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It's been another blogless week. I've been extremely busy at work (which is where I usually blog). When I get home I feed my daughter and climb into bed. It's a vicious cycle. I'm finding myself more in "I need a vacation mode" lately. Here's the recap since last week.
Friday:
I actually had a date that didn't fall through. I have friend that I met online and we went to dinner at Pappadeaux's in Westmont. It's a cajun seafood place. We had fried alligator for appetizer and I had steak for main course. That steak was soo goood. I had an appletini but it was too strong. I like my mixed drinks but it shouldn't taste like alcohol straight from the bottle. The best part was the company. This is someone I have been trying to hang out with for awhile and schedules just keep conflicting. He bought me a coat rack for my housewarming. It's the best gift I got. I use it everyday. I don't know that anything romantic is developing but I definitely like the company.
I also got another shock on Friday. My ex and I have been discussing reconciling quite a bit lately. Basically we are on the verge of getting back together. We're just taking it day by day. We have been spending more time together lately (he and I - not family time) so we've been pretty tentative. He calls me after going out with friends and tells me he loves me - a lot. He was drunk at the time which I reminded him of but he said that a drunk man's tongue is a sober man's mind. I liked that little phrase. I asked him the next day (when he had sobered up) if he still loved me - a lot and he said yes. I think I smiled the rest of the weekend.
Saturday:
Went to an all day leadership conference for my church council sponsored by LCEF (Lutheran Church Extension Fund). I learned a lot but it was a long day. I did get to go to dinner at a soul food restaurant on the west side called McArthur's though. Catfish, mac and cheese and mashed potatoes plus peach cobbler for dessert. It was delicious.
Sunday:
Church. I go every Sunday and this day wasn't any different. We had a family party for my grandmother at the Salvation Army in DesPlaines. Nice family gathering. Afterwards, my daughter and I went to see Chicago at the Showplace 12 in Bolingbrook. Singing and dancing and murder. Talk about a family movie. She likes the singing and dancing and thought the movie as (quote): Great. We got home and her dad came over to do his laundry. I don't mind and it gives us the opportunity to spend some more quality time together (aka earth-shattering, great sex). Not a bad way to end the weekend.
Monday:
Back to work. The daily grind begins. I've gotten into the habit of taking my daughter to McDonald's on Monday nights. She usually gets to go for McDonald's once a week. It's her "treat" dinner. Monday's are pretty slow at McDonald's and there aren't a lot of children in the play area. I mean what parent can take their child to McDonald's and not play in the play area?
Tuesday:
I don't remember what I did Tuesday after work. I believe I had a sinus headache and rested. I got up to fix my daughter dinner and get her ready for bed and then went back to bed. Very boring!
Wednesday:
I was supposed to give blood today. I was rejected for low iron levels (whaaa??). LifeSource calls me every week to do it. This reason gives me 3 weeks to put them off. My blood type is AB+. According to the little booklet that came with my rejection, 1 in 29 people in the US have my blood type. It's the 3rd rarest type and it's my understanding that it's pretty rare among African-Americans. What does this all mean? It means LifeSource calls me every week asking me to give blood. I'll go when my 3 weeks are up and I don't have low iron anymore.
Wednesdays are family dinner days at my parents' house. My daughter loves it. She gets to spend time with Gommie and PawPaw. We had sloppy joes, corn on the cob and and curly fries. Delicious!
Thursday:
I found out my blog got reviewed by The Weblog Review. I feel very official now and the review was very objective and pretty on point. Thanks to yz and the weblog reviewstaff for their service. Go to the weblog review to see my review!
My daughter gets to spend Friday with PawPaw. Just a grandfather spoiling his granddaughter rotten. That meant I came home, packed my daughter up, took her to her grandparents, came home and conked out. The week came crashing down on me. I didn't realized how exhausted I was until I got into the bed and woke up this morning.
Friday:
I got to leave work early today with my team and go to Uncle Julio's Hacienda. Margaritas and fajitas on Friday afternoon. Talk about ending the week on a high note. My team has been working really hard lately and it's always nice to know that your boss appreciates you and your team appreciates you even if you are getting NO LOVE from the client. Now it's time to go home and pack for my weekend.
