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Monday, November 24, 2008

The Greatest


My son and I have been left to our own devices since Thursday because my husband was out of town. We had a great weekend that consisted of "movie night" (we rented DVD's because my son confessed he doesn't like going to the movies, he's so strange), library day, shopping, pizza and games @ Gattitown, sleeping late and lounging in our pajamas all day Sunday.

I think I fell in love with him all over again this weekend. I simply cherish these days because he is such a sweet, smart, funny and just wonderful little human being. Everyday when I pray to God, one of the things I ask is that my son maintains some of those endearing qualities throughout his lifetime. And I pray that I remain strong and healthy enough to be positive influence to keep him on the right path.

Here are some of the priceless highlights from this weekend:

Me: (tickling him mercilessly) Now what are you gonna do, huh?
Him: (screaming in between fits of laughter) Stop, stop! No tickling!
Me: (I stop because I'm out of breath) Whatever, Egghead!
Him: (scrambling away from me) You said exactly what you are
Me: What?!
Him: What did you call me?
Me: Egghead.
Him: (laughing) That's exactly what you are (runs from room laughing)
Me: (mouth hanging open and thinking to myself- man, I'm gonna have to use that one!)
______________

Me: (giving him a vitamin) You've gotta take your vitamins so you can be big and strong
Him: (chewing it without complaint) So nobody will try to be a bully to me
Me: That's right, you let them know you are not the one!
Him: That's right, if somebody comes up to me and pushes me I'm gonna push them back and say, 'Not today, brother,' (but it totally sounded like BRUDDA).
Me: (laughing so hard I almost choked).

_____________

Me: So when your new baby brother or sister comes along, you are going to have to be in charge and show them how things work around here.
Him: Like the t.v.
Me: (laughing) Yes, but I'm mostly talking about the house rules.
Him: Like what?
Me: Like who's in charge, where things go, no whining, picking up after yourself, -
Him: Helping me clean up my room

Oh yeah, he is so ready to be a big brother! Ha ha!
_____________

Daddy will be back today and he was missed. He ran the Philadelphia Marathon in 32 degree weather in 4 hours 22 minutes. That is truly amazing to me! Twenty six miles?! Are you kidding me?! I couldn't have walked twenty six blocks! Hell, after two or three blocks in 32 degree weather I would have been dying!!

I'm really proud of him and can't wait to see him this evening. See, how absence makes the heart grow fonder. Now, if I could only get him to be gone for a week every month, I am more than certain we'd make it to ten years! :-)

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Dead Wrong

No, I am not referring to my post from yesterday, although hubby was way too sweet yesterday when he got home. Don't know if it's because he was leaving to go out of town for four days or because he read the post. . . .

Anyway, why did I go to Subway for lunch today and see this unsupervised little Hispanic boy around 3-years old hanging out at the door as people were leaving the restaurant. Seriously every time someone left he all but followed them as if he were trying to hitch a ride home.

I go into Subway and he is running all over the place. As I am in line I notice a woman, who I assume is his mother, get him and promptly place him in a booth between her and another lady. OMG! He starts screaming bloody murder. His voice was literally echoing off the walls and irritating the shit out of everyone in the place. So, his "mother" allows him to get down and continue his running rampage with every stranger he encountered.

As I am paying for my sandwich I notice the person sitting across from this woman and another woman has on a Subway uniform. So, I think they must be friend's of this Subway employee and they are visiting her at lunch.

Unt-uh. I go to get my drink from the fountain machine and I see a JOB APPLICATION on the table between them. This woman is on a freaking INTERVIEW with her kid wrecking havoc everywhere! When I passed by I couldn't help but give the Subway MANAGER a look of disapproval when she says to the woman, "Can you start Saturday?"

That is why customer service in minimum wage paying service industries is so BAD!! I don't care if you are interviewing to be the person who scrapes gum from under the table at McDonald's- you should always be PROFESSIONAL! Proper attire, knowledgeable about the position and you come ALONE!!! What in the HELL! And as a manager doesn't that lady realize she is hiring someone who apparently has BABYSITTING ISSUES?!?!?

It would be funny if it wasn't so doggone SAD! I mean I can appreciate the fact that she is trying to get a job but why couldn't her "friend" or whoever the other lady was sitting with her, stay in the car with that little boy or push him around in a basket at Target next door until the interview was over?!?!

