tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22676500520253610332024-03-14T00:36:00.513-07:00Simply MeI'm a simple girl in a complex world.cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-63381055285003380182010-07-23T20:01:00.001-07:002010-07-23T20:25:32.188-07:00PMS is a B#%$@<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/TEpaB3wrSwI/AAAAAAAAAH4/hcOQ0G59kaM/s1600/baby+crying.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/TEpaB3wrSwI/AAAAAAAAAH4/hcOQ0G59kaM/s400/baby+crying.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497305283353594626" /></a><br />I'm not that girl who gripes and is mean because she gets her very much expected monthly visit. However, a couple of days before it shows up my stomach automatically grows a very large hole which means it can NEVER be full and a girl can't help it, so I eat like a pig. <br /><br />Besides having to workout extra hard on those days, I have actually grown to appreciate the visits. Well, that's what I thought until I started sharing my home with a man AKA the Mr. <br /><br />The other terrible occurance that takes place is my crazy emotions. It wasn't so bad when I was single and living alone. It sucks a lot now that I'm married to a man who came from a home with no sisters. This week, I cried myself to sleep because my poor hubby was too tired to give me some loving at midnight after going to work, school and coming home to do homework. Yes, friends - I cried, well maybe more like sobbed. <br /><br />I was embarassed but hey, this is the price he pays for being a heterosexual.<br /><br />Happy lovingcDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-79268995389904895002010-07-17T07:29:00.000-07:002010-07-17T07:29:00.657-07:00Now that's commitment<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/TD7lA4ThjpI/AAAAAAAAAHw/11On_UNn9fk/s1600/old+love.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 360px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/TD7lA4ThjpI/AAAAAAAAAHw/11On_UNn9fk/s400/old+love.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494080398715621010" /></a><br />I found this article on CNN Thursday morning and boy did it grab the core of my heart. <br /><br />This is my prayer for the Mr. and I - To be accepting of one another and just love one another. It's plain and simple! <br /><br /><br />This advice is not for daters, it's for those who have made a vow "for better or worse". <br /><br />In less exactly twenty-four days we'll be celebrating our first of many anniversaries and that it self is an accomplishment. This started with one and now 72yrs later,they are still celebrating their love. <br /><br />http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/07/14/original.grandparents.blog.marriage/index.html?hpt=Mid<br /><br /><br />Happy loving!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-2007908548602667522010-07-16T09:01:00.000-07:002010-07-16T09:01:00.277-07:00New hobby<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/TD0X44FdXpI/AAAAAAAAAHk/T0ITY1IPeYE/s1600/shopping.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 230px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/TD0X44FdXpI/AAAAAAAAAHk/T0ITY1IPeYE/s400/shopping.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493573386357268114" /></a><br />I'm not the queen of fashion but I sure do appreciate a cute outfit. I've always said I hated shopping but I think the problem was that I didn't know how to shop. These are my list of things I did to help me enjoy shopping. If you have three of the five items on the list, I think your idea of shopping might change. Before you come up with another list of why you REALLY hate shopping, just try my suggestions and let me know if I'm correct. :O)<br /><br /><br />1. Have money to spend.<br />I'm the queen of budgeting and all my friends know it. I make sure I have enough money and a bit extra just in case I find a cute shoe or jewelry I MUST have. To be honest, it just feels good knowing that you can afford what you are buying. Shopping while broke is the second most depressing way of shopping. The first is shopping after a weight gain.<br /><br />2. Look your best.<br />Wear the right under garment. Don't wear a bad bra if you'll be shopping for shirts, especially tank tops and especially if you have too much or no boobs. If you wear make-up, put some on. If you can, do something with your hair. I'm not saying, you should look like you are going to prom but at least a first date look will do the work. The truth is, that's probably what you'll look like when you actually wear the outfit(s) at home. If you don't like an outfit in your best at the store, more than likely you won't like it when you get home. <br /><br />3. Go with the guy/gal in your life.<br />I went with my husband and luckily for me, I'm married to a guy who thinks I'm the sexiest woman he's ever met (I know crazy right?) So, when I tried something on, watching his eyes brighten up or him act like a pavlov's dog when I turn arround helped decided on what to buy. I went shopping with some girls the other day and my friend bought a dress because most of us agreed it was sexy - It made her feel better and reinforced what she was already thinking. <br /><br /><br />4. Try clothes on with appropriate sets/accessories.