Monday, April 28, 2008

Wow

The Hawks won.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

What are yours?

The Seven Deadly Sins or the Cardinal Sins have been around since the Bible although they are not listed you can gather what is a sin by what is professed as a righteous life. I remember first learning of the sins and thought I would never succumb to those sins. All in my self-righteous armor.

But as we know, what we say in youth is often dismissed as we leave our sheltered world of our parents. Experiences, opportunities often bring forth that inner person that is always waiting to emerge. Lying in wait for the chance to breakthrough.

The Sins ===>


Pride




Greed
Greed



Envy
envy




Wrath
Deadly Sin- Wrath




Lust



Gluttony
Deadly Sin Gluttony
Sloth
Sloth

Right off the back I can admit proudly (sin) that Pride is my #1 sin. I am 100% it has prevented me from a lot over the course of my life. My present situation is a true testament to this. Hence me eating crow right now.

Pride is an intoxicating emotion. You feel all powerful, invincible, worthy, supreme. On the adverse it limits you. You do not understand or are capable of asking for help. You do not reach out for support, you do not see the blessings in your life, you believe you alone are greatness.

And there is nothing wrong with that. Nothing wrong with possessing a self-esteem that floats you through life, a belief that you alone are greatness...a strong confidence in yourself.

The issue comes into play when you allow your self-esteem to negate all other possibilities. The offers of help, the offer of friendship and companionship. When you live with the belief that you alone are responsible for your own destiny. That's when your pride has overtaken the humble side of yourself. Pride is the most dangerous. It breeds an environment that all of the other sins are acceptable. Because after all you are all powerful.
So when you lust for sex and it drives you to take risk...it's your pride because HIV can never happen to you. Unplanned pregnancy? Whatever.
When you know you should push yourself away from the table, you don't. Instead you do finish off that rack of ribs. Your pride tells you that you will work off later. How often does that happen?
You know the 2nd-skin black tube dress is something that a 21 year old can get away with wearing but you put your 40 year old butt in it. Yeah, your body is holding its own, but really is it appropriate? How many more times can you embarrass your teenage son?

What is your sin? Which one do you commit and even shake your head as you do?


I found this Seven Deadly Sins quiz---take it and see if it measures up to who you envision as YOU. Check it out...http://www.4degreez.com/misc/seven_deadly_sins.html


Also, more reading...in case you are interested. I must admit that I have always found this subject factinating.


And a side note...the digital art of the sins are awesome, right?

Friday, April 25, 2008

Go Dawgs! Sic 'em

Some of you may know I was a gymnast for 16 years. Had to stop when my body betrayed me...dysfunctional knee and black girl curves. I still follow the sport and have coached off and on since I left the sport. Soooo, I am so excited that the UGA GymDawgs have won their 4th NCAA Championship! Do you understand how hard that is? 6 girls compete on 4 events. There are no repeats. You get one shot.


Congrats!!!

He Should Have Known Better

Wesley Snipes needs a pimp slap across his face. He should have known better.

http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0425/snipesw.html

Thursday, April 24, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS DIANA...

Today @ like 4.08 pm my baby sis turns 19. Let me tell you the story leading to her arrival...


My father always believed in slave labor. That's why he had children. I really believe this. Every summer we had to bleach and repaint the house. A 3-story house. And he never would rent a pressure washer...hell, that would be toooo easy. You know those spray pumps people use to spray weeds?

Yeah, that's what that old white man had us doing. (He is not white but I call him that 'cause he's actually lighter than me and he got a lot of white folks on his side.)


I digress...so that summer my Moms is sick the entire time. Between the paint and clorox she was all messed up. Now me with my 6 grade sex education class told her she was pregnant. She ignored me...after all she is in her 40's. (That's why her Mom's youngest sister is only 1 year older than my mom and my Daddy's Dad was in 60's when he was born.) Now, you have to understand my personality...especially at that age...I KNEW everything. And had no problem telling you, explaining to you, or whatever I had to do for you to understand that. I knew. I was also a nosey little heifer. If you walked in with bags, I was going through them. (I have since checked that urge...TMI is often found.) So guess what I find in the bag? Yep, a pregnancy test. I look at my Mom and was like "I already told you that." I am saying all this but I am not comprehending it. I am not thinking a baby is coming. I am just right. That's as far as my brain will allow it. I hear my father say, "Sandra, do you think you are?" and I just roll my eyes.

Transport 3 days later. My parents call my brother & I to the dining room table. We never have meetings nor do we sit there for a discussion. I blame the Cosby's. My Mom drops the bomb. "I am pregnant." In quintessential teenage form I slam my hands on the table and yell out "I told y'all to stop doing that!" I was dead serious. I told them to stop. Been told them to stop. I was 12. I know better now.

