Chronicles of My Follicles

I'VE MOVED....

2011-09-08T08:21:00.001-07:00

The New Blog is HERE!

No more Bulky Furniture

2011-04-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

So... I'm currently in search of a new bookshelf for a smedium nook in my living room...

Option A:

Option B:

The only thing that will be going on them is a glass jar for our spare change, Germany paraphernalia, and hubby's cigar caddy... and maybe a clock.... maybe. I'm just not into the bulky furniture any longer. I want everything to be slim and managable and chic and modern and, and, and, and just different.

Bye Bye FB

2011-04-04T15:59:00.000-07:00

Today, just now actually, I decided to delete my FB page... I've been deliberating over the idea for a few now and just now decided to act on it. As I was selecting the choices to deactivate, I felt a little twinge... as if I may miss something if I deactivate my account... I'm satisfied with Twitter... In addition to my social network revelation, I'm also deciding to step down from all but two of my ministries at my church... Thos two will be the Praise Team and the Marriage Ministry... everything else will need to go... maybe this consecration has proven to be something very well for me, afterall... Just wanted to share that with the blog world. Thank you for listening.

Back to School I Go

2011-03-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

So you may remember me saying a few posts ago that I was considering going back to school, but did not know what to do. It is true, the two passions in my life are on two very different ends of the spectrum. On one end there is Theology and on the other there is Medicine. Well, I have made my decision and today made firm that decision. I enrolled in AACC and registered for the first two of five prerequisite courses I need to complete to apply for AACC's Physician Assistant program. I start classes on May 23rd. I am ecstatic. I can hardly think of anything else.

Hopefully, this new leaf in my life will not only turn over a new me, but new opportunities for me to blog about!

Viral Meninigitis

2011-03-08T15:11:00.001-08:00

Yes, you read the the title correctly, I have what they call a mild case of the stuff. my white cells are 7 and 8 is the number they say it gets most severe. Today, makes a solid week that I have been fighting a fever of 103 degrees. Match that with two trips to the ER, a trip to my primary care physician, and a surprise trip to the emergency dentist and you get me. Lying on my couch, sweating like a crack whore.

I really hate being sick. I can't stand it. It drives me up a wall! It turns my hubby into Hitler, and me into a shameless petty patient. A couple of days ago, I actually hid two extra strength Tylenol in our couch and lied to hubby about taking them. I could not believe I did it until a few hours later I was suffering so bad with chills and fever that I confessed. I don't want to be a bad patient, but... whatchagonnado?

Today, I'm better.

What is wrong with me!?

2011-03-08T14:58:00.000-08:00

For as long as I can remember I have been torn between two very separate yet equally fulfilling career paths. Medicine & Theology. Is this weird? How can I make the two of them make sense in my mind? How can I make the two of the one? Or can I? I would really like to become a Physician Assistant &/or a teacher of Theology. I feel like I am so screwed up. Then there is the side of me that easily reconciles situations like this and tell me "girl, you can totally do both". I tend to agree with this side that encourages me the most.

I don't know. What should I do!?!?

Some of the things I am learning

2011-02-25T06:17:00.000-08:00

1. Prior Proper Planning prevents piss poor performance. Well, I kind of already knew that from college but I guess I am realizing that it is not just information. It is fact.

2. Prayer changes things. Sorry to be so cliche'-ish, but it really does. I had stopped praying for a looooooooong time, I stopped participating financially in church, and was basically just going through the motions. I had a run-in with someone I respected and loved very dearly. I found myself embarrassed and just down right hurt by my actions. I prayed and asked for guidance and well, what do you know!? It worked. I am not sure if my situation has necessarily gotten any better, but I do know that I certainly feel better. Frankly speaking, that is all I care about.

3. Time and life waits for no one. Especially me.

4. My apartment complex is and has always been serious about kicking us out due to renovations.

5. In the general sense, growing up sucks. It is scary, and I could honestly do with out it.... maybe.

6. I can really never do with out number 6. If I were to I would have to depend on others the rest of my life and would be miserable.

7. I may need to consider shopping at Costco or BJ's for my little family of two. We spend waaaaaaay too much money on eating out. We need a plan to treat ourselves.

8. When ever I feel myself slipping away into laziness I should repeat number 1

9. I may finally need therapy only once a month instead of twice. I have already reduced it from once weekly.

10. Bills SUCK & and they can KICK ROCKS!!!!

One of my favorite things...

2011-02-21T19:37:00.000-08:00

to do is look through magazines, find items I like, find their websites, and dream. My God-mother turned "estranged person from my past" used to keep a book. She would save the pages, price the items, save for them and then purchase them. I don't have the energy for such hobbies. I do not want to be responsible for another piece of paper taking life in the little apartment of ours. Instead, I'll share them here, with you, on this little blog of mine. Please keep in mind that by the time this is over it will have taken me several hours to complete this post, as most of the items are high-end and the website prohibit me from copying and pasting. Therefore, I will be providing links.

The first Item is this ring from Cartier. Priced at $2925 (excluding sales tax), it gives me a reasonable, reachable dream to work toward. I really went to Cartier's website for this bracelet, but when I saw the price, I just could not wrap my mind around saving that much money and spending it on a bracelet. Next was this watch from Rolex. They do not list the price which is a huge indicator that if you have to ask, you probably should not be buying it. I would like a classic time piece in my life. Something I can wear everyday. Something elegant, yet casual, and something that makes a profound statement. I've just gotten tired. This will be all for now.

Our apartment

2011-02-15T20:21:00.000-08:00

I'm so over my little apartment. By this I mean, I'm over the clutter and disorganization. Senator said it some time ago and said it well, "we need to do better". You know it is bad when one partner speaks to the other about the mess the both of you have made. As the move quickly approaces, I have become increasingly annoyed by all the junk we have seemed to accumulate. In 2010 I did two major yard sales and my first of many shred events. So why on earth do I still have ...

Storage space in my kitchen that looks like this

A living room/office space that looks like this

A bedroom corner and closet that look like this

Thanks to Valentine's Day and having plans to seduce my husband, it is not as bad as it was. All those clothes you see used to be all over our bedroom floor and all over the living room floor and couches. We literally had only two of the three cushions to sit on on the long sofa and the two hard chairs at the dining room table. On the plus side, the floors are vacuumed, and the furniture is dusted. April is sure to bring more that Spring Cleaning for me. It will surely bring a full-on purge. Do you think I'm an idiot for wanting to get rid of our couches?

Their old, used, not very fashionable, but dreadfully comfortable. Dreadfully. I was thinking of doing a bit of DIY and maybe reupholstering them. What do you think? Do you have any ideas to share? You see the Senator up there. He is over the clutter too. I think the move has got me in some kind of i-need-to-get-rid-of-the-old-and-buy-new mode, which is not a good look for our budget and savings plan. I was having a discussion with my pastor's wife today and she said to me, "better to have one bird in the hand, than two in the bush". After much confusion, she finally just looked at me and said, "don't sell anything you can't afford to buy again". Don't know if it is the best advice I have ever gotten, but it is useful. I want to sell that huge bookcase thing in our kitchen. I want to sell the little roller cart in our kitchen. I want to sell and/or do something really cool with our desk, and I want to sell those book cases. Their hubbies and from like, high school or something. He has a strange attachment to the black one. I want furniture that matches, and Oh! I want new dishes as well. Antique white. I have concluded that I want a lot... and since I want so much, I need to continue to save our money, and make a very detailed wish list complete with links for references.

Do you like my Valentine's Day bouquet!? They made me so happy.