<br />Don't try on cute jeans with the t-shirt you walked into the store with. It probably won't look right. Don't try a summer skirt with a turtle neck sweater. Again, you won't get the full look. Add some accessories to it, even if you don't buy it. At least you'll know how great you would look in those jeans with a nice pair of shoes or awesome necklace. <br /><br />5. Know what you are looking for. <br />This is very specific to me but I am thinking I'm not that unique but when I go to the store not sure what I am looking for, I get overwhelmed. I go into every isle and department and 2hrs later, I feel like I'm stuck in an elevator with 100 kids screaming. Not fun at all. <br /><br />I hope these suggestions work for you. <br /><br />Happy shopping!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-48587422388002531652010-07-15T08:10:00.000-07:002010-07-15T08:10:00.193-07:00Love is in the air<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/TD0S85TGNiI/AAAAAAAAAHc/nzNbBjx5ny8/s1600/breakup.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 347px; height: 346px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/TD0S85TGNiI/AAAAAAAAAHc/nzNbBjx5ny8/s400/breakup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493567957844244002" /></a><br />And then it disapears. I only have one wedding this year and technically I'm not invited. A friend of mine had a very small family only wedding. There's been a lot of getting together and break-ups in my life (dating). <br /><br />In less than two months two friends broke up with really nice guys who just weren't a good match for them and apparently one of them was because of me! I'm all about breaking up dating relationships that would potentially end up as future divorces! <br /><br /><br />My best friend is in a pretty serious relationship and so is another really good friend of mine. I want the absolute best for them. As a woman who grew up in a terrible marriage and has been forunate to be in a pretty healthy one -I want my friends to have even better than what I have. <br /><br />My standard for them are definitely high and I am not interested in lowering them. I don't have shallow standards for my friends. I want them to be with men who fit the list of what they wanted when they were single. Sometimes it's easy for us to change our wants and desires to fit the current person we are dating which is a huge mistake if you ask me. <br /><br />I stumbled upon this article the other day and it got me thinking. I wonder how many of my friends if they were really honest with themselves would call off a wedding like the people in this article. <br />http://yahoo.match.com/y/article.aspx?articleid=11625&TrackingID=526103&BannerID=683667 <br /><br />I hope you get something out of it and if you are not in this stage of life, pass this article to your friends and family members who are in this stage. <br /><br />Happy dating/breaking up!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-59936906362595703972010-07-14T10:06:00.000-07:002010-07-14T10:06:00.221-07:00Flowers<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/TD0Po92eDpI/AAAAAAAAAHU/af8vDVwkHt0/s1600/sunflowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/TD0Po92eDpI/AAAAAAAAAHU/af8vDVwkHt0/s320/sunflowers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493564316934082194" /></a><br /><br />Sometimes, it's the little things that make a HUGE difference. Monday night was bad for me. I came home to an empty house, the Mr. is back in school but thank God this is the last quarter. My professional life is lacking at best and to top it all off - I went bathing suite shopping. The experience wasn't too bad but I got frustrated because the ones I liked were too big. <br /><br />So, when the Mr. came home I started crying. We've been married for almost a year and seeing me cry makes him sad which makes me very happy. He tried to comfort me but by then I just needed to shed some tears and feel sorry for myself (not a good look by the way). <br /><br />He let me cry and say everything that was in my heart which was nice and by morning time I was feeling tons better. I felt even better when I came home from work the next day to bouquets of gorgeous sun flowers and daisies! I'm very blessed and like someone said to me "I have a lot to be thankful for" starting with the Mr. <br /><br />If you read this, know that I love you with everything I have!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-11144856813083584792010-07-13T17:45:00.001-07:002010-07-13T18:05:22.201-07:00Vegetarian<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/TD0M-8OX1AI/AAAAAAAAAHM/pUJO7MHhWQM/s1600/Ribs.