I did not speak to my Mom for months. I was sooo pissed. I came around when it was time to buy clothes and things for the baby. Especially when we found out it was a girl. My Daddy named her after the Princess. And she has truly grown up believing she is a Princess. Try and tell her different. The look is priceless.


But let me tell you the really screwed up part about all of this. A week or so before this grand announcement I was at my gym with my coach and she said, "Wouldn't it be funny if your Mom got pregnant?" I immediately said, "No." She cried laughing so hard when I told her Mom was pregnant.


Now I have no idea what I would do without her. I know for a fact I probably would not be as close to family as I am now. I would not have my beautiful nephew who turned 6 months yesterday. Nor would I have someone who believes I am the shit like she does. I have enjoyed her transformation from someone who believed being ignorant was cool to someone who wants to learn and surpass her potential. Love you, Bookie

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Self Pity

I never saw a wild thing
sorry for itself.
A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough
without ever having felt sorry for itself.

~ DH Lawrence

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

My random thoughts of the day...

+ How many times can Madonna reinvent herself? And will she ever put on clothes on?

+ Thinking of my "footprint" what did we use before toilet tissue was invented?

+ Why when you click "next blog" on blogger.com you always end up on an overseas blog? Do Americans not blog?

+ Why do people avoid you when they know you are going to be pissed about something they did?

+ Isn't Horatio Cane on CSI:Miami the coolest?

+ I still believe that when people sit with their mouth open --it's a sign of dumbness. (Thanks Daddy for that belief.)

+ High School Confidential on WE reminds me why I did not like high school.

+ How do you overcome insomnia? Can someone help me go to bed at a decent hour? (Notice the post times.)

Quote of the Day

Men are always wanting women to give, but they don’t want the women to want to give. They want to take - or at any rate to compel the taking… If we don’t give enough we lose them. If we give too much we lose ourselves. ~ Jessie Redmon Fauset

Monday, April 21, 2008

I am like no other at…


> listening
> remaining cool under pressure
> damage control
> fixing a mean mixed drink w/ vodka
> telling you off with just one look
> housework…I can clean better than Hazel (ask my family)
> calligraphy
> invite and program designs
> fried chicken
> sweet potato pie
> mashed potato
> soaking in the tub for 2 hours and not turning into a prune (it is an art)
> being there for my sister

still working on the list…stay tuned!

Quote of the Day

If there is light in the soul,
There will be beauty in the person.
If there is beauty in the person,
There will be harmony in the house.
If there is harmony in the house,
There will be order in the nation.
If there is order in the nation,
There will be peace in the world.
~ Chinese Proverb

Saturday, April 19, 2008

3 am

My power just went off and I hear sirens everywhere. Please...Please...I do not feel like standing outside. Sorry people who pull alarms and whatever else you do...DON'T!!!!

Friday, April 18, 2008

Meme...About Me

I stole this from Los Angelista...thanks!

What I was doing 10 years ago?

~Living in Albany, GA!! Lovebugs and an unbearable heat!
~Recovering from reconstructive surgery and deaths of cherished loved ones while working full-time and attending school full-time.
~Trying to hold on to a relationship that had seen it's better days.
~Overcoming my 1st battle of "dropping my basket"

Five things on my to-do list today?

~Applying to jobs my Godfather told me too...(my eating crow)
~Giving myself a mani & pedi...can't afford for someone else too!
~Talking to my nephew on the phone...they say his smiles, but I hear his panting at my voice...I can't wait till he can speak!!!
~Cloraxing my bathroom...I despise a nasty bathroom.
~Job searching...always have a plan B, C, and D.

Places I have traveled?

~Bahamas
~New Orleans
~New York
~Hilton Head, SC
~Clearwater, FL

Five snacks or treats I enjoy?

~Reese Cups King Size
~Breyers Vannilla and Fudge Ice Cream
~Peanut Buster Parfait from Dairy Queen
~2 MK dogs, Fry and a large PC...(Varsity)
~Ice cold Coke Classic

Things I would do if I were a billionaire?

~Move my parents into a one story house so the stairs will not be a problem as they age.
~Start a college fund for my 2 nephews and my niece
~Invest. Invest. Invest.
~Buy my dream cars...a Barracuda, a vintage Corvette and Mustang
~Buy land. Lots of land...commercial and acerage.
(Sidenote...my family and I have non-profits and community service initatives...they would benefit without questions...these are selfish wants.)

Five of my bad habits?

