I'm Officially a Redhead {kinda} - Red Mahogany to be Exact!

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

It's a cell phone pic so it's not that great, but I still think I'm cute! *giggles*

A friend came by and he was looking at me like I was biscuits & gravy. :P

I'll post more pics when I'm out in the sun. It looks fabulous.

Whaddaya think?

World's Largest Swimming Pool - off the Coast of Chile

http://www.victory-cruises.com/pool.html
This has definitely been added to my must see places!

You Purse Whores Betta Watch Ya Handbags.....

http://ncognegra.multiply.com/video/item/64/Wendy_Ho-_Bih_I_Stole_Yo_Purse

Aaron McCargo, Jr. - The Next Food Network Star

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_am
Big Daddy's House premieres Sunday.

Missouri State's Sales Tax Holiday Set for August 1-3

http://dor.mo.gov/news/2008/EkEZuuyV.htm
Time to get those back to school items!

From the Makers of Fukitol

New Drugs for Women

DAMNITOL 
Take 2 and the rest of the world can go to hell for up to 8 full hours. 

EMPTYNESTROGEN 
Suppository that eliminates melancholy and loneliness by reminding you of how awful they were as teenagers and how you couldn't wait till they moved out! 

ST. MOMMA'S WORT 
Plant extract that treats mom's depression by rendering preschoolers unconscious for up to two days. 

PEPTOBIMBO 
Liquid silicone drink for single women. Two full cups swallowed before an evening out increases breast size, decreases intelligence, and prevents conception. 

DUMBEROL 
When taken with Peptobimbo, can cause dangerously low IQ, resulting in enjoyment of country music and pickup trucks. 

FLIPITOR 
Increases life expectancy of commuters by controlling road rage and the urge to flip off other drivers. 

MENICILLIN 
Potent anti-boy-otic for older women. Increases resistance to such lethal lines as, 'You make me want to be a better person. ' 

BUYAGRA 
Injectable stimulant taken prior to shopping. Increases potency, duration, and credit limit of spending spree. 

JACKASSPIRIN 
Relieves headache caused by a man who can't remember your birthday, anniversary, phone number, or to lift the toilet seat. 

ANTI-TALKSIDENT 
A spray carried in a purse or wallet to be used on anyone too eager to share their life stories with total strangers in elevators. 

NAGAMENT 
When administered to a boyfriend or husband, provides the same irritation level as nagging him, without opening your mouth. 

The "Dr." is in and my presciption pad is ready!

My 75 Year Old Uncle is Getting Married!

You heard me, my uncle is 75 years old (76 in a few weeks) and this son of gun is getting or has gotten married!  *eyeroll*

Usually, I get excited about black love.  Hell, I've even shedded tears for folks getting engaged/married who I've never met (Will & Tia, STO & Feyonce, JT's Unc & new bride, etc.), but this time, I'm just out done.

Mind you, my dear, geriatric uncle has been married 4 times (2nd & 3rd wife are the same woman) & he has a few children who are older than is lovely bride *sarcasm & eyeroll*.  The last time I visited with him (a few years ago) he was talking this foolishness and I tried to talk him out of it. 

I have no doubt my uncle has about 10+ years left on him & this wench is just waiting to cash in.  Now he's not wealthy by any means, but he did OK for himself & all of his children are grown. 

He claims he got shafted after the 4th divorce which I why I questioned his motives in doing this yet again and at his age.  His answer was simply, "I don't want to be alone."  *insert Silkee's world renown record scratch here*  WTF?!?!  Y'all have been shacking for damn near a decade and now you don't want to be alone.  Come on Unc.....

I'm all for the institution of marriage but this is sheer & complete madness. 

Oh, did I mention my other uncle told me that most of the men in our family have "had" this chic at one point or another.  She was my cousin's girlfriend 1st & after being with him for a little while, she test drove the crew and somehow ended up with his father - my mama's big brother.

I suppose congratulations are in order.....*Ugh*

20 (more) Things (I didn't type this for my health! LOL)

        1.      My best friend’s name is? Linda, Nita & LaShon

2.      The last person on my contacts I met in person? Actually there are 5: BeBe, Dawn, Mav, Nikka & Glenda

3.      My cell phone is a LG 8700 (or something like that).

4.      One event that changed my life was being 16 & pregnant.

5.      My first online page was at Geocities (or whatever it was called).

6.      I have/have not ever posted on Nude Africa (anonymously or not) I have anonymously, of course.  Never again!

7.      My first online friend turned real life friend’s name is/was Greg.

8.      One CD folks wouldn't expect me to own is Simply Red's Picture Book.

9.      Single, divorced, never married? Never married... but forever optimistic...sometimes *lol*.

10. How many folks from your contact list are you crushing on? None.

11. I am a registered voter - Since I was 18 tender years old.

12. I sleep in...Whatever....is necessary at that moment.

13. Shampoo/conditioner I use depends on the weather.

14. My favorite teacher Donald Bright & Sherman Curtis

15. My first date’s name was? Johnny Medina

16. My favorite fruit is? Strawberries

17. What I like most about my job? My check hits the bank on the 15th & 30th.

18. My best physical feature? You tell me.

19. One blog I MUST visit daily My own.

20. I’m way more innocent than folks think. Could or could not be a true statement.  The world may never know.

FMLA Flow Chart

This should come in handy for managers & employees, alike.

Attachment: FMLA Flow Chart.pdf

Kiwi Melon Sangria

Description:




Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine such as dry Riesling
- 4 peeled and sliced Zespri green kiwifruit
- 1 cup (237 ml) fresh watermelon, peeled, seeded and cubed
- 1 lime, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 oz Midori melon liqueur
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher, stirring to crush some of the fruit.

