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Thursday, August 28, 2008

Fairy Tales


The Princess and the Frog is an upcoming animated musical feature film currently being produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and based upon the classic fairy tale The Frog Prince. It will be the first traditionally animated (2-D) feature film in Disney's animated features canon since 2004's Home on the Range. The film is set in New Orleans during the 1920s Jazz Age, and Tiana will be the first black Disney Princess.

While it seems this might be a GREAT thing for us. . . there are critics who say the Disney story is too-little, too-late and that the story line is full of racist elements. I say to the critics: SHADDUP!!!!! And I say this mainly because the majority of the critics are black folks or “well meaning” white folks who have appointed themselves our representatives.

First of all, Disney is the ONLY Company that has even thought about, considered or put into action any type of plan to include a diverse group of characters in their portfolio. Why didn’t some of these critics come up with the idea or beat Disney to the punch? Why haven’t black owned studios or television stations created programming or movies that cater to little black girls to show them that they are just as beautiful (even more so) than Cinderella.

There are even critiques about the storyline, which takes place in the 1920’s in New Orleans. People who got an early taste of the film were “shocked” that there was a plantation owner and that the main character was a chambermaid and that her name was Maddy. Um- correct me if I’m wrong but wasn’t that pretty much how things were in the 1920’s in the South?!?!? So as not to offend (and to protect their bottom line), Disney tweaked the story line and now the plantation owner is a “sugar cane farmer” and the main character while still a chambermaid her new name is Tiana.

Again maybe I’m crazy but I thought ALL the Disney princesses were poor or down on their luck before they become “princesses”?! That is the Disney formula!!! Rags to riches. Wishing on a star and making your dreams come true. Who cares if Maddy/Tiana is a maid or that she lives on a plantation? As long as in the end she gets the damn prince and they live happily ever after!!! Seriously people, there are much bigger fish to fry and other issues that need our immediate attention. If we could get people as engaged in protecting the lives and education of our children as they are with fighting over the image of an imaginary, animated character- then we’d probably make some serious progress!

I think it's going to be a great film and has the potential to be a classic just like the others. But what will probably dictate it's success is whether or not Black folks go out and support it like they should! Check out the trailier: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/princessandthefrog/

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Phenomenal Mama of the Year


Lately it seems I have been struggling to keep up. Struggling to get everything crammed into a short 8 hour day. And our last excursion seemed to wipe out what little determination I had left. As much as I enjoy this blog and as committed as I had become I also found it becoming a struggle. A struggle to post something worthwhile. A struggle to even sign on in the evenings after to work and connect.

But last night I was given a burst of energy. Renewed motivation and a hot topic to discuss: Mrs. Michelle Obama. A Phenomenal Mama for the ages!

I almost did myself a disservice by not watching Mrs. Obama because I was tired and it was getting late but I felt drawn to the television as she took to the stage in her vibrant turquoise dress, with her perfectly coiffed hair and infectious smile. So, I copped a squat and turned up the t.v.

I felt riveted and a bit emotional throughout Mrs. Obama’s speech. There is something about her that’s almost Oprah-esque but she definitely has a certain flair all her own. She’s very quick witted, intelligent, and articulate (the Anglo’s favorite word) but she also possesses this down to Earth “sista” quality that reminds you of your best friend, aunt or co-worker who tells it like it is. . . . although she’s the closest thing we have to black “royalty” she also comes across as very approachable and able to relate to the masses.

But the thing that I admire most about Mrs. Obama is her absolute adoration and devotion to her children. It is so apparent that she is a nurturing, attentive and engaged mother. I admire any woman that can juggle motherhood, marriage, work, etc. and make it seem effortless but to do it on a world stage with so many people watching and so many people judging. . .that to me takes some serious confidence and courage. I have been on Team Obama since the beginning and not only am I rooting for Barack Obama to become the next President I’m also rooting for this family to continue to be strengthened throughout this process (and his presidency) so that all Americans can see the shining example of what a family is supposed to be and what really matters in this life.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Melancholy


I remember when my son was first born. . .it was a scary and exciting time. Scary because he wasn't exactly breathing when he was born. They had to rush him next door and suction him to clear his lungs. But soon I heard the cat-like cry that let me know he was okay.