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 127px; height: 97px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/TD0M-8OX1AI/AAAAAAAAAHM/pUJO7MHhWQM/s400/Ribs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493561395919705090" /></a><br /><br />The weekend I came back from Nigeria, I decided I was going to stop eating meat. I've done this twice before and the longest run was 7 months - Ribs got to me :O)<br /><br />Well, it's been about three months and I only miss BW3 wings. The real reason I made this decision was my body no longer appreciated the smell or taste of most types of animal by-products. The smell of cooked meat makes me want to vomit. <br /><br />The Mr. has been very supportive of me but tonight took it to whole new level. I made dinner which consisted of morning start vegetarian ribs, sauteed green beans and sweet potatoe. To my surprise he ate it all and actually complimented the food. I've been raving to him and everyone who will listen to me about how amazing these ribs are and finally I got confirmation from him tonight "I thought it would be rubbery, but it's not" <br /><br />So, if you ever want to try low cal ribs - Try the morning star vegetarian option. It is DA BOMB!!!!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-84307564615367691512010-07-11T16:03:00.000-07:002010-07-11T16:03:00.151-07:00PopcornKettle is my favorite and pretty much just about everyone in my immediate circle loves them too. Yes, even the 3yrs old step daugther and 5yrs old nephew. <br /><br />They both were whining about wanting to snack on something, they had fruits for lunch and mid afternoon snack so watermelon wasn't going to cut it this time. So,I decided to pop a bag and boy you should've seen their faces. Needless to say, popcorn is now my favorite snack to keep in the house. <br /><br />They are semi healthy if you get the basic ones and if you ever have extra cash check out the BEST POPCORN I've ever tasted http://www.popcornopolis.com/. We bought these last year as Christmas gifts. The Kettle ones are the best everrrr!!! I am biased, so maybe you'll like the others. Either way, try them if you can spare the extra change and yes, they are worth every penny.<br /><br /><br />Happy Snacking!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-30745906943833004032010-07-10T14:49:00.000-07:002010-07-10T15:10:15.962-07:00Hiatus is overI promise this is not someone who stole my identity to blog on my behalf. I have been MIA for two reasons:<br /><br />One, I haven't felt like I have had anything of value to say. Secondly, I have been preoccupied with life that even when I think I have something valueable to say, I fall asleep as I am typing. <br /><br />Here's an update of my life since May. I started playing softball again with the Mr, but he's completely new to the sport. We are playing with the same group of friends I've been playing with for the past four years. We renovated our house and I used that word lightly. We painted the living room and kitchen and truly renovated the bathroom. It Cost way too much money but I guess it will be worth it when it's time to sell. <br /><br />God has been doing a lot of talking and luckily I've been listening. I have a single women's event in the works, if I don't chicken out. <br /><br />The Mr. and I celebrated 11 months of marriage on Thursday and this coming weekend, I am taking an all girls trip with six great girls to Lake Cumberland. <br /><br />I almost went back to creamy crack at least twice but I held strong thanks for Yemi and the Mr. <br /><br />Apparently, I made one of my friend break up with her now ex-boyfriend but she and I agree that it was for the best. <br /><br />Speaking of dating, a couple of my friends are in dating relationship and so expect to hear a lot about that topic. <br /><br />Happy Saturday!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-58412818926124969892010-05-14T19:15:00.000-07:002010-05-14T19:26:45.540-07:00Baby stepsI've been trying very hard to eat healthy without starving myself. Since it's warmer outside, I'm more active. There are three goals here: One is to lose weight. The second and most important, is that I want to be healthy and finally I promised to not gain any weight my first year of marriage unless I get pregnant. I know it's a big goal but I just don't want to be that bride that gives up on herself because she has a man.<br /><br />I've been taking small steps and not trying to do too much or do something I can't stick to for too long. I had a proud of myself moment tonight. I watch the Mr. eat Arby's fries without eating one. If you know me, you know salt is my weakness. I never knew a day would come that I would have the opportunity to eat my favorite bad food and turn it down. Oh trust me, I was hungry but I just made the choice to say NO TO CHOLESTOROL AND SATURATED FAT! :O)<br /><br />I don't know if this will happen tomorrow or ever again, I hope so but I am very proud of myself today!<br /><br />Happy eating healthy!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-42539964820026407442010-05-05T13:17:00.000-07:002010-05-05T13:17:00.167-07:00Nappy Love<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S93A1mH-i7I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/4npvFyWXLJc/s1600/Summer+08+003.