Cover and refrigerate overnight for at least 12 hours to let the flavors marry before serving.

Serve over ice, including some fruit.

Use within 4 days. (Cocktail by: Kathy Casey Food Studios, Zespri Kiwi)

Sunday Smooth Groove ~ Special Kind of Fool ~ 1990

by Basic Black

High school senior year and still in love with my 1st love.....*sigh*

Freaky Fri - Anal Ease Anyone?

How do you feel about anal sex?

I love it.

 

 4

I've tried it once & will never try it again.

 

 2

I'm willing to try with special someone.

 

 4

I've never tried it & have no intentions on ever doing so.

 

 1

With enough liquor, who know what might happen.

 

 1

I'm a man who'll pitch but refuses to catch - toys included.

 

 3

I'm a man who'll pitch but refuses to catch - toys excluded.

 

 0

I'm a man who's down for whatever!

 

 0

Other - simply because I know I'm forgetting something.

 

 3

OK y'all it's about to get freaky up in here!

Ladies - how you feel about anal sex, be it a penis or a toy?  Personally, it's still taboo for me & I have no intentions of crossing that bridge anytime soon.

Gents - Are you a pitcher? A catcher (toy/finger)?

Check the poll (which I got a lil carried away with *lol*) if you prefer to remain anonymous.

Vertically Challenged Brothers - Your Prayers Have Been Answered!

http://www.bugarrishoes.com/
Bugarri Shoes - Height Increase Shoes - Elevator Shoes - Get invisibly taller!

I don't know why this is tickling me so!!! I guess I'm just in a long-legged woman who's in a silly mood!

Magic Shave Powder

Rating:	★
Category:	Other

I'm reading a magazine section on hair removal tips & there's a salon owner who has converted all of her waxing clients to using the powder. She says" It gets rid of everything--even coarse hair--but it never irritates."

What say you???

PS I'm giving it one star, only because I have no clue.

KC, MO Road Trip

Start:	Aug 2, '08 08:00a
End:	Aug 3, '08 12:00p

For Sandy's birthday party & to sneak a peek at the fam.

Black in America - Part II

Start:	Jul 24, '08 8:00p
End:	Jul 24, '08 10:00p
Location:	CNN

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america/

MUST SEE TV! Go to the site to preview the show.

Throwback Thurs ~ Female Mac ~ 1993

By Smooth ~ "Nothing like gangsta but more like a pimpstress!"

Another one from my hardcore clubbin' days. I even wore the bodysuits & open pants (pre BBW status of course).

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Plans Rock!

http://msmo72.multiply.com/journal/item/75/HR101_-_Flexible_Spending_Accounts_FSA
Thanks to this plan, I will have the extra mad money I'll need for my upcoming vacation. Take a look, read the comments & feel free to ask any questions.

Wacky Wed - A Real Crackehead Move

My uncle, whom I love dearly, started smoking crack about 20 years ago.  Before then, I idolized him.  He was like a father - my protector.

As life would have it, he's had his ups & downs - mostly downs since becoming addicted. 

My uncle is only 53 years old but he looks like the damn Crypt Keeper.  One eye, bald & extremely thinning hair, double amputee (wheelchair bound), hands look like eagle claws, full top plate & partial bottom, etc., etc.

This man is not stupid, just does stupid shit. 

When I bought my house I let him move in with me (before he lost his legs).  Now most people would not let a known crackhead live in their house, but my uncle is not the ordinary.  Even before he lost his legs, he could barely walk so I never had to worry about my shit walking out of the door.

Unintended Victim May Assert Claim of Workplace Sexual Harassment

http://hrwatch.counciloned.com/HRS-2007/May-June-2008/SexualHarassment.html
Caution: Contains Graphic Language

My "Baby" is Growing Up

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Other

My son, sometimes referred to as "the boy", lives in Jefferson City, MO so I'm not there to "mother" him as before.

I knew about two (2) ER visits he had and was honestly expecting to receive the 2 bills ($100 each) for his co-pays. I was reviewing my medical plan EOB (explanation of benefits) and noticed the claims for him. I also noticed that his co-pays were PAID. I don't think you heard me. His co-pays were PAID! *twirl & faint*

I called & left him a message asking if he did in fact pay his co-pay. He texted *eyeroll* me with: "i did pay it Ma cuz i need to save my favors for bigger stuff".

Now this is the same boy who has given me the blues for the last several years. I kinda cut him off, but I really didn't. I did make it clear that I was no longer gonna take care of him as before. However, I did keep him covered insurance wise.

My "baby" is growing up....sniff-sniff & hallelujah!

Democrats Seek to Bolster Wage and Hour Enforcement | workforce.com

http://www.workforce.com/section/00/article/25/65/10.php

Keep Pest Outside of Your Home

http://www.att.net/s/editorial.dll?eetype=Article&eeid=5988440&render=y&ck=&mode=normal&Table=&_lid=332&_lnm=yahoo+todayslink+pestsaway
I'm gonna try the red pepper thing for these damn ants.

Sunday Smooth Groove ~ Something's Going On ~1993

by U.N.V. - Universal Nubian Voices

This takes me back to when I was clubbing every Tuesday & Saturday night.

BLACKBERRY MOJITO

Ingredients:
* 6 Fresh Blackberries
* 1 ounce simple syrup
* 2-3 ounces premium White Rum (or Vodka)
* 1 lime squeezed for the fresh juice
* 6 leaves of fresh mint
* ice


Directions:
Muddle the blackberries in a shaker, add simple syrup, and juice from the lime.

Add Rum (or Vodka) and ice

Stir well

Pour into a glass.