That's a big part of what's wrong with this country- mediocrity is accepted and common sense is overlooked!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Why Did I Get Married?

When Tyler Perry's movie came out earlier this year I ran to the theater to see it- not because I'm huge fan of Mr. Perry's (although I do think his accomplishments are phenomenal) nor because I was a big fan of anyone in the cast. I ran out to see it so that I could perhaps gain some understanding of this thing called marriage. Sadly, I wasn't given any insight- no more than I already had, which is not saying much.

I've been married six years and while it seems like a lifetime to me, it's nothing when I think about people who've been married 50 plus years or even my own sister who got married at 18 and has been married 17 years. I guess part of the secret to a long marriage is either marrying the "right" person to begin with or having the fortitude to deal with whatever bullshit comes your way and not give in or give up.

But I wonder what happens when the person you thought was "right" changes in to someone all wrong. Or perhaps you change and that person is no longer what you need. How do you deal with that? Will you constantly be forced to change who you are or suppress your true needs in an effort to make things "work"? And then when children are thrown into the mix-man- I think most of the time couples find themselves trying get along just for the children's sake but meanwhile their (the couple) relationship is suffering.

I think what honestly happens in most marriages is that as men and women we get settled into these roles. The man is supposed to take care of the house, fix the cars, cut the grass, etc. While the woman makes the house a home, decorating, cleaning, cooking, washing, etc. Eventually these roles become very lopsided and one person- usually the woman- is doing WAY more. ESPECIALLY if she works full time AND has a child.

So, then the woman voices her need for some assistance and perhaps because she's fed up with having to pick up dirty socks off the floor everyday, the request may sound more like a complaint. So now she is tagged as a "nagger" (gasp!). Simply because she wants her mate to pick up after himself. And the unraveling begins. . .

Most men talk about wanting an "independent" woman or a woman who is successful or ambitious but I think they also want that same woman to cater to them. You can't have it both ways. Women like that want a man to cater to them. And some of us are so selfish in our relationships that we establish a "quid pro quo" rule. If you do this. . .then I'll do that. Instead of doing something for your mate and not expecting a damn thing in return. I am more than sure there are married couples out there who operate on the no expectations principle but more often than not I'm sure their efforts are reciprocated by their spouse. But there are probably also those unions where one person is doing all the giving and the other is being a selfish receiver.

I started this post because I was beyond PISSED at my husband. And as I washed out a RANCID skillet that he scrambled eggs in on Sunday (yes, today is WEDNESDAY) and buried at the bottom of the sink still full of eggs that stuck to the pan. I began having these thoughts that if I was SINGLE I wouldn't be washing out this stinky ass skillet or having to waste time cleaning up instead of DOING HOMEWORK, which is why I am off on Wednesdays, so that I can catch up on homework and attend class! But instead of finishing two quizzes online and getting ready for my 1:00 class here I am cleaning up because apparently I am the only person in this house that cares whether or not mushrooms start growing up through the floor! And don't even get me started on wiping PEE from the top of the closed toilet lid. I only have one thing to say. When I pee I am 99.99% sure it is going IN the toilet.

ARGH!! There are times when I consider myself extremely blessed to be married and have a family, my health, a home and a decent paying job. And there are other times like today when I wonder "why did I get married" and where would I be in this moment if my time, my life and my future were my own and not tied to another person?

But I am married and I know why I did it: L-O-V-E. I married a great guy and although I want to tie him up and stuff him in a closet sometimes- I do love him. And we've created a great family that we will (God willing ) be adding to pretty soon. So, I will more than likely mention the skillet episode to him. He will more than likely down play it. I will more than likely get mad and keep stressing how disgusting it was. He will more than likely tell me that I need to give it a rest. I will more than likely tell him to go hell. We won't speak for thirty minutes. We'll go have a nice dinner out with my son to wish my husband good luck on the Philadelphia Marathon this weekend. And it will be over.

I guess I probably should just let it go since I am getting a TREAT this weekend. My husband leaves tomorrow morning for Philly (he has relatives there) and won't be back until MONDAY! Woohoo!! Maybe a little taste of "single life" is just what this married girl needs!