Moving... New Orleans... A Dog

2011-02-03T06:07:00.000-08:00

Beginning February 8, 2011, theses are the major purchases and/or trips on our calendar. I guesstimate it will cost us $5,000. I've given us 15 weeks (2/8/11 - 5/17/11) to save the money and I've broken it down to about $333/wk. This is good, sense that is my weekly salary, minus $3. How did I come up with this idea? I'm going to say that it was due to the fact I spent 45 - 50 minutes in prayer after I dropped the Senator off at the train station this morning.

Here is what I thought/prayed about.

Moving: yesterday the Senator and I went to look at a condo that was available for rent. The cost was $1350/mo and the deposit was $1350. Hypothetically, If we were to apply and be approved for the condo today, we would need to pay $135o (our deposit) + $900 (this month's rent for the apartment we are living in now). That's ... 14, 15, 16, 17... *breaking out calculator & adding 1350 + 900* ... $2250. This would give us a move-in date of March 4, 2011. Since it's not the first of the month we would have to pay a prorated fee for the condo of which I'm guessing they figure by taking the total monthly amount for rent and divide it by the number of days. So that would make our first month's rent for the condo *breaking out calendar to see how many days are in March* ... 27 days left in March if we move-in on the 4th; so we would need to pay $1350/27 *switching screens on my iPhone to do the math* I got $50. Okay. So. Plan B: call the Senator. *picking up the phone to call and ask how they figure out the prorated fee* brb ... Okay... he says... *immediately forgot what he said.... ugh! calling back. He's laughing.... $1350(rent amt)/30(number of days in an average month)=$45 multiply that by *3(because it's 3 days after the first of the month)=$135. Now I take $1350 and subtract $135, giving me $1215(our prorated rent for March). One thousand, two-hundred and fifteen dollars added to $2250 equals ... *breaking out calculator* $3465 *realizing I under guesstimated* This figure does not include the cost of boxes, a moving truck, and possible movers. Let's go ahead and round it up to $3700 giving us $300 for boxes, truck and movers, maybe. So according to the aforementioned calculations, moving is going to approximately cost us $3700. Next.

New Orleans: May 26, 2011, the Senator and I celebrate being married for four years. In addition, we also celebrate the 30th birthday for one of our close friends, A. She works at Hopkins as a microbiologist and is planning to be in New Orleans for a work thing. A decided that she wanted to spend her 30th with friends so we all decided to make it one big party and fly to New Orleans for her birthday and our anniversary. I was looking at some flight and hotel packages for *breaking out calendar to check number of days and nights* 4 nights and 5 days in New Orleans. I found nice packages for $350 - $500/pp. Not including food and fun. I'm in charge of getting packages together and want to keep it as close to the $350 range as possible. So let's just say $350 times the Senator and I? $700 total for flight and hotel. Add another $350 for food and fun (modest trip I know, but with this group of friends, we don't need much at all to be entertained) bringing our trip to *thinking, the math is simple* $1050. Next.

A Dog: After we return from New Orleans, the Senator and I want to rescue a puppy as our 4-year anniversary gift to one another. I haven't done any research at all except the type of dog we want (American Bulldog), and guess that most places will charge a $200 pet deposit fee. With shots for puppy, food for puppy, bed for puppy, toys for puppy, rescue fee for puppy, and pet deposit for puppy. I'm guesstimating about $1100. *praying I'm guessing on the high end*

That said, my bottom line has obviously increased. I began with a guesstimated goal to save $5000 over 15 weeks = $333/wk but ended up with

*adding totals from above... drum roll please*

$5850 over 15 weeks = $390/wk. Not bad,right!? In-fact. This makes it so much more manageable, having a more concrete figure, I mean. A measly $390/wk will get us a shiny new place to live, a trip to NeOrleans, and a new addition to our family of two. *sigh & thinking, "we got this"*

P.S. Thank you, God. This certainly helps with the anxiety.

~ Eat Pray Love ~ ...

2011-02-01T17:23:00.000-08:00

I just finished Eat Pray Love. The consensus: Eh. I'm glad I finished the book. I won't be watching the movie.

Nothing a Good Book can't Fix

2011-02-01T14:02:00.000-08:00

In my last post I complained and went on and on about all my anxieties... Last night the Senator and I went to the house of a couple friend of ours. We had a long talk and I felt so much better when we left. No matter what, I'm learning that it's always good to sometimes... just. talk. Although we still haven't quiet come to a decision about where we will go and what we will do (rent-to-own, rent a house/townhouse/condo, or rent an apartment) I think at last he's sees where I'm coming from and can appreciate my wanting to take it slow. Needless to say, I'm a happy camper right now and emotionally, I feel much better.

In other news: The month of February brings two very important uh... [insert appropriate noun]. For the first time, ever. I'm going to read a book in honor of Black History Month.

I'm so excited. First though. I need to finish the following...

Between the two I think I can finish them this weekend. Here's the issue. I'm. So. Over. Eat Pray Love. I feel like I want her go ahead and fulfill the prophesy of the medicine man and since I'm I've got the achiever syndrome, it's killing me that I haven't finished it. I mean it literally wears me out. When I finish the aforementioned literary works, I'm going to get myself together and

read...

I was finally convinced on Sunday when my uncle-in-laws fiance' went on and on about how great the book was. Lastly, I'm going to read...

just because the cover is pretty. Keep in mind, this is how I chose Wednesday Letters by Jason Wright and it is now what I read every year one week before Thanksgiving.

Moving... again

2011-01-31T10:26:00.000-08:00

A while ago I blogged about a letter our leasing office gave us stating that our community was being remodeled and that we should begin a search for some other place to live. Well that time was April 2011. As the deadline approaches, I'm finding myself more and more annoyed, anxious, irritated, afraid, unsure, overwhelmed and anything other adjective along this vein you can think of. the Senator on the other hand!? Cool as a cucumber; and it's driving me up a wall.

Just the other night we talked quiet a bit about my fears, why I was having them, and decided to spend everyday for the next 6 months saving. Since our home buying program is so awesome and we just need to prove our responsibility, we decided that was plenty of time. We decided that renting another year (365) would be all we needed to get our file nice and solid with NACA, save, and search for a home. So, tell me why when I asked dear, sweet, Senator this am a question regarding the matter, he gave me the original answer to the original plan and claimed he did not "process the conversation" the way "I" thought he did. What the Hell, dude!? We've started from ground zero!?

I hate it. I hate it. I hate it. He makes me so angry sometime. Now he won't commit to finding and applying to rent some place for whatever reason he's come up with in his head. I don't want to talk to him, but I have to because we need to discuss this. *Opening up my heart and allowing you to see past the anger* I'm sad and afraid. I feel like he wants us to wait until the last minute to do something that I know we will need more time to plan for. I'm afraid we will have to end up moving back in with his parents. I'm afraid he is trying to put us in an impossible situation so we have no choice but to surrender to his parents suggestions because we will have no place to go. I'm afraid we will be stranded, homeless, ugh! ugh! ugh!.... I'm pissed because I believe he doesn't listen to me. I think he thinks I'm a nag and spastic, and I just want him to trust "us". We are capable of making decisions for ourselves w/o the influence of others, namely his parents. Plus I believe they think we're poor and struggling, and the last thing I want is for us to have to move back in with them. That year we lived with O. I spent more time crying and embarrassed, and upset that I ever have in my entire life. I felt like they were judging us. I know they are viscous people, by no means at all.... I just know they love the Senator and sometime I feel like they think I've ruined him in some way. *sad face. sigh*

I just want us to come to a conclusion that is best for the both of us. I want him to trust our decision and not go back and forth. I want to feel secure in the fact that if he and I decide something, I know it is settled. Period. *closing the door to my heart*

That is all

Bad cold

2011-01-24T19:50:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was on the phone with my mother chatting. She inquired about my cold. Here goes the convo:

Me: *sniffling and congested* "hey"

Mom: "how are you feeling?"