Garnish with fresh mint, sugar cane and a blackberry

Anne Rice's Feast of All Saints ~ A Must See Movie

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

They Lived In the Shadows.

Secret black/mulatto mistresses to wealthy white landowners live in a world of comfort and refinement. These "free women of color" are caught between two cultures yet belong to neither. Now the illegitimate son of one white plantation owner is crossing the line, demanding to be recognized. He is the threat that could bring down Southern society.

Superstar novelist Anne Rice's epic story of passion and shocking secrets is brought to the screen with an all-star cast featuring Gloria Reuben, Peter Gallagher, Jennifer Beals, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Pam Grier, Jasmine Guy, James Earl Jones, Eartha Kitt, Ben Vereen, Forest Whitaker and Robert Ri'chard.

Amtrak Train - Family Reunions

http://www.amtrakfamilyreunions.com/
For those who prefer affordable ground transportation.

Burial, Cremation, Entombment or Other?

Which have you/are you planning for?

Burial

 

 5

Cremation

 

 6

Entombment/Family Crypt

 

 2

Other (please explain)

 

 2

Yesterday, my twin (hey Twin!) posted a blog about graveyard visits, which prompted me to pose this question to you. (Check the poll & feel free to comment as you would like.)

Me, myself personally & the rest of my immediate family*, will be laid to rest at Laurel Hills - the resting place of my mother, my sister, my play aunt, my BFF's step-dad (was like an uncle to me) and my ex uncle-in-law (who at my cousins' request, happens to be just a few plots from my mom & sister).  I guess this is now our official place.

*My uncle is a vet and Uncle Sam has a place waiting for him, but he has instructed me to have him cremated.  Afterwards, he wants his ashes tossed into a flowing body of water.  I told him once I got the insurance check, I'm booking a Caribbean or Alaskan cruise and will carry out his final wish.  Who I am to deny him? :o)

Click here for a prior interesting link & discussion.

Freaky Friday Re-Visited (Rated X)

http://msmo72.multiply.com/journal/item/91/Freaky_Bomb_Azz_Head_Friday_Rated_X
Mysteeque's last post reminded me of this one.

For Gigi & Any Other Acronymically Challenged Net User :o)

AFAIC = As Far As I'm Concerned

AFAIK = As Far As I Know

BAA = Bad/Big Azz Afro

BAH = Bomb Azz Head

BAL = Big Azz Lawsuit

BBW = Beautiful Black Woman/Big Beautiful Woman

BIL = Brother In Law

BFD = Big F*cking Deal

BFN = Bye For Now

BFO = Blinding Flash of the Obvious

BHM = Big Handsome Man

BO = Brain Overload

BOHICA = Bend Over Here It Comes Again

BOKYAG = Bend Over and Kiss Your Ass Goodbye

BRB = Be Right Back

BTHOOM = Beats The Hell Out Of Me

BTW = By The Way

BUMP = Bring Up My Post

CTFU = Cracking the Fuck Up

CU = See You

CUL8R = See You Later

DITYID = Did I Tell You I'm Distressed

DH = Dear/Dumb Husband

DW = Dear/Dumb Wife

EFLA = Extended Four Letter Acronym!