I LOVE this song by Anita Baker. . .I thought it was appropriate for this post. No more fairytales! Marriage can be wonderful but it is HARD WORK! I plan on hanging in there for the long haul! :-)

Thursday, November 13, 2008

I Like To Move It, Move It


Yesterday, my husband and I took my son to see Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa. Mainly because WE (my husband and I) wanted to see it. One of the benefits of having kids is using them as an excuse to go see animated movies.

Anyhoo, I am a big fan of the first Madagascar film and had high hopes for the sequel. Hopes that were promptly squashed. Despite the rave reviews and the $63 million it raked in the first weekend, I was disappointed in the sequel. Perhaps there was just too much going on. . .too many story lines to follow. . .too many damn zebra's! I don't know! But I just didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the first one. I was however excited that the penguins got more screen time. They are hilarious. **Spoiler Alert** When they jacked that jeep and asked if the old lady was dead and one of them said, "no" so they went back to run her over. . .MAN! I was laughing so loud! I know that's horrible, right? But I did think the whole thing Skipper had going on with the dashboard hula doll was kinda corny. King Julian was another reason I was able to sit through this one, Sacha Baron Cohen is a nut!

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the good job the late Bernie Mac did as Zuba, Alex's father. Not really funny but I think he was a good vocal choice for the character. And Will.I.Am did a great job as the sexy hippo hunk, Moto-Moto. So, nice you've got to say it twice. . .ha ha! He was killing it with that Barry White voice.

That's just my two cents. My husband enjoyed it. . .now as for my son, the verdict is still out. I don't think he really liked it because about an hour in to it he asked me when was it going to be over. He kept saying he was ready to go home. But then he kept talking about his "favorite" parts when we got in the car. Go figure. If you just want to drop some serious duckets on a family outing this weekend and have nothing better to do, then check out the movie otherwise wait for it to come out on DVD in two months.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Another Year, No Divorce


Hubby and I celebrated our 6th year anniversary on November 8th. We started the celebration on Thursday by attending a Maxwell concert (she says screaming and swooning simultaneously). I knew there was something missing from music today and after attending his concert I realized: Maxwell was missing from music. He is a phenomenal performer but his dancing KILLS me. . .he's the guy who asks you to dance at the club and the minute he starts jumping all over the floor you regret you got up out of your seat. But what he lacked in rhythm he more than made up for in sex appeal and singing.

The day after the concert we boarded a plane to Salt Lake City, rented a car and then drove to Park City and holed up there for the weekend. IT WAS COLD. I'm talking snow on the ground cold. Although anything below 70 degrees is cold to this Southern girl, it was legitimately cold there with the temperature hoovering around 40 degrees. We slept A LOT, shopped, ate and took in the beautiful landscape.

I am so officially OVER traveling for a while now. . .maybe it's the hormones talking but I don't want to leave the great state of Texas for at least 6 months to a year! On another note, somebody please tell me I'm trippin' and that THANKSGIVING is not in TWO WEEKS! AGH!

The only good thing about time flying by is that before you know it I'll have (God willing ) two children to post about. Pregnancy is definitely NOT my friend the second time around!
Here's my FAVORITE Maxwell song. . .Enjoy!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

If I'm Dreamin'


If I'm dreamin', then just let me sleep

Don't wake me up until my dream is complete

--I'm Dreamin' by Christopher Williams


I am STILL reeling. . . . I KNEW there was no way he would lose but man, he REALLY won!!!!
Now we've got some serious work to do, people we gotta help a brother out and do our part to get this country on the right track. You can start in your own home with initiatives like recycling or carpooling to help impact the environment, invest in the stock market even though it's down (it WILL be back up) to help stimulate the economy, mentor a child or volunteer in an underprivileged area to help save one young person from any pitfalls that lie ahead. Don't be passive and wait on President Obama to be a savior otherwise you will be thoroughly disappointed. His win should inspire you to want to do and be more not expect him to fix the world.
If his Presidency is considered a failure it's because WE (as a country and a people) failed. Be encouraged and do your part!


Tuesday, November 4, 2008

BARACK THE VOTE


Okay, I had to do a double post today. . .the Red Beans & Rice were delish but I had to get serious for a minute.

I voted early in my state on Wednesday, October 22nd. It took me all of 15 minutes. It was the first time I voted early and can't believe I never thought to do it before. There are a lot of people who didn't vote early for various reasons (maybe your state didn't allow it) but today is do or die!!! I have called and harassed everybody I know that is registered to make sure they vote!