~Dropping eveything at the front door. I have release my day before I begin my night.
~Worrying about others happiness before my own.
~Shutting everyone out.
~Only thinking of my needs instead of my wants.
~Playing the role.

Five places I have lived?

~Athens, GA
~Albany, GA
~Atlanta, GA
~Toccoa, GA
~That's IT!

Five jobs I’ve had?

~Career Coordinator
~Legal Assistant/Office Manager
~Gymnastic Instructor
~Secretary
~Proof Operator

That's IT!!!!

Tell me yours! Once again, thanks Los Angelista. I enjoy your place.

Old School

My music selection this week has all old school (not really for the old cats but...) Trying to get back to those goods times mentally. Not necessarily trying to make those same choices (although a lot of them were good times) but remember the carefree lifestyle that happens before we recognize that the world really is cold. Where I did what I had to do, but still allowed sunshine into my life.

This song is one of heartbreak, but I do remember the parties, slow drags.

Enjoy!


Thank Goodness!!

Isiah Thomas Removed as Knicks Coach

Donnie Walsh, the new president of the Knicks, removed Isiah Thomas as coach after a dismal two seasons in which the team posted a 56-108 record.
Read More:http://www.nytimes.com/?emc=na

I watched the Bad Boys on my father's lap. Believed that Thomas, Dumars, Rodman, Salley, Horn, Laimbeer were the best EVVA! Competitive nature does not describe them.

But Isiah as a professional coach? As a businessman with the Knicks? Come on! The talent in the Knicks has been overshadowed and underutilized by the short man (compared to NBA standards) with the Napoleonic complex.

The Knicks will rise like the Phoenix.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

NAACP

The NAACP has been a historic and groundbreaking organization. From it we (Black America) have rights, freedom and a place in America. But I feel it has not grown, changed and adapted to the America that Black America experiences today. Anyone who wants growth understands that youth, new ideas, new strategies, and a new voice brings change and growth. Why can't the NAACP see this?

They (NAACP) are in search again for a leader. Yet from all reports they are once again wanting to stay in the past instead of looking towards the future. Looking towards growth and a new understanding.

Please read the article. http://www.wilmingtonjournal.com/news/Article/Article.asp?NewsID=87705&sID=12

Quote of the Day


All of us, at certain moments of our lives, need to take advice and to receive help from other people. ~ Alexis Carrel

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Quote of the Day


If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together.. there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we're apart.. I'll always be with you.~ Winnie the Pooh (as told to Pooh Bear by Christopher Robin)

Marvin Gaye

Listening to my Motown and Oldies records...I love Marvin...April 1st is a day I wish I could slap his father!

***Please excuse my length...I am a fan...aficinado***


This is my ode to Marvin Pentz Gaye, Jr.

Ain't No Mountain High Enough


The love and chemistry that Tammi & Marvin shared is something to marvel and to respect.



What's Going On...


Can you identify the time? 60's, 70's, 90's, 00's? We are still wondering what's going on...


Trouble Man


He was troubled, but great.


Come Get to This



You Are Everything



Come Get To This / Distant Lover



Got to Give It Up



Sexual Healing


Ok...I am finished....


Let's Get It On

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Old School....

It's 6am. I just watched House Party. The Orginial. Which is the best of the series. I can't remember watching past House Party 2 and in that I really don't remember the 2nd. Here are the highlights that have been my highlights since the beginning.



I so disliked Tisha Campbell b/c the others at my high school called me that. Claimed I looked like her...whatever...



but it is one the best dance sequences of my era!

And we cannot forget the late great Robin Harris...





Do you ever think what comedy would be like if he had lived? He was a rare jewel.

Isn't it crazy to see black actors today...and know that they were there back in the day?! How many do you see?

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Lessons Learned

After posting a What I've Learned I decided I would make my own list. Kinda like my personal truths. Not complete by any means. I have 31 years to sift through!

  1. Allow a person to show you who they are and thank them.
  2. There are no such things as mistakes. It's called life.
  3. Know your value. If you don't know, no one else will.
  4. Know when to speak & when to listen.
  5. When dealing with your significant other always be a friend first.
  6. Show people how to treat you.
  7. Make the most out of every opportunity even if you think it's not for you. You might be surprised.
  8. Never turn off your inner voice; it is your guidance during the storm.
  9. Offer a listening ear, a strong hug, but never make other people's problems yours.
  10. Ask more questions. Answer less.
  11. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, "Ask them why do they want to know?"
  12. Learn how to be a survivor. Scratch, punch, kick, cry, pray ---do whatever you have to do. But survive.
  13. Always have a place for yourself that no one can have.
  14. I am a grown ass woman. There are some things I just won't do anymore.
  15. A smile goes a lot further than a frown.
  16. Your looks will leave, your body will betray you, but your spirit & character remain the same. Make sure they are good ones.