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S93A1mH-i7I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/4npvFyWXLJc/s400/Summer+08+003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466737549697256370" /></a><br />When the Mr. asked me for my phone number, I had braids and wore them for sometime and during those times, as a natural girl I was quite nervous about what he'd think about dating a girl with naps! The last Nigerian guy and just about every Nigerian person I know including my own family thinks nappy hair is ugly hair. So, you can imagine the relief I got when he told me he wasn't a big fan of women who only wore weave. <br /><br />That may not sound like much but most Nigerian men I know, don't know any different. Weave to them is good hair and any woman who did other wise was just not going to cut it. The more we spent time together the more I learned about his hair preferences:<br />1. I don't like short hair (by the way, I cut my hair 3months into our dating relationship).<br />2. Girls with natural hair allow you to touch their hair (that made me SMILE because I was natural and it's true!)<br />3. I like the way you look in braids <br />4. Whatever you do, DO NOT WEAR A WIG! :o)<br />5. Locks are ok but I don't prefer them.<br /><br />We may not be a perfect hair match but he is the biggest fan of my hair. In good times, he celebrates with me and in bad times he helps me research and takes pictures so we can note improvement. <br /><br />Don't know what we (me & the naps) would do without his love and acceptance.cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-91738502021591317252010-05-04T14:49:00.000-07:002010-05-04T15:12:28.097-07:00Really?!?!?!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S-CaqkuYN-I/AAAAAAAAAGY/7j5JAarD3bk/s1600/bullock+and+baby.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S-CaqkuYN-I/AAAAAAAAAGY/7j5JAarD3bk/s400/bullock+and+baby.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467540003831166946" /></a><br />http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/05/03/sandra.bullock.black.blogs/index.html?hpt=C2<br /><br />I was appalled by this headline and even more shocked when I read the article. Why any parent would be accused of adopting a child just for the publicity is shocking to me. I'm an indifferent fan of now Ms. Bullock. She seems like a nice lady and unless she's using the kid to make money, which I doubt or she is abusing the child - The world should commend her and other people who make the choice to adopt. <br /><br />Sometimes, black people piss me off! We should be more concerned that black children are not being adopted instead of wondering why they are being adopted by white people. I've always wondered why Oprah never adopted a child or two. I've always wondered why The Smiths haven't adopted a child. Hell, why haven't we heard of other famous black people adopting black orphans. <br /><br />All I'm saying is that when anyone has enough love to adopt a child that may end up saying "you're not my mommy or daddy!" we need applaud them, not assault them with accusations.<br /><br />Happy family planning!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-81419881682887489262010-05-03T13:59:00.000-07:002010-05-02T10:50:35.654-07:00kids<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S927KvA937I/AAAAAAAAAGI/7uAALfeIZ5w/s1600/dont+touch.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 130px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S927KvA937I/AAAAAAAAAGI/7uAALfeIZ5w/s400/dont+touch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466731315791257522" /></a><br />I always wondered how parents kept their "personal items" out of reach from their children. <br /><br />My 11 yr old sister spent the weekend with us and usually she has very limited access to our bedroom but I was feeling generous this time around and boy did I regret it. I had to make up a white lie when she found a chocolate flavored spray to numb the throat on the dresser. When she asked what it was for, I said it was to numb the throat. Easy right? But then she said, "oh for when it hurts?" and I said yes sure! <br /><br />That was my story and I had to stick to it! <br /><br /><br />Happy parenting/sistering!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-7084644417920393132010-05-02T10:35:00.000-07:002010-05-02T10:46:10.849-07:00Spring cold<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S926U8-4WEI/AAAAAAAAAGA/lOhqLUmhWNQ/s1600/summerday.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 155px; height: 103px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S926U8-4WEI/AAAAAAAAAGA/lOhqLUmhWNQ/s320/summerday.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466730391827667010" /></a><br />Anyone who knows me, knows that I'd rather be burning up than feel any level of cold. Even in humid Nigeria where my clothes were soaked with sweat after a twenty minute walk, I still didn't miss or wish for cold weather. <br /><br />So, you can only imagine how upset I was when we came back home to a cold spring. During warmer seasons, I'm a totally different person. I wake up as early as 5am, no matter when I go to bed. I actually want to workout and put an effort in the way I look. These last couple of weeks have been very hard for me. My brain says it's spring but my body is saying "why are we wearing winter clothes then?" I absolutely hate it. <br /><br />The good news is that this past Friday was probably the best day so far this season. There was enough sun to keep us warm, enough breeze to not be burnt by the sun and the clouds were the perfect shade of blue. My church had a picnic and I got to play taboo with some of the ladies. I got to meet two new people and learned more about the others. <br /><br />I say all this to say that even game nights are better outdoors when the weather is pefect!