Me: eh.

Mom: "you taking anything"

Me: "theraflu"

Mom: "what you need to do is do what I used to do for you when you were little"

Me: "what's that"

Mom: "i used to give you Triaminic about three times a week just to kind of boost your immune system"

Me: silence.

That is all

A Social Network Christmas

2010-12-26T22:22:00.000-08:00

We're back on track! ... hopefully

2010-12-26T20:47:00.000-08:00

Tonight for dinner I made Thon A' La Provencale *typing in a french tone of voice*. Translated: Tuna or Swordfish steaks w/ Wine, Tomatoes, and Herbs.

get The Full Recipe... plus pictures!

Home Buying #fail

2010-12-26T20:11:00.001-08:00

So as you may know, the Senator and I are oh-so-close to completing the process with our home buying program. We have to save roughly $5k. We had over half, BUT it's gone now. Most of it went to MVA administrative fees and the cities of New Carrollton and Riverdale. What we had left, we paid some other bills. I feel like such a failure. I feel like every time we get close, something pops up and we get set back once again. This time the pressure is indeed on, though. We have to move out by April, and as far as plans look, I don't see us moving into our first home. It's so stressful... I can't bear to even think of the other options that lie before us. Grant it. We won't be completely homeless, we can rent again, but how feasible will that be!? I was hoping we would be at least 3-6 months out (i.e. looking at homes) and have all the logistics out of the way. Every day I sit down and attempt to get the budget in order, find out the exact number we need to save, organize receipts, pay overdue medical bills, upload pay stubs, blah, blah, blah.... and I get overwhelmed and quit. I can't help to believe this is the universe's way of letting me know that though I desire to own a home, I'm just not disciplined enough. Period. Now the only hard part about that is accepting that fact.

I've been asked to make Christmas Dessert!

2010-12-24T13:05:00.000-08:00

Every year for the past 2 or 3 years the Senator and I have been invited to our Pastor & his wife's home for Christmas dessert. This year, I was asked to bring dessert. This request has everything to do with the fact that I began a cooking challenge a few months ago and have made a pretty decent impression upon these folks. So this year, confident in my cooking/baking skills, I want to do something great for dessert.

Chocolate Peppermint Tarts w/ Currants and Berries

Triple-Chocolate Peppermint Trifle

Chocolate-Pistachio Torte

Chocolate Cake w/ Snowy Meringue

Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Ginger Bread Cookie Trees

Chocolate-Peppermint Cake

Triple-Chocolate Cheesecake

In cases like this... time is of the essence. I've given up on trying to play it safe. Cooking/Baking mistakes make for good holiday stories. I'll let you know what I decide and will recruit the Senator to take photos of my steps and progress.

Merry Christmahaunakwanzaka!

Things have C-H-A-N-G-E-D!

2010-11-29T06:02:00.000-08:00

On November 19, I fired my client. Since about a week after I started, It had been an on-going battle with the two of us. Though he was never there, he was still.... there. After several weeks of deliberation, prayer, and a smidgen of fasting, I decided to give my letter of resignation. Surprisingly, I was relieved. I could not explain the weight lifted off my shoulders as I handed owner-of-small-vosb my letter and said in a small, yet firm tone "I told you I'd have a decision to you by today". I don't know what he was thinking, except the look on his face when he had opened it and made an about-face (is that the correct term/spelling) back to my desk to say to me that "...we need to discuss this...". I can't explain why for any particular reason my contract with small vosb didn't work. I feel like it was a myriad of things. I had just come to the place in my life where I worked damn hard to build a business to serve people, and I can't, I mean just can't stand to be in a place where I"m moving toward those particular goals. Does that sound smug, I don't know.

I mean, one day soon, in the near future, we'll be having kids and I just don't want to be someplace chasing money, ... I want to contribute to society and build my company resume, but not at the cost of my psychological sanity. I told my therapist, and for a hot second I placed her in a parental position, even though I know she's completely objective (or tries to be anyway). Now, the hunt is on for a new contract. Something that really offers my flexibility.

What Have I been Up To!?

2010-11-17T05:57:00.000-08:00

I know it's been 2 weeks and 1 day since my last post and I'm sorry. I've been a bad blogg-y. I have however been cooking, just not posting about it. I know. Thanks to Pam over at For the Love of Cooking, I recently discovered a new way that I want to post my cooking journey. That said, I will need to take some time and gather all the recepies I've cooked so far and adjust.

So, please be patient. I promise you'll like it.

Tuesday Night

2010-11-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

Today I got up early and VOTED. I still haven't changed my address from our very first residence over three years ago so I didn't have to go far. Afterwards, I dropped the Senator off to catch the metro and then headed to work to do a bit of online shopping. I think I may have developed a small shopping addiction. I literally searched all day for something to purchase including my trip to Wally-World at 745 am this morning (the stop I made before going to work and getting online). I wasn't successful online, however I did find some pretty cool buys at Target after work. It was superb because the Senator got off early to VOTE and O picked him up and took him home.

I got this cardigan, except in the sequence of Fall-ish colors (brown, yellow, orange, etc.)

This cardigan in black. It was on the sale rack and I got it for less than $10. SCORE!

This blouse. Yes, it's Maternity. So. What!?

This top. Again. Maternity.

Another cardigan I can't find a photo for, but the details are:

item #: 9015037543

SS Cardigan/Cream

Clearance $11.48

I've lost significant weight, over 7 pounds since I started going into the office everyday. I don't know what that's about, but I like it. They shut down our gym across the hall so I'll have to find another outlet for getting my exercise in. Maybe I'll order P90X or something. the Senator and I can do that together. Right!? My concern is, I like being between a size 6 and 8. I just don't want a flabby stomach. I don't want to have to buy an entirely new wardrobe, not matter how insane that sounds, I like my clothes and it's much easier to add a piece here and there versus beginning all over again. Right now, my sexy jeans from Ann Taylor, size 8, are fitting loose and my suit pants and literally sagging in the crotch. Not cute.

Tomorrow boss man of small vosb and I are meeting to discuss some issues I'm having with the position. I complained so much about it to my therapist and my husband and now that I've finally gotten a meeting with him, I'm afraid I don't know what to say. These are the things that are important to me. My spiritual growth, my family, my career. I sacrificed my W.E.L.L group for this contract in high hopes to gain phenomenal experience in it's place. I now realize that was a mistake. I should have negotiated a work-from-home day or not have agreed to work full-time. Another issue is I came in with hopes to hone and enhance my skills in sales and admin consulting. I feel like I'm being groomed to become a sales woman. I don't like this. Even thought boss lady of small vosb has given me an excel project I'm still not fully walking in the roll I was hired for. I feel mislead and deceived. I was very open and honest about what I wanted and I thought boss man and boss lady of small vosb understood, but obviously, I got taken and sold on a pipe dream. Unless I nip this in the bud now, I will find myself stressed, depressed, and right back where I was when I worked in health care as a medical secretary. I have too much at stake and can not. I repeat. CANNOT afford a lapse. Ya dig!? Monday night I was so out of it, I came home from my doctors appointment, put on my night clothes and laid on the couch. the Senator begged me to watch a movie with him, but I went to sleep. I got over 9 hours of sleep last night and woke up feeling..... better. Much better. So much better that I went in and requested a meeting. I feel like it will go well. I've decided that the only thing I can do to is confront it. Crawling into my hole of depression is so not a good look.... It's crazy because this (this moment right here, right now) is the first time I've said [typed] aloud my issues with depression. I mean, I have tendencies to go into deep holes and not a soul knows the difference. Not even hubby. Let's face it. Depression is lonely and I just don't like to be alone anymore. When I'm struggling, I want someone there to help me and the only way is to deal with it head on and find healthy outlets like cooking, W.E.L.L groups, therapy, etc.