So much has been made about this being a "historical" election that it's almost a cliche. This is BEYOND historical. This is destiny. This is more than Dr. King probably ever even dreamed of. Not only is there a black man running for President. He could ACTUALLY win!!! And he's not just any black man. . .he's intelligent, smart, informed, dignified, distinguished, family oriented, funny, attractive, and just totally awesome.

But I do not for one naive minute think that Barack Obama is going to come in like Superman and clean up the economy and end the war in his first hundred days. Realistically it might not even happen during his presidency BUT I do think he will leave a mark that will forever change politics and this country. I think an Obama Presidency will mean that America regains the respect of other world leaders, an Obama Presidency will seriously force America to deal with this ugly thing called racism that eats away at our society every day and most importantly an Obama Presidency will make black children and ADULTS aspire to do more and be more because ANYTHING is really possible if we work hard, treat people right and never give up.

Please, please, please VOTE today if you are reading this and you haven't already cast your ballot. I do not want to wake up tomorrow and feel like it was just another dream deferred. This is real and it can happen VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!!!!

French Quarter Flavor


Looking for a quick meal with homemade appeal? Try Zatarain's Red Beans & Rice Mix. All you need to do is add sausage (Chappell Hill brand made in Texas is my fave) and a little garlic spice or Tony Chachere's to kick it up a notch. (I made a big pot last night and can't wait to get home for leftovers!)

Make a pan of "from scratch" cornbread to accompany the meal. If you've really got the time and want more down home flavor try Chef G. Garvin's recipe for Southern Fried Chicken:



Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons pepper
2 tablespoons garlic salt
2 tablespoons seasoned salt
2 tablespoons paprika
olive oil (enough to deep fry)

Instructions
1. Coat skillet with enough olive oil. 2. Pour flour in a bowl. 3. Season flour with seasoned salt, garlic salt, and paprika. Mix. 4. Remove chicken from ice bath and set on plate. 5. Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, garlic salt and seasoned salt. 6. Coat all sides of chicken with flour. Pat off excess. 7. Place each piece in heated skillet. 8. Fry for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. 9. Remove chicken from pan. Place on paper towel to soak up excess oil.

Enjoy!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Potential Drama


I had a routine prenatal visit today and my doctor, God love her, says to me, "it's looking a little girl-ish," Ha ha! She said she felt about 75% sure that I was having a girl. I'm 16 weeks, 5 days today and won't find out 100% until I'm 20 weeks. But I've been saying all along I think it's a girl also, just because I feel totally different than when I was pregnant with my son. I basically feel like crap EVERY DAY. I think this is a sign that I'm growing a little "princess" inside of me- I think drama is on the horizon in our household.

I guess I shouldn't be so sexist considering I am a woman BUT because I am a woman I know what this could mean. There were three females in my house growing up: me, my sister and my mom. For the most part the drama was extremely mild and I think that was the case for two reasons- 1.) there were no men in the house, 2.) my sister and I KNEW there was only ONE woman, one QUEEN in our house and that was our mother. Period end of story. But there were those times I would run through the house screaming bloody murder because my sister not only borrowed my clothes without permission she put a hole in a shirt or got food on my pants.

We would yell and fight about the most petty, random ISH ever! But at the end of the day it was all good. And to this day my sister and I have a really close bond. My cousins on the other hand- two boys- would wrestle and play karate all day and unless one of them accidentally hurt the other one for real trying to be Kamala the Big Ugandan Giant (remember him?!) they never really fought or cared if someone was wearing someone else's underwear let alone a stupid shirt.

I don't really anticipate drama between my kids. . .since I'll have a son that's 5 years older than his female (potentially) sibling. I think the drama will be the fact that my husband will allow a daughter to get away with ten times the things my son will be allowed to get away with. . .I've seen it happen. Never mentioned it before but have a step-daughter who is about to be 11 and when I tell you SHE CAN DO NO WRONG IN HER DADDY'S EYES. . .it's kinda sickening. All I have to say to the potential princess is that she just needs to always remember who's the QUEEN and everything should be copacetic. Ha ha!

I'm kidding. . .kinda. . .seriously, I just want her (or him) to be as HEALTHY as possible! Besides I have no doubt this child will know their place once they arrive since my son mentions EVERY DAY that he's going to be the big brother, which means he's in charge! Like I said. . .drama is a-coming!