Weekend plans:
My paster is being ordained this weekend. My parents, my daughter and I are going to drive up to Detroit, MI to see this auspicious occasion. Next week he gets installed as pastor at our church. We're REALLY REALLY excited. More on this next week!
Friday, March 28, 2003
Friday, March 21, 2003
Friday, March 14, 2003
A Woman Who Reads:
I just finished What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day by Pearl Cleage. I liked it...but then I like Pearl Cleage. I didn't realize that this book came before I Wish I Had a Red Dress otherwise I would have read it first. As it is I didn't. I read it in preparation for the Book Club meeting I'm attending on Monday sponsored by City-Alert. It's another way I'm trying to build my social life. I figure I like books, and I've wanted to join a book club for a while now...why not one sponsored by an organization that will attract a variety of people. My hope is that this will be stimulating discussion and not the same old gripes about men, women and our condition of apathy and lack of love towards one another. I thought Pearl's book covered a lot more topics than that. We shall see, we shall see!
Lots of Weekend, Nothing to Do
It's Friday and it flew by. I have no plans for the weekend - AGAIN. the weeks I have my daughter I usually don't make plans. This is one of those weeks. Although I do miss adult company sometimes, I think she deserves my undivided attention. Besides next week she'll be at Daddy's house and I'll miss her terribly. Maybe we'll go to the library for a little bit. We definitely need to clean the house and pack for her to go back to Daddy's house come Sunday. I think it will be an R&R weekend.
I just finished What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day by Pearl Cleage. I liked it...but then I like Pearl Cleage. I didn't realize that this book came before I Wish I Had a Red Dress otherwise I would have read it first. As it is I didn't. I read it in preparation for the Book Club meeting I'm attending on Monday sponsored by City-Alert. It's another way I'm trying to build my social life. I figure I like books, and I've wanted to join a book club for a while now...why not one sponsored by an organization that will attract a variety of people. My hope is that this will be stimulating discussion and not the same old gripes about men, women and our condition of apathy and lack of love towards one another. I thought Pearl's book covered a lot more topics than that. We shall see, we shall see!
Lots of Weekend, Nothing to Do
It's Friday and it flew by. I have no plans for the weekend - AGAIN. the weeks I have my daughter I usually don't make plans. This is one of those weeks. Although I do miss adult company sometimes, I think she deserves my undivided attention. Besides next week she'll be at Daddy's house and I'll miss her terribly. Maybe we'll go to the library for a little bit. We definitely need to clean the house and pack for her to go back to Daddy's house come Sunday. I think it will be an R&R weekend.
Wednesday, March 12, 2003
I Need a Vacation:
Check out Sun Village Beach Resort in the Dominican Republic. I feel a "Calgon take me away" moment coming on...
Another Hallmark Holiday?
Funny what people will think of. Luckily I don't have a man or this would suck (yes - pun intended!)
Every 14th of February you get the chance to display your fondness for your wife or girlfriend by showering her with gifts, flowers, dinner, shows and any other baubles that women find romantic.
However, guys feel left out. That's right...left out. There's no special holiday for the ladies to show their appreciation for the men in their life. Men as a whole are either too proud or just too embarrassed to admit it. Which is why a new holiday has been created.
March 20th is now officially "Steak & Blowjob Day."
Simple, effective and self-explanatory...this holiday has been created so ladies can have a day to show their man just how much they love him.
No cards, no flowers, no special nights on the town--the name of the holiday explains it all...just a steak and a BJ. That's it.
This twin pairing of Valentine's Day and Steak & Blowjob Day will usher in a new age of love as men everywhere will try THAT much harder in February to ensure a more memorable March! It's like a perpetual love machine.
The word is already spreading, but as with any new idea, it needs a little push to start the ball rolling. So spread the word, and help bring love and peace to this crazy world.
I Think I am an Old Woman in a Young Woman's Body
I can identify with many of the things below. Luckily I'm young and can enjoy this wisdom for a much longer time...
Andy Rooney says, "As I grow in age, I value women who are over 40 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:
An older woman will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.
If an older woman doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And it's usually something more interesting.
An older woman knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom. Few women past the age of 40 give a damn what you might think about her or what she's doing.
An older woman usually has had her fill of "meaningful relationships" and "commitment." The last thing she wants in her life is another dopey, clingy, whiny dependent lover.
