Sunday Smooth Groove - Don't Say Good Bye

by Walter Beasley ~ 1989

California Lemonade

Description:




Ingredients:
3/4 ounce Smirnoff No. 21(TM) Vodka
1/4 ounce Tanqueray(R) London Dry gin
1/4 ounce cognac
1/4 ounce grenadine
2 ounces orange juice
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon simple syrup
1 wedge lemon


Directions:
In a shaker add Smirnoff No. 21(TM) Vodka, Tanqueray(R) London Dry Gin, cognac, grenadine, orange juice, lime juice, sugar syrup, and shake well.
Serve over ice in hurricane glass.
Garnish with lemon wedge.

My Theme Song

For also long as I can remember, I've been told that I have an old soul & have been here before. My uncle pegged Teena's Deja'Vu my theme song when I was younger.

What's your theme song?

SEARS SUCKS!

Rating:	★
Category:	Other

Lawd today.......

To give you a lil background, my 6 year old refrigerator died on Monday. I called Sears and of course the next available appointment was for Wednesday. I accepted...what else could do?!

I cleaned the fridge salvaged what I could and went about business as usual. The service man comes & right away he knew what the problem was....Kenmore manufacture defect. I don't speak repair but it goes something like, "The coil wasn't insulated, yada yada and exposure caused a whole, yada yada and all the freon has leaked out, yada yada.

Ok....the serviceman has to fucking order the parts I need (is there no Kenmore store in town?) and UPS will deliver. He tells me I should have the parts by Friday (did I say my shit conked out on Monday? Ok I did!) and he'd see me Saturday morning between 8-12. OK

The parts came yesterday, or so I thought. I called to tell them I had to parts and a tech pronto would be appreciated. Apparently I was missing a box - the compressor. Again I wait.....

Did I mention in an effort to salvage my groceries I started cooking up stuff only realize my damn oven had died as well?! Ok..... (That was not a Sears deal and has been repaired.)

I haven't worked a full day this week due to this mayhem. I come home early to meet the range repair guy & UPS shows up with my missing box.

I call Sears AGAIN to tell them I have all the pieces and I need service ASAP. They tell me I'm on the schedule for Tuesday! Back the hell up! Dude told me he's see me Saturday. Where is this Tuesday shit coming from?!?! They tell me he scheduled me for Tuesday. HELL TO THE NO!!! 7 days without a refrigerator IS UNACCEPTABLE!! They proceed to tell me the service guys don't even work on Saturday so they're unsure why he even said that. Whatthefuckever! If I accept that, why not Monday?! The chic tells me it's a 2 man 2.5 hour job and apparently the techs aren't working on Monday?! WTF?! Monday ain't no fucking holiday! I {tried to} politely tell this chic I needed a serviceman at my home by 12:00 pm on Monday or else. She said she'd try. Hmph!

I'm in the processing of writing a scathing letter to a whole lotta folks over at Sears because this is ridamndiculous!

I swear I miss apartment living! My grandparents had the same applicances all my damn life and didn't have this much damn trouble. The manufacturers, retailers and repair people are in CAHOOTS!

It's damn near 90 degrees and I have no fridge. I'm really frustrated right now & this might not make sense, so I come back for edits later.

BARTENDER!!!

Fried Fish and SPAGHETTI!

It's Friday and in St. Louis that means fried fish & spaghetti everywhere! You heard me right - fish and spaghetti!  My son's fav meal.

I hear this is a St. Louis thing.  You naysayers can keep ya grits (those are for breakfast and are best paired with bacon & sausage) and the mac & cheese....it doesn't go with fish.  *yuck*  I tried the mac & cheese combo when I was in Cali with my people and all I can say in never again.  Gimme my damn spaghetti with my fried fish, preferably with garlic bread, a salad (missing from my plate this time) & a pickle on the side.  Most folks also add onions to this plate, but I hate onions.

What say you?

New Night Spot in St. Louis - The Gramophone

http://thegramophonelive.com/

Record number of pregnancies reported at Gloucester High - The Boston Globe

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/05/29/17_gloucester_high_students_are_said_to_be_pregnant/
“A state public health official is urging Gloucester officials to take swift and decisive action, including allowing prescription birth control, to curb a spike in teen pregnancy among students at Gloucester High School, where a record 17 girls are pregnant.”

Workplace Longevity

This past March marked my 12th anniversary with my agency.  {Wow!}  When I first started, I was in a different, entry-level position in a brokerage unit & honestly didn't think I'd last thru my 90-day probationary period.  I'll have to tell you about the man I worked for (and still do, but in an HR capacity) someday.

I've been in HR since 1989 (HS senior year).  HR is where I started and I know this my calling.  I really enjoy what I do can't see myself doing anything non-related.  It's a dirty job....well, you know the rest.

My question to you is: what's the longest you've ever been on job?

PS HR People need love too! *giggles*

Just for S&Gs ~My Baby Daddy

I can relate to lil mama in the video. *smdh* Just remember my "baby" is damn near grown so all this mess is long behind me.

Bruce Bruce was the best thing in this madness called a music video.

Reality TV Competition for Wannabe Models 35 & Older

http://www.tvland.com/originals/shesgotthelook/
She's Got the Look : Model Search : tvland.com

Homeownership....

certainly has it's ups & downs. 

