Phenomenal Mama

I debated whether or not I should even mention this but because I obviously have a problem. . .right after I typed the title of this post I immediately thought of the N.W.A video. . .ahem.

It was not my intention to evoke images of Compton's Most Wanted and all of their jheri curl splendor. . .instead this post is supposed to be about creative expression, which I'm sure N.W.A. would argue that it's exactly what their song is about.

I am facing extreme burnout with "corporate America". Seriously, I am so ova all of the policies, procedures and politics. I really want to find a way to pursue my passions without having to give up something critical like shelter or my iPhone.

I have been a closet writer for roughly 28 years. I should have published about 10 books and had something optioned as a movie by now! But I've mostly kept my writing to myself as an outlet for the myriad of thoughts and ideas running rampant in my head!

Okay confession: I haven't exactly kept them all to myself- I may or may not have published quiet a few stories on a fanfiction site that shall remain nameless. It's actually my guilty pleasure. It's not that I'm ashamed of the writing, it's actually pretty good, if I must say so myself it's just that well- I'm more embarrassed than ashamed because I've written some pretty *cough* raunchy stuff. So, I use a pseudonym and maintain an anonymous relationship with my readers and reviewers. That way I don't have to lower my head and avoid making eye contact with people I actually know.

BUT I have been working on some actual stories- as in plural- which is part of my problem. It's like I have ADHD and once I get started on one story another idea pops in my head and I'm off to start another story. . .what was I talking about? Oh yeah, I'm working on actual stories and am committing myself to actually completing one within the next year that I can present to an agent and hopefully get some representation that will allow me to start querying publishers.

In all honesty, I would LOVE to see one of my stories made into a movie. I usually approach my writing that way, visualizing each paragraph or chapter as it would appear frame by frame in a movie. In addition to writing I also have this concept for producing educational materials (books and videos specifically) that feature children of color. I already have a name and even a logo/mascot that I own. Ain't he cute :-)

I've also been doing some blog banners, Photoshop editing and playing around with Dreamweaver. My mind is in total creative mode right now and it just sucks that I don't have enough time to really dedicate to the stuff that I really love doing (other than being a mommy ;-). But I'm making moves. . . I've got some schemes and plans that will hopefully have me unchained before the end of 2011. Because I honestly feel like I'm drowning and I really want to break free from this abyss so that I can soar among the clouds like God intended. Well, I'm sure he didn't literally mean for us to fly- that's why he created birds- but I mean he didn't put us here to be ordinary either.

I bid you adieu with this little gem (now I couldn't exactly play the N.W.A. version, this is a family oriented blog ;-)

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Princess Power

I survived the weekend (mostly) and made it through to another Tuesday. There seems to be a theme developing here with posting on Tuesdays. Maybe that's a good thing, at least there will be some level of consistency in my life.

ThePrincess turned TWO on Sunday and the diva persona was definitely kicked up several notches. As soon as she woke up on Sunday, her brother told her it was her birthday and she immediately commanded that we all sing "happy birthday" (so we did) and then she wanted to eat cake and blow out candles. . .I had to draw the line somewhere, I mean it was only 9:00am. If it had been 10:00am. . .maybe. . .

She was in a demanding, loud and obnoxious mood for most of the morning- not so different from other mornings except she kept adding "it's my birthday" to the end of every command when we didn't respond quickly enough. Her brother, ThePushover (formerly known as TheGenius) agreed that she should get whatever she wanted because in case we didn't hear her the first 500 times- IT'S HER BIRTHDAY!

Geez, I swear I don't know where she's headed with this. . .okay, I kinda do- I mean I petitioned for my birthday to be a national holiday until I was 30 then I just wanted the presents but not the acknowledgement that I had grown another year older as a single, childless woman (ah, the good old days).

I'm kidding (sort of), I think ThePrincess is fabulous and by all means on her special day she should have total and complete attention and compliance. Otherwise she might turn us all into frogs!

Friday, April 1, 2011

TGIF!!