<br /><br />Happy Spring!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-83328713288890780572010-04-21T03:14:00.000-07:002010-04-21T03:35:42.865-07:00Yummy and Easy<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S87Tlm5JXcI/AAAAAAAAAF4/IAIaEAxthpQ/s1600/SPRING+2010+001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S87Tlm5JXcI/AAAAAAAAAF4/IAIaEAxthpQ/s320/SPRING+2010+001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462536041095847362" /></a><br />I've made this twice now in less than a week and each time I've made it, I didn't have been enough for leftovers, even though I planned for it. It's simple and requires only five ingredients. I've served it with mac and cheese, broccoli, sweet potatoe and pasta salad. Good luck and happy cooking!<br /><br />Bonesless Chicken Breast (thawed)<br />Parsley flakes<br />Parmasean Cheese (the dry one)<br />Ritz Crackers<br />1 stick of margarine (for healthy look, just spray pam or use olive oil).<br /><br />1. Cut the chicken in half to lower cooking time, then set aside.<br />2. Preheat oven for 375 degrees.<br />3. Make a cooking station for the dipping you'll be doing. <br />4. Crush the ritz crackers, you can do this by placing it in a sturdy zip lock bag and smash with a hammer or bottle. Then pour into a bowl.<br />5. Pour half a can of the parmasean cheese in a bowl unless you are cooking for more than 7 people.<br />6. Melt butter in a plate big enough to fit the chicken and set aside (you might need to reheat it up if it get cold). Add the parsley to the butter (use as little or as much as you like). <br />7. Dip the chicken in butter or spray the chicken<br />8. Dip it in the ritz cracker crumbs and make sure the chicken is well coated.<br />9. Dip ritz coated chicken in the parmasean cheese<br />10. Place it on a greased or sprayed pan and bake for 25 - 35 minutes until chicken is done (compltely white when you cut the thickest part of the breast). <br /><br />Good luck and enjoy all the compliments you'll receive! :0)cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-34347943721972327992010-04-20T03:23:00.000-07:002010-04-20T03:28:14.612-07:00Why?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S82BaBc-BeI/AAAAAAAAAFw/vSqwuYjS-K0/s1600/why.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S82BaBc-BeI/AAAAAAAAAFw/vSqwuYjS-K0/s400/why.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462164207136802274" /></a><br />The Mr. is already fast asleep and all I want to do is crawl into the bed with him and tell him how wonderful he is and how much I appreciate him even if I don't always act that way. <br /><br />I saw "Why did I get Married 2" this weekend and it made me think about why I got married. I got married for selfish reasons. I had found a man with intergrity, loved God, loved me and the six pack didn't hurt either! A man that met 8 of my top 10 qualities I looked for in husband. I would have been stupid to turn him down. Does he has his flaws yes, but trust me the good outweighs the bad. I married him because I knew he would love, cherish, lead ... but not once did I think let me marry this guy because of all the wonderful things I could do for him. <br /><br />I think most of us are this way and in my case, I came in like a leach just wanting to feed but God has graciously taught me that my marriage is not a one way street. He has given me this man to love, cherish, follow... <br /><br />And as long as I shall live, I vow to do those things especially when I don't feel like it!<br /><br />Happy Marriage!<br /><br />By the way, if you get the chance go see the movie or at least rent it when it comes you. You will def learn something from it and excercise your abs will all the laughing you'll be doing!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-83299515656778880122010-04-18T13:45:00.001-07:002010-04-18T13:45:59.967-07:00Time flies<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S8qKLGGjIMI/AAAAAAAAAFo/a1eit-lZzT4/s1600/Engaged+5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S8qKLGGjIMI/AAAAAAAAAFo/a1eit-lZzT4/s320/Engaged+5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461329421361422530" /></a><br />This time last year I was planning a wedding, my wedding actually! April 6, 2009 was the exact date the Mr. asked me to spend the rest of my life as his wife! Exactly a year to that date, I gave him an answer to the question "will you be my girlfriend?" <br /><br /><br />I love that MAN and I hope to love him more tomorrow!