Growing up, I had two (2) homes - my mother's apartment & my grandparents' 3-story house. My mother was neither handy nor domestic.  My granny was a domestic goddess & gramps was handyman extraordinaire.    My mother was an apartment dweller her entire adult life and rightfully so.  She knew her capabilities and limitations.  I was an apartment dweller for 10 years before I decided to take the leap into homeownership. 

I didn't quite do things the Muda and I had planned: 1) graduate college; 2) establish a career; 3) get married; 4) buy a home; 5) have a family - in that exact order.  If you know me, you know I got this all outta whack.

As opposed to waiting for my prince to come along, I decided to start my search for my 1st home. 

I knew this when I decided to take the leap back in 2002.

 

Missing Teflon & Crystal - Nephew Tommy

You sorry sapsucking muthafucka! LMAO

So pickles lower blood pressure? Hmmmmm.....

Problems with embedding (YouTube and widgets)

http://usersupport.multiply.com/notes/item/3944?mark_read=usersupport:notes:3944
If you've had issues with posting check this out.

Banana Daiquiri

Ingredients:
3/4 ounce Captain Morgan(R) Original spiced rum
1/2 ounce creme de banana liqueur
1 1/4 ounces sweet and sour mix
1 cup crushed ice
1 ripe banana
1 cherry
1 slice lemon

Directions:
Place Captain Morgan(R) Original Spiced Rum, creme de banana liqueur, sweet and sour mix, crushed ice, and ripe banana in a blender; blend until smooth and pour into glass and garnish with cherry and lemon to serve.

Sunday Smooth Groove - Am I Dreaming - 1998

This is one of my fav remakes. What ever happened to these dudes?

PS Don't nobody say nothing bad about Keef! LOL I love me some Keith Sweat.

Don Needs Friends Stat! LOL

http://dlovell3.multiply.com/
This is my friend Don (by way of Deedles). I know him personally & he's a cool dude...until he gets on my bad side! LOL He even took a lil time to spruce up his place in Plyville.

Make it Like Mama & 'Nem Do/Did

Are there any dishes you enjoy but you just can't seem to make it like mama 'nem do/did?

I'm a baker, not a cook.  I've almost mastered most of my granny's desserts, but I can't make a meatloaf to save my soul.   I've tried different recipes & it's always a disaster...at least to me because it's not like Muda's.  I've given up on meatloaf...period.

Throwback Thurs - Yo Yo Ft. Ice Cube - 1993

The Bonnie & Clyde Theme

Mean Senior Church Usher - Nephew Tommy

Sister don't "precinate" this!

Gimme 5......More.....

This is Part II of yesterday's blog:

 

This is for the single ladies & gents - gimme 5 reasons why you would like to be in serious relationship.

 

Here are my 5:  

1. The dating scene (at least in my town) is getting very old & quickly.
2. I'm tired of spending my precious time "training" them & in the end, it's all in vain.
3. I love to travel & as much as I love my road dawgs, I wants (yes wants!) me a man to travel the world with.
4. I've had my fun (probably more than my share, shhh.....) & I'm ready to get serious & share my life with someone special.
5. Last but not least, I want someone who can fix shit and who will get up to see what went "bump" in the night!  Y'all know I'm a scaredy cat! 

Your turn!

Recipes For Non-Alcoholic Beverages

http://www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/commhlth_old/factlist/RECIPE.HTM
Enjoy!

Call Da Law! ~ Nephew Tommy

I know a lot of y'all don't care for Steve's morning show. I happen to like them and Tommy is a zip damn fool with the prank calls! LOL Take a listen.

Friend Stealing Friday!!

Start:	May 23, '08 12:00a
End:	May 23, '08 11:45p
Location:	Plyville

...is upon us once again and you know how this goes. Remember this is not a numbers race. This is about real (even tho on-line) connections & interacting with good people.

The last time I stole y'all friends & vice versa, I lucked out & made some great connects with people like Kristyn, JTJazz, Wizz, Rob Sr., Lusindah and a few others.

There are several pages I visit often who I will be inviting to my world. Those who have stopped by & enjoyed my place should feel free to do the same.

Gimme 5.......

 ....on the black hand side! 

This is for the single ladies & gents - gimme 5 reasons why you enjoy being single.  {Part II to follow.}

Here are 5 reasons I enjoy being single:

1. I can come & go as I please without answering to or checking in with someone.
2. When I have those days where I just don't want to be bothered (and there are many), I don't have to be.
3. I'm free to date, meet & mingle.
4. I can be quite selfish at times & don't like to share. {I'm working on this tho.}
5. A broken heart is the least of my worries.

What about you?

 

HP & Canon Ink Jet Cartridges - Free!

Category:	Computers
Price:	FREE

You pay shipping & handling cost only via Pay Pal.

I can't use them & hate to just pitch.

Make-Up or Not?

This blog is moreso for my sisters, but fellas feel free to chime in & leave your nickel's worth.

I was hanging out with my cousin when she mentioned she wanted some pics for her boyfriend & myspace page.  Oh, in case you didn't know I'm an aspiring photographer....I enjoy being behind the camera as well as in front of it.  Anyway, she went home & met me back at my house.  She brought a few different outfits & got her pause/flash on. I took a few shots in my backyard, living room & on her car.