I'm so glad it's Friday but my weekend is going to be super busy! Studying plus ThePrincess turns two on SUNDAY! Where did the time go? This morning I stopped by TheGenius' school for an award ceremony he had four 100's and one 99 on his report card and he ranked above 99% (isn't that 100?!) on the IOWA tests! I am just sooo proud of him. I truly hope his genuine interest in school and learning continues FOREVER!! He was so cute pretending like it wasn't a big deal I was there but blushing like crazy and pointing me out to all his friends! I <3 him, hard! Well, I'm sure there will be plenty of hijinks and antics this weekend, so I should have a full report next week! Stay light and breezy! :-)

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

M.O.M

You know that saying "she's been here before"? Well, I think that totally applies to my daughter. I think my great-grandmother has come back to haunt me.

There is no way this kid is about to be two years old. She's more like 72 or 82. Her entire demeanor reeks of overconfidence. It's like she doesn't need to watch where she's going because she's been there before. . .

I've been watching her a lot lately and her mannerisms are so decidedly feminine but they are somewhat bold and graceless, a lot like Tyler Perry's, Madea. From wanting to take her purse (in the crook of her arm) AND her baby to daycare everyday to wearing mu-mu's and hats. All the signs are there!

By the way, the post title refers to her first, middle and last name initials. Coincidence? I think not.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Work Life Balance

Okay, so I've had several hours to take some deep calming breaths since that last post and get past the idiot who sent me not one but two RANDOM comments about something posted on my blog two years ago.

That is the risk of having a blog and putting yourself out there to share your experiences, every now and then you have to deal with the crazies.

Moving on. . . .

I have been "working from home" every Tuesday for the past month and I have to say it has been WONDERFUL. The only thing that would make it even better is if I worked from home EVERYDAY. I know there are a lot of challenges with working from home namely the lack of face time, which can hurt your career and the feeling of isolation from your team.

But in my opinion the pros definitely outweigh the cons, especially for mothers working outside of the home. Shall I list my personal faves:

1. No commute

2. Saving on gas

3. No commute

4. Literally rolling right out of bed to log on

5. No commute

6. Throwing a load of laundry in the wash while waiting on an email

7. Putting a roast or chicken or whatever in the over while on a conference call

8. Grocery shopping on your lunch hour

9. Picking your children up from daycare/school early instead of ten minutes before the daycare closes(!)

10. Did I say NO COMMUTE?

Not having to get on the freeway and fight my way through traffic is the biggest plus for me because when I work from home not only am I always on time but I don't spend thirty minutes talking about the idiot who cut me off in traffic on my way to the office. No stress. Very peaceful way to start the day. I honestly find that I am way more productive when I work from home also because the proverbial water cooler is missing.

I think most people who work a typical 8 to 5 office job spend quite a bit of time socializing instead of actually working, i.e. congregating at a co-worker's desk gossiping, in meetings that last way past the scheduled time or taking group lunches that last more than an hour. Or is this just me and the people where I work??

But when you eliminate those distractions, it's a lot easier to be productive. You've got to make sure you're disciplined enough to work from home or it can be a disaster. I have three main rules I follow:

No t.v.
No kids
Set up computer in a separate workspace- not my bedroom!

This has been a wonderful accommodation by my employer and because it is going so well, I may get to add another day.

I feel so much more refreshed and calm when my kids get home on Tuesday evenings because dinner is already done and I'm not all wound up from sitting in traffic and feeling rushed to get a meal on the table. I have more time to focus more on them and we can spend quality time together as a family.

Madness

Why would people log on to blogs of people they don't know and leave idiotic comments on posts that were created TWO YEARS AGO?

Oh, I know because it is a very underhanded way of trying to drive traffic to your own site. Haven't you ever heard the saying, "you catch more flies with honey?"

My comments are moderated. . .I'm a busy woman and if you don't have anything constructive to say then keep your comments to yourself and stay off my blog. I'm not interested in you or your products.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Black Marriage Day

Today is Black Marriage Day. Really. It says so right here.