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-79293633243811299302010-04-17T19:38:00.000-07:002010-04-17T19:45:31.735-07:00Oh Spring<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S8px2GvcwfI/AAAAAAAAAFg/oCDwIH2ZumY/s1600/SPRING+2010+014.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S8px2GvcwfI/AAAAAAAAAFg/oCDwIH2ZumY/s320/SPRING+2010+014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461302672476652018" /></a><br />Waking up is more lively <br />Going to bed is more enjoyable <br />I especially love the beautiful melodies the birds use to wake me up <br />If you want great music, listen to the birds at 5am <br />The songs are like a love song from God to me <br /><br />Going to work is more pleasant when I have a bold color skirt and my toes are out <br />From I-275 to I-75, the trees wave to me with their bold luscious green leaves <br />The sun, OH the sun – How beautiful you are! All of this, created so I can see the Glory of God. <br /><br />Spring brings the real me out!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-76834188387720351522010-04-11T18:25:00.001-07:002010-04-11T18:46:16.406-07:00Niaja<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S8J6wrglJBI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/fPD571QENUM/s1600/March+-+Niaja+10+047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S8J6wrglJBI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/fPD571QENUM/s400/March+-+Niaja+10+047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459060675058148370" /></a><br />We made it back in one piece and boy was it a GREAT trip!!! I'll have more post with different aspects of the trip along with lots of pictures. <br /><br />The highlights of the trip:<br /><br />1. Suya (Grilled beef, ram, or chicken with a special spice). <br />2. Old school romance - The type you get with partial electricity, no computer and no work the next day ;O)<br />3. Seeing genuwine smiles<br />4. Walking almost 2 miles everyday.<br />5. $12 AMAZING mani/pedicure - yes both for only $12.<br />6. Listening to my maternal grandmother tell her life story as my husband recorded and asked questions.<br />7. Eating fresh delicous mangoes.<br />8. Being so stress free that fighting with your spouse seems meaningless.<br />9. Pricing things in the markets aka playing the bargaining game with merchants.<br />10. Introducing my husband to my family and meeting his aunts and uncles.<br /><br />more to come...HAPPY TRAVELScDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-16287423114885554622010-03-22T07:23:00.000-07:002010-03-22T07:23:00.138-07:00Happy birthday...Twenty-five Was a big deal for me. A quarter century, are you kidding me? I had a "white party", not not only white people were there- you just had to wear all white. It was so much fun. My best friend turns 25 today and I can't wait to see what the next twenty-five years has in store for her and our friendship. <br /><br />Happy Birthday!!!!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-2256416147522300562010-03-16T19:03:00.000-07:002010-03-18T19:49:07.617-07:00the list girlThe Mr. has twelve weeks away from school and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it. He's excited about not having homework and being able to come home right after work. What he doesn't know is that this List making girl has so many things on the list that we can do together. <br /><br />We started with the first of 8 salsa classes today and boy was that fun. We both love dancing and we had a great time. Next on the list is cooking class - One of us love cooking but we both love to eat. Hopefully, by the end of the class we'll both love it and be good at it. <br /><br />With the amount of time we will be spending together, I'm sure some good ole fights will come up but hey some things are worth fighting for right? <br /><br />Happy living!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-16114911827359812802010-03-07T18:14:00.000-08:002010-03-08T14:38:07.716-08:00My friend OscarI think the last time I watched the award show was when Denzel Washington won Best Actor. I guess it's probably the same year I decided that I can't give television too much time anymore - I graduated to fb!<br /><br />I'm not really excited about it this year but as always, I am very excited to see what everyone will be wearing. So, here is my very short "best list" for the 82nd annual award show.<br /><br />Best Dressed Woman - Elizabeth Banks<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S5V65KjrzSI/AAAAAAAAAE4/xzTDrWizJV4/s1600-h/Banks.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S5V65KjrzSI/AAAAAAAAAE4/xzTDrWizJV4/s400/Banks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446394446879640866" /></a><br /><br /><br />Best Dressed Man - Jake Gyllenhaal<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S5V7O-8AcrI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Di5DTUYj5GM/s1600-h/Jake.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S5V7O-8AcrI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Di5DTUYj5GM/s400/Jake.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446394821717553842" /></a>cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-1882764561821452592010-03-07T13:47:00.000-08:002010-03-07T14:25:34.280-08:00My butt belongs to only one crotch<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S5Qn17qF9mI/AAAAAAAAAEw/8bW4qazrRMU/s1600-h/Black+dancing.