FAQ = Frequently Asked Question

FC = Fingers Crossed

FCFS = First Come First Served

FTFO = Falling/Fell The Fuck Out

FUCT = Failed Under Continuous Testing

FWIW = For What It's Worth

FYI = For Your Information

GMTA = Great Minds Think Alike

GTRM = Going To Read Mail

GUANO = To mess up/go off topic

HAM = Hot Azz Mess

HGAM = Hot Ghetto Azz Mess

HSIK = How Should I Know

HTH = Happy To Help

HTH = Hope This Helps

IAE = In Any Event

IANAI = I Am Not An Idiot

IBK = Idiot Behind Keyboard

IIRC = If I Recall Correctly

ILF = I'll Look Forward

IMCO = In My Considered Opinion

IMHO = In My Humble Opinion

IMNSHO = In My Not So Humble Opinion

IMO = In My Opinion

INAL = I'm Not A Lawyer

IOW = In Other Words

IRC = Internet Relay Chat

IRL = In Real Life

ITA = I Totally Agree

IYKWIM = If You Know What I mean

JFYI = Just For Your Information

J/K = Just Kidding

L8R = Later

LAA = Long Azz Afro

LMAO = Laughing My Ass Off

LMKOAP = Let Me Know Of Any Problems

LOL = Laugh Out Loud

LOEL = Laugh Out Extremely Loud

MMP = More Money Please

ML = Mailing List

NBD = No Big Deal

NSFW = Not Safe for Work

NFW = No Fucking Way

NOYB = None Of Your Business

NRN = No Reply Necessary

OIC = Oh I See

OOH = Out Of Hand

OOTB = Out Of The Box

OTL = Out To Lunch

OTOH = On The Other Hand

PDQ - Pretty Damn Quick

PITA = Pain In The Ass

PMFJI = Pardon Me For Jumping In

PMJI = Pardon My Jumping In

POV = Point Of View

PTB = Powers That Be

ROFL = Rolling On Floor Laughing

ROTF = Rolling On The Floor

ROTFL = Rolling On the Floor Laughing

ROTFLMAO = Rolling On The Floor Laughing My Ass Off

ROTFLMBAO = Rolling On The Floor Laughing My Black Ass Off

ROTFLOL = Rolled on the Floor Laughing Out Loud

RSN = Real Soon Now

RTFM = Read The Friggin Manual

RTM = Read The Manual

SEP = Someone Else's Problem

SMDH = Shaking My Damn Head

SIL = Sister In Law

SITD = Still In The Dark

SLAP = Sounds Like A Plan

SNAFU = Situation Normal All Fucked-Up

SOL = Smiling Out Loud

TANJ = There Ain't No Justice

TANSTAAFL = There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch

TBH = To Be Honest

TIA = Thanks In Advance

TIC = Tongue In Cheek

TLA = Three-Letter Acronyms

TLTBT = Too Ludicrous To Be True

TPTB = The Powers That Be

TTFN = Ta Ta For Now

TTYL = Talk To You Later

TWA = Teeny Weeny Afro

TWG = Totally Without Grounds

VPL = Visible Pantie Line

WGFF = Who Gives A Flying Fuck

WIC = Where I'm Concerned

WIMP = Washed-up Information Media Phobe

WOA = Work Of Art

WOB = Waste Of Bandwidth

WRT = With Respect To

WTF = What The Fuck

WTFIGO = What The Fuck Is Going On?

WTH = What The Hell

WW = Weight Watchers

WYSIWYG = What You See Is What You Get

YAM = Yet Another Meeting

YCHT = You Can Have Them

YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary

4 St. Louis Area Cities make Money Magazine Lists

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/99515CD42DC233908625748700106340?OpenDocument
Just in case you're considering relocating to St. Louis...yeah right!

Recent Stock Market Weakness

I got this from my financial advisors & think it's worth sharing with you .

 

Date:                July 11, 2008

 

 

We have just experienced the worst June for the stock market since the 1930s and this means your June 30^th statements are not going to be pretty.   

 

Both the Dow Jones and S&P 500 Index have now officially entered bear market territory, as measured by a 20 percent decline from their peak levels.  Many international markets are performing even worse than domestic markets.   It is hard to avoid being reminded of these things especially for those of us masochistic enough to “enjoy” watching financial news reports. 

 

 

As we discussed in our correspondence in January of this year entitled “Some Thoughts on Market Volatility,” periods of negative returns are to be expected.   However, predicting a negative market ahead of time is a loser’s game.

 

 

There is an English Proverb from the 1600s that says “He that cannot abide a bad market, deserves not a good one”.  The same holds true today more than 300 years later.    

Bad markets happen from time to time, approximately every four to five years as measured by some indexes.  If history teaches us anything, it is that markets don’t go down forever. In fact, unless this time it really is different, we believe markets are likely to be higher in the future than they are today. 

 

 

Once again, 401(k) investors currently have a wonderful opportunity of buying equities at a 20% discount to where they were previously trading.  It is at precisely times like these that shrewd investors are excited to be in the market.  Things can certainly get worse before they get better.  However, we believe over the long term equity prices will be higher in the future than they are currently, and investors that can be buyers when others are sellers will benefit over the long term.   

 

 

The sentiments in the English proverb from the 1600s are true today.  Don’t panic in a down market.  View times like these as buying opportunities.  Stay true to your investment approach and you are likely to be rewarded in the long term. 

St. Louis Baby Idol Contest

http://www.kmjm.com/pages/babyidol.html
We sho got some pretty babies in The Lou! ...and here's a shameless plug for the grandbaby of one of my BFFs - Antaniece A. Vote or die! J/K

Way Back Wed. ~ Gentle ~ 1985

by Frederick

I posted this on 360 last year and only a few {Midwest} folks remembered it. Makes me wonder if it got play elsewhere.

I just love one-hit wonders!! Frederick is no different. I was only 13 when it was released but my Mama had this on a 12-inch & played it to death.

Now how many have never heard this song?

Diana Ross Muscles

Original Music Video of Diana Ross Muscles

I ain't saying Yous a Gold Digger, but.....

http://www.wealthymen.com/
This has to be the biggest crock of bull I've seen in a while! LOL

Got to Have a Family Reunion! NOT!

I've noticed a lot of my connects traveling & so forth for their family reunions & a lot of them seem to be during Labor Day Weekend.

In all my 30+ years on this earth, I've known my maternal family to have had one organized family reunion.  We've had picnics here & there, but not the whole custom t-shirts & paying dues kinda thing.

The one reunion I recall was about 13/14 years ago was in KC, MO - our family base.   Neither my mother, my sister, my uncle nor myself attended.  I was only working part-time, my mother was caring for my 2 sisters on her widow's pension and my beloved uncle is a crackhead (yes, sadly he really is).  Needless to say the funds for traveling were few & far between.  Even tho I wanted to see Muda & a few others, I didn't lose any sleep over not being able to go.  My mother, on the other hand was livid and her feelings were hurt.  My uncle could've really cared less.

My mother knew that everyone knew her situation and her feelings were hurt that no one at least offered a place to lay her head, at the very least.  I could've gotten her a damn RT bus ticket.  She was livid because we (the STL family) were the last to know about this alleged reunion.  My reaction - fuck 'em!

I come from a large family (due to my uncles' male whoredom) on both sides, but rarely have anything to do with the majority of them, esp. my daddy's folks.

There are just too many folks with way too many issues.  Call me crazy, but I'd rather be alone than mixed up in their misery.

Does your family have reunions on the regular and what part do you play, if any?

Cause I Obviously have Nothin' Betta to Do

1. Do you like blue cheese? No way

2. Have you ever smoked heroin? No way!

3. Do you own a gun? I did at one time.

4. What flavor do you add to your drink at sonic? Strawberry to the Limeades

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Only before I step on the scale.

6. What do you think of hot dogs? They are best, burnt on the grill.

7. Favorite Christmas movie? This Christmas

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Ice cold orange pineapple juice

9. Can you do push ups? Can you kiss my ass? *lol*

11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My diamond studs

12. Favorite hobby? Photography

14. Do you have A.D.D? No, yeah, hell I don't know.

15. What's one trait you hate about yourself? Sometimes I'm not a good listener.

16. Middle name? The same as my cousin's but spelled differently.

17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? I really need to lose some weight; I miss him; and I'm 1/2 past ready for vacation.