Older women are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with it.
Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.
An older woman has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women. An older woman couldn't care less if you're attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won't betray her.
Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to an older woman. They always know.
An older woman looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women or drag queens.
Once you get past a wrinkle or two, an older woman is far sexier than her younger counterpart. Her libido's stronger, her fear of pregnancy gone. Her experience of love making is honed and reciprocal and she's lived long enough to know how to please a man in ways her younger cousin could never dream of.
Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off you are a jerk if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.
Yes, we praise older women for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of 40+, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year-old waitress. Ladies, I apologize.
Check out Sun Village Beach Resort in the Dominican Republic. I feel a "Calgon take me away" moment coming on...
Another Hallmark Holiday?
Funny what people will think of. Luckily I don't have a man or this would suck (yes - pun intended!)
Every 14th of February you get the chance to display your fondness for your wife or girlfriend by showering her with gifts, flowers, dinner, shows and any other baubles that women find romantic.
However, guys feel left out. That's right...left out. There's no special holiday for the ladies to show their appreciation for the men in their life. Men as a whole are either too proud or just too embarrassed to admit it. Which is why a new holiday has been created.
March 20th is now officially "Steak & Blowjob Day."
Simple, effective and self-explanatory...this holiday has been created so ladies can have a day to show their man just how much they love him.
No cards, no flowers, no special nights on the town--the name of the holiday explains it all...just a steak and a BJ. That's it.
This twin pairing of Valentine's Day and Steak & Blowjob Day will usher in a new age of love as men everywhere will try THAT much harder in February to ensure a more memorable March! It's like a perpetual love machine.
The word is already spreading, but as with any new idea, it needs a little push to start the ball rolling. So spread the word, and help bring love and peace to this crazy world.
I Think I am an Old Woman in a Young Woman's Body
I can identify with many of the things below. Luckily I'm young and can enjoy this wisdom for a much longer time...
Andy Rooney says, "As I grow in age, I value women who are over 40 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:
An older woman will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.
If an older woman doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And it's usually something more interesting.
An older woman knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom. Few women past the age of 40 give a damn what you might think about her or what she's doing.
An older woman usually has had her fill of "meaningful relationships" and "commitment." The last thing she wants in her life is another dopey, clingy, whiny dependent lover.
Older women are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with it.
Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.
An older woman has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women. An older woman couldn't care less if you're attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won't betray her.
Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to an older woman. They always know.
An older woman looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women or drag queens.
Once you get past a wrinkle or two, an older woman is far sexier than her younger counterpart. Her libido's stronger, her fear of pregnancy gone. Her experience of love making is honed and reciprocal and she's lived long enough to know how to please a man in ways her younger cousin could never dream of.
Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off you are a jerk if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.
Yes, we praise older women for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of 40+, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year-old waitress. Ladies, I apologize.
A Woman Who Reads:
I just finished Tempatation by Victoria Christopher Murray. It's Christian fiction (I didn't know this when I checked it out), but I was very impressed. The story was a quick read for me but I think it was pretty true to life. I recommend it for everyone no matter where you are in your Christian life. Next up are Addicted by Zane and What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day by Pearl Cleage.
38 days and Counting
Once you decide to give up something for Lent the countdown begins. In the beginning it's not so bad actually. It's usually worse at night because that's when cravings usually hit. Luckily I didn't give up popcorn this year so I can go get some from Garrett's popcorn shop on Michigan. I need a mini-mix like a fiend needs a hit. Other than that there isn't much more to blog about today.
I just finished Tempatation by Victoria Christopher Murray. It's Christian fiction (I didn't know this when I checked it out), but I was very impressed. The story was a quick read for me but I think it was pretty true to life. I recommend it for everyone no matter where you are in your Christian life. Next up are Addicted by Zane and What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day by Pearl Cleage.
38 days and Counting
Once you decide to give up something for Lent the countdown begins. In the beginning it's not so bad actually. It's usually worse at night because that's when cravings usually hit. Luckily I didn't give up popcorn this year so I can go get some from Garrett's popcorn shop on Michigan. I need a mini-mix like a fiend needs a hit. Other than that there isn't much more to blog about today.
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
Who Came Up with This Concept?