Upon downloading the pics, which turned out nicely if I must say so myself, I noticed her facial imperfections, i.e., pimple scars, etc. came thru a little too perfect.  I suggested she might want to try wearing foundation for her photos next time.  You would've thought I said take a 9mm to your head, with the way she reacted.  Her response was, "I don't need that shit to look good!"  I was like damn!!   OK, hold up sista!  I didn't say you were unattractive &  I wasn't trying to be critical.   I said a lil foundation would hide the imperfections & make the photos look a lot better!  Again she responded with, "I said I don't need that shit..."  Keep in mind girlfriend was wearing a weave (a damn good one, but a weave nonetheless) & light brown contacts , but I digress.

Mind you, even tho I don't do weave or colored contacts, I do wear foundation especially when I know I'm gonna be photographed.  I just think an even-toned face photographs so much better.   I didn't even need it until approximately 2 years ago, but I think that comes with the aging process, therefore, ain't no shame in my game.  As much as I like being photographed I want them to be nice.

Was I wrong or being too superficial to suggest make-up to her?

Ms. M's A-Z

A-Age: 36 & holding
B-Bed size: Super, Ultra, Mega King
C-Chore you hate: mopping
D-Dessert you love: chocolate covered strawberries
E-Essential start your day item: 30 more minutes of sleep
F-Favorite actor: Morgan Freeman
G-Gold or Silver: both
H-Height: 5'8"
I-Instruments you play: Heartstrings
J-Job title: Asst VP-HR
K-Kids: he's almost grown
L-Living arrangements: 2 of my nephews are invading my space as we speak
M-Mom's name: Mrs. B.
O-Overnight hospital stay: the 1st and last time I gave birth
P-Phobia: dying before my child finds his way in this world 
Q-Quote you like:  A real man knows a real woman when he see her.
R-Right or left handed: Righty
S-Siblings: 1 - living  &  1- angel
T-Time you woke up today:   5:45 am the 1st time - 7:30 am the 2nd
U-Unique habit(s): I'm a tad bit clarivoyant & I roll my R's.
V-Vegetable you hate: most of them
W-Worst habit: saying what I feel whenever I feel
X-Xrays you've had - several
Y-Yummy food you can make: fried fish & spaghetti
Z- Zodiac Sign:  Taurus the "Take No Prisoners" Bull!

Greg "Knockout Kid" talks about Suge KO

Key Lime Strawberry Daiquiri

Description:
Approx. 90 calories

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Bacardi Island Breeze Key Lime
- 2 tbsp. low-carb vanilla yogurt
- 3 medium strawberries (approx. 1/4 c.)
- Light whipped cream

Directions:
Blend first three ingredients with 5 ice cubes and pour into a chilled glass. Top with light whipped cream.

Sunday Smooth Groove ~ I Want to Know Your Name

Dreamboy - I loved these cats! Too bad it's damn near impossible to find a photo of them.

Sex Games From A-Z

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Here's the Butterfly Bra

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

Me, myself personally am willing try one. After seeing Jill bouncing around on stage & her dawgs never left yard, I'm sold.

Even tho it's damn near corset like, I'm willing to try it. Once I do, I'll be back with my nickel's worth.

Ruffneck ~ 1993

I so went thru a ruffneck phase back in the day....and then I grew up. Still jam the song tho.

Open-Minded My @$$

"I'm open-minded."  and/or "I'm seeking a woman who is open-minded." 

I swear fo' God & 12 honest men, if one more man approaches me with this bull, I'm gonna be inclined to slap him to sleep!

What is it with all this "open-minded" crap?  Why don't you just come out &  say what you really mean?  Like, you're looking for a bi-female or one who participates in the lifestyle {swinging}.   99% of the time, that what it boils down to.  Fellas, I need you to chime in and let me know if I'm off-base or totally wrong.  I truly want to know.  Ladies, you should feel free to comment as well.

Speak on it.

PS Before y'all sentence me to burn at the stake, I will reiterate that I have nothing against homosexuals, bi-sexuals, tri-sexuals or swingers.  I do not & will not base my friendships on someone's {legal} sexual preferences.  Grown folks should do as they damn well please.

 

All In My Mind ~ Full Force ~ 1988

Sophomore/Jr. Year.....lawd me, my first love AND my baby daddy...*smh* I plan to tell the whole story...one day.

No Mo' Beady Beads

I was cleaning out an old box & found the above. This hot comb has to be 40 years old! It's the same comb Muda used on my hair for as long as I can remember & my cousins before me. Notice the disappearing handle .

When I was younger, my hair was a lot longer & a whole hellava lot thicker than it is now (y'all have seen the pics). My mother had good hair, so she never really learned to do my hair. Even when she tried, bless her heart, it was always a disaster. Thank God for Muda!

I spent many Saturday afternoons sitting in front of a hot stove, I'm talking hours upon hours, getting my beady beads fried and I hated it! I couldn't even go out to play. I had to stay inside because Muda didn't want me sweating out my fresh "do" before church on Sunday.

She was a prissy one & it was all about appearances with her. If you weren't "together" you couldn't go with her & nobody was missing Morning Service....nobody but Papa, but that's another blog for another day.

To make matters worse, I'm very, very tender-headed. Muda had to wash & dry my hair in about 8 sections. There was no other way. I cried when she washed. I cried when she dried it & I cried some mo' when she fried it! I still flinch when I comb my own hair, so I rarely let others put their hands in my head.