I look at him now and sometimes I get emotional because although he is only four years old I can barely remember him at the various stages that he's gone through without the aid of pictures. I guess because I'm so focused on him now, it seems as if he has always been this age. As we sit and have "philosophical" conversations (like about how this boy in his class is not telling the truth about his age because he should be in kindergarten- I swear my son said this!) I marvel that I had anything to do with the formation of this little person. A little person whose intellect is already apparent and has his own thoughts and ideas about how things work. Not to mention he constantly reminds me that God is the only one who knows EVERYTHING.

Sometimes I miss the little baby I use to hold in my arms and kiss in to oblivion. But I absolutely adore the little boy who can walk, talk and use the toilet unassisted. And every now and then he lets me hug him tight and kiss him a hundred times. I know much too soon he will become mute and unaffectionate and I will sit and get melancholy wishing that I had that four year old who would talk and make me laugh everyday. So, I'm treasuring these moments because I know they will be gone all too soon.

(The picture is The Genius at 9 months old. That HAIR was out of control!!!)

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Paying for the Sins of the Undisciplined


Have you ever found yourself overcompensating in the discipline department because other folks aren't disciplining their kids?

When we were in the airport waiting on our flight there was this "family"- I use the term loosely because the roles didn't appear to be very defined. There were two women who looked to be about the same age (35+), one man around 30 and SIX kids. Two older girls probably 11 and 13 and FOUR kids under the age of 8. . .three boys and one girl.

To say they were unruly is an understatement. I have never in all my years of traveling ever seen AIRPORT security have to come tell someone about their kids. And the thing that made it even more painful for me is that they were black. The only other black family in the waiting area with us. Sidebar- in addition to their behavior being out of line they looked a hot mess, very unkempt.

At one point both women disappeared, the two older girls were into their MP3 players and the other four kids were in the middle of the floor- as in the area where everyone is walking to get to their gates or get to baggage claim- playing with cars and making all kinds of noise. The "dad" (I heard one of them call him that) was just sitting there totally oblivious. I checked out the expressions of the other people around us and everyone seemed to be perturbed by their unruly behavior. They were just LOUD and rowdy. I know they were just kids but at that age they should know what behavior is unacceptable. . .then for the adults to just sit there and allow the behavior to continue.

The best thing that happened to us was getting bumped from that plane. I couldn't have even imagined being on a plane for 12 hours with all that madness. (I also found out later they were visiting someone at an airforce base in Okinawa and all three adults worked for the airline so they didn't have to pay for the tickets.) As a result of their behavior my husband and I kept giving my son stern reminders about being "good" and if he raised his voice to ask a question we both got all up in arms. Ridiculous, I know. . .but for some reason it was almost like we were trying to prove a point that not ALL of OUR children act that way. There are a few of us who have children who know better.

The thing that was hilarious (in retrospect) is that every time we would tell my son things that were unacceptable he would say, "I know" or "I don't do that" or "Why are you telling me that?". Although we had NO problems out of him (nor do we ever have problems when we are out in public) I just want to make sure we reinforce what's acceptable because being a black boy who will someday become a black man people will already have a preconceived notion about him- I just don't want him giving them any ammunition.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Konnichiwa

So, my last post was kinda vague, I know. . .bet you thought I was in Brooklyn or Bangor, Maine. No, try a little farther East. We spent a week in Japan. The Tokyo area to be exact. We visited friends who are stationed at an air force base on the continent.

I was a nervous wreck prior to the trip and tried to be prepared to the tenth power because my son was going on this trip and the flight was 12 hours non-stop. I know that I have a tendency to brag about him from time to time but this time it is soooo deserved! He was the perfect little traveler! He asked ONCE in twelve hours when we were gonna get there. . .he slept half the flight so that helped but otherwise he watched movies or played games from the back of his own personal headset screen or ate snacks from the duffel bag full of goodies we brought on board or played with the Power Strangers (yeah, they are still holding up).

As for me, I was beyond tired and stressed out from the time the trip began until it ended because I let some outside influences affect me as we were preparing to leave and it continued throughout the journey. I enjoyed seeing my friends and experiencing a different culture- sidebar: why is the United States the only country that caters to people who don't speak our language? If you don't know some Japanese you will be LOST in that country! I found that to be the most frustrating part even people who understood a little English still couldn't really comprehend the questions I was asking.