Monday, November 24, 2008

The Greatest


My son and I have been left to our own devices since Thursday because my husband was out of town. We had a great weekend that consisted of "movie night" (we rented DVD's because my son confessed he doesn't like going to the movies, he's so strange), library day, shopping, pizza and games @ Gattitown, sleeping late and lounging in our pajamas all day Sunday.

I think I fell in love with him all over again this weekend. I simply cherish these days because he is such a sweet, smart, funny and just wonderful little human being. Everyday when I pray to God, one of the things I ask is that my son maintains some of those endearing qualities throughout his lifetime. And I pray that I remain strong and healthy enough to be positive influence to keep him on the right path.

Here are some of the priceless highlights from this weekend:

Me: (tickling him mercilessly) Now what are you gonna do, huh?
Him: (screaming in between fits of laughter) Stop, stop! No tickling!
Me: (I stop because I'm out of breath) Whatever, Egghead!
Him: (scrambling away from me) You said exactly what you are
Me: What?!
Him: What did you call me?
Me: Egghead.
Him: (laughing) That's exactly what you are (runs from room laughing)
Me: (mouth hanging open and thinking to myself- man, I'm gonna have to use that one!)
______________

Me: (giving him a vitamin) You've gotta take your vitamins so you can be big and strong
Him: (chewing it without complaint) So nobody will try to be a bully to me
Me: That's right, you let them know you are not the one!
Him: That's right, if somebody comes up to me and pushes me I'm gonna push them back and say, 'Not today, brother,' (but it totally sounded like BRUDDA).
Me: (laughing so hard I almost choked).

_____________

Me: So when your new baby brother or sister comes along, you are going to have to be in charge and show them how things work around here.
Him: Like the t.v.
Me: (laughing) Yes, but I'm mostly talking about the house rules.
Him: Like what?
Me: Like who's in charge, where things go, no whining, picking up after yourself, -
Him: Helping me clean up my room

Oh yeah, he is so ready to be a big brother! Ha ha!
_____________

Daddy will be back today and he was missed. He ran the Philadelphia Marathon in 32 degree weather in 4 hours 22 minutes. That is truly amazing to me! Twenty six miles?! Are you kidding me?! I couldn't have walked twenty six blocks! Hell, after two or three blocks in 32 degree weather I would have been dying!!

I'm really proud of him and can't wait to see him this evening. See, how absence makes the heart grow fonder. Now, if I could only get him to be gone for a week every month, I am more than certain we'd make it to ten years! :-)

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Dead Wrong

No, I am not referring to my post from yesterday, although hubby was way too sweet yesterday when he got home. Don't know if it's because he was leaving to go out of town for four days or because he read the post. . . .

Anyway, why did I go to Subway for lunch today and see this unsupervised little Hispanic boy around 3-years old hanging out at the door as people were leaving the restaurant. Seriously every time someone left he all but followed them as if he were trying to hitch a ride home.

I go into Subway and he is running all over the place. As I am in line I notice a woman, who I assume is his mother, get him and promptly place him in a booth between her and another lady. OMG! He starts screaming bloody murder. His voice was literally echoing off the walls and irritating the shit out of everyone in the place. So, his "mother" allows him to get down and continue his running rampage with every stranger he encountered.

As I am paying for my sandwich I notice the person sitting across from this woman and another woman has on a Subway uniform. So, I think they must be friend's of this Subway employee and they are visiting her at lunch.

Unt-uh. I go to get my drink from the fountain machine and I see a JOB APPLICATION on the table between them. This woman is on a freaking INTERVIEW with her kid wrecking havoc everywhere! When I passed by I couldn't help but give the Subway MANAGER a look of disapproval when she says to the woman, "Can you start Saturday?"

That is why customer service in minimum wage paying service industries is so BAD!! I don't care if you are interviewing to be the person who scrapes gum from under the table at McDonald's- you should always be PROFESSIONAL! Proper attire, knowledgeable about the position and you come ALONE!!! What in the HELL! And as a manager doesn't that lady realize she is hiring someone who apparently has BABYSITTING ISSUES?!?!?

It would be funny if it wasn't so doggone SAD! I mean I can appreciate the fact that she is trying to get a job but why couldn't her "friend" or whoever the other lady was sitting with her, stay in the car with that little boy or push him around in a basket at Target next door until the interview was over?!?!