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 78px; height: 104px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S5Qn17qF9mI/AAAAAAAAAEw/8bW4qazrRMU/s400/Black+dancing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446021656898565730" /></a><br /><br />I'm a snob in two things in life and I'm damn proud of it. I won't eat food that does not look good and I sure as hell won't dance with just any guy. In my single days, if a man wanted to dance with me he had to treat me like a lady. Ladies get approached with a smile, an hello and a would you like to dance. If a guy ever came up behind me, I would just stop dancing. Even after all of that, no man ever got to dance with me through a whole song. I just think it's best to keep them wanting more. <br /><br />As a single woman, it made me want to cry and in some cases puke when I saw women working extra hard to make sure their butts were stimulating the "lucky" guys crotch enough. I confess that in my early days, I gave in to such expectation but hey at least the guy asked first. :O)<br /><br />Last night, I saw a woman give butt massagea to men in the form of dance, if that's what they call it these days. I give her props because she is definintely one to give her best at anything she does. The way the dancing started was quite interesting. The guys would watch her, walk close to her - no conversation. Then a few minutes later, he would reach for her waist and that was the mating call apparently. They would dance face to face for literally thirty seconds and then the main entree was served! I watched this ritual happen at least two times. <br /><br />Unfortunately, my first instinct was to judge her but then I realised that nothing makes me better than this woman. It is only by the grace of God that I am who I am today. So, I prayed for her. Here's my prayer for the lady with the blue corset and skinny jeans! I pray that God will use the people in your life to reveal His love for you and let you see yourself how He sees you. I pray that you will love yourself and most of all I pray that if you don't already know, I pray you know and accept Him as your Lord and Savior. I also pray that one day, you'll meet the perfect crotch for your butt.<br />Amen!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-41663285133702506112010-03-04T10:03:00.000-08:002010-03-04T10:03:00.737-08:00I hopeTo live a life that reflects the finished work of Jesus.<br /><br />To love others more than I love myself.<br /><br />To love God with everything I have, say and do.cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-55054896845299085482010-03-03T08:42:00.000-08:002010-03-03T08:42:00.219-08:00T.VI just don't understand why people care who Jake from the "Bachelor" picks! I only know his name because as a woman, I can't go out to lunch with my girlfriends or to work without hearing about him. <br /><br /><br />The woman in me who loves connecting with her lady friends sits there and listens to the junk but the annoyed girl in me wants to scream - I DON'T CARE ABOUT JAKE UNLESS HE'S THE GUY YOU ARE DATING OR MARRIED TO!!! <br /><br />But, I care too much about the female relationships I have, so I just listen and pray they'll change the subject!<br /><br /><br />Happy Friending!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267650052025361033.post-19425294345500325552010-03-02T15:30:00.001-08:002010-03-02T15:41:49.008-08:00Mixed reviews<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S42huD1vEUI/AAAAAAAAAEg/7jrS6GIIKGg/s1600-h/Pencil.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jIhvo00hSxw/S42huD1vEUI/AAAAAAAAAEg/7jrS6GIIKGg/s400/Pencil.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444185337237541186" /></a><br />One could argue that God has a great sense of humor! If I think about the man I married or some of the experiences I've had, I just can't help but come to that conclusion. <br /><br />My church along with many other churches in Cincinnati are doing a series on freedom and part of this series is joining and attending a small group. A small group for those who do not know is a group of 3 - 15+ plus people from all walks of life just doing life together in hopes to grow closer to one another and God. <br /><br />I have a women's small group that I host and the Mr. and I attend one at our church that has young engaged or married couples and one young lady. Edward and I are the only couple who is not of a different racial background and myself and the uncoupled lady are the only black women there. Actually, the other lady is half white. If you know me, then you know how funny it must have been for God when I realised that fact! I humored myself and laughed as well. <br /><br />I love God and how he works and all his inside jokes and I look forward to the relationships that will develop through our group.<br /><br />Happy Black History Month is over already?!?!?!cDisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00514117855636797668noreply@blogger.com0