Anyway, we visited the Sensoji temple in Asakusa, the Ueno zoo, ate a restaurant where we were sitting on the floor but our feet were hanging underneath us; the portions were MINIATURE but very good- my son loved the noodles, we rode the train to our destinations and did A LOT of walking, we also got to see some of the Yokota Air Force Base. My only regret was that we went all that way and didn't get to see Mt. Fuji. We were supposed to arrive on Sunday and take a tour on Monday but because we were a day late I guess we missed our chance. . .such is life.

Anyway, I was extremely glad to be back in the good old U.S. of A.! We arrived in Newark Friday evening and flew to Houston that night so, that was a total of 15 hours on an airplane and again my son was a complete angel! They only problem we had once we returned home was that he was still on "Japan time", which is a 14 hour difference so, at 1:30am our time he was up running around playing saying he couldn't sleep. We were all pretty jet lagged, I still don't think we've adjusted to our own time zone. I can't believe how fast that week passed and that we're back into our daily routine.

As of now, travel is officially ON HOLD until the work in my bedroom is done. So, Mo I hope you're reading this!!!!










Monday, August 11, 2008

Far East

Be back soon. . . .

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

That's What's Up


This makes me swell with pride as if he was my own son. . . .

Say It Loud is a youth film that explores the importance of education for African-American boys. When Jordan Coleman was 10-years-old he became a voice over actor on Nickelodeon's Nick Jr. show The Backyardigans; he's the voice of Tyrone the moose. Jordan's parents challenged him to use some of his earnings to make a positive contribution to his community ... he hired a film crew and began interviewing African-American boys and men for his Say It Loud film.

Check out his website: http://www.sayitloudfilm.com/

Monday, August 4, 2008

Decorating Sense


My priorities are all screwed up. Have I said this before? I was too lazy to sort through the archives to see if I have in fact been singing this same old sad song. But pardon me as I go on again. . .the family and I have taken travel to a new level this year. So far we have gone on four pretty big trips this year. . .not to mention we just returned from San Antonio this past weekend. Spent the night on the Riverwalk (cha-ching) and took my son to the Backyardigan’s Live Show at the Majestic Theater (can you say orchestra seats and souvenirs!). But wait it doesn’t stop there. . .we are gearing up for a trip so monumental next week that I’m not even going to post about it until we get back.

Meanwhile. . . the carpet in my bedroom looks like it has been the playground for several wet, muddy animals with Cheetos on their paws. Uh- no, we do not have any pets.

Last year we finally ripped up the carpet in the living room and replaced it with hardwood and just recently (for cohesiveness) my husband ripped up the carpet in the ½ bath and extended the wood inside- why would a home builder think carpet in a bathroom is a good idea?!- so now that my husband has mastered putting wood down in this 6’x 3’ space he thinks he is ready to conquer our bedroom which is at least 10 times (or maybe 7 times, not too good with square footage) as big. I am excited about saving at least $1,500 in labor costs but I am concerned about his timetable. I can just see me having to call one of those home improvement shows to fix the mess he made after we've been living in it for six months!

My point is (yes, I have one) while traveling is my most favorite thing ever, I enjoy coming home even more and instead of spending money to stay at all these random hotels I really feel like we need to invest more into our house. Namely our bedroom. So, after our trip next week all travel will CEASE until our bedroom has been completed- I'm talking the whole SHEBANG- paint, hardwood floors, bedding, new fixtures and vanity in the master bath, art work and window treatments. Now of course after this is all said and done there will be no money for traveling so, it will be nice to kick back in my “luxury hotel” themed bedroom.

Did I mention my husbands "helper"? After TheGenius made that comment about not having to work because he's a kid- he got a quick lesson in Earning Your Keep 101.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Let The Music Play


Sometimes my son and I dance around the house until we are both out of breath. I seriously need to do this EVERYDAY and it would solve my exercise dilemma. Anyway, his two favorite songs are Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts (it’s the Cars theme song) and My Mic Sounds Nice by Salt-n-Pepa. Ha ha! Eclectic, right?

I play these songs (as well as others) over and over and we sing loud, off key and dance ourselves dizzy. I used to do this a lot by myself when I was a single gal and had my own apartment. I would have CD’s (and CASSETTE TAPES) all over my apartment and I would dance and lip sync in front of the mirror. This was seriously my workout back in the day.