Because of the texture of my hair, I got my 1st relaxer at age 13. Me & Muda couldn't take it no mo'! I guess India.Arie wasn't the only one, huh? Unlike India, I wasn't a source of laughter & it worked in my favor. It made my "do" so much more manageable.

Now I know you natural, stop trying to look like the white man folks are rolling ya eyes & such, but I have to do what's best for me.  Some of the natural styles are simply fabulous and look great on most, but right now, they just aren't for me.

I have a lot of history wit' dat dere hot comb. I think I'll keep it....ya know, for sentimental reasons.

Quote of the Day 5/13/2008

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

"I really don't want to go to hell, but I cannot deny my nature. I'm just a hateful person."

Stewie Griffin

The Evening Whirl

http://www.believermag.com/issues/200611/?read=article_eden
This is some history on a local paper I've often referred to.

How YOU Doing?

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

Me? For a Monday, I'm feeling fine & looking sassy (per several people today)! Hell, I might even take a short walk to see if I can attract the attention of somebody's sexy son. I'm feeling just that damn fierce right now.

What about you?

The Perfect Man

Perfect Man

The perfect man. Could there be such a man? Well maybe not a perfect man, but a man who’s perfect for me? I often wonder, but I have faith that there is such a man. Y'all know I tend to lose it every so often.

I figured since I have yet to find this man/he has yet to find me, I might as well work on the blueprint. Keep in mind some of these men were/are only friends & some were/are more than friends. With that being said, here goes nothing.

If I could build my perfect man, he’d have….

• Eyes like Demetrius - they're mesmerizing.
• Arms like Darren - nice guns on this one.
• Smile like Shon - he had a nice smile until he bling'd it up.
• Hands like Michael - there's something to be said about those strong hands.
• Legs like Brian - I'm a big girl...need I say more?
• Walk like Ronald - not quite Denzelish, but sexy all the same.
• Intellect like Darryl - educated & complicated
• Scent like Tony B. - Lawd the scents he wore were intoxicating.
• Sense of humor like Kenny - Talk about busting a gut...this one keeps me
• Dependable like….hmmm…gotta think about this one
• Attentive like Marcus - made everything all about bratty ass me.
• Passionate like Kevin - nuff said!
• Loving like Stephen - any questions?
• Handy like Tony G. - this one could fix anything! My car, the sink, the phone line, you name it & he could fix it.
• Satisfying like…ha! I ain’t telling!
• Comforting like Emmanuel - his shoulders should be all cried out.
• Protective like Anthony - you gotta be ride or die with this one because nobody messes with his baby girl
• Skilled like Donald - this one has a PhD in Cunnilingus!
• Determined like Charles - was my Air Force One baby luv
• Talented like Lamont - this one can sing the panties right off ya.
• Deep pockets like Donald Trump - Cha-ching! (A girl can dream can't she?)
• Style like Idris Elba! He is my baby's daddy...he just doesn't know it yet.

Ta da!  There's my perfect man!

Between the Sheets

Description:
Here's a Mother's Day Toast!


Ingredients:
1 oz Cognac or Brandy
1 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec
1 oz Light Rum
1 oz Lemon or Lime Juice

Directions:
Combine ingredients in a shaker with cracked ice. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Sunday Smooth Groove ~ Alexander O'Neal - Sentimental

Happy Mother's Day!

Dedicated to My Mother & All the Others Who are No Longer with Us

So Alone by Men at Large

We were together just the other day
Taking life for granted, passing time away

I was there for you, you were there for me
We would be together for eternity

I never knew there'd be sorrow
But I knew we'd be together tomorrow

Together forever we were so wrong
Now, I just can't believe that you're gone

And I'm so alone, alone
You never miss a good thing till it's gone
And I'm so alone, I'm so alone, yes I am
I really can't believe that you're gone, gone, gone

Life goes on and it's not the same
Cause I can't help sometimes calling out your name

But, then I realize that you won't come around, no
Oh, what I wouldn't give to see your smile

Oh, yes, we've had our ups and downs
Oh, what I wouldn't give to have you cussing me out

I know it sounds funny, but what can I say
My life just ain't the same since you went away

And I'm so alone, alone
I miss you
You never miss a good thing till it's gone (gone)
And I'm so alone, (ooh)
Did you have to go away
I really miss you

I'm so alone, (alone), alone
I miss you
You never miss a good thing
(We'll see each other again)
I'm so alone, alone
(I miss you mama)
I miss you
(Can't nobody take your place)
You never miss a good thing
(There'll never be another like you)
I'm so alone, alone
I miss you
(You're my one and only mama)
You never miss a good thing
(And I miss you, and I miss you)

Happy Mother's Day Ma

Dear Mama,

I cry as I write this, but I have to do this for my own healing. I never realized how much I loved & needed you until you were gone.

There's so much I want & need to say, I doubt I'll be able to gather my thoughts & compose them. This isn’t gonna flow like I want it to, but it’s how my thought pattern is going at this particular moment.

Thanks to the Internet, a lot of people are well aware of who you are, what you were like & even what kind of music you loved. For some strange reason, a blog I had written about you would appear on almost a weekly basis. People I only know by name & photos would send their love & believe me when I say it's always sincere and heartfelt. Most of them didn't/don't me from Eve, but the sincerity was all the same. Some of them say I look like you, but I still think I look like Daddy.

