehead*

Today tons of sites have decided to "Blackout" their feeds so that we can see just what the world would look like without access or rather access controlled by the entertainment industry and government. This video explains it best.

Protect IP Act Breaks the Internet from Kirby Ferguson on Vimeo.

This doesn't just affect bloggers, it affects us all.
Go here to sign the petition to STOP SOPA, Fight for the Future.

Friday inspiration

2012-01-13T09:39:00.001-05:00

This morning after Yoga I came across this video on my FB friend and Yoga mentors page. I was in awe. The fluidity in her movement, the strength in her back, legs and arm, the peacefulness. *JUMPS UP AND DOWN*

This is why I do Yoga! It's more than just a way for me to stay fit, it's a way for me to connect mind, body and soul in a peaceful way.

There were a few comments about it being too sexy, or taking away from the art but I disagree. This is beauty, art and I am inspired to keep up my practice.

NAMASTE

Happy Birthday, Happy Born day, Happy Earth Strong TO ME!

2012-01-12T11:05:00.000-05:00

Sorry Dee I had to cut you out :)

Instead of just telling you guys how awesome and wise I am on this my 37th birthday (You know it's true), I thought I'd share some of my birthday traditions, saying and must do/haves on this day a.k.a "The day an angel graced the earth! "

Favorite quote:
When asked what gift he wanted for his birthday, the yogi replied: "I wish no gifts, only presence." ~Author Unknown

Birthday Breakfast:
Tea and Pain au chocolate.

Favorite response to how old I actually am:
You need to stop lying and show me some i.d. (what can I say good black don't crack, sorry my vanilla hued folks).

Must Do:

Get eyebrows done by Anastasia (costly yes, but damn it it's my BIRTHDAY)
Listen to my birthday mix which includes only Bill Withers, Beres Hammond and Robert Nesta Marley! Nothing but the best for me!
Speak to my husband at midnight. He always sings me a song, today it was "I want to spend the night"

Take a picture of the newspaper headline. This will make it easier for CJ to give me the Cosby-eque birthday party at 60.

Must haves:

Phone call from my mom asking me how it feels to be (insert age). nothing makes me giggle like that silly conversation.
Calls from both of my sisters and my homies Dee and GG. Always the funniest, always the best!
In the last 5 years a dance with CJ. He loves it, though he often ends up break dancing . Go figure.

So that's it. I'm 37 and I feel awesome. I am at a place in my life where there aren't many things I want for or need. I have a family that loves and supports me. A husband and child that adore me as I do them and friends that make the worst day better.

Quote of the day:

2012-01-05T22:55:00.001-05:00

You must be what it is that you’re seeking. This is a universe of attraction and energy. You can’t have a desire to attract a mate who’s confident, generous, non-judgmental, and gentle, and expect that desire to be manifested if you’re thinking and acting in nonconfident, selfish, judgmental, or arrogant ways…

~ Wayne Dyer

Reflecting on who I am.

2012-01-05T22:54:00.001-05:00

In an effort to make some changes on the blog and what I want to do with it, I had to sit down and look at who I am. I do this exercise on occasion, usually when I'm at a crossroad in my life. The first I cried. In the middle of the studio I cried, it took a knowing hand from my Yogi to calm me. He explained that often times we lose touch with who we are and our place in the universe, this exercise is a way to get back to that.

I am
A spiritual being
A powerhouse
A mother and nurturer
A wife and confidant
A healer
A friend
A daughter and granddaughter
A giver of life
The center of the Universe, yet graceful intertwined within it.
I am honest
As strong as the trunk of the Baobab tree
And as gentle as a kiss from the wind.

Most importantly I am comfortable in being who I am regardless of what others think or do.

Love and Hip Hop

2012-01-03T05:00:00.003-05:00

So I've been watching Love and Hip Hop and unlike most I don't feel the need to comment on how we as a people need to do better. That's a given especially if the show is on VH1. It's 100% clear that reality TV is not about showing Black women doing big things, it's about ratchet behavior and that's why we watch. The ratchet behavior is not unique to women of color so if any other race of people want to debate I will point them to RHOBH and Mob Wives.. THE END.