18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday? Nail clippers, ant spray & lemonade

19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, iced tea & lemonade

20. Current worry? *blank stare*

21. Current hate right now? *blank stare*

22. Favorite place to be? In my ultra mega king bed on my 800 TC sheets (preferably with somebody's sexy son).

23. How did you bring in the New Year? Dodging bullets

24. Where would you like to go? Heaven...when my time comes.

25. Name four people who will complete this? *blank stare*

26. Do you own slippers? about 6 pair

27. What shirt are you wearing? cool summer clothes

28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No.  

29. Can you whistle? No and I never learned.  Muda said it was "common" and young ladies didn't whistle.

30. Favorite color? Red

31. Would you be a pirate? If and only if I were the Captain.

32. What songs do you sing in the shower? Whatever's playing on the shower radio.

33. Favorite girl's name? I ain't telling unless you're having a baby I can name.

34. Favorite boy's name? See #33

35. What's in your pocket right now? $3 and some change

36. Last thing that made you laugh? My toothless neighbor skinning & grinning at my cleavage!

37. What kind of sheets did you have on your bed as a child? Floral

38. Your worst injury you've ever had? My grandpa accidentally fell on my leg & broke it.

39. Do you love where you live? No, but it's home.

40. How many TVs do you have in your house? 5

41. Who is your loudest friend? Those heffas would say me.

42. How many dogs do you have? Nary a one.

43. Does someone have a crush on you? I think so.

45. What is your favorite book(s)? Mama by Terry McMillian

46. What is your favorite candy? Strawberry Whoppers & Chocolate Paydays

47. Favorite SportsTeam? Anyone that reps St. Louis!

48. What song do you want played at your funeral? One Sweet Day & Precious Lord

49. What were you doing at 12 a.m? Watching Designstar

50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up?  I’m gonna be late.....again....

America's Best Places to Live 2008

http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/105381/America's-Best-Places-to-Live-2008
For those who are thinking about or wanting to relocate to the DC/MD/VA area, a city 21 miles outside of Baltimore made this list.

Jamaican Breeze

Description:




Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Appleton White Jamaica Rum
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- 3 oz grapefruit juice
Garnish: orange wedge

Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with an orange wedge.

Sunday Smooth Groove ~ Where Ever You Are ~ 1995

by Terry Ellis

Desk rage spoils workplace for many Americans!

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN0947145320080710?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=22&sp=true
Altho an interesting read, this is quite disturbing.

Most employers & even major medical carriers provide some sort of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at NO COST to you! Use them!

Throwback Thurs. ~ Rumours ~ 1986

by Timex Social Club

Talk Show Shhhhh......

I'm sure most of you have been involved in some talk show shit at some point in your life.  Not necessarily intimate relationships either.  Could be janky family, annoying neighbors, whatever.

Back in the day, before caller ID and such, I made a call to the Ricki Lake show.

Way Too Young - The 22nd Anniversary

I was your typical, or maybe not so typical, fast ass, boy crazy, teen-aged girl. Even tho I had my mother & my grandparents, I was missing a very vital piece of me – my father. Muda always said, things would’ve been different if my daddy hadn’t died.

My problems started 22 years ago today.  I lost my virginity way too young & too a man who could’ve cared less about me.

One hot summer’s night, I was hanging out with my cousin, her boyfriend & his friend (let’s call him John). We had been hanging out for a few weeks & always had fun. One night after going to see “The Mack” at the $1 Movie & hanging out on the St. Louis Riverfront listening to music, talking shit & drinking (yeah, I drank California Coolers when I was a teen), we went back to John’s house. His mom worked graveyard. The apartment was empty. My cousin & her boyfriend disappeared into a back room.

We sat on the couch for a little while & talked, then John grabbed my hand & we ended up in his bedroom. We kissed a lil, well, maybe a lot. He touched me in places I’d never been touched before & I liked it. He undid my halter-top (I was 135 lbs, soaking wet back in the day) and started to do things to my breasts that made me feel like lighting was flowing thru my body. He asked if I was a virgin & I shyly answered, “Yes.” He kissed me ever so gently & proceeded to remove my clothing. The next thing I knew I was looking at his naked body, penis hard as a rock. I think I was staring because he asked if I was scared, I replied, “Kinda.”

Whitney Houston's "Good Love" was playing on the Quiet Storm. He laid down next to me. I knew it was wrong. Part of me wanted to say, “Stop!” The other part of me really wanted to know what the hype was all about & that part gave in. Before I knew it he was inside of me. It hurt, but wasn’t unbearable. He continued to kiss me & stroke my hair. I just laid there, as I had no idea of what was happening, but he seemed to be happy. A few moments later, he held me really tight & let out this groan, a groan that I had never heard before. Still, I had no idea what had just happened. He got up, kissed me on the forehead, put on his shorts & left the room. Still I laid there, in a daze.

He came back to the room with some towels & handed me his bathrobe. I went to the bathroom only to find my cousin in there, reapplying her makeup. I closed the door & slid down to the floor. She asked, “What’s wrong?” I replied, “I did it.” “Did what?” she asked. “It!” I replied. Ohhhh! She helped me off the floor, we talked a lil bit & she left. I cleaned myself up & put my clothes on.

When I came out of the bathroom they were sitting in the living room waiting for me. We get into the car & the boys drive us home. We laughed, talked & sang along with the music....or a least they did. I was still in a daze & don't recall saying much of anything.