It's been almost 10 years since I last heard your voice, saw your face or heard you cuss somebody out. I'd give anything just to hear you say, "You must think you're a Rockefeller or somebody" when I'd go overboard on my shopping sprees.

When we lost you we were literally destroyed. I hated my own sister for bringing that bastard into our lives. Ma, our relationship still hasn't recovered...I doubt it ever will.

I knew that one day I would more than likely have to bury you, but I had no idea of the hour and that it would come so soon. Adrian was too young to understand and Lonnie couldn't even talk yet. Adrian kept asking for you and we had no idea of what to tell him. How do you tell a 3-year old that his grandmother was killed? Most of that time is blur and I don't even recall how we handled it. Mama we were lost.

One day I was sitting looking at photos with tears streaming down face when Lonnie came & hugged me and said, "Auntie Monni, I'm sorry your mama died." All I could do was hug him back & cry. He knows you were his granny, we made sure of that, but he doesn't remember you. Sometimes we talk about you & we can laugh until it hurts and other times we cry until our eyes run dry because it hurts so badly.

Not a day goes by that you aren't in my thoughts. I have your picture hanging in my faux foyer. Your face, along with Muda's, is the 1st thing people see when they enter my home. I want people to recognize the 2 women who are responsible for me being the woman I am today.

A lot of people have asked and more have probably wondered how I could stand to look at your pictures everyday. I almost felt like I didn't have a choice. I just couldn't pack what I had left of you into a box as if you never existed. You know how important pictures are to this family. We or should I say, y'all have almost come to blows over pictures. I know about the falling out you & Denise had about the 1957 family photo. Don't be mad, but I gave her the small one.

Mama, there are so many things that I'm learning as I grow. So many things you taught me have stuck with me. I'm 36 years old & I'm still learning, growing, loving and hurting.

Ma, there was/is (hell, even I'm confused) a man in my life that I love so much I can barely see straight.  I don't know what you would've thought of him, but he's right up Muda's alley - tall, dark, handsome, educated & strapping (as she would've said).  We've had our ups & downs, but something in my heart just won't let go.  It's like its out of my control & you know me - I cannot stand that feeling. 

It's times like this when I remember seeing you going thru things I didn't quite understand and the only thing you could say to me was, "Keep on living little girl."  Ma, I now know......I know.

Remember when you taught me how to write checks, pay the rent & use an ATM machine? One of things that always seems to stick with me is when you said, "If you don't pay anything else, pay your rent! You could be in the dark, but at least you'll be on the inside."

Remember when you kinda sorta taught us how to gamble playing Old Maid & Black Deuce for the spare change in your purse? You always let us win.

Remember when you would pack my lunch everyday, in my Disney School Bus lunchbox, because I wouldn't eat the school lunch? You always made sure I had my Swiss Miss chocolate pudding. I can't stand pudding now.

Remember when I asked you for Jordache jeans? You asked how much they cost & I told you $40. You didn't even bother to answer, you just igged me. Now I know why! I've given your 1st born grandchild that exact same look & treatment.

Remember when you taught us how to do the "Bump"? I still listen to Joe Tex and think of those times. I got my love for good music, not most of this crap they make today, from you. I was always trying to mimic the way you could snap your fingers. Those jokers sounded like firecrackers. I still haven't mastered it.

Remember when you caught me lighting a cigarette & you never said word? You wanted me to learn a lesson. All I can say is lesson learned! That was the 1st and last one I touched.

Remember when you would brag that you never had to force your girls to go to school or do homework? I remember the look on your face when talking to the other parents who had issues with their kids. Well mama, today, I am one of those other parents. I honestly believe that all the counseling in the world will never help my son get over losing you, his best friend. I know if I had lost Muda in that manner and at that age, I'd be more messed up than I already am. Mama, will you & daddy look after him? Please?

Remember how I hated all of your boyfriends, with the exception of Bill? I never even gave them a chance & even though you never said anything, I know I drove a few of them away and I did so purposely & gladly. I felt like since my daddy was dead and Bill was gone you should've just been happy with us. Mama, now that I'm grown ass woman, I know you had needs that your daughters just couldn't fulfill. I am so sorry for being such a selfish brat, more so if it cost you any form of happiness.

Remember when I went into labor? You never left my side. The boy's father missed his birth because you sent him to get you something to eat and his hooptie broke down. Still you never left my side. I remember the nurse saying, "8 pounds, 6 ounces" and you yelled "Ha Mercy! We don't do small babies!"

Remember when I got the keys to my 1st apartment? Even tho my crib was right across from yours I was determined to get the hell outta your house. I carried what I could & put the rest in my baby's wagon. You said, "You don't have to move all your stuff right away." I thought, "The hell! I'm getting outta here…tonight!" Even tho I was technically on my own, you were never more than a phone call or a shout away. I even remember you telling my son to take his worrisome ass home when he refused to leave your house.

Remember when my baby had hernia surgery? I think you got on the nurse's nerves. Before he made it to recovery, they told me his grandmother was calling every 30-45 minutes for an update.

Remember when you found out I was having sex & you asked if the [future] donor was my 1st & I said yes? I lied. He was the 4^th . *smh in shame* C’mon Ma, you had to know about me & Darren. We were left unsupervised way too many times. I guess you trusted me..or him…or us. Well, he was the 3^rd. No sense in confessing to the 1^st and 2^nd, it would only tick you off.