I'm just a little confused because I'm black and I've been married almost 9 years and we celebrate and collaborate EVERY DAY. It's not always easy but we are committed to each other and our family and we make it work. But I guess it doesn't hurt to have a reminder about what marriage means and why it's important to strengthen that bond. So, in honor of Black Marriage Day, this post is dedicated to my marriage and in the spirit of Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married I give to you my reasons:

I got married because. . . .

I love him immensely
He makes me laugh often
He adores me
He desires me
He makes me feel like I can fly
I knew he'd be an amazing father (and he is!)
He supports me
He challenges me
He respects me
He is very smart
He holds his ground
He is a gentleman
He can fix just about anything
He loves to travel (like me!)
He is passionate

Although his Aquarian idealism often clashes with my pragmatic Taurus nature, we still respect each other's space and opinions. Sometimes our political views differ but we are totally in sync when it comes to parenting. We both want to ensure our children get all of the love, attention, discipline, and encouragement they need to become well adjusted, emotionally stable adults.

And I hope that one day they will be able to find a partner who sends them into a fit of giggles with one look or who shares their dreams without restrictions and loves them they way they deserve to be loved. And I hope that they reciprocate 100% because that's what marriage is all about.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Catching Up

My last full post was at the end of 2009. 2009! I haven't blogged in over a year! Wow. I thought long and hard about why it has been so long and wondered if I had run out of things to talk about or if I had so much stuff to say that there would be no way in hell I could fit everything in. I'd like to the think it was a combination of both.

The truth is that life with two kids, working full time outside of the home and taking classes is EXHAUSTING and the last thing I want to do (I think able is a better word) is log on and share my day or my experience with the blogosphere.

But lately I find myself needing that outlet again as I'm contemplating the next chapter in my life. I turned 40 last year (gasp) and my priorities have been shifting big time.

The title on that magazine cover is hilarious "WARNING: KIDS". Ha! Yeah, they should totally come with a warning label. I think the hardest thing for me has been trying to further divide myself and give enough time, love and attention to yet another person! But even harder is the subsequent guilt I feel when I don't think I've succeeded at giving everyone what they need.

I can hardly believe how fast the past two years have flown by. My baby girl is turning two in 7 days! That seems so unreal to me. I've been here with her every day and present in her life but in many ways I feel like I've missed so much. It's strange because it was the exact opposite with my son- seems like he was a "baby" much longer and I can remember specific milestones with him. I'm ashamed to say, I can't tell you exactly when my daughter started walking. It's like we looked up one day and she was on her feet!

I'm trying to slow down and focus more on her (and my son) but that often means sacrificing any time for myself and that's definitely not a good thing. In order to be a fully functioning parent you need to take time for yourself to refresh and renew. WOO-SA!!

(Sidebar- of course WOO-SA came from Bad Boys 2, did y'all hear there was going to be a part 3? I LOVE Bad Boys but seriously? Will and Martin are getting older and can't be running around like they used to. . .but I guess that didn't stop Mel Gibson and Danny Glover with the Lethal Weapon movies. .. but I digress)

Last year we took some family trips to see how well baby girl would travel because TheGenius is a travel pro! His first trip was to Jamaica when he was like 20 months old and he did not cry or fuss AT ALL during that entire trip!

Baby girl wanted to stand up in the seats and jump around on the flight to Philly. She did okay on the flight to Minneapolis, she was just a little loud. Okay, she was really loud! She wants her way constantly and that is going to be a lifelong struggle between the two of us. She's an Aries and I'm a Taurus so we're always locking horns!

We haven't traveled since the end of last year (a quick road trip to Dallas) and I have the cabin fever! I want to go somewhere!!! So, we're looking at Easter weekend maybe going to Florida or California- I need a beach!

Sorry if my thoughts are all over the place, it was a lot harder jumping back into this than I initially thought. My intention was to talk about what I've learned and what we've done over the past year and a half but I guess that will be the next post ;-) In the meantime, here is a video that highlights our 2010 escapades! Enjoy!

Friday, March 25, 2011

I'm Baaack!