That's a big part of what's wrong with this country- mediocrity is accepted and common sense is overlooked!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Why Did I Get Married?

When Tyler Perry's movie came out earlier this year I ran to the theater to see it- not because I'm huge fan of Mr. Perry's (although I do think his accomplishments are phenomenal) nor because I was a big fan of anyone in the cast. I ran out to see it so that I could perhaps gain some understanding of this thing called marriage. Sadly, I wasn't given any insight- no more than I already had, which is not saying much.

I've been married six years and while it seems like a lifetime to me, it's nothing when I think about people who've been married 50 plus years or even my own sister who got married at 18 and has been married 17 years. I guess part of the secret to a long marriage is either marrying the "right" person to begin with or having the fortitude to deal with whatever bullshit comes your way and not give in or give up.

But I wonder what happens when the person you thought was "right" changes in to someone all wrong. Or perhaps you change and that person is no longer what you need. How do you deal with that? Will you constantly be forced to change who you are or suppress your true needs in an effort to make things "work"? And then when children are thrown into the mix-man- I think most of the time couples find themselves trying get along just for the children's sake but meanwhile their (the couple) relationship is suffering.

I think what honestly happens in most marriages is that as men and women we get settled into these roles. The man is supposed to take care of the house, fix the cars, cut the grass, etc. While the woman makes the house a home, decorating, cleaning, cooking, washing, etc. Eventually these roles become very lopsided and one person- usually the woman- is doing WAY more. ESPECIALLY if she works full time AND has a child.

So, then the woman voices her need for some assistance and perhaps because she's fed up with having to pick up dirty socks off the floor everyday, the request may sound more like a complaint. So now she is tagged as a "nagger" (gasp!). Simply because she wants her mate to pick up after himself. And the unraveling begins. . .

Most men talk about wanting an "independent" woman or a woman who is successful or ambitious but I think they also want that same woman to cater to them. You can't have it both ways. Women like that want a man to cater to them. And some of us are so selfish in our relationships that we establish a "quid pro quo" rule. If you do this. . .then I'll do that. Instead of doing something for your mate and not expecting a damn thing in return. I am more than sure there are married couples out there who operate on the no expectations principle but more often than not I'm sure their efforts are reciprocated by their spouse. But there are probably also those unions where one person is doing all the giving and the other is being a selfish receiver.

I started this post because I was beyond PISSED at my husband. And as I washed out a RANCID skillet that he scrambled eggs in on Sunday (yes, today is WEDNESDAY) and buried at the bottom of the sink still full of eggs that stuck to the pan. I began having these thoughts that if I was SINGLE I wouldn't be washing out this stinky ass skillet or having to waste time cleaning up instead of DOING HOMEWORK, which is why I am off on Wednesdays, so that I can catch up on homework and attend class! But instead of finishing two quizzes online and getting ready for my 1:00 class here I am cleaning up because apparently I am the only person in this house that cares whether or not mushrooms start growing up through the floor! And don't even get me started on wiping PEE from the top of the closed toilet lid. I only have one thing to say. When I pee I am 99.99% sure it is going IN the toilet.

ARGH!! There are times when I consider myself extremely blessed to be married and have a family, my health, a home and a decent paying job. And there are other times like today when I wonder "why did I get married" and where would I be in this moment if my time, my life and my future were my own and not tied to another person?

But I am married and I know why I did it: L-O-V-E. I married a great guy and although I want to tie him up and stuff him in a closet sometimes- I do love him. And we've created a great family that we will (God willing ) be adding to pretty soon. So, I will more than likely mention the skillet episode to him. He will more than likely down play it. I will more than likely get mad and keep stressing how disgusting it was. He will more than likely tell me that I need to give it a rest. I will more than likely tell him to go hell. We won't speak for thirty minutes. We'll go have a nice dinner out with my son to wish my husband good luck on the Philadelphia Marathon this weekend. And it will be over.

I guess I probably should just let it go since I am getting a TREAT this weekend. My husband leaves tomorrow morning for Philly (he has relatives there) and won't be back until MONDAY! Woohoo!! Maybe a little taste of "single life" is just what this married girl needs!