This song has been my healing for the past day and a half.

Speaking of cooking, I'm not slacking. Right now I will sleep, but my plan is to rise early in the AM and cook pork loin with mushrooms and take that for lunch. Tomorrow night is my girlfriend A's b-day happy hour. We're meeting for drinks and that's always fun. Good girlfriends, good wine, Good Night.

Cupcake Trial 1: #Fail

2010-10-31T19:53:00.000-07:00

I just spent the last 2 hours learning 2 very important lessons.

1) Know what you can and cannot substitute when baking. I believe that baking is one of those things that when doing it, principles like measurements and ingredients are things that cannot be edited. As you will recall. I am making cupcakes for SIL's surprise baby shower this Saturday. I decided to do a trial run (I know now that it will take a few trial runs). I found the cupcakes that I want to mimic, except I'd rather not use food coloring and I really don't like the traditional icing. Since I know SIL is a health nut/med-surge nurse/choco-holic, I wanted to do a cupcake that would meet her needs and not send her or the guests into a sugar coma. So. I read an article recently that said you could use blueberries as a substitute for the color of the icing. Part 1a. of lesson one. Read how-to articles in their entirety. Don't. I repeat. Don't assume.

2) Always test on a loved one & since they are programmed (most of them) to be kind. Push the limits. I had the Senator test the cupcakes and at first he was so afraid to tell me they sucked (my words, not his). Here's goes the convo:

Me: "Taste!" Senator: *biting into the cupcake* "Not bad." *looking up to the left at nothing* Me: "Well!?" Senator: *glaring at me w/ deer-in-headlights look* "it's good" Me: "Okay" Senator: "Ummm, flavor." Me: "flavor?" Senator: "Flavor. The flavor is off. It's good..... but." Me: "But what!?" Senator: "The blueberries. It makes it...." Me: "I feel like I"m not getting good feed back."

This type of strenuous, tortuous, conversation went on for the better half of my baking experiment. Finally, he comes into the kitchen and says to me "it's the Jell-O pudding. It makes is weird and not cake-y like a cupcake. You can't substitute the coco for Jell-O pudding mix. You need, coco powder." "Thank you", I said. "That was just what I needed to know".

The aforementioned statement leads me to my bonus lesson for the evening. JELL-O pudding mix, is not the same a coco powder. Period.

Cupcakes: On 2nd thought

2010-10-31T16:47:00.000-07:00

I think I will do a variation of these

Minus the cake on the top and the sugar mommy-to-be. Since I don't like icing. I will make chocolate cupcakes with pale blue vanilla creme and chocolate creme. Not only will they go nice with her marble cake, but they play into the theme as well. If I can find little chocolate bears to dress the top of the cupcakes, that would be perfect! I think I'm going out now to get some basics to do a trial run.

Weekend Recap

2010-10-31T16:16:00.000-07:00

This past weekend the Senator and I spent the three days and two nights at the Nemacolin Woodlans Golf Resort . It was bliss. The weather was great, the company was awesome, and the time off with one another was the icing on the cupcakes. I do enjoy when we get an opportunity to spend time together. I come home refreshed and ready to tackle anything. Which may come in handy tomorrow at the office.

If you follow me on twitter you know that I have named my co-workers, cowrkr1, cowrkr2, cowrkr3, etc. Cowrkr1 and 2 both work in the same office with me and cowrkr3 works in the office down the hall. Last Tuesday cowrkr1 came to work with some kind of cough-flu-germ-thing. After much debate, she decided it was best to go to the doctors. Later that day she was ambitious enough to call and let us know that her doctor had diagnosed her with bronchitis. This nominated her to two days off. She came back on Friday, still not well. Not because she had gotten worse, but because she had spent $120 on medicine she DID NOT TAKE for reasons I will choose not to disclose, as I can certain they will open a can of religious worms I would rather not deal with. Cowrkr2 and myself inquired if she was well which sparked an entirely different side of her. This side came with lots of yelling and slamming of doors in the office, followed by her abruptly abandoning her desk and job once again. Cowrkr2 was sure she had shot herself in the foot, but I was not deceived. She was coming back. I could feel it. Sure enough not even an hour later, we get an email from boss man stating that cowrkr1 would be in on Monday. I expect we'll have a meeting of some sort and I'm determined that I will no longer become frustrated with these people. It's my job to go in, be awesome, gain the experience I'm looking to gain for my company portfolio and in time, roll out. My last comment on the matter is. It is not my company. It is boss man's.

This coming Saturday, MIL, SIL's mom (Step-FIL's ex-wife), BIL's gf, D, and myself are all planning to surprise SIL with a baby shower. I'm making cupcakes. Since beginning my cooking challenge, I honestly feel I can do anything. This weekend while watching my ritual Cooking Channel, Gidia of Everyday Italian made cupcakes filled with strawberry cream. SIL's baby shower cake is marble. She is a chocoholic and I was thinking of making marble cupcakes. What do you think? I hope for them to look something like this

(photo credit)

I want to make my own icing. I will do a trial run and take them to the office. Any other ideas?

FLAMBE' O-Lay!

2010-10-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

Last night I flambe'-ed Beef Tenderloins with Peppercorn sauce. It was delicious. We didn't eat it all as it was late and we still had left overs from Sunday's Bruschetta. I had to drown it in Brandy and flambe' it. That's right. Me. Flambe'. I don't have to tell you I was absolutely terrified. Here's one thing that made me a bit upset. The recipe does not tell you that before flambe'-ing you must drain all your juices (i.e. grease) from your pan. It does not tell you that if you don't take this very important step you will end up with a grease fire that can only be extinguished with baking soda or an extinguisher. Either of the two will ruin your entire meal, let alone your stove and possible kitchen. If I had not had the Senator google flambe', had I been alone at home, or had I just been plain oblivious. I would have had a bit of a mess on my hands. Anyway. I got through it and made the most delicious steaks my taste buds have ever tasted.

This was the Peppercorn sauce I made to go over the steak. It's freshly crushed peppercorn, salt, 1/2 c. of heavy cream, 2 small shallots, 2 c. of chicken stock, and the left over grease from the steak pan.

We cut a small piece and had to taste. It was H-E-A-V-E-N

I've been so happy since beginning this challenge. I just can't believe how well it's starting and I have such high hopes for where this will take me. Today at work all I could think about was coming home, putting on my apron and cooking. If I could wear my apron all day at my desk I would. No kidding. Seriously. Who knew cooking could bring about such joy!? Is that fat girl talk? I don't know let me know. I don't even let work bother me. I feel as if anything can happen (within reason) as long as I get to come home and create in the kitchen, I'm okay.

I hope this feeling never fades and my love for food and cooking only grows. I hope it becomes so big that it consumes me and this feeling becomes something greater, something better, something passionate and beautiful that I can share with others and make a difference.

I hope. I hope. I hope.

I'm really enjoying this

2010-10-24T14:36:00.000-07:00

Today for lunch/dinner I made Bruschetta w/ sweet and spicy sausage(s). It was delicious. I used the recipe from Julia and Julia. You remember the scene in the movie when Julie and her husband Eric were sitting at the table. She was talking about her job and he was devouring the bruschetta and they decided there that Julie should begin the Julie Julia project. I had planned and still will make Beef Tenderloin w/ Red Peppercorn sauce tonight.

I was so excited and impressed with how easy it was to make. You begin with fresh vined (or heirloom) tomatoes

Dice the tomatoes into chunks and place them in a bowl. Add fresh torn basil and a generous amount of olive oil until it looks like this

And smells divine. Let the tomatoes sit and marinate at room temperature for at least an hour. After 45 minutes, slice your bread and pan fry it with olive oil. At this point you will want to season your tomatoes with salt and pepper. The salt allows the tomato juices to be released and it is absolutely heavenly. When your bread is browned plate it and put your tomatoes on top and Wa-La! You've got Bruschetta.