Anyway once I got past the stupid fights and discussions about getting money I realized the issues highlighted on this show are what the relationship blogs cover and women deal with everyday. Most of the women watching the show have been or are currently in some of the same situations being shown, but they are cussing and tsk tsking the women on the show. Why? Because it makes the pain of dealing with your own f-ed up situation easier.

There are several characters on this show but I know for certain I have watched friends go through the trials Chrissy and Emily have gone through. Chrissy not knowing the future of her relationship because the man is caught up in being a man child, and Emily with the cheating father of her child and her misconception of what real love is... REAL ISSUES. The only difference is that there is no camera shoved in the everyday woman's face 24/7.

Even Yandy, she's in a male dominated business where on some level the men are treating her like they treat the women they sleep with, showing her little respect and that doesn't work for business.I totally understand this feeling because I work in a field where men dominate, I've just learned not to take their BS. Yandy will learn that too, and when she starts separating business and friends she will become even more of a success. In short, I'm not saying don't voice your opinion about what's happening because that show is pure comedy gold, but don't act all surprised when the women cry or say stupid things like I love him... we've all been there and though it's TV it's still easier to lift up another woman than to bash her.

Very Superstitious

2012-01-02T20:16:00.000-05:00

Every year before the 31st I do two things, I clean my house from top to bottom and then I cook a special meal. There hasn't been one year since I've been on my own that this doesn't happen. And though I'm sure if I didn't wash every stitch of clothing we'd still be okay I continue to do it. Old wives tales passed from generation to generation just have a way of sticking with you. So here are my New Year's MUST Do's (Thank Dee for this post).

1. Your home must be cleaned spic and span. No one wants to bring in the new year with the last years dirt. And there is to be no sweeping until the 2nd. Why? because you sweep out the new years blessings. I will say this has become harder with a 5 year old because he is ALWAYS dropping things but I still do it.

2. All clothes must be cleaned. I guess that follows the same thought of old dirt, new year. And as much as I hate laundry this one is definitely one I wouldn't mind giving up.

3. Collard Greens and Hoppin' John. Collard greens bring wealth and black eyed peas bring luck in the new year. There is always a pot of collards here and this year I have to say they were magnificent but I can't get into the peas, so I am hoping the good luck will follow me anyway.

4. The man you plan to spend the rest of your year with needs to be with you at midnight. Some say he should be walking through the door at midnight but I guess that's harder these days.

So there it is the superstitions I live by even if logic defies. Share your superstitions in the comment section!

Happy New Year to you all!