I’ve always had a love affair with music. I love it just about as much as I love reading. Songs have the power to lift you up and make you smile or bring you down and hold you there for a while. I find music to be inspirational and empowering. Sometimes in the ears of the wrong listeners it can also be motivation for madness.

I have a particular affinity for “old school” music. I listen to everything from Sweet Dreams by Eurythmics to What Is Love by Howard Jones to I’ve Been Loving You to Long by Otis Redding to Sweetest Taboo by Sade to Baby Baby Baby by TLC. My most favorite music is anything by Prince in the 80’s and old school hip hop from the 80’s. The 90’s new jack swing era also holds a special place in my heart and I have every CD Jodeci ever made. And do I even need to mention the love for Tupac and Biggie? But oddly enough, I also LOVE Dolly Parton’s theme song from 9 to 5 and I think Kenny Rogers’ song, The Gambler is the best metaphor for life:
You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em, Know when to walk away and know when to run.You never count your money when you’re sittin’ at the table.There’ll be time enough for countin’ when the dealins done.

As far as current music goes. . .I think Jill Scott is phenomenal and I’m waiting with bated breath for Maxwell’s new CD. I like Raheem DeVaughn and Anthony David. Guess my tastes lately reflect a more “mature” woman. However I do like Lupe Fiasco (or maybe just that Daydreamin joint because of Jill Scott). One person I am NOT a fan of at all and I am scratching my head trying to not only figure out what he’s saying but how he got famous is Lil Wayne. Don’t get me wrong -back in my backsliding days I used to love me some Cash Money Millionaires, “Number one stunna- what, what what?” and I even liked Weezy’s first song, “The Block is Hot” but that madness he’s spittin’ lately? I just don’t feel inspired, empowered or entertained by much of the muck on the radio these days. I guess I really am getting old. Whatever. Let me get back to MY music. . .this was my most favorite song to lip sync to. . .okay, so I admit I was lip syncing to it last night! (And YES, I do the choreography complete with pretending to play the drums! Ha ha!)

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Fairy Tales


The Princess and the Frog is an upcoming animated musical feature film currently being produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and based upon the classic fairy tale The Frog Prince. It will be the first traditionally animated (2-D) feature film in Disney's animated features canon since 2004's Home on the Range. The film is set in New Orleans during the 1920s Jazz Age, and Tiana will be the first black Disney Princess.

While it seems this might be a GREAT thing for us. . . there are critics who say the Disney story is too-little, too-late and that the story line is full of racist elements. I say to the critics: SHADDUP!!!!! And I say this mainly because the majority of the critics are black folks or “well meaning” white folks who have appointed themselves our representatives.

First of all, Disney is the ONLY Company that has even thought about, considered or put into action any type of plan to include a diverse group of characters in their portfolio. Why didn’t some of these critics come up with the idea or beat Disney to the punch? Why haven’t black owned studios or television stations created programming or movies that cater to little black girls to show them that they are just as beautiful (even more so) than Cinderella.

There are even critiques about the storyline, which takes place in the 1920’s in New Orleans. People who got an early taste of the film were “shocked” that there was a plantation owner and that the main character was a chambermaid and that her name was Maddy. Um- correct me if I’m wrong but wasn’t that pretty much how things were in the 1920’s in the South?!?!? So as not to offend (and to protect their bottom line), Disney tweaked the story line and now the plantation owner is a “sugar cane farmer” and the main character while still a chambermaid her new name is Tiana.

Again maybe I’m crazy but I thought ALL the Disney princesses were poor or down on their luck before they become “princesses”?! That is the Disney formula!!! Rags to riches. Wishing on a star and making your dreams come true. Who cares if Maddy/Tiana is a maid or that she lives on a plantation? As long as in the end she gets the damn prince and they live happily ever after!!! Seriously people, there are much bigger fish to fry and other issues that need our immediate attention. If we could get people as engaged in protecting the lives and education of our children as they are with fighting over the image of an imaginary, animated character- then we’d probably make some serious progress!