It is absolutely delicious with sausage but can be eaten alone. Hubbs loved it. He literally housed it. This has absolutely become the start of something great. :)

Almond Crusted Halibut & Fresh Berry Tarts

2010-10-23T19:04:00.001-07:00

So if you're looking for the Almond Crusted Halibut, I forgot to take a picture. Sorry. I also made Fresh Berry tarts. Let me give you the quick story as to why they are shaped like hearts and lips and not the traditional tart. the Senator spent all afternoon searching for tart trays and he could not find any. So that left me to improvise. All I had was Love-themed cookie cutters and a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

My girls came over and dinner and it was so fun. After all the food, all the dessert, and all the wine. We sat around, watched House Party, and made up dances. Good times.

Warm Salmon Salad Nicoise

2010-10-22T20:22:00.001-07:00

Today began my food challenge which you can read about here. I've challenged myself to cook 524 recipes in 365 days. So far we're off to a rough however extremely delicious start. Since my book has yet to arrive, I had to google recipes from Mastering the Art of French Cooking and print from the web. This was fine except instead of preparing properly (i.e. printing my first 10 recipes, and making a list of the ingredients ahead of time) the Senator and I spent the better part of the evening at the local Farmer's Market and Giant almost killing one another gathering ingredients. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. We finally got home around 8:45/9:00pm and I still had to unpack all the bags, put everything away, and clean the kitchen because who can cook in a dirty kitchen? Not I. Just as I was preparing counter space, to slice and dice my garlic and shallots, the dish washer began to literally flood the kitchen floor. This added more weight to the already huge elephant in the room. Senator called maintenance and he came down to fix it. Did I mention that we were supposed to be house sitting for MIL this weekend? Did I hear you just ask me why we are still home and it's 11:37pm at night? Well, it's because on top of us bickering, we're also exhausted. OH! and I burned my foot really badly just because I thought it would be cool. Just kidding. It was a horrible accident involving my salmon filets and 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil. I've always been afraid of the stove and things that snap, crackle, and pop.

I finally got rolling in the kitchen around 9:45pm. I was/am determined to complete this challenge. De-Termined. It wasn't that bad. The recipe serves 4. Active time 45 minutes [2hours for moi]. We've got two 5 oz pieces of salmon left over and some potatoes. When it was time to eat, Hubbs was good and ready. It wasn't until I tried to engage him in conversation between him shoving food in his mouth that I realized he didn't have an attitude, he was effing hungry! He loved it. He ate all of his and mine. We talked about how I could cook this meal for family & friends, and he said he would eat it again. Take a moment and check out the menu on the left side of my blog. I'd love to have company, if you feel like cooking any of the recipes. We could compare notes/experiences. Just as I'm typing I'm trying to decide if I want to take the time to list all the steps for this meal. Seeing as I will have to do this for each and every dish I cook from now until the challenge is over. I think I'll list it's ingredients for you and give you a link. How does that sound? Please say yes, or else I'll have to sit up and type all those words and I just don't feel like it..... Thanks, I knew you'd understand.

~Warm Salmon Salad Nicoise~

Serves 4

Active Time 45 mins

Total Time 1 hr

~Preparing Your Mise en Place~

(I don't know what this means, by the way)

8 small Yukon gold potatoes (I used Russet)

1 tsp table salt - for potatoes

28 green beans

1 tsp table salt - for beans

2 cloves fresh garlic

2 small shallots

1 tbsp fresh chives

2 tbsp fresh basil

4 oz. hearty salad

~Making the Vinaigrette~

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1/4 tsp table salt (0r to taste)

1/8 tsp freshly cracked pepper (or to taste)

6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

~Cooking & Serving the Salad~

2 large eggs

1/2 tsp table salt - for eggs

2 large tomatoes

16 Kalamata or Nicoise olives

1/4 cup olive oil

salt (to taste) freshly cracked Pepper (to taste)

20 oz. salmon (four 5-ounce filets)

Bon appe'tit!

HOLY QVC Batman!

2010-10-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

First let me say I feel extremely foolish for sleeping on QVC all this time. That being said. It is officially safe to say "We've Created a MONSTER". During lunch I was telling my dear sweet co-worker3, C about this challenge I'm about to do. As we were gushing over sites like Walmart mobile, Amazon, and Overstock. M, (boss lady of anonymous vosb) walks by and we instantly, simultaneously call her in to inquire about what type of cookware she owns. She then prepares to drop on us the most profound piece of knowledge our [my] ear have ever heard.... QVC.

The both of us instantly pull up qvc.com on our mobile devices and begin searching. We found ALL TYPES OF GOODIES!!! Seriously. We literally looked at one another in astonishment, and then at M as if to say "if you weren't the boss lady, you'd be cool enough to join our little club". We spent the rest of our lunch period (all of six minutes) making statements like "oooohhh! ahhhh! OMG!, look at this!." We made a pact to call one another when we got to our desks to share the loot we would purchase.

I figure since our newest addition and the latest challenge I have to have the appropriate tools. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it.)

~ These are my items ~

These AMAZING pots and pans

This Polka Dot cookware set in Yellow & White.

This Food Processor in red

And to document the entire process ...

This FujiFilm Camera

I'm so excited. I can't stand it! As promised here are the details of my cooking schedule.

524 recipes in 365 days. According to my math (please double check). I will need to cook 10 recipes every week. I figure I will do an entree' and dessert. What do you think? I've decided that Hubbs and I are the only ones getting fat during the challenge, I'm bringing food to the office as well.

Is anyone else as excited as I am!?!?!?!?!?!

Unlike any other Morning

2010-10-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

Usually in the morning when I rise, I try and begin preparing myself mentally for the day ahead. I may sing a praise or worship song, or nothing at all. This morning however was a bit different. Last night the Senator and I got a dining room table. It's the table we were promised when we first got married over three years ago. It's a family heirloom and we're pleased to have it. You have no idea. It brought so much joy to our hearts. Just think. We get to eat like civilized adults in our own home. (I know this is extreme but it's been a long time desire of ours and we didn't just "buy one" because there was not need to spend the $$$ if we had one coming) The table does not have original chairs so we got two to begin with, all from O, and now we get the pleasure of searching for a full set. This would qualify for the second thing we've bought together as a married couple.

Isn't it great!? In case you're wondering. I just had to eat on the minute they guys set it up so that is my child's glass of Sprite and spaghetti you see there and the TV changer.

This table brought back an old challenge I proposed some time back. I thought I had posted about it before, but when I went back to search for the post in preparation for this post I could not find it. However, do you remember the movie Julie and Julia? I'm sure you do. Well, when I first saw the movie this past winter, I told myself "I can totally do that". Of course my usual lazy side crept in and I did not get any of it done, but needless to say this table has brought a fresh inspiration. Today I purchased Mastering the Art of French Cooking on eBay for %19.49. My failr proof plan: I will go to the book store during lunch and copy the first 3-4 recipies so that I can begin this Friday. It is strange that I feel accomplished? I mean, consider my record/pattern. Those who know me best know that I will usually, watch a movie, get inspired, convince myself that I must do whatever the actors/actresses have done in the move, attempt it, soon figure out that it was just a movie, and move on.... Some how typing that last sentence didn't make me feel so good.