I have decided to abstain for Lent. For those of you that don't know Lent started on Ash Wednesday (March 5) and lasts until Easter Sunday (April 20). Needless to say it's going to be a long Lenten season. Usually I give up something for Lent that I know I can live without and while it's a challenge it won't be impossible (you know chocolate or popcorn or beef). This is the first time that I feel I may not make it. I'm not comfortable with that. Probably for that reason alone I'll make it. Only because I always rise to the challenage and I'm stubborn (aka feisty). I have a feeling that my temper my flare a few times in the next 6.5 weeks so don't take it personally if you find yourself on the end of a head-biting-off session. I still love you in my own way...I'm probably just feening. Why didn't I go the easy route and give up ice cream or something. Giving up food is a lot easier than something related to my spiritual well-being. I feel like a defiant child. So essentially I am giving up a physical temptation which in this case is a real sacrifice. I'm sure in the end, I feel much better...my spirit will be lighter. Right now I feel like crap...warm crap but crap still the same. Needless to say I'm in constant prayer so I'm trusting in the Lord to help me with this particular situation. He hasn't failed me yet so I have complete confidence that come April 21 I will not only have made it through the Lenten season without slipping up but feel much better about myself in the process.
I have decided to abstain for Lent. For those of you that don't know Lent started on Ash Wednesday (March 5) and lasts until Easter Sunday (April 20). Needless to say it's going to be a long Lenten season. Usually I give up something for Lent that I know I can live without and while it's a challenge it won't be impossible (you know chocolate or popcorn or beef). This is the first time that I feel I may not make it. I'm not comfortable with that. Probably for that reason alone I'll make it. Only because I always rise to the challenage and I'm stubborn (aka feisty). I have a feeling that my temper my flare a few times in the next 6.5 weeks so don't take it personally if you find yourself on the end of a head-biting-off session. I still love you in my own way...I'm probably just feening. Why didn't I go the easy route and give up ice cream or something. Giving up food is a lot easier than something related to my spiritual well-being. I feel like a defiant child. So essentially I am giving up a physical temptation which in this case is a real sacrifice. I'm sure in the end, I feel much better...my spirit will be lighter. Right now I feel like crap...warm crap but crap still the same. Needless to say I'm in constant prayer so I'm trusting in the Lord to help me with this particular situation. He hasn't failed me yet so I have complete confidence that come April 21 I will not only have made it through the Lenten season without slipping up but feel much better about myself in the process.
Saturday, March 08, 2003
A Woman Who Reads
I only completed one book last week and started another. I was too busy to read like I wanted to. :( What did I read? Hand Me Down Heartache by Tajuana Butler. She also wrote Sorority Sisters which I read. It was actually a pretty interesting read. This is surprising to me because the books I've been reading lately have been essentially taken from a list put together where people said: I read this and it was (good, interesting, bad, etc). I'm playing reading roulette. I really don't know what I am going to get. With that said, I'm scrapping the idea of putting my own summaries on the page. Eventually all I would be doing is re-typing the summary found inside the book cover. So I invite everyone to play a little reading roulette as well. Let me know what you think about the books I've read, what books you are reading, what books you suggest reading and the discussion will ensue from there.
I only completed one book last week and started another. I was too busy to read like I wanted to. :( What did I read? Hand Me Down Heartache by Tajuana Butler. She also wrote Sorority Sisters which I read. It was actually a pretty interesting read. This is surprising to me because the books I've been reading lately have been essentially taken from a list put together where people said: I read this and it was (good, interesting, bad, etc). I'm playing reading roulette. I really don't know what I am going to get. With that said, I'm scrapping the idea of putting my own summaries on the page. Eventually all I would be doing is re-typing the summary found inside the book cover. So I invite everyone to play a little reading roulette as well. Let me know what you think about the books I've read, what books you are reading, what books you suggest reading and the discussion will ensue from there.
Why are they putting GG in the garage?