I LOVE this song by Anita Baker. . .I thought it was appropriate for this post. No more fairytales! Marriage can be wonderful but it is HARD WORK! I plan on hanging in there for the long haul! :-)

Thursday, November 13, 2008

I Like To Move It, Move It


Yesterday, my husband and I took my son to see Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa. Mainly because WE (my husband and I) wanted to see it. One of the benefits of having kids is using them as an excuse to go see animated movies.

Anyhoo, I am a big fan of the first Madagascar film and had high hopes for the sequel. Hopes that were promptly squashed. Despite the rave reviews and the $63 million it raked in the first weekend, I was disappointed in the sequel. Perhaps there was just too much going on. . .too many story lines to follow. . .too many damn zebra's! I don't know! But I just didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the first one. I was however excited that the penguins got more screen time. They are hilarious. **Spoiler Alert** When they jacked that jeep and asked if the old lady was dead and one of them said, "no" so they went back to run her over. . .MAN! I was laughing so loud! I know that's horrible, right? But I did think the whole thing Skipper had going on with the dashboard hula doll was kinda corny. King Julian was another reason I was able to sit through this one, Sacha Baron Cohen is a nut!

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the good job the late Bernie Mac did as Zuba, Alex's father. Not really funny but I think he was a good vocal choice for the character. And Will.I.Am did a great job as the sexy hippo hunk, Moto-Moto. So, nice you've got to say it twice. . .ha ha! He was killing it with that Barry White voice.

That's just my two cents. My husband enjoyed it. . .now as for my son, the verdict is still out. I don't think he really liked it because about an hour in to it he asked me when was it going to be over. He kept saying he was ready to go home. But then he kept talking about his "favorite" parts when we got in the car. Go figure. If you just want to drop some serious duckets on a family outing this weekend and have nothing better to do, then check out the movie otherwise wait for it to come out on DVD in two months.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Another Year, No Divorce


Hubby and I celebrated our 6th year anniversary on November 8th. We started the celebration on Thursday by attending a Maxwell concert (she says screaming and swooning simultaneously). I knew there was something missing from music today and after attending his concert I realized: Maxwell was missing from music. He is a phenomenal performer but his dancing KILLS me. . .he's the guy who asks you to dance at the club and the minute he starts jumping all over the floor you regret you got up out of your seat. But what he lacked in rhythm he more than made up for in sex appeal and singing.

The day after the concert we boarded a plane to Salt Lake City, rented a car and then drove to Park City and holed up there for the weekend. IT WAS COLD. I'm talking snow on the ground cold. Although anything below 70 degrees is cold to this Southern girl, it was legitimately cold there with the temperature hoovering around 40 degrees. We slept A LOT, shopped, ate and took in the beautiful landscape.

I am so officially OVER traveling for a while now. . .maybe it's the hormones talking but I don't want to leave the great state of Texas for at least 6 months to a year! On another note, somebody please tell me I'm trippin' and that THANKSGIVING is not in TWO WEEKS! AGH!

The only good thing about time flying by is that before you know it I'll have (God willing ) two children to post about. Pregnancy is definitely NOT my friend the second time around!
Here's my FAVORITE Maxwell song. . .Enjoy!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

If I'm Dreamin'


If I'm dreamin', then just let me sleep

Don't wake me up until my dream is complete

--I'm Dreamin' by Christopher Williams


I am STILL reeling. . . . I KNEW there was no way he would lose but man, he REALLY won!!!!
Now we've got some serious work to do, people we gotta help a brother out and do our part to get this country on the right track. You can start in your own home with initiatives like recycling or carpooling to help impact the environment, invest in the stock market even though it's down (it WILL be back up) to help stimulate the economy, mentor a child or volunteer in an underprivileged area to help save one young person from any pitfalls that lie ahead. Don't be passive and wait on President Obama to be a savior otherwise you will be thoroughly disappointed. His win should inspire you to want to do and be more not expect him to fix the world.
If his Presidency is considered a failure it's because WE (as a country and a people) failed. Be encouraged and do your part!


Tuesday, November 4, 2008

BARACK THE VOTE


Okay, I had to do a double post today. . .the Red Beans & Rice were delish but I had to get serious for a minute.

I voted early in my state on Wednesday, October 22nd. It took me all of 15 minutes. It was the first time I voted early and can't believe I never thought to do it before. There are a lot of people who didn't vote early for various reasons (maybe your state didn't allow it) but today is do or die!!! I have called and harassed everybody I know that is registered to make sure they vote!