I think it's going to be a great film and has the potential to be a classic just like the others. But what will probably dictate it's success is whether or not Black folks go out and support it like they should! Check out the trailier: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/princessandthefrog/

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Phenomenal Mama of the Year


Lately it seems I have been struggling to keep up. Struggling to get everything crammed into a short 8 hour day. And our last excursion seemed to wipe out what little determination I had left. As much as I enjoy this blog and as committed as I had become I also found it becoming a struggle. A struggle to post something worthwhile. A struggle to even sign on in the evenings after to work and connect.

But last night I was given a burst of energy. Renewed motivation and a hot topic to discuss: Mrs. Michelle Obama. A Phenomenal Mama for the ages!

I almost did myself a disservice by not watching Mrs. Obama because I was tired and it was getting late but I felt drawn to the television as she took to the stage in her vibrant turquoise dress, with her perfectly coiffed hair and infectious smile. So, I copped a squat and turned up the t.v.

I felt riveted and a bit emotional throughout Mrs. Obama’s speech. There is something about her that’s almost Oprah-esque but she definitely has a certain flair all her own. She’s very quick witted, intelligent, and articulate (the Anglo’s favorite word) but she also possesses this down to Earth “sista” quality that reminds you of your best friend, aunt or co-worker who tells it like it is. . . . although she’s the closest thing we have to black “royalty” she also comes across as very approachable and able to relate to the masses.

But the thing that I admire most about Mrs. Obama is her absolute adoration and devotion to her children. It is so apparent that she is a nurturing, attentive and engaged mother. I admire any woman that can juggle motherhood, marriage, work, etc. and make it seem effortless but to do it on a world stage with so many people watching and so many people judging. . .that to me takes some serious confidence and courage. I have been on Team Obama since the beginning and not only am I rooting for Barack Obama to become the next President I’m also rooting for this family to continue to be strengthened throughout this process (and his presidency) so that all Americans can see the shining example of what a family is supposed to be and what really matters in this life.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Melancholy


I remember when my son was first born. . .it was a scary and exciting time. Scary because he wasn't exactly breathing when he was born. They had to rush him next door and suction him to clear his lungs. But soon I heard the cat-like cry that let me know he was okay.

I look at him now and sometimes I get emotional because although he is only four years old I can barely remember him at the various stages that he's gone through without the aid of pictures. I guess because I'm so focused on him now, it seems as if he has always been this age. As we sit and have "philosophical" conversations (like about how this boy in his class is not telling the truth about his age because he should be in kindergarten- I swear my son said this!) I marvel that I had anything to do with the formation of this little person. A little person whose intellect is already apparent and has his own thoughts and ideas about how things work. Not to mention he constantly reminds me that God is the only one who knows EVERYTHING.

Sometimes I miss the little baby I use to hold in my arms and kiss in to oblivion. But I absolutely adore the little boy who can walk, talk and use the toilet unassisted. And every now and then he lets me hug him tight and kiss him a hundred times. I know much too soon he will become mute and unaffectionate and I will sit and get melancholy wishing that I had that four year old who would talk and make me laugh everyday. So, I'm treasuring these moments because I know they will be gone all too soon.

(The picture is The Genius at 9 months old. That HAIR was out of control!!!)

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Paying for the Sins of the Undisciplined


Have you ever found yourself overcompensating in the discipline department because other folks aren't disciplining their kids?

When we were in the airport waiting on our flight there was this "family"- I use the term loosely because the roles didn't appear to be very defined. There were two women who looked to be about the same age (35+), one man around 30 and SIX kids. Two older girls probably 11 and 13 and FOUR kids under the age of 8. . .three boys and one girl.

To say they were unruly is an understatement. I have never in all my years of traveling ever seen AIRPORT security have to come tell someone about their kids. And the thing that made it even more painful for me is that they were black. The only other black family in the waiting area with us. Sidebar- in addition to their behavior being out of line they looked a hot mess, very unkempt.

At one point both women disappeared, the two older girls were into their MP3 players and the other four kids were in the middle of the floor- as in the area where everyone is walking to get to their gates or get to baggage claim- playing with cars and making all kinds of noise. The "dad" (I heard one of them call him that) was just sitting there totally oblivious. I checked out the expressions of the other people around us and everyone seemed to be perturbed by their unruly behavior. They were just LOUD and rowdy. I know they were just kids but at that age they should know what behavior is unacceptable. . .then for the adults to just sit there and allow the behavior to continue.