Even tho you were on a fixed income, you managed to keep a few bucks in your wallet at all times. I can’t begin to count the times I had to come to you for gasoline money & I had a job!

Mama, we didn't always have the best mother/daughter relationship and it did bother me at times. I always thought you favored Angel over me. Now I know, I was always more independent than I should've been and sometimes you just let me be. Angel was the baby & just needed more attention than me. Muda said we were too much alike, but to this day, I respectfully disagree, although I do have some of your tendencies.

I will always regret the day, I didn't come over like you wanted me to. Maybe if I did, things would've been different. I know what happened was out of my control, but still I can't help but wonder.

I constantly ask myself why do bad things happen to good people. Even tho you talked a big game, we all knew you wouldn't maliciously harm a fly & you didn't deserve to die the way you did.

Do you know your siblings decided not to tell Muda what happened to you & Tyra? They were afraid it would kill her. It's not like she had any kind of quality of life at that point anyway, but since I was just her grandchild I kept quiet. However, a few people saw Aleta whispering in her ear & they believe she told Muda what happened, against the wishes of her children.

Remember you always said you never wanted a whole lotta sad singing & flower bringing? I guess you know by now that we didn't honor that request. Ma, the whole community was shaken. How could I turn down their requests to show their love & support? Call me crazy, but I'd rather have you mad at me.

There were so many people at your service. Some I knew, some I didn't. Some who knew you since grade school, some who met you just as recently as a few weeks prior to. Family, friends, co-workers, neighbors & strangers. I was told the procession to the cemetery was several miles long.

At the repast, I had one request and that was for someone play some Al Green and they did. We ate, drank, laughed & cried to the tunes of Al, Marvin, Aretha, Millie & few other of your favorites. I hope that makes up for sad singing & flower bringing.

You didn't always take the best care of your diabetes & that so worried me. However, I'm glad you did what you wanted to do (like drinking 2 litre Pepsi's everyday) and you were happy while you were here.

Until we meet again,

Your 1^st born,

Monni XOXOXO

PS Thank you for overruling daddy’s attempt to name me Jennifer Lynn.

Not Your Average Fast Food!

I need to be exiled to Beijing!  I bet I'd shed these excess lbs. then!

See attachment.

Attachment: BeijingFastFood[1].pdf

Due Date vs. Delivery Date

Mothers/Fathers: 

This is a simple one - when was your/her due date & when was your/her actual delivery date?

Being that I was 16, pregnant and in denial until I started to show, a lot of my experience is a blur to me, but I will never forget that day.

Doc's estimated due date was September. 6.  The boy child decided August 28 was the day.  I remember being teased by my cousin {the day before I popped} about being pregnant for so long & I jokingly said, "I'm having this baby in the morning since you're so sick of looking at me!"  *eyeroll*  Lo & behold, it was no joke.

I remember when they wheeled me to the maternity ward and the nurse asked, "When's your due date, doll?"  I tearfully replied, "Sept. 6."  She said, "Close enough!"

.....and so it began.

Lillo Thomas ~ Wanna Make Love All Night Long ~ 1987

Ahhhh....when light skin was in.....*giggles*

8 Ways to Lose Weight at the Office

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/lose-weight-at-the-office-0?cm_mmc=Newsletter-_-2008_May_07-_-Weightloss-_-Lose.Weight.at.Work.Mid.1

Things I Loved as a Child

It’s Way Back Wed & you know what that means to me. 

I was flipping thru my photo albums & thought I write about some of the things I loved as a child.

• The Muppet Show – If I missed an episode I just wasn’t right for the entire week!
  
  
• Praying with my Papa – Our nightly ritual was to kneel & recite the Lord’s Prayer with my grandpa every night.
  
  
• Staying up late with my Muda – She was a night owl & usually stayed up late piddling around the house or watching the late, late show.  It was nights like that when she talked about the family & I learned most of the things I know today.
  
  
• Cartoons & Games with my Mom – My mom would always buy snacks & make popcorn for our cartoon nights….you remember the ones that came on primetime and during the holidays.  She was also a board & card games connoisseur.  She would give us loose change to play with & we always had fun.
  
  
• Helping my Muda bake – My grandma made most of her desserts from scratch & I loved to help her.  We all know eating the batter left in the bowl was always a treat!  None of us ever got salmonella poisoning either.
  
  
• Hoola Hoops – Didn’t all little black girls love hoola hoops?  I think it’s how we perfected our “hip action”.
  
  
• Playing Dress-Up – My Muda had tons of costume jewelry, high-heeled shoes, hats, furs & wigs.  I spent many a Saturday afternoon rambling thru  Muda’s stuff.
  
  
• Jacks – I preferred the metal jacks with super ball.  I could play jacks all day long!
  
  
• Chinese Jump Rope – With these long legs, I was pretty good.
  
  
• Bolo Bats – This had to be the cheapest, most fun thing to pass the time with.  Even when I broke them from extensive use, my Papa would fix it.  Man, my Papa could do everything! I miss that old dude.
  
  
• Road Trips – Man I loved them!  My aunt had an RV so when that house on wheels pulled up; I knew we were about to hit the road!  I can’t stand road trips now!  I get too anxious & almost like a nerve-wrecking child, i.e., “Are we there yet?! Are we there yet?!”  I’ll book a flight in a New York minute.  4 hours {one way} is my limit in a passenger vehicle.
  