Kinda. I want to start blogging again. I'm on Facebook and Twitter but there just seems to be something missing. Not sure if it's the character limitations or all of the people posting conflicting statuses that's got me a little down. I guess what it really boils down to is I just miss rambling and talking about being a mommy.

So, I'm back. It'll be light initially but I plan on diving back in full time within the coming weeks. I'm sure I'll have to re-establish myself (i.e., find people who will log on and read my ramblings) but I look forward to it. I'm also looking forward to re-establishing some great connections and meeting some new bloggers.

Please standby. . . .

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Merry Christmas!

Best e-mail I've got this holiday season:

With days before Christmas REMEMBER:
Jesus is Better than Santa
Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly
JESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says "You better not cry"
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.
Santa's little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.
It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas.
Jesus is still the reason for the season.

May the Lord Bless and Watch over you and your loved ones this Christmas 2009
And may He prosper and bless the work of your hands in the New Year.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Heart & Soul

I’ve been overwhelmed by the emotion I feel at being a mother. Sometimes it is all consuming and I feel like I don’t have a single second to myself. But most of the time it is extremely exhilarating and I feel like I learn something new everyday and my capacity for love and patience grows exponentially.

I think about the different dynamics that my son and daughter bring to my life. My son, TheGenius is of course my first born- he is what I like to refer to as my heart. He is at the age where he can hold some pretty stimulating conversations and challenge everything you thought you knew about life to be true. He is smart, intelligent, handsome, funny and caring. He loves me unconditionally and proudly proclaims he is a mama’s boy. Usually the connotation for “mama’s boy” brings to mind images of spineless, wimpy kids who cling to their mother’s skirts wishing they could still be breastfed- that is not the case with my son. He is very independent and he challenges me daily but he just genuinely enjoys being with his mama. We laugh, talk, do craft projects, play superheroes, read and I listen while he talks incessantly about Ben 10. We are just cool like that. Ha ha! He is truly amazing and I pray daily that I am around to see him grow up into the phenomenal man I know he’s going to be.

My daughter- oh sweet baby girl- I like to refer to her as my soul. My daughter is me revisited. I see so much of myself in my daughter already that it’s scary. Even my aunt and other relatives have commented not only on the physical resemblance but also her personality and attitude, which she has already developed! She usually just sits back and observes everything not really calling much attention to herself but when she does bless you with a smile or a laugh it’s like a beautiful blinding ray of sunshine! When she sees something she wants she’s pretty tenacious and she’s a tough little cookie not really prone to crying for anything other than food or getting her way. Ha ha! I look at my daughter and I get so excited about the possibilities of all the things we will get to do together but I have to remind myself to tread lightly because I already realize I’m planning on being able to have a “do over” with my daughter. In other words everything I didn’t get to do or wish I would have done (even things I shouldn’t have done) I want a chance to do them with my daughter. If I’m being honest, I want to guide my son to make his own decisions and with my daughter I want to help her choose. I can’t wait for the first Barbie and Easy Bake oven! I want to start a spa day tradition and I definitely want her to get her college degree right after high school and land a fabulous job that she will LOVE.

I am very blessed and I hope God continues to allow me to remain healthy both mentally and physically so that I can be a part (and involved) of my children’s lives for many, many years to come!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Happy Holidays

It took me three tries to sign on to this blog. Forgot my user name and password. Pathetic. I've been away much longer than I anticipated. Blame Facebook! I was addicted for a minute. I think I might still be addicted . . .jury is still out. But anyway, I was reading over some of my older posts on this blog and got a little tickled. So, I was inspired to add a new post. Not sure how many more will follow but I just thought I'd start. . .

A LOT has happened since April and the arrival of The Princess. First of all, you might want to sit down for this one- can you believe she is already EIGHT MONTHS OLD?! I can't! And to whoever thought I was announcing another pregnancy: BITE ME! Ha ha! See I haven't lost my sense of humour.