2011-12-31T21:08:00.001-05:00

Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!

~~~~ William Arthur Ward

So long, farewell, Auf wiedersehen, good night

2011-12-30T08:47:00.001-05:00

Ah the end of the year post! In 2010 I wrote a two part EOY post one about my personal life, the other about the world and how I see things, this year it's all about me.

Professional: At the end of 2010 I started the balls moving on a new position at my current firm and guess what it's paying off. I've become a LOT more vocal even when the shy girl in me tells me not to and I see it taking root. We had two "conferences" this year and in both I was asked to share my ideas more often because of my unique prospective and that made me feel great. I have to admit that though I spoke up on occasion, it wasn't as often as it should have been. I let the climate of my industry (which is quite scary and unstable) scare me into not always saying when things were not right. That time has changed, God willing it pays off.

The bigger part of all of this is that I decided that 14 years in this business has been great but I'm ready to give back my community. I've always said when CJ gets older I would volunteer, well I took my first steps towards that with the clothing/food drive I held and there is so much more to come.As much as I love finance and analytics I've decided that my passion for it is dwindling.I want more for me, for my community and in order to get it I have to be a part of the change not just sitting around waiting for the world to hand me something all wrapped in a pretty bow.

Personal:
Self Revelation ALERT:
I'll admit it I'm pushy, I'm opinionated and if crossed I will be your worst enemy, but if you know me then you know it's all done out of love. A few years back I made a promise to myself to keep a tight circle after a heart wrenching incident with a friend, and not to let people take me to that place again. Over the last year I let a few people in and one to my own detriment, but because of the personal growth here in my little cocoon, my anger with this person only lasted a moment and I was able to move on. I've realized I can't heal the world and honestly don't want to. A few minutes of meditating revealed the simplest principles to me, that no matter who the person is their anger, resentment and low self esteem is not my issue. I'm good and will be good long after I cut them off.

With that said I feel less crippled when it comes to this blog and what I write. Good Ole Smarty's consistently reminds me that YES others may have written about it, but not from my perspective, so here's to hoping that I can carve out the time to give you more of ME. I promise it will only sting a little bit.

Friends: This year I've established that my support system (outside of family) is AMAZING! They want for me things I didn't even know I wanted and that is awesome. Some of you are new to this lovely circle of trust but you've only made it better for me in here. A few of you are a testament to what should really come of Social Networking and I love ya.

Family: This year I've realized even more how strong my family is. I wouldn't change that for the world, what I will say is we need to get together more often. The holidays are just not enough! Christmas only solidified that for me with all the men in the basement talking and laughing and the women upstairs it just felt right, not the separation of the two but the warmth in the house. I want to feel that way more often. So I guess I'll be the one that initiates the getting together and I don't mean to EAT (mmhmm I know how y'all are).

Fitness: I have never struggled with my weight, nor have I ever not worked out but this year I took it to another level. For the last 12 years I've been practicing Yoga it is my first love. I can go on and on about the benefits from helping me through my labor and delivery, keeping me toned through the pregnancy and showing me how channel the negative energy in my world and turn it into positives. Hatha Vidya will always be a part of my regiment! But this year I wanted to focus on some good old strengthening enter Crossfit ( thanks to the Evil Terita) and Reformer Pilates (thanks to Jaded for the gift certificate) OH MY! I haven't felt this strong since I danced. So I'm promising myself to find a way to fit them in more regularly and by fit them in I mean financially, Pilates is quite pricey so it may come down to two classes a month.

I also started living a Paleo lifestyle introduced to me by Terita and The JadedNYer. I can proudly admit that for the majority of the time I've adapted this lifestyle I've been 100% Paleo, even with some of my sugary addictions (The Holidays and the week before my fast well yeah not so much). Eating clean has been good for me and for the Giants. The Mr. hasn't had a blood sugar reading over 100 since September and I found out this week, his Dr is thinking of cutting down his meds. AWESOME right?! I'm not waiting for an answer it is.

So that's my year in review, I don't make resolutions and I'm sure I forgot somethings but *throws confetti* who cares that's all in the past and I'm looking to the future!

Thank you for reading, sharing and commenting on my rants and random thoughts!

HAPPY NEW YEAR LOVIES!

Giving Thanks.

2011-12-20T00:00:00.005-05:00

"Generosity is not giving me that which I need more than you do, but it is giving me that which you need more than I do.' ~Khalil Gibran

A month ago I sent out an email to bloggers, friends and family asking them to donate to an amazing program that helps Girls escape sex trafficking and start a new life (GEMS). I thought it would be nice to just extend the invitation to share the many blessing that we've been given with others, but in all honesty I didn't expect many to help. I knew the handful of people that would and I was okay with that. I was VERY wrong, of the 30+ people I sent the email to more than half responded and helped. I was blown away.