The best thing that happened to us was getting bumped from that plane. I couldn't have even imagined being on a plane for 12 hours with all that madness. (I also found out later they were visiting someone at an airforce base in Okinawa and all three adults worked for the airline so they didn't have to pay for the tickets.) As a result of their behavior my husband and I kept giving my son stern reminders about being "good" and if he raised his voice to ask a question we both got all up in arms. Ridiculous, I know. . .but for some reason it was almost like we were trying to prove a point that not ALL of OUR children act that way. There are a few of us who have children who know better.

The thing that was hilarious (in retrospect) is that every time we would tell my son things that were unacceptable he would say, "I know" or "I don't do that" or "Why are you telling me that?". Although we had NO problems out of him (nor do we ever have problems when we are out in public) I just want to make sure we reinforce what's acceptable because being a black boy who will someday become a black man people will already have a preconceived notion about him- I just don't want him giving them any ammunition.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Konnichiwa

So, my last post was kinda vague, I know. . .bet you thought I was in Brooklyn or Bangor, Maine. No, try a little farther East. We spent a week in Japan. The Tokyo area to be exact. We visited friends who are stationed at an air force base on the continent.

I was a nervous wreck prior to the trip and tried to be prepared to the tenth power because my son was going on this trip and the flight was 12 hours non-stop. I know that I have a tendency to brag about him from time to time but this time it is soooo deserved! He was the perfect little traveler! He asked ONCE in twelve hours when we were gonna get there. . .he slept half the flight so that helped but otherwise he watched movies or played games from the back of his own personal headset screen or ate snacks from the duffel bag full of goodies we brought on board or played with the Power Strangers (yeah, they are still holding up).

As for me, I was beyond tired and stressed out from the time the trip began until it ended because I let some outside influences affect me as we were preparing to leave and it continued throughout the journey. I enjoyed seeing my friends and experiencing a different culture- sidebar: why is the United States the only country that caters to people who don't speak our language? If you don't know some Japanese you will be LOST in that country! I found that to be the most frustrating part even people who understood a little English still couldn't really comprehend the questions I was asking.

Anyway, we visited the Sensoji temple in Asakusa, the Ueno zoo, ate a restaurant where we were sitting on the floor but our feet were hanging underneath us; the portions were MINIATURE but very good- my son loved the noodles, we rode the train to our destinations and did A LOT of walking, we also got to see some of the Yokota Air Force Base. My only regret was that we went all that way and didn't get to see Mt. Fuji. We were supposed to arrive on Sunday and take a tour on Monday but because we were a day late I guess we missed our chance. . .such is life.

Anyway, I was extremely glad to be back in the good old U.S. of A.! We arrived in Newark Friday evening and flew to Houston that night so, that was a total of 15 hours on an airplane and again my son was a complete angel! They only problem we had once we returned home was that he was still on "Japan time", which is a 14 hour difference so, at 1:30am our time he was up running around playing saying he couldn't sleep. We were all pretty jet lagged, I still don't think we've adjusted to our own time zone. I can't believe how fast that week passed and that we're back into our daily routine.

As of now, travel is officially ON HOLD until the work in my bedroom is done. So, Mo I hope you're reading this!!!!










Monday, August 11, 2008

Far East

Be back soon. . . .

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

That's What's Up


This makes me swell with pride as if he was my own son. . . .

Say It Loud is a youth film that explores the importance of education for African-American boys. When Jordan Coleman was 10-years-old he became a voice over actor on Nickelodeon's Nick Jr. show The Backyardigans; he's the voice of Tyrone the moose. Jordan's parents challenged him to use some of his earnings to make a positive contribution to his community ... he hired a film crew and began interviewing African-American boys and men for his Say It Loud film.

Check out his website: http://www.sayitloudfilm.com/

Monday, August 4, 2008

Decorating Sense


My priorities are all screwed up. Have I said this before? I was too lazy to sort through the archives to see if I have in fact been singing this same old sad song. But pardon me as I go on again. . .the family and I have taken travel to a new level this year. So far we have gone on four pretty big trips this year. . .not to mention we just returned from San Antonio this past weekend. Spent the night on the Riverwalk (cha-ching) and took my son to the Backyardigan’s Live Show at the Majestic Theater (can you say orchestra seats and souvenirs!). But wait it doesn’t stop there. . .we are gearing up for a trip so monumental next week that I’m not even going to post about it until we get back.