That's it for now folks. Will add more when the light bulb goes off.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Unnecessary Lie

Oh, I am not calling you a liar. Of course you did not lie. You simply left off the part of the sentence that explained it all. You know "Yeah, today I went to the festival" (w/ so & so should have finished it off.) Instead you did the unnecessary lie. Unnecessary because we are not a couple. We are friends. Once upon a time you did hold a fraction of my heart. Once upon a time. But no longer. Not because of your unnecessary lie. We didn't fit. So when I asked you have you found someone yet - your response should have been, "Yeah, I did." It would have been cool.

The part that hurts, burns me the most. Not that you are engaged. (Explain that to me. We dated for 6 months last year.) The disrespect man. The disrespect of our friendship that you said we would have. You know me. You know there isn't a devious, resentful cell in my body. I want you happy. Instead I find out by reading your page (Let's forget you texted me a couple of weeks ago offering a free massage) that you are engaged. WTF???

Don't get me wrong. I do want you to be happy. And I wish you and the future Mrs. all the success, love and abundance you can handle.

Just some advice for future reference...watch for the unnecessary lie...they always get you.

Quote of the Day


A wonderful realization will be the day you realize that you are unique in all the world.
There is nothing that is an accident.
You are a special combination for a purpose - and don't let them tell you otherwise, even if they tell you that purpose is an illusion.
(Live an illusion if you have to.)
You are that combination so that you can do what is essential for you to do.
Don't believe that you have nothing to contribute.
The world is an incredible unfulfilled tapestry.
And only you can fulfill that tiny space that is yours.
~Leo Buscaglia

Monday, April 7, 2008

Ok...sooo

I have posted a lot today...

Surfed a lot more today. But let me tell you about my day...

So on Thursday while I was at home cleaning my parents house, I received a phone call from one of those placement agencies. I am thinking "GREAT" they have seen my resume spoke with the references I provided and they have something for me! NOT AT ALL.

Once again it was let me place you on my roster. I spent f*ing $8 on parking (that I do not have) to sit there for an 1 1/2. BS. "I only have 10% of the employment market" what does that mean? It could be next week, next month or 6 months from now. WTF?

This ish sucks. But I will keep going.

The good points I took...offered resume recommendations...nice personality...

But I want my $8 dollars back!

Acting White: Acting White: Tiger Woods

Acting White: Acting White: Tiger Woods

???

Is this what I have become?

Merriam-Webster’s
Word of the Day


April 7

luftmensch

\LOOFT-mensh (the “OO” is as in “foot”)\


noun


Meaning



: an impractical contemplative person having no definite business or income


Example Sentence


I worry that my nephew, who has several advanced degrees but no practical skills, will be a luftmensch all his life.

WTF???

Racism...

300 Students Stay Home After Incident With 'KKK' T-Shirt

Once you read this article...read the article regarding the owner of the store. There might not be full blast water hoses focused on us...but don't get it twisted.

Quote of the Day



"We are told that people stay in love because of chemistry, or because they remain intrigued with each other, because of many kindnesses, because of luck. But part of it has got to be forgiveness and gratefulness." ~ Ellen Goodman

Have you ever?

Have you ever had a craving for something (food here people) but you can't figure out what it is?

I can't decide if it chocolate, something fried, or some fruit.

UGH...

Help please!

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Update: 101 in 1001 Days

Just wanted to update my 101 in 1001 Days. I am proud of myself. I have at least made a good effort at obtaining some of the goals. Unfortunately, a large portion of this list requires disposable income...don't have that now. But I will. So the update...

#20. My water intake is awesome! It has been 39 days since my start date and I have consumed my goal amount or exceeded for 25 days! (Patting myself on the back.) Never thought I would enjoy it. But I can easily notice when I have not had my H20.

#6. Blogging has been fun. And although I said everyday...that is not going to happen. I am definitely too moody for that. Just don't want to be bothered somedays with thinking. Weird, huh? 22/1001 days.

#100. However, although I do not blog everyday. I am writing everyday. Whether it is my journal or a story I am working on. I am writing. Definitely helping me to get out of this funk. Definitely. 39/1001 days.

So that's my update.