Anyway, I'm going to do it... this time.... again. I've committed myself to shopping only at the Farmers Market and I will do my shopping on Friday nights, because they close at 800pm and that works best with my schedule. I will write down the guidelines/rules for this challenge and share with you later. I'm still working on them. I've decided that many of the reasons why I don't complete a lot of the tasks that I begin is because I may have a mild learning disability. No kidding. My attention span is very short. This has given me comfort as I have embraced it. I mean at least I know what the issue is, right!? The other reason could just be an internal fear that I will fail and be labeled as a loser. OUCH! Yea, that seems more like the truth. Anyway, this challenge will not only yield my new recipes, but it will also force me to actually begin and finish something major. Just now I thought to myself "you complete things, think if your business,..." then I say in response to that thought " that's the only thing and I'm even considering bailing out of that!". Damn you, learning disability. Damn you! This challenge will force me to plan, and follow through. 8 followers, I want you to hold me totally accountable to this. I mean it. Comment if I slack just once on a recipe. And be firm. I will need it.

So....Cross your fingers. Wish me luck. I'm really going to do this

Weekend Recap & plans for the week

2010-10-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

Hubbs and I spent the weekend together and it was great. Our little getaway yeilded some very much needed rest and quality time.

It's Sunday now and we're back home. Hubbs is watching the game and I'm in the back lying among a pile of clothes contemplating my to do list that consist of things like

Laundry/Dry cleaning
Cleaning in general
Finishing my book, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.
Posting a listing on ForLeaseByOwner for my friend, Q. She's renting her condo and I'm helping her market it.
Preparing my powerpoint for this seminar of which I am a presenter.

By the way, T the coordinator/ceo of the company is so going to fire me and never let me present again. I'm so late on getting my info to her. It's ridiculous. Really. I'm seriously contemplating e-mailing her telling her that someone died or something so I can get out of it. Either that or not show up. Both of which are highly unacceptable. Just-plain-wrong. I'm sharing on the topic of how Veteran VA's can help Rookie VA's and live in one big happy world. In my mind, it's simple, ..... I"m just not sure I can relay the message as simply as it seems to be in my head. In fact, I'm sure I can't. If I could I'd have the presentation done by now.

Tomorrow is my friend, S's b-day party dinner at the Olive Tree. It's a really delicious grown-up version of Olive Garden. I'll be late as I have an appointment after work. I've been battling this awful headache all weekend, usually after I eat that along with creeping nausea. I'm so over it. It's happening now so instead of beginning my list, I'm surrendering and lying down to watch a movie on netflix. I can't deal. I just want to fall asleep and wake up and all be done. You ever feel like that?

Hello, Weekend

2010-10-15T14:28:00.001-07:00

Make it a great weekend everyone. It's supposed to be a nice one. Hubbs and I will be spending some time away together. I plan to hopefully get knocked up. Lol!

Talk to you Monday.

Today I realized....

2010-10-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

that I need to treat myself better. I'm not sure how this translates, but what I mean is I need to feed the academic side of me, stop being afraid to be awesome, and research and do things that I know will enhance my overall person. Occasionally, we get magazines in the mail from PGCC (Prince George's Community College). They have a Workforce Development/Continuing Education Program and basically what it does is allows you to... well, continue you your education. So I've decided to take the following courses.

Sub-contracting with the government

Notary Public Procedures

Government Contracting ~ Marketing

Marketing Notoral Public Services

Contracting with the State and County

Administrative Assistant Fundamentals

Advance Notoral Procedures

Writing your Life Story

All together these classes will cost me $450 overtime. I'm quite pleased with this, considering I'll receive CEU credits that I can claim on my professional resume.

MIL and I are planning a surprise baby shower for SIL. Well, more MIL than me. My role consists of her sharing ideas with me and me doing what she asks me to. Which is just fine. She's got such an awesome brain the planning events and I so don't. I do love the time we get to spend together, though. Bonus.

I've decided today that despite my rocky beginning on this new contract at vosb. I can TOTALLY stay at this place for the length of time I'm supposed to. Needless to say, I feel good for being able to a) build my businesses resume b) gain experience and c) make some consistent monies. This works well b/c Hubbs and I want to purchase two new cars. Not at the same time but one-at-a-time and THIS. I've decided that if we don't buy a house and have to rent again, that I would like to rent a house or large condo. I want to get used to living in those types of quarters. I want a garden. I want to cook out on the deck. I want. I want. I want. Damn-it!

Fall is HERE!!!!!! And I'm in L-O-V-E

I love this kind of weather. It is my favorite time of year. From now until mid-April is when I am the happiest and coldest. But the bonus is I get to wrap up in all the coolest of apparel. I'm in the midst of putting together my Fall Collection. Not to worry, I'll be back to share.

Date Night & Random Thoughts

2010-10-13T17:07:00.001-07:00

Right now, the Senator and I are in the same room with in two very different places. He's all into his laptop (the mistress) and I'm into my book. Wednesday is supposed to be about us coming together but we've gotten so off track. I am not angry or anything. Honest. I just.... well, I don't know what I want really. Sometimes I have great elaborate plans for date night, and other times I feel like I'm just glad to have him around and not away. He's a great hubby. Dedicated, full of integrity, sensitive, nurturing, protective, blah blah blah....

What ever happened to my plans of going to seminary and becoming an Old Testament scholar/professor? Do I still want to do this? Why do I want to go back to school? Can I just be a self taught scholar? How would I even begin this process? I stopped studying for the GRE while I was in AK and had the intentions of beginning a new schedule when I came home. Instead, I became consumed with finding work and "contributing" that I threw my academic ambitions to the side and have not looked back except to kick myself and call myself everything that mean failure. I don't know why I'm so hard on myself. Really. It old.

My apartment is a sty. Literally. A sty. At one moment in my life I thrived on cleanliness and now I find myself just as content with stepping over the balled up pile of clothes on the floor or washing the fork and plate I need instead of doing the entire load. Or the worst. Buying the boy new underwear instead of aligning myself and my schedule to do a load each night or something intelligent like that. I just don't feel like it these days. Seriously. There isn't anyone looking over my shoulder, and I'm not going to get into trouble if I don't 'clean my room'. The flip side is I do adore a clean, perfectly decorated abode. But... what are you gonna do.

Dinner

2010-10-12T18:07:00.000-07:00

I got sick today at work. Not like oops!-i'm-pregnant-sick, but more like i-caught-someone's-cold-at-work sick. I hate those by the way. I swear it's the grossest thing. Anyway, I bailed out of all my responsibilities this evening and decided to cook myself some soup and the rest of my veggies I bought at the Farmer's Market this past Friday. One day while I was home watching the Cooking Channel, Stormie somebody or 'nother, made these Greek looking meat rolls. I was literally drooling. I don't know the official name for them so I shall call them "Kale meat rolls".

Kale Meat Rolls

1 bunch of greens (collard, kale, etc. Whatever your choice)

1 lb. of Ground Turkey

3/4 of a White Onion

salt, pepper, & any random seasoning

Fill a large pot half way with water and bring to a boil. Clean and cut the green leafs from the stem and place in the pot. Season the water with the greens with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you desire. Boil for 5-12 minutes or until greens are limp. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In a small bowl season 1 lb. of ground turkey with salt, pepper, and random seasonings. Once the greens are done boiling, take one leaf and place on a flat surface and then take a medium size pinch of meat and place in the center of the leaf. Fold the leaf around the meat starting with the sides and finishing by rolling. Take a second leaf and wrap around the first. Complete this step until all the meat and leafs are used.

Cover with foil and cook in the oven for 45 minutes or until meat is completely cooked.

Next I made home made chicken soup. It was friggin Yum. I was so proud of myself.

I sauteed some fresh spinach and sat down to have a meal while watching the SVU marathon.