As we drove down the street, I saw my mama & her boyfriend in the park. I ducked! I hoped like hell she didn't see me. We make it home & get out of the car. John walked me to the front door, hugged & kissed me. It was cool since we all knew my mama wasn't there waiting to bust me for breaking curfew.

I talked to John twice, maybe three times since that fateful evening. I even saw him a few times afterwards, but he barely said hi….if that. I was devastated. I give him my virginity & this is how I get treated in return?! I wanted to cry & I did....many times. I eventually got over it.

He died several months later due to a ruptured appendix. I cried when I heard the news & wanted to go to the funeral, but there is no way my mama would’ve let me. I would've had to miss school & she would've wanted to know why I wanted to go & I certainly couldn't have told her.

Oh, I failed to mention, I was only 14 when this happened. At age 13, I started lying about my age & managed to get away with it most of the time. I told John I was 17 & he said he was 18. I didn't find out until after the fact that he was actually 20. As they say, it's all water under the bridge....or at least at this point it is.

Balconette Bras!!

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

I finally found a size that works for me!! Now mind you, I've been between a 48dd & ddd for the last decade or so. I'd had always seen Silkee & Starr rave about these durn bras, but the size seems to skip (just check tags on one). They don't make them in my alleged size.

A lil while ago when Starr announced the LB sale, I went back to the store....only to get my feelings hurt *lol* trying on a 44dd (the largest in stock). I gave up on the precious Balconette.

Today, I stopped again on my way home, just to try my luck. The store had 4 bras I was willing to brave. Two (2) 44Hs and two (2) 42Hs. All I gaged were the cups & they seemed big enough, so I bought all 4.

I got home, showered & tried them on. First the 44. It fit OK, but was in the tightest clasp (which is a no-no for a new bra) & the wire was stabbing me...the reason I only own softcups.

Next the 42....and baybee....if you didn't like me then, you gon' hate me now! . LOL I tried on a few of my sexy tops & well....I'mma keep that to myself. :P

I'm still trying to figure how I measure 48dd/ddd and this 42h is rocking!

Oh well, I'm sold!

Thanks Silk & Starr!

CNN Presents "Black in America" - The Black Woman & Family

Start:	Jul 23, '08 8:00p
End:	Jul 23, '08 10:00p
Location:	CNN

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america/

MUST SEE TV! Go to the site to preview the show.

Just How Far CAN You Go Once the Low Fuel Light Comes On?

http://tankonempty.com/
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/Stossel/story?id=5285017&page=1

Way Back Wed ~ 'Til You Do Me Right ~ 1995

by After 7

When this song was hot, I actually hated it. Not the 1st time I heard it but after a bitter break up. Ole boy refused to accept the demise of the relationship & this song was left on my answering machine....repeatedly! The verses about "changing your evil ways" were stressed.

I hope he eventually found some happiness.

Divorce Court: Homosexual Husband Claims He Isn't Gay Part 2

Divorce Court: Homosexual Husband Claims He Isn't Gay Part 1

He says he's not gay...just glamorous.

I'm Grouchy! Written & Performed by "PlayCuzzin"

This was an ode *eyeroll* of sorts, written in my honor (I suppose) by an alleged friend aka PlayCuzzin.  *LOL*

You can click here for his orginal post on 360 or you can continue on here.

This is dedicated to my dear friend Ms. Mo' .  We have sort of a "Vera and Benny" from Harlem Nights kind of relationship  LMAO!!

                                              GROUCHY

(to the tune of Bossy by Kelis)

Aye Yo... You don't have to love me..... you don't even have to like me...... but you will get the hell out my FACE!!

you know why cause I'm a Grouch

You know, it's a big fist to swallow
When they tell you you strange
You ain't nice
Then in the blink of an eye (POW)
They got what they deserve
That means I'm a I'm A GROUCH 

Uh uh... watch my foot go...
Uh uh... watch my foot go...
Uh uh... watch my foot go...
Uh uh... watch my foot go...

[Mo' Betta]
I'm Grouchy
I'm the first girl to punch  you in the back
I called you and ya mammy dumb
That's right I beat all the  boys in the yard
And that's right, I'm the one causin' bodily harm
I'm Grouchy
I'm the booch y'all love to hate
I'm the chick that's raised the stakes
I told Play Cuzz he should cease to play
I'm back bout to break Play's  legs I'm grouchy

Ooh lemme slow it down so yall Nigg's will know
Screw it up n Imma bust ya nose
Real girls lay you out on the flo
(on the flo knocked out, on the flo)
Ooh I warned you but you want some more
Touch me  and you gettin broken bones
I like to beat you down, I'm icy cold
Ooh to the the 6'4" brothas I'll break ya jaw
The money makin sistas always scare'em
Don't start no problems
He gon keep on jumpin while the G U N  is poppin

Diamonds on my Knucks, di-diamonds bust ya grill
Diamonds on my Knucks, di-diamonds bust ya grill

I'm Grouchy
I'm the first girl to stomp ya neck
I hit you and made ya face numb
That's right I beat all the boys in the yard
And that's right, I'm the one causin bodily harm
I'm grouchy
I'm the booch y'all love to hate
I'm the chick that's raised the stakes
I told Play Cuzz ,Nigga I don't play
I'm back bout to break Play's legs I'm grouchy 

Ooh (I bet I bet I bet) I bet cha neva felt it like this before
My foot be all up in ya backdoor
Got ya neck poppin as I twist it hard(twist it hard)
Ooh I'm takin you out and it's no jokin
All the while ya heads open
Me and my fists we start to fly and we love to punch eyes
Ooh to the 6'4" brothas I'll break ya jaw
Yeah the money makin sistas always scarem 
Don't start  no problems
He gon keep on jumpin while the G U N is poppin