Anyway, life has changed DRASTICALLY, I swear I blink and the days just keep passing sometimes without my active participation. My son is now in kindergarten, I'm back to working full time, finished a semester of school and the ICING on the Sock It To Me cake that is my life- is that my dear husband got a quasi-promotion at work that requires him to be out of town three days a week every other week. So on those weeks I refer to myself as a single, married mother. I don't think he likes the terminology but if the shoe fits. . .it gets extremely overwhelming sometimes and my biggest fear is that life is rushing by so fast that I'm not giving "enough" to my kids. Everything is such a damn routine. Homework, dinner, bath, story, bed time. Repeat. Agh! I hate it. I am thisclose to biting the bullet and just becoming a stay at home mom. They still make Spam, right? Ooh, with Ramen noodles. Yum.

So, I'm back for a minute to wish everyone in the blogosphere a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a safe, healthy, prosperous New Year. Live, laugh and love life! And come back. . .I might start kicking it here again. I have so much more material now ;-).

The Genius and The Princess in the photo after take 57. . .not bad.

PEACE!
MzM

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Little Miss Sunshine

I didn't think it was truly possible to love a second child as much as the first but I was dead wrong! Although baby number 2 was a surprise, after one look in her gorgeous eyes I can't imagine life without her. I am officially on hiatus from this blog and hope to return in the near future. THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!

Friday, March 27, 2009

Update

What I've been up to:

1. Final ultrasound appointment (it's still a girl) on March 16th at that point the baby weighed (estimated of course) 6 lbs 3 ounces with almost four weeks to go.

2. Family & friends baby shower March 21st. Not a lot of attendance but great gifts and great company. My cousin did the cutest party favors. . .a little poem about me having a bun in the oven on the front of these cute bags ties with cute ribbon and inside was a delicious honey bun.

3. SURPRISE baby shower at work March 25th and I got a TON of stuff!! The generosity that people show for wedding and baby showers has always amazed me. The little princess' closet is already full of clothes, diapers and wipes! PLUS I have like $250 in gift cards for Target and Babies R Us!

4. Doctor's appointment March 26th reveals I am THREE centimeters dilated already. My doctor was a no show so I saw one of her partners who tried to convince me to be induced on April 3rd. That's NEXT Friday! Ten whole days before April 13th. . .um no. I think I'm gonna pass on that offer.

5. I took three quizzes and finished three papers (one pagers) all last weekend in preparation for my impending childbirth. I have to go on campus for a quiz on April 1st and have yet to study!

6. My ankles and feet have been on SWOLE for almost three weeks! It's to the point now that I am wearing FLIP FLOPS to work! I have no other choice. . .I refuse to buy new larger, wider shoes to wear for two weeks and half weeks.

7. Finally, been sleeping on the couch for the last few nights because I cannot get comfortable in our bed. Sleeping on my back and side is not working and I can't sleep on my stomach so I pretty much sleep sitting up. Not very comfortable at all!!!

Yeah, just a TAD bit overwhelmed and TIRED.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Cute Keepsake

I have been a loyal customer and big fan of Snapfish since my son was born. I've gotten some really cool products including an annual photo book of my son's milestones every years since his birth. I consider them my "coffee table" books and they are a great and classic way to capture those precious moments.

My son is also quite the "artist" and he has been known to create some masterpieces that he usually has to explain. . .but it's only because of my apparent lack of imagination. Ha ha! Anyway, Snapfish now has this cool product that allows you to upload the scanned images of your child's artwork and turn them into a book!! How cool is that! Not to mention you don't have to worry about all that refrigerator CLUTTER- one of my serious pet peeves!

If you have a budding artist you should check it out!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Sibling Revelry

Yesterday my son attended a new sibling course at the hospital in our neighborhood. I saw a description of the class online and thought it was a neat idea especially for children who have been the only child for a while. But I must admit once the time came to attend the class I was tempted to blow it off- if for no other reason than I am a lazy, tired, and overwhelmed pregnant woman who will be giving birth in less than three weeks!

But my son was beside himself with excitement so I pulled it together and off we went- with hubby in tow. I am very glad he had the opportunity to attend. They showed a video about how babies grow and what happens when the baby comes home (crying, eating, sleeping, pooping, crying, and it starts all over) and the important role of the older sibling.