Let me explain, it's not that I think people are selfish and don't want to help but because I'm the kind of person that just doesn't depend on others to get things done. So even when I include others I will usually place that in the back of my mind and just take it all on myself. It took everything in my being to send emails with details, follow up emails with reminders of deadlines etc...but I did it and it paid off. With the help of so many of you, we were able to donate at least two of everything on their list and tons of clothes to help the girls transition. Here are a few snap shots (there was so much more my office mates can attest to how crazy it got).

A few of the things we collected.

First off I would like to thank the people that donated.

* Arie Rich of KMP, I've met a lot of bloggers but no one is as generous and kind hearted as you are. Many Thanks!

* My Girl BranBogs of The Chic Factory. I wish you had time to have brunch when we linked up but there are many days to come!

*Divas and Dorks, I know you're schedule is busy and I appreciate you taking the time to meet me.

* MissHartNYC of O So Chic You took time on your birthday to make sure I got your donations and I thank you. My biceps thank you to because I carried all of them into the city no need to work out.

*Glennisha from Glennisha the writer I can't express how thankful I am to have met you. Too often you don't find people on the same page as you and when you do it's a great thing. the donation plus the conversation brightened my day.

*OnlyoneDivaDee from Diva Dee's discussions The laughs, the donation all awesome.

*TeritaTweets from REAL LIFE! Next time we are having lunch and it will be an anti-paleo wonderful time. Damn meetings! Oh how could I forget how you have kept me from going off on others in this month. Thank You!

*Julia from REAL LIFE! Not only did we have a hilarious conversation your donations were awesome.

* Michele from REAL LIFE! I haven't seen you in almost a year but when I needed you, you were there. You're a great friend and I am lucky to have you in my life.

*Naimah2U Brooklyn's own and someone I consider a friend. You're one of the few that just get me. Thank You!

*Two newbies the ladies of TheAFLife.com, Thank you for your donation.

And those of you that encouraged me through all of this.

* Coogie Cruz from "The Love of Art and War" Word can't express how much I love you. If it wasn't for you I might not have made it up there to deliver things. More importantly your constant words of encouragement kept me on course. Love ya Chi-Chi

*TheJadedNyer . A lot of people owe you their lives and they don't even know it. All the silly conversations, text messages and emails were blessings (even that old sappy one that made me cry on the street) and I thank you. The Empire will be great.

*Smarty's World, That last conversation we had mannnnnn!! I can't explain how much your words meant to me that night, you're constant encouragement to be great (outside the office) means the world to me.

*Bangs and a Bun, You only typed a few lines to address my moment of weakness but at that moment it felt like a novel.

LASTLY my buddy Nadine from High school. It's been 19 years but when we met it felt like we were hanging out between classes. That's AMAZING, and I am so happy to have you back in my life.

The entire project came together thanks to the ladies of GEMS, specifically this woman. I won't post her name because I wouldn't want my named posted just anywhere but she was the guiding light through it all. I hope the girls have an amazing Christmas party and I'll be in touch.

GEMS.

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

Special shout outs to CleoSunshine and Shelly Shell, the Spring will be here before you know it and you're first on my contact list!

GEMS accepts donations all year long so you don't have to wait for my next step to donate! Give of your heart!

Christmas is in the air

2011-12-19T09:01:00.000-05:00

So I thought with the holidays upon us I would keep the Monday post light. I'm sure I'm not the only one that is cleaning , prepping and cooking like a crazy person so here is a play list of songs that have kept me on my game and not in the loony bin :). There are a few Christmas songs because I have never been much of a jingle bells kind of gal but there are some songs that I love to hear this time of year. So here we go!

This is my favorite clean the bathroom song. I can sing as loud as I want and my brushes are in there to double as a mic. Can you say winning?!

Listen you all need to get into Switch. I think they made some of the best love songs, I'm not about their upbeat music.

What is Christmas without these songs? It's not Christmas without them.

I introduced CJ to Christmas in Hollis while we decorated the tree and he loved it! He loved it so much I had to hide the CD it was on so he would go to bed.

I added this last night after it played on the radio last night. I now have it on my iPod so the Giants will eventually hate this song. hehehe

So what are your go to songs this time of year?

She's making a list and checking it twice

2011-12-13T05:16:00.000-05:00

YES it's that time again, Christmas shopping, Holidays stress and my two week vacation (4 days and counting). I've gotten through most of my shopping and a lot of it was done through sites having sales which was awesome. This evening as I went through my emails I couldn't help but laugh at some of these deals and to think who do I dislike enough to buy..... So here are some of the deals I would get for people I didn't like.

#5.Half off a Scandinavian Cozy! Can someone explain to me why my beer needs such a fancy cover?

#4.Custom made bobble head. UHM they are just scary to begin with but imagine if you got one of someone you hated.

#3. 2 poetry slam tickets.... Y'all already know how I feel about Poetry.

#2.50% off Mc.Donald's. This is just ridiculous! I know times are hard but if I'm going to spend $13 it's not going to be on Big Macs.

and the number one gift I would give someone I disliked (DRUM ROLL)
#1. 2 pairs of Pajama jeans for $19! YES kbg deals almost got blocked in my emails for this deal.

For the life of me I can't understand these. I just don't.