I do want to smack myself for some of the simple items on my list. Take vitamins. They are sitting on my kitchen counter. And for whatever reason I can't make myself take them.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Report: Favre re-thinking retirement

Favre rethinking retirement?

read more | digg story

Dislikes/Likes*

Reasons it SUCKS to Live Alone...
  1. Trash builds up if you don't take it out.
  2. If you don't wash the dishes the crud really does stick to the dishes.
  3. That 4 foot lump of clothes will not wash themselves.
  4. Your allergies get worse as the inches of dust continue to rise.
  5. Late nights - pillows can only do so much for a snuggle buddy.
  6. Flight of stairs + 7 bags of groceries + 1 trip = SUCKS
  7. Platinum can you learn to walk yourself?
  8. Each time you walk into the kitchen dinner is still not cooked.
  9. Refer to #1 (I hate taking out the trash, interviewing man-servants.)
  10. A step-stool in a chair to change the light-bulb. (Potential uncoolness moment)
  11. Having conversations with yourself. On a regular basis. And you respond.
  12. Parents question often "When are you getting a boyfriend? Been on a date recently? Whatever happened to?"
  13. No one waiting for me.
  14. Eating dinner alone.
  15. Cooking for one.
  16. You hide your liquor when your alki friends come over.

Reasons it is AWESOME to Live Alone...

  1. You can walk around in the nude.
  2. The shit in the fridge is yours. And yours alone.
  3. Lack of snoring. @ least you can't hear yourself.
  4. If you don't feel like making up the bed...who is going to complain? You?
  5. 3 am. Thirsty. Standing in front of the fridge downing Apple juice from the bottle. Priceless.
  6. Walking through the door after work. Peace. Quiet. Peace.
  7. No unwelcomed arguments. You don't have a dog in that fight!
  8. Privacy. See #1.
  9. Clean house. If you decide to clean @ 2.30 am...who cares?
  10. No one tells you who can visit and when.
  11. Your ears. Your mood. Your music.
  12. Bathroom is yours. All yours. As long as you want. Hello 90 minute bath.
  13. Reading for hours @ a time without feeling guilty.
  14. Taking a nap whenever you want.
  15. Your shoe count, your clothes, your shopping is your business.
  16. Dancing your ass off without a brah thinking his part of the show. Priceless.
  17. You can cry while watching talk shows, movies, commercials and/or sitcoms without someone asking "Why are you crying?"
  18. Female needs--unmentionables--left wherever without questions.
  19. All 8 pillows are yours!
  20. You control the remote.

* I have lived alone since 19. So I am a little skewed when it comes to this topic.

Do you have your own list? Want to add more? Tell me I am neurotic and selfish? Feel free to add!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Quote of the Day


All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you. ~ Walt Disney


Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Rent is due

Unemployed. Rent due. Love my folks because they help a sister out all the dang time. But dayum....do I have to come home and clean the house to get the check? Ugh...Off to Athens I go.

I want MySELF Back

I am not sure when I lost her. Don't know if she escaped one night or left a little bit over time. The actual date that I noticed and saw she was gone is unknown. And I am not sure if that even matters.

All I know right now @ this minute...she is gone.

The jacked up part about losing her is that it took a long time to find her. A large part of my life was focused on my family. I am the fixer. That tree you lean on to catch your breath. That's me. In response to being that 200 year old Oak Tree my life took a backseat.

This not a sob, woe is me story. It is what it is. My teenage years were spent preventing my brother from self-destruction and helping my Mommie with my babygirl. I am sure others have had it harder. But with my loyalist personality I will sacrifice my will and happiness to guarantee yours. Not the best policy but it was all I knew.

When I found her it was after I dropped my basket. (
See The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood). I had to rebuild. I had to discover who and what I am. Hard road to travel down but worth ever bit. She was awesome.

What I learned...
No longer was I that angry girl. The snapping turtle who wore ever emotion not only on the sleeve - but the entire body. I had feelings of love. I could actually love.

It was okay to leave my brother to his own devices. After all he is the oldest. He would survive.

That I had a mischievous and adventurous side. I began to adopt the motto "I will try anything once." I did, sometimes 3 & 4 times to make sure.

I embraced my passion for reading and writing. No longer worried about my friends who thought I was weird.

Pleasing myself first would only have a positive affect on the people in my life. Not seen as selfish.

I was funny. Dry humor. But funny.

And the most important...I loved myself.

Hate my feet---------> Started wearing open toe shoes. (You can't get me out of my flip-flops)





















Was told no one respected a woman with short hair---------->cut it off. (Will probably do it again soon.)

Hated my pale skin so I turned to tanning beds--------> Stopped the tanning beds. Love me or leave me.

My faults are just that. Mine not yours. If I want to change them - my own time, my own reason.

She is gone now. I am working on finding her. Trying not to drop the basket again.

I want her back.