So much has been made about this being a "historical" election that it's almost a cliche. This is BEYOND historical. This is destiny. This is more than Dr. King probably ever even dreamed of. Not only is there a black man running for President. He could ACTUALLY win!!! And he's not just any black man. . .he's intelligent, smart, informed, dignified, distinguished, family oriented, funny, attractive, and just totally awesome.

But I do not for one naive minute think that Barack Obama is going to come in like Superman and clean up the economy and end the war in his first hundred days. Realistically it might not even happen during his presidency BUT I do think he will leave a mark that will forever change politics and this country. I think an Obama Presidency will mean that America regains the respect of other world leaders, an Obama Presidency will seriously force America to deal with this ugly thing called racism that eats away at our society every day and most importantly an Obama Presidency will make black children and ADULTS aspire to do more and be more because ANYTHING is really possible if we work hard, treat people right and never give up.

Please, please, please VOTE today if you are reading this and you haven't already cast your ballot. I do not want to wake up tomorrow and feel like it was just another dream deferred. This is real and it can happen VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!!!!

French Quarter Flavor


Looking for a quick meal with homemade appeal? Try Zatarain's Red Beans & Rice Mix. All you need to do is add sausage (Chappell Hill brand made in Texas is my fave) and a little garlic spice or Tony Chachere's to kick it up a notch. (I made a big pot last night and can't wait to get home for leftovers!)

Make a pan of "from scratch" cornbread to accompany the meal. If you've really got the time and want more down home flavor try Chef G. Garvin's recipe for Southern Fried Chicken:



Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons pepper
2 tablespoons garlic salt
2 tablespoons seasoned salt
2 tablespoons paprika
olive oil (enough to deep fry)

Instructions
1. Coat skillet with enough olive oil. 2. Pour flour in a bowl. 3. Season flour with seasoned salt, garlic salt, and paprika. Mix. 4. Remove chicken from ice bath and set on plate. 5. Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, garlic salt and seasoned salt. 6. Coat all sides of chicken with flour. Pat off excess. 7. Place each piece in heated skillet. 8. Fry for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. 9. Remove chicken from pan. Place on paper towel to soak up excess oil.

Enjoy!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Potential Drama


I had a routine prenatal visit today and my doctor, God love her, says to me, "it's looking a little girl-ish," Ha ha! She said she felt about 75% sure that I was having a girl. I'm 16 weeks, 5 days today and won't find out 100% until I'm 20 weeks. But I've been saying all along I think it's a girl also, just because I feel totally different than when I was pregnant with my son. I basically feel like crap EVERY DAY. I think this is a sign that I'm growing a little "princess" inside of me- I think drama is on the horizon in our household.

I guess I shouldn't be so sexist considering I am a woman BUT because I am a woman I know what this could mean. There were three females in my house growing up: me, my sister and my mom. For the most part the drama was extremely mild and I think that was the case for two reasons- 1.) there were no men in the house, 2.) my sister and I KNEW there was only ONE woman, one QUEEN in our house and that was our mother. Period end of story. But there were those times I would run through the house screaming bloody murder because my sister not only borrowed my clothes without permission she put a hole in a shirt or got food on my pants.

We would yell and fight about the most petty, random ISH ever! But at the end of the day it was all good. And to this day my sister and I have a really close bond. My cousins on the other hand- two boys- would wrestle and play karate all day and unless one of them accidentally hurt the other one for real trying to be Kamala the Big Ugandan Giant (remember him?!) they never really fought or cared if someone was wearing someone else's underwear let alone a stupid shirt.

I don't really anticipate drama between my kids. . .since I'll have a son that's 5 years older than his female (potentially) sibling. I think the drama will be the fact that my husband will allow a daughter to get away with ten times the things my son will be allowed to get away with. . .I've seen it happen. Never mentioned it before but have a step-daughter who is about to be 11 and when I tell you SHE CAN DO NO WRONG IN HER DADDY'S EYES. . .it's kinda sickening. All I have to say to the potential princess is that she just needs to always remember who's the QUEEN and everything should be copacetic. Ha ha!

I'm kidding. . .kinda. . .seriously, I just want her (or him) to be as HEALTHY as possible! Besides I have no doubt this child will know their place once they arrive since my son mentions EVERY DAY that he's going to be the big brother, which means he's in charge! Like I said. . .drama is a-coming!