  
• Shopping – My mother only shopped when it was necessary, but my granny…man we shopped every week!  I couldn’t wait to pick up the Sunday paper after church so we could scan the circulars & plan our shopping. 

I could definitely go on, but you get my drift.

Chef Ramsey's Hell's Kitchen

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

I love, love Chef Ramsey & Hell's Kitchen!

Any other fans? If so, who do you think the surprise is? I hope it's Julia (Waffle House Cook) from last season.

Near Death Experience

Have you ever had a near-death experience - being in a situation where you learned what the term "my life flashed before my eyes" really means?

Let me tell you about the one experience I had. Feel free to share yours.

About 17-18 years ago, I was watching TV and eating pizza with my son's father. I don't recall what we were watching, but at one point, I got extremely tickled while I still had pizza in my mouth. I started to choke on a piece of sausage from the pizza. My ex didn't realize it because {I think} he thought I was still laughing. I managed to grab him & he realized I was breathing in but not out. I also think he saw the fear in my eyes.

My life literally started to flash before my eyes & I panicked! I ran to the bathroom & luckily, he was right behind me. I had never been so scared in my life. He grabbed me around the waist and performed the Heimlich Maneuver. After a few seconds, the sausage came up & I could breathe!! I just sat on the bathroom floor and cried.

As a result of this incident, I now have a deep-rooted fear of asphyxiation/choking to death.

PS Does this mean I owe my baby's daddy my life? *eyeroll* & *lol

Sin or Sin No More?

Just for the sake of an interesting discussion, let's say you  could be transformed into a "higher power"...one who was capable of deciding what is sinful & what is not.

1. What would no longer be a sin?
2. What would become a sin?

For me, myself personally, premarital sex would not be a sin. Hell, we all, well most of us, are doing it anyway. Purposeful, delinquent non-child support offenders would pay dearly.

To Shave or Not to Shave...that is the question!

Do you shave your legs?

Always!

 

 4

Only on special occasions.

 

 2

Sometimes/Rarely

 

 3

Never!

 

 6

I was having a convo with some co-worker/friends, some white, some black & 1 is a combination of the 2.  I don't even remember how we got on the subject but the white girls asked of we (black women) shaved our legs.  I was the only one to answer "no".  The other black women answered "sometimes" and our mulatto sister answered "yes".  The look of amazement when I answered no was kind of shocking to me. 

However, after they looked at my legs, they saw why I don't.  My skin is dark & the hair on my legs is as fine as a frog hair.  As long as my legs are lotioned or oiled up, I'm good to go.

The white chicks followed up by stating they have to shave their legs like every 2 days or so. 

I do know 1 or 2 Sasquatches (very hairy-legged women) who could benefit from a good, old-fashioned blow torch! *lol* I guess I'll consider myself lucky.

PS I do have to hit the armpits once or twice a week but other than that, I'm cool.

PSS Fellas, how do you feel about hairy-legged women?

30+ and still single........

Here's something to ponder - If a woman is over the age of 30, hetero, never married, educated and/or intelligent, successfully employed, has a heart of gold, is a lady in the streets & a freak in the sheets, has a home, an auto, good credit, baby daddy drama-free or no kids at all, why is she not on the top of the list? 

Is there something wrong with her??\

Is she suppose to settle for Mr. Right Now vs. Mr. Right?

Could it be the men?    Is it the city in which she lives? The establishments she frequents?  The company she keeps?

What is it?  Tell me.

I Won't Complain

When I was little I had dreams of creating a beauty product & making a kazillion (you heard me right, a kazillion) dollars, having a huge fairytale wedding, 2 kids, living in a big white house on a hill, having the same house on the same land for my parents & grandparents & I was gonna do all of this before I was old & grey.....ya know....like 30!  

Well things didn't work out quite like I planned.  My daddy died, leaving my mother a widow & me a fatherless child.  As a result (at least in my opinion) I became a teen mother.  I finished high school on time & with my class, ranking 6th in my class I might add.  

I got my 1st real job during my senior year & have worked every since.  After HS, I had a job, entered college & everything changed.  Trying to work, attend school & care for a toddler was a bit more than I bargained for.  I couldn't quit working, I had Pampers to buy.  I couldn't send my baby back, he was here to stay.  Needless to say, my studies suffered & after a year & a half, I just gave up.  I could kick myself for that one!  Outside of having sex too soon, that was the biggest mistake I've ever made. 

Even though my parents and grandparents have gone home to glory, I am, however, grateful!  I have been blessed with a career (I worked my way up) that I enjoy.  I don't have the big house on the hill, but my lil townhouse is more than enough.  I only have 1 kid, as they say He gives you no more than you can bear.  {This boy is giving me the blues!!  That's another story for another day.}  I still don't have my prince.....still kissing these damn frogs!  My wedding dress is still on layaway (been there since 1995!  j/k...or am I??).   

I won't complain.....I am happy (most of the time), healthy (a sista ain't missing no meals) and when I really think about, I live like a damn queen compared to some people.