Weekend with the Kiddies

2010-10-11T06:17:00.000-07:00

This past weekend the Senator and I had the kiddies. Our God-children. I was quite and adventure and in the words of the Senator an "eye opener". We began our weekend with the local Carnival

I'll say this now so you don't have to read me repeat it throughout this entire post. We watched Cars and Monsters Inc. 5 times a day, each. No kidding. So from now on when I say "the usual" this is what I mean. After Friday night's festivities, we commenced with "the usual".

Saturday was another day and with it came a perpetual feeling of exhaustion. We went to Larriland Farms out in Howard County for a day filled with pumpkins, laughs, cries, and anything else you can imagine.

We totally got an 'A plus' in their books for this day. We did so well, I slept all the way home. After a nap swap off. Hubbs and I were so pathetic, we walked down to the park at the end of our apartment neighborhood and let them rip and run and play. It was also there that we painted the pumpkins.

In inscription is my handy work. The artists did everything else.

Saturday night was filled with the usual, but with a little more structure. We got back to the around 630 pm

Had bath-time

Dinner by 730 pm and promised they could finish one "usual" movie. At 850 pm I sent little Ms. J to bed, turned on the smooth jazz channel, got young Mstr. J his nightly sippy-cup of "monk" which translates to "milk" in adult terms and rocked him to sleep. Which only took about five minutes, since he had run a muck all weekend. I love it when my plans work out in my head and in real life. I ended the night with snuggling with the Senator on the couch and saying out loud... "I can totally do this".

Because Saturday night was structured, we had a pretty decent Sunday morning. We have to be at church really early and we live a solid 25 minutes away. So our usual 630 awakening had to to be pushed to 600 so we could feed the kids. They were still amazed with the fish.

book club

2010-09-28T19:54:00.001-07:00

I've been searching for quiet some time for a book club. I think I've found it.

I still have to finish Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. My new book club begins it's new book on October 3rd, so of course I'm going to place myself on an impossible time crunch to try and get EPL done by then. I think I can do it though. I mean, It's a pretty easy read. I'll just take it to the office and read it during lunch or something.

Random Rants & Rave's:

1. Work is still amazing... and by "amazing" I mean, it's amazing me how much I learn each day about myself and this new industry.

2. Baby fever is in high gear. Though I'm not sure why. I told myself and anyone else who would listen that I wanted to stay home with my kids.... and still do. I think. Now that I'm working again, I kind of feel like I can do the 'working-mom' thing and be okay with it. Since beginning therapy, I'm not so paranoid about receiving help.

3. I want to blog more

4. I have not worked out in over two almost three weeks and tomorrow I'm getting back in the gym. I know my legs will itch and burn, but for the past week I've had an insane amount of sugar everyday and I know I've gained back my 2.5lbs that I lost. I was so proud.

5. As a result of #4, I'm going on a no sweets diet. I made Chicken Corn Chowder Sunday night to buy myself some time. I need to clip my coupons from all my Sunday papers I've got stacked up since before I went to AK. Then I need to make a grocery list. I want to purchase my groceries from the Farmer's Market this time, but they don't open until Thursday and by the time I leave the office, their closed. Drama. If I wait until Saturday, I'll be forced to eat unhealthy and that will also force me into breaking my rule of no sweets before I can even begin good.

6. This concludes 'Random Rants & Raves'.

no pics, but a great joke & the rest of my week

2010-09-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

Joke: Momma Tomato, Poppa Tomato, and Baby Tomato were walking down the street. Baby Tomato was lagging behind and Poppy Tomato was getting frustrated. Finally, Poppa Tomato turned around and squashed Baby Tomato and said.... Ketchup. Ketchup.

The rest of my week: Tuesday was an even bigger whirlwind. Since I'll be entering into this particular job placement as an Independent Contractor, there's a little thing called an Independent Contractor Agreement. Their a pain, but necessary. So, I've learned to appreciate them. Anyway, the owners of 'vosb' called me away from my desk to discuss the agreement. This led to renegotiation which led to...

Wednesday: I entered into 'vosb' expecting to settle the agreement, but that didn't happen. I could not help but get frustrated. I mean, seriously. I'm basically working for free because the agreement isn't signed. I will say one thing though, in our meeting on Tuesday the paper work all noted a start date of 9/20 which is the date I plan to note on my invoice when I bill them on 10/1.

Thursday: By now I had given up and decided that if they weren't calling me to the side to send me home I may as well stop worrying. I got to know my co-workers a bit more and found myself settling in quiet nicely. I combed through my customer list, made my phone calls, sent my e-mails and did anything else I was required to do. By the time...

Friday: rolled around. I was into it and ready for the weekend. At 5:30 on Friday I was feeling nothing less than exhausted, but more than pleased with myself. Yes, that's right. I was -H-A-P-P-Y.

Besides my home looking like a mack truck hit it, the Senator and I having no groceries (I haven't been shopping since my surgery), and, well, we bought new underwear because we haven't done laundry since the devil was a boy. Often times I find myself wondering why I chose this avenue for my business. Choosing a full-time gig that is. I don't come up with anything exceptionally intelligent, I just trust it's the best thing I could do for my hubbs and I and how choosing this helps meet our needs. Then I feel better. I'm confident I did the right thing. Yea. I'm sure.

my week thus far Pt. I

2010-09-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

as i mentioned before. my consulting company won a contract with another company whom shall remain anonymous and will from now on be referred to 'vosb'. i got the call last wednesday that 'vosb' wanted me to come on board. all i had to do was write up an agreement send it over to them to memoralize our verbal agreement and when i arrived on monday I would come with the more concrete version. I was so excited. I immediately called hubbs to tell him the good news. Consultkmg had won it's first BIG CONTRACT and we were moving forward.

my experience with writing up agreements had been limited to small projects. nothing as big as 36-months, which is what my agreement is with 'vosb'. this is good for two reason. one) i've got time to hone my skills in sales, admin, and consulting. two) i'm guaranteed a paycheck for 36-months. bonus) hubbs and i are going back to NACA on 10/8 and we can happily report two incomes along with the fact that we've paid off the debt they asked us to back in April. Anyhoo, I got to work of the initial agreement and sent it over. The next day I followed up to be sure vosb had received it, and they had no record, but would check and get back to me. this would be the beginning of the longest negotiation of my entrepreneurial career.

vosb would try my patience and in just two days, push me to my emotional max. if i knew then, what I know now. i think. would my company still be employed?

to be continued.

Sweet Rest, Sheba.

2010-09-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

Today, MIL, Grand-MIL, AuntIL, and I posted up at PG Stadium for the PennySaver Super Yard Sale. This is the only thing I have to report

Sheba. Sweet Rest. U were more 2 me than just a chair.

Project Get Pregnant (???)

2010-09-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

First let me say that I'm not sure if this is what I called this phase of my life. It's 12:04am and I'm too lazy to check my log to see. Anyway, I was over a fellow blog-buddy, Mrs. Jetplane's spot reading about her progress for C25K. Mrs. Jetplane, I didn't mention this in my comment, but what a sweet hubby you have to keep you encouraged. I mentioned that part of your post to the Senator and he told me that he was proud of me and that I should know it. He also told me that he believes that when one receives too much encouragement then one will get the impression they can slack up. So in a effort to keep me on track, he refrained from giving me too much support or showing me too much excitement. Let me just say that just as I was forming my mouth to say "that's the biggest load of shyt I have ever heard", he told me that he was planning to send me an e-card expressing his joy and pride for me. So. I refrained.... I still thought it though.

While I was over at the Jetplanes updating Mrs. Jetplane on my status, I realized I had not done the same for my own 7 readers. So. Here goes.