Meanwhile. . . the carpet in my bedroom looks like it has been the playground for several wet, muddy animals with Cheetos on their paws. Uh- no, we do not have any pets.

Last year we finally ripped up the carpet in the living room and replaced it with hardwood and just recently (for cohesiveness) my husband ripped up the carpet in the ½ bath and extended the wood inside- why would a home builder think carpet in a bathroom is a good idea?!- so now that my husband has mastered putting wood down in this 6’x 3’ space he thinks he is ready to conquer our bedroom which is at least 10 times (or maybe 7 times, not too good with square footage) as big. I am excited about saving at least $1,500 in labor costs but I am concerned about his timetable. I can just see me having to call one of those home improvement shows to fix the mess he made after we've been living in it for six months!

My point is (yes, I have one) while traveling is my most favorite thing ever, I enjoy coming home even more and instead of spending money to stay at all these random hotels I really feel like we need to invest more into our house. Namely our bedroom. So, after our trip next week all travel will CEASE until our bedroom has been completed- I'm talking the whole SHEBANG- paint, hardwood floors, bedding, new fixtures and vanity in the master bath, art work and window treatments. Now of course after this is all said and done there will be no money for traveling so, it will be nice to kick back in my “luxury hotel” themed bedroom.

Did I mention my husbands "helper"? After TheGenius made that comment about not having to work because he's a kid- he got a quick lesson in Earning Your Keep 101.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Let The Music Play


Sometimes my son and I dance around the house until we are both out of breath. I seriously need to do this EVERYDAY and it would solve my exercise dilemma. Anyway, his two favorite songs are Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts (it’s the Cars theme song) and My Mic Sounds Nice by Salt-n-Pepa. Ha ha! Eclectic, right?

I play these songs (as well as others) over and over and we sing loud, off key and dance ourselves dizzy. I used to do this a lot by myself when I was a single gal and had my own apartment. I would have CD’s (and CASSETTE TAPES) all over my apartment and I would dance and lip sync in front of the mirror. This was seriously my workout back in the day.

I’ve always had a love affair with music. I love it just about as much as I love reading. Songs have the power to lift you up and make you smile or bring you down and hold you there for a while. I find music to be inspirational and empowering. Sometimes in the ears of the wrong listeners it can also be motivation for madness.

I have a particular affinity for “old school” music. I listen to everything from Sweet Dreams by Eurythmics to What Is Love by Howard Jones to I’ve Been Loving You to Long by Otis Redding to Sweetest Taboo by Sade to Baby Baby Baby by TLC. My most favorite music is anything by Prince in the 80’s and old school hip hop from the 80’s. The 90’s new jack swing era also holds a special place in my heart and I have every CD Jodeci ever made. And do I even need to mention the love for Tupac and Biggie? But oddly enough, I also LOVE Dolly Parton’s theme song from 9 to 5 and I think Kenny Rogers’ song, The Gambler is the best metaphor for life:
You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em, Know when to walk away and know when to run.You never count your money when you’re sittin’ at the table.There’ll be time enough for countin’ when the dealins done.

As far as current music goes. . .I think Jill Scott is phenomenal and I’m waiting with bated breath for Maxwell’s new CD. I like Raheem DeVaughn and Anthony David. Guess my tastes lately reflect a more “mature” woman. However I do like Lupe Fiasco (or maybe just that Daydreamin joint because of Jill Scott). One person I am NOT a fan of at all and I am scratching my head trying to not only figure out what he’s saying but how he got famous is Lil Wayne. Don’t get me wrong -back in my backsliding days I used to love me some Cash Money Millionaires, “Number one stunna- what, what what?” and I even liked Weezy’s first song, “The Block is Hot” but that madness he’s spittin’ lately? I just don’t feel inspired, empowered or entertained by much of the muck on the radio these days. I guess I really am getting old. Whatever. Let me get back to MY music. . .this was my most favorite song to lip sync to. . .okay, so I admit I was lip syncing to it last night! (And YES, I do the choreography complete with pretending to play the drums! Ha ha!)