Diamonds on my Knucks, di-diamonds bust ya grill
Diamonds on my Knucks, di-diamonds bust ya grill

I'm Grouchy
I'm the first girl to scream in ya ear
I punked you and caused all the fear
That's right i beat all the boys in the yard
And that's right I'm the one that slapped you hard I'm Grouchy
I'm the booch ya'll love to hate
I'm the chick that's raised the stake
I told young Cuzz, Nigga I don't play
I broke that crippled suckas cane cuz I'm Grouchy

[Play Cuzzin]
It's the time that she beats on me
Can't stop screamin, she's mean  and she's grouchy
Damn girl, don't hurt me

If niggas don't back back, you gon fork em
Put your smack down, I know your background
Whatchu want girl, you gettin mad now
That's how you do it, huh?
Well I'm the scaredest one
In fact, Niggas in the back bring em to the front, nigg!
Tell that man you's a grouch booch
Make some noise, raise your hand if you's a grouch booch
I don't think he understand you's a grouch booch
Get some help if you can cause she lost it
Ain't no band aids, go get a cast mayne
In your face with her finger in ya forhead
Flossin, you say "how much it cost me?"
About all my front teef playa, she's grouchy

[Mo' Betta]
I'm grouchy
I'm the first girl kick out ya back
I switched up my left and my right 
That's right I beat all the boys in the yard
And that's right I'm the one that's causin him harm

I'm Grouchy
I'm the booch y'all love to hate
I'm the chick that's raised the stake
I told Play Cuzz, Nigga I don't play 
I'm back with a G U N cause I'm Grouchy

Uh uh... watch the fist go...
Uh uh... watch the fist go...
Uh uh... watch the fist go...
Uh uh... watch the fist go...
Uh uh... watch the fist go...
Uh uh... watch the fist go...
Uh uh... watch the fist go...
Uh uh... watch the fist go...
Uh uh...

The Doctor is In!

A little while back, in my STLBBBW group, we had a conversation about cartoons & we ended up comparing the characters to ourselves & others. For some strange reason, they () unanimously agreed that I was "Lucy" from the Peanuts Gang. I found this description on the website & highlighted the parts I somewhat agree with.

Lucy Van Pelt works hard at being bossy, crabby and selfish. She is loud and yells a lot. Her smiles and motives are rarely pure. She's a know-it-all who dispenses advice whether you want it or not--and for Charlie Brown, there's a charge. She's a fussbudget, in the true sense of the word. She's a real grouch, (I had a song written & dedicated to me which I will copy & paste later) with only one or two soft spots, and both of them may be Schroeder, who prefers Beethoven. As she sees it, hers is the only way. The absence of logic in her arguments holds a kind of shining lunacy. When it comes to compliments, Lucy only likes receiving them. If she's paying one--or even smiling--she's probably up to something devious.

So am I Lucy or what? Tell the truth & shame the devil!

Sistas! Prove the white folks wrong & head to the water! *LOL*

This is my hair in it's natural state.  I actually prefer & wear it straight most times, but it doesn't keep me away from the water. 

 

I copied the blog below for my sisters who shy away from the water because of their hair.

 

 

 

 

Healthy Hair at the Beach!

Posted Jul 4th 2008 7:32PM by Gennifer Miller
Filed under: Hair Apparent, Lifestyle

Long gone are the days when we had to fear the pool or the ocean. You can swim, enjoy the summer and have a neat hair do' in the morning. Here are five easy tips for a happy day at the beach!

1. Before heading out, apply a dime size amount of leave-in conditioner (preferably ones with sunscreen built in) to your hair in small sections. A liquid leave-in conditioner in a spray bottle might be the easiest to apply.

2. Try and keep your hair up and under a hat or scarf for as long as possible. This will help protect your hair and scalp from the sun.

3. Go for a swim!

4. If possible, at least try to rinse out the chlorine or sea water. If not possible, cover hair with hat or scarf until your return home. Then, wash and condition with a super moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. If you can leave the conditioner on for 20 minutes, that would be great!

5. Apply a moisturizer. Braid hair in small, uniform sections and let air dry overnight. In the morning, undo braids, separate curls for a nice textured look! Here is a picture of what my hair looks like the next morning.

Hope this help! For more tips and techniques, join me at www.healthytextures.com and on my social network at www.healthytextures.ning.com.

Vamp Up Your Veggies

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/tasty-vegetable-recipes?cm_mmc=Newsletter-_-2008_Jul_03-_-Nutrition-_-Make.Veggies.Taste.Good.Top
Tasty Vegetable Recipes | Women's Health Magazine

Naughty Monkey Getting Lucky

http://www.like.com/womensshoes-naughty-monkey-getting-lucky--1082e37adc719e62bfcaf0a9febdfe40a930567e-e3464bd4db427307--details.html
Can't say I'm really feeling it, but don't you just LUV the name?!

Tired of Renting? Check out Home Auctions, Real Estate Auctions & Property Auctions

http://www.hudsonandmarshall.com/
St. Louis auction is Sunday, July 13th 2008. Or cities & dates are listed on the page.

Family {George} Foreman Reality TV Show

http://www.tvland.com/originals/familyforeman/

Fireworks PLUS Bad @$$ Kids EQUALS

TROUBLE!!

There's only one thing I hate more than bad ass kids & that's bad ass kids with fireworks!  They get on my last nerve with this mess. 

Tell me why this lil silly ass boychild was running down the street, chasing another lil silly ass boychild with a lit and firing Roman Candle?!?!?!?!  This lil bastard obviously had no idea of the damage he could cause!