Sangria Naranja

Ingredients:
- 1 (750 ML) bottle of Fruity Red Wine or Fruity White Wine
- 1/2 Cup GranGala Triple Orange Liqueur
- 1/3 Cup Brandy
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 Orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 Pear and or Apple, cored and cut into thin wedges
- 1/4 Cup Superfine Sugar

Directions:
1) Cup the orange in half. Using a vegetable peeler, cut off the thin outer peel of the orange half, avoiding the bitter pith. Slice the other half of the orange and use for garnish.

2) In a bowl, use a wooden spoon to mash the sugar into the orange peel so the sugar absorbs the oils. Stir in all remaining ingredients.

3) Cover and chill for 8 - 24 hours. Remove orange peel and bay leaves. 4) Serve sangria in a pitcher, garnished with reserved orange slices and fruits. Add 3 - 4 ice cubes to each glass when serving.

For white Sangria, substitute white wine for the red and peaches for the pears or apples.

Jumpcut - Make Your Own Video

http://www.jumpcut.com/
This is better than youtube for personal use, imho.

Happy Birthday to Me!!! Ms. Mo - Thru the Years

1st I want to thank you all for the birthday wishes, emails, IMs, text & phone calls! I love me some y'all!!

Some of you who know me personally and those who go back to 360 have seen these photos. I know I missed a decade or two, but I'm too lazy to scan more photos right now. :o)

If you have 3 minutes to spare, take a peek at me!

What Shall We Name Her?

May 3, 1972 & that was the question.

Apparently my parents hadn't decided on what to name their 1st born until that fateful day.

Daddy had chosen Jennifer Lynn & wanted to call me Jenni Pooh.  Mama disagreed.  She didn't like either one & suggested Monica.  Daddy was okay with that & still suggested Lynn for my middle name. Mama said no.  So here's 9lbs & 1.5 oz little Monica with no middle name. 

Mama pondered the middle names of her nieces & chose one that fit, but spelled it differently. {Ya'll know how we do.}  Mama was happy & Daddy was too.  You see my family has a tendency to recycle and/or combine names to create a middle name.  Considering my grandmothers were Dorothy Mae & Lillie Mae, I'm just damn glad I'm not Monica Mae.  *gag*

Papa even threw in his nickel's worth and decided to nickname me Pumpkin because of my smile...imagine that. {I miss that old dude.}   I hear he raised quite a ruckus with nurses because they would only let him see me from behind the glass.  In the end, Papa got what he wanted.

Now of course, I have to ask - do you know how your name came about?  I'm all ears!

Racial Profiling? I Doubt It.

*Disclaimer - If you know anything about me you know that I'm not racist & why I could never be.  I'm definitely a realist, but not racist.*

With that being said, correct me if I am wrong, but 99% of the time, I know we can identify the racial groups involved by a simple headline.

1. Man Snatches Gold Chain on Rush Hour Subway Train
2. Wife Caught Cheating, Angry Husband Destroys Trailer Home
3. 15 People in 2 Bedroom Home Rescued from Fire
4. Brother Stabs Another over a Neckbone Dinner
5. Bungee Jumper Dies after 10-day Coma
6. Fruit Stand Operator Barely Escapes Freeway Crash

Even tho I made up all but one of the headlines mentioned, I'm pretty sure you all can figure out who did what sans the mention of any apparent racial identifier - Black, White, Hispanic, etc.

Doctor Mike has a video post about an 8-year old who is still breastfeeding.  Right away, several people including myself identified those involved before we even started the video.  Another person who happens to be of the same persuasion as the stars of the show was a little taken aback at the "racial profiling" that ensued on this post.  Ok....

With all we (as minorities) have witnessed and some may have even experienced (especially black men behind the wheel of a car), is this really racial profiling or just plain old telling it like it is?  I tend to believe the latter.

Let's talk about it.

Do Over!

As most of you know, I'm knocking on 36's door as we speak.  Our course I'm thinking about a whole host of things, & this blog came to mind.

I wanna do over! (That's me with those long ass legs at age 4. The baby is 1 year old & the little boy was 6 or 7.)

Remember how we used to yell that out {as children} when things didn't go our way?

• I don’t wanna be grown! I wanna be a kid!
• I don’t wanna work. I wanna go back to school & take the summers off.
• I don’t wanna pay a mortgage. I wanna live in Muda & Papa’s house.
• I don’t wanna pay bills. I wanna have all the luxuries of heat, a/c, phone, etc. at the cost of someone else.
• I don’t wanna buy groceries. I wanna tell Momma & Muda what I like & let them do the shopping.
• I don't wanna prepare breakfast. I wanna awake to the smell of bacon, eggs & pancakes, courtesy of Muda.
• I don’t wanna attend parent/teacher conferences. I wanna be the kid beaming because I’m a top student.
• I don’t wanna go to the Principal's office because my son is in trouble, yet again. I wanna go to the Principal's office & see my name on the honor roll wall.
• I don’t wanna buy $4.00 a gallon gas. I wanna ride shotgun in Papa’s ’72 Cadillac Coupe DeVille.
• I don’t wanna worry about or pay for home repairs. I wanna tell Papa what’s broken & let him work it out.
• I don’t wanna pay $300 for a plane ticket. I wanna pack my Sesame Street suitcase & wait for my Aunt’s RV to pull up & take us to our destination.
• I don't wanna visit my Mother's grave on Mother's Day. I wanna make those lil cards from colored construction paper & flowers from pastel tissue paper, scented with the teacher's cheap perfume.

I wanna go to sleep at night without a care in the world.