I mentioned last week that my daughter's great-grandmother passed away. Well the services were on Tuesday. It was a long day. The wake started at 11:00 am, funeral at 12:00 pm, burial after the funeral at Lincoln Cemetary, and repast after the burial at the church. My ex and I had already explained to our daughter that GG Forney died. So she is aware that GG is gone and she won't be able to see her anymore. Still I think she was a little shocked to see Mommy and Daddy cry and her grandparents too. She wanted to know why everyone was sad so we explained it to her. When we went to the burial, GG Forney was laid to rest in a vault. My daughter watches this, turns to my mother (Gommie) and asks: "Gommie, why are they putting GG in the garage?" From the mouths of babes right. So what does my crazy mother say, "We put things we want to keep safe in the garage." I'm surrounded by mental instabilities (aka relatives). I'm just relieved that my daughter understands the concept of death. Although she has been telling people that her GG died. I'm not going to discourage her from doing this because I believe it's a part of her grief process. She hasn't cried but has admitted to being sad. All in all the day went well. We even beat the snow home!
I mentioned last week that my daughter's great-grandmother passed away. Well the services were on Tuesday. It was a long day. The wake started at 11:00 am, funeral at 12:00 pm, burial after the funeral at Lincoln Cemetary, and repast after the burial at the church. My ex and I had already explained to our daughter that GG Forney died. So she is aware that GG is gone and she won't be able to see her anymore. Still I think she was a little shocked to see Mommy and Daddy cry and her grandparents too. She wanted to know why everyone was sad so we explained it to her. When we went to the burial, GG Forney was laid to rest in a vault. My daughter watches this, turns to my mother (Gommie) and asks: "Gommie, why are they putting GG in the garage?" From the mouths of babes right. So what does my crazy mother say, "We put things we want to keep safe in the garage." I'm surrounded by mental instabilities (aka relatives). I'm just relieved that my daughter understands the concept of death. Although she has been telling people that her GG died. I'm not going to discourage her from doing this because I believe it's a part of her grief process. She hasn't cried but has admitted to being sad. All in all the day went well. We even beat the snow home!
I know a White House Fellowship Regional Finalist:
Jeffrey Robinson has been selected as a Regional Finalist for the President's Commission on White House Fellowships. Please read the press release at White House Fellows. His hometown is listed as Parsippany, NJ. J.R has to interview next month to become a National Finalist. His wife is confident he is going ROCK those interviews, because that is one of the reasons that she fell in love with because he is so charming, personable and confident. Please keep Valerie and Jeffrey Robinson in your prayers!
Jeffrey Robinson has been selected as a Regional Finalist for the President's Commission on White House Fellowships. Please read the press release at White House Fellows. His hometown is listed as Parsippany, NJ. J.R has to interview next month to become a National Finalist. His wife is confident he is going ROCK those interviews, because that is one of the reasons that she fell in love with because he is so charming, personable and confident. Please keep Valerie and Jeffrey Robinson in your prayers!
Networking at it's finest:
Congratulations! You've been invited to register for the exclusive Savoy Professional Networking Series. This elite forum is bringing top African American business professionals together with the biggest names in corporate America for a night of serious, high-powered networking. It's the one event you simply shouldn't miss.
Savoy Professional Networking Series
April 9, 2003
6:00pm to 10:00pm
W Hotel Chicago City Center
172 West Adams, Chicago, IL 60611
Keynote Speaker: George Fraser, author of Success Runs In Our Race; The Complete Guide to Effective Networking in the African American Community
This event is invite-only, so please visit www.savoyprofessional.com to register. All registrations must be received by March 20, 2003.
If the above hyperlink doesn't work, simply copy and paste the URL into a new Web browser window.
Sponsored by Savoy Professional magazine, TMP Worldwide, and Monster.com
Congratulations! You've been invited to register for the exclusive Savoy Professional Networking Series. This elite forum is bringing top African American business professionals together with the biggest names in corporate America for a night of serious, high-powered networking. It's the one event you simply shouldn't miss.
Savoy Professional Networking Series
April 9, 2003
6:00pm to 10:00pm
W Hotel Chicago City Center
172 West Adams, Chicago, IL 60611
Keynote Speaker: George Fraser, author of Success Runs In Our Race; The Complete Guide to Effective Networking in the African American Community
This event is invite-only, so please visit www.savoyprofessional.com to register. All registrations must be received by March 20, 2003.
If the above hyperlink doesn't work, simply copy and paste the URL into a new Web browser window.
Sponsored by Savoy Professional magazine, TMP Worldwide, and Monster.com
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