The soon-to-be new siblings got to put a diaper on a fake newborn baby, my son totally mastered the diaper changing thing, which is very scary- note to self: hide the diapers. I think he’ll probably use them like he does the superhero band-aids. Put a new one on “just in case” the baby has an accident. They also got instructions on how to hold the baby and wrap the baby in a blanket. The instructor also talked about keeping toys off the floor and out of the baby’s reach so that she won’t choke on them. Finally, at the end of the class they received gift bags with books to read the baby, coloring books, stickers and a stuffed animal.

I thought the most interesting part of the class was when the instructor played therapist and started asking the kids if they thought things were going to change around their house and how they felt about it. When she asked my son what he thought was going to change he said he would have to start sharing. Apparently that was his only concern. I was actually shocked that he even said that- because from day one his mantra has been, “I’m the big brother so that means I’m the boss”. I’m sure there are times he will assert his “big brother” rights but I also know this little girl is going to have him wrapped around her finger.

(I’ll post pics from the class later.)

Friday, March 6, 2009

Forever and A Day

Oh, yeah I have a blog. . .

My BABY boy turned five on March 2nd. I am still in denial. Sometimes it feels like he's much older but most times it seems as if he just turned two the other day. The thing that's so weird to me is that he's always the age he is now. . .translated- my best and sharpest memories of him are when he was four. I remember little things he did at two and three (barely anything at one) but it's like he was born at his current age. I don't know if that's a deficiency on my part as a mother or if that's how it is for everyone.

I've promised myself to slow down a bit and enjoy the "precious moments" a lot more with Baby Girl (who by the way will be here in four and a half weeks!) especially since this is my LAST hurrah! No more babies for this old broad!

Life has been moving along. Work is totally kicking my ass and the psychology course I'm taking is proving to be a bit more challenging than I had originally anticipated. I had to talk myself out of jumping from the highest bridge when I made a 75 on an exam! Since returning to college as a grown ass woman I have never made any grade less than an 90. . .but then again I haven't been applying myself or preparing myself at all. I'm one of those sickening people who cram for a test a few hours before and usually get an A. Not so much this time. I think I might have to actually READ (gasp) and study the material if I plan on pulling out an A in this class!

What do you think it means if someone you work with is asking you a million questions about if you're going to start a baby registry and what is the theme of your nursery. . .someone who is not really a "baby person". Mmhmm. My presumptious nature smells a surprise baby shower in the works. I just hope it's not on one of my down days when I roll in with my "natural" hair and something I found in the back of my closet to stretch over my stomach! Looking a hot ass mess while everyone is yelling SURPRISE! Ha ha!

Anyhoo, I'm currently at work taking a break from the monotony of a huge project that I'm starting to lose focus on. I promised to have it completed before I left for maternity leave but now that I'm on the downhill, swollen ankle, Braxton Hicks contractions side of things- my focus is leaving me. I am doubting this project will be complete. I guess I might need to tell somebody. Part of me thinks maybe leaving something undone might give me a little job security. . .I would hate to have them come to the conclusion- in my absence- that they can do without me! I just sincerely wish I could totally do without them!

Here's my sweet prince on his special day!

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Thursday, July 19, 2012

I've Moved. . .Again. . .

I have a permanent home! www.phenomenalmama.com Stop by and pay me a visit!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Moved

Trying something a little different to contain all of my creative aspirations. . . this is will be my last post on blogger. Please visit my new blog here. My main site is twmomie.com. I hope to see you at my new place ;-)

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Blogger Is Evil

Okay, I have to rant a minute and post this random entry because I am totally paranoid that someone read my last post before it was edited and they are laughing and pointing at the screen saying, "SHE THINKS SHE CAN BE A WRITER?"

The unedited post was full of stupid typos and I was trying to fix a problem with the DIV tags when the post was automatically PUBLISHED! Yikes. If anyone read that unedited rubbish, I am truly sorry for abusing the English language. It has been fixed.

That is all.

(And now my template is screwed up. . .is the sidebar is gone? Is it just ME? WTH?!)

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