I'm trying to figure out how they get fireworks that last for days, but mama can't pay her utility bills, phone is probably disconnected & we (the hardworking taxpayers) have to buy her damn groceries via the almighty foodstamp.  *smdh*  Come next week, her ass will be over at Catholic Charities because of the gas & electric bill pink slips.

She can't pay the Lawnmower Man to cut what is supposed to be grass in that fucked up yard of hers, but Jr. is about to blow the whole damn neighborhood up!

I know we shouldn't wish ill on any one, but I have to be honest & say that for a fleeting moment I wished that damn candle would've exploded in his lil dumb ass hand.

Oh, did I mention, the City of St. Louis outlawed the use of fireworks a few years back after a few very costly & unfortunate accidents?  Yeah.....

I need a drink......

 

50 Cent & Taana Gardner - Heartbeat

(6/20/08 Sincerely Yours Mixtape)

What Are You Smokin'? Racist Menthols

Posted Jun 26th 2008 9:00AM by Carmen Dixon

A bill before Congress would give control of tobacco products to the Food and Drug Administration.

The bill would ban flavor additives such as mint, clove and vanilla, which appeal to young people. But menthol flavored cigarettes would still be available. Since 75% of black people who smoke choose menthol, you might say that this bill excludes blacks from a protective benefit.

And for that reason, some say it's racist . On the other hand, supporters of keeping menthol available ask what could possibly be racist about giving grown black folks access to the flavor of poison they prefer?

And why do black folks smoke menthols anyway? There's no certain answer, but Radar magazine took an entertaining stab at tackling the question:

By the 1960s, magazines like Ebony and Jet were packed with cigarette advertisements that featured African-American models and referenced black culture, like Lorillard's "Newport is a whole new bag of menthol smoking" (after James Brown's "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag") and R.J. Reynold's "Different Smokes for Different Folks" (a nod to a Sly Stone hit) campaign for Salem Extra. Some of the ads seemed almost progressive, encouraging the era's burgeoning black middle class to "Come Up to the Kool Taste," and promising them that smoking a Kool was "Like riding a Rolls Royce."

To make further inroads, the tobacco companies loudly supported the Civil Rights Movement and later made regular and significant contributions to organizations like the NAACP, the United Negro College Fund, and the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights. By the early '80s, when a young Kool G Rap (neé Nathaniel Wilson) was growing up in Queens, mentholated cigarettes had become so ingrained in the black community they were widely considered the Official Cigarettes of Black Folks.

Chalk this up as another win for big tobacco; and another big disaster for the health and well being of black folk. More from Radar:

But the black people-menthols metric has had some particularly nasty results: According to the CDC, African Americans are at least 50 percent more likely to develop lung cancer than white smokers, which is partly because African Americans metabolize nicotine more slowly. Recent research from Harvard also suggests that this has something to do with the mint sticks-the cooling, anesthetic effect once seen as medicinally beneficial may actually just be numbing the throat enough to facilitate deeper inhalation.

So back to the original question: Is it racist to ban all cigarette flavors except menthol? Or should black folks have the freedom to pick their own poison?

The Official Site of Garden Groom – Garden Electric Hedge Trimmer

https://www.buygardengroom.com/vcc/allstar/gardengroom/382103/

It's Ya Girl, Mo!

Hi, my name is: Monica

But you can call me: Monni (short o please), or Mo (long o)

Never in my life have I: purposely disrepected an elder or learned to drive a stick

The one person who can drive me nuts is: my mother's other daughter & my mother's baby brother (notice I'm not claiming them *lol*).

My high school is: Vashon High - Go Wolverines!

The last song I listened to (sang along with) was:  Ask Me No Questions by Klymaxx

If I were to get married right now it would be to:  the man who holds my heart

My hair is: kinda cute & being held back with a headband

When I was 4: I was living with Muda & Papa & just plain rotten (as Papa used to say).

Last Christmas: I treated myself to a black leather Coach Carly bag.

I should be: working!

When I look down I see: some Nikes that need a lil TLC

The happiest recent event was: making contact with my 1st love & his cousin (who was one of the best friends I ever had)

If I were a character on 'Friends' :  I don't watch Friends, but I do know there's a Monica, so I'll go with that. 

By this time next year:  I plan to be chillaxin at the all-inclusive resort.

My current gripe is:  I'm tired of being everything to everybody.

I have a hard time understanding:  why the 1st thing dependent & co-dependent people wanna shout is, "I'm grown!" but are constantly in need.

If I won an award, the first person I would tell would be: Muda - even tho she's gone, she'd be the 1st.

I want to buy: a NEW CAR...but I won't right now.

Where do you plan to visit :  DC Labor Day Weekend - I am sooooooo there!

If you spent the night at my house: you might hear an occassional gunshot, & niggas (yes niggas) might try to steal your car, but otherwise, you'd be comfy

The world could do without: War, hunger, shady politicians and wack entertainers who make more than educators.

Most recent thing I've bought myself: I just ordered some new Walking Nikes.

Most recent thing someone else bought me:  Meal & drinks @ happy hour

My middle name is:  the same as my cousin's but spelled differently

In the morning I:  sleep until the last possible second

Last night I was:  happy Petrozza finally beat Christina in a challenge!

There's this girl I know who: is damn near 40 but is gonna be lost like a lamb in the woods when her parents go to glory.

If I were an animal I'd be : killer shark

A better name for me would be:  You tell me.

Tomorrow I am:  sending the kid to his mother, cause Mo don't do fireworks & enjoy the peace that is my home.

Tonight I am: not doing a damn thing!

My birthday is: May 3

You got this from: Shan, Kim, Silk, Lusi and 50-11 other folks.