Chronicle Readers: K. How are you doing with [unconfirmed] 'Project Get Pregnant'?
The Chronicler: I'm glad you asked. I'm doing well. I feel so torn down and just tired, but good at the same time. Make sense? I'll be going into week three by the weekend (this is because I've repeated week 2 over again). I've been running on the treadmill. my chest doesn't hurt as bad and I can last longer AND I don't need to hit my inhaler, which is something I hate doing. Not only are my side rolls gone, but I've knocked off 2.5 lbs. For those of you who are doing the C25K, Are you doing any additional workouts (weights, cycling, elliptical, etc)? I was thinking of investing in new running shoes myself, but don't know if it's a need or a want. So until that is clear, I'll be staying with my current. Here they are. Should they stay or go?

bad mood

2010-09-13T18:45:00.001-07:00

today i was expecting a call from a company/organization i interviewed with last week Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. all three interviews/meetings went extremely well which gave me great hope that I would be getting the position. especially since the cfo whom I met with on Friday all but told me i got it. Well, they didn't call and I was, to say the least, upset. I even called this morning to follow-up/show initiative and they still didn't call back. i don't know, maybe since quitting my job and dedicating myself and time to ministry, God is saying i'm not welcome in the working world again. I just don't get it. as a result of being stood up, I was in a bad mood all afternoon. It wasn't until I decided to get up clean the bathroom and plan dinner that i started to feel better. tonight I made general t-s-o with a 'k'. we bought Worcestershire sauce but some how left it at the store so we ended up with sweet and orange chicken over rice. the Senator liked it so i'll keep it.

After dinner I settled down with a glass of wine, my new cook book, my macbook, and netflix. After I finish blogging, i'm going to do some research on how I can burn two hundred calories with out getting on that treadmill across the hall. I lost 2.5 lbs by the way. I'm so excited. i noticed my side rolls were gone the other week. this C25K is a great addition. i think I'll cycle.... or not.

Shoe shopping Pt. 2

2010-09-09T20:23:00.000-07:00

These set of shoes were my favorite, as I ended up going with the pair fourth from the top, second from the bottom. Like-y?

Shoe shopping Pt. 1

2010-09-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

After my interview/meeting today that went very well by the way, I decided to hit the shoe store. I had a bit of time to kill since the Senator had to be at church at 5 and I didn't need to be there until 7:30. I decided to make it a big event. I love shoes. I love trying on shoes. I love looking at my feet in shoes. It makes me happy.

we're being evicted BUT i've got good news

2010-09-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday the Senator and I were exiting our apartment home in route to our vehicle. We had planned to go the Great Falls National Park. Read more about our trip here. Sitting on the step of our building was a gentleman. He was upset. Of course, guess who was quick to strike up a convo with the man? the Senator. I of course wasn't interested. Later the Senator told me that our apartment homes officials were sending notices stating residents had to vacate due to a planned renovation. I quickly and confidently replied, "that's crazy. their not going to throw away money like that". Well... apparently, they are. Today as I was leaving our apartment to go to my 11 o'clock meeting a was welcomed with this

Dear Resident,

"... the transformation of our community will begin this fall with approximately 100 apartments. ... The next phase of construction will likely begin in May. It is possible that we will send notice tothe remainder of the community to vacate by April 30, 2011 [7 months from now] ..."

The letter goes on to state that they won't be charging us anything for damages done to the apartment and they will prorate rent for those residents that have to vacate. They gave us a FAQ letter to help answer any questions we may have. Some FAQ

Where can I go? We aren't recommending where to go, but we are in the process of contacting communities in the area to develop a special stremlined relocation program that likely will include reduced application fees and security deposits and short lease terms. What if I can't find a place to move? Continuing to live in your apartment is NOT an option as all central systems including utilities and heat/air conditioning will be disconnected. Can I just move into a new apartment [in the same community]? Unfortunately not. The second phase of construction will require the remaining apartments in the community to be vacated. It is likely that these will be vacated prior to the completion of the new apartments.

They were oh-so-kind as to give us a "Notice to Vacate", just in case we wanted to go any day now. I feel some type of way, I think.... but notsomuch anymore since I've got GOOD NEWS

Something to break up all this text

Since I've returned from Alaska, I hit the ground running. My plan was to look for jobs and contracts. Which ever came first I would still pursue the other on the side. Today after lunch with the Senator I got a call from a company who had received my resume. We had a phone interview, talked about my goals as a VA, where I'm looking to be in the next 3-5 years, and yes, what time I could meet with the owner and HR tomorrow. I'm astatic (sp?). Right now, instead of brushing up on the Excel formulas and preparing my presentation on why it's better to contract me rather than employ me, I'm blogging.

Wish me luck!

my trip to Home Goods

2010-09-07T19:18:00.001-07:00

First let me say that i have never been to this place in my life. It is awesome. It's like a huge TJMaxx for homes. Score. the Senator and I are looking for a bench to go at the foot of our bed.

This is our bedroom furniture. Compliments of Target. I love that place.

The lamp in the center here was a steal from a home staging furniture store in Bowie.... I think. we got it for $5. Sweet deal, right!? The candles are butterscotch scented and add a nice aroma to the room when we want to be romantic (sorry, TMI).
This flower arrangement is the most loyal at them all. Three years ago while trying my hand at home staging. I took a trip to my local Michaels and bought what I thought was pretty. At the time I had no sense of what flowers complimented one another (I still don't), I just bought what I thought was pretty. It works.

These are my ideas for the foot stools.

Option #1:

This stool comes in a pair which I thought was uber cute. the Senator, notsomuch.

Option #2:

Never mind the random item underneath. I was in a terrible rush and didn't have time to stage the furniture properly.

Option #3:

This is my favorite. It's very traditional, but we're growing up and I thought it would be a nice accent against the mahogany wood.

Now, the Senator's thoughts are equally as negative as mine are positive. He wants wood. Preferably the same color as our bed furniture. I want something a bit more cushion-ie, but still having a touch of class.

HIKE READ CHANGE

2010-09-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

I apologize for not reporting on my trip to Alaska yet. It is taking me a bit longer to get myself together (i.e. adjusting to EST so that I can function like a decent human and not an insomniac). This factor alone has prevented me from doing anything productive (i.e. cleaning, developing film to share with you, looking for work, etc. ). Let's ignore the fact that despite my rigorous activities today and a relaxing shower I find myself wide awake at 1:50 am EST blogging. Present moment: my brain is fully functioning yet at the same time sending signals to my body that it should be asleep. Some place between logic and just plain 'ole common sense my signals get mixed up and instead of me lying still helping them to sort themselves out I keep busy. Shuffling about making lists to complete, blah blah blah lending myself no physical or psychological relief. I may be in this place forever. Help. It has to stop.

How was your Labor Day!? I had a fun-filled, eventful Labor Day weekend with family and friends. Friday the Senator and I went bowling with friends from college, new and old. We indulged in everything that comes along with bowling. To name a couple; Uber excitement when obtaining a strike and the alcoholic version of i-D-clare-war.

Saturday the Senator and I traveled to Great Falls National Park to hike. This was my first bout (sp?) with hiking and I LOVED it. I'm planning a trip with my girls before it gets too cold

A new sense of self-discovery has found me. I embrace my newly "1/4 lifer-ness" and recognize that it's true when people say only some things can be appreciated at certain ages (someone some place said it. just go with the flow). For me, it's been the appreciation of nature, art, culture, family, friends, and, well, me. I have gotten to know me in a way I never thought I would. I thought when I locked my hair I had found me, but turning 25 has brought an entirely new sense of the woman that is... ME. Time has formed her (ME) and made me into something beautiful. My days are filled with curiosity, anxiety, lust, love, and adventure. I love the woman i have become (which is a BIG-ass deal). She is unique and as time continues to pass, I love her more and more. I appreciate her past more, I understand why she is the way she is. I understand her likes and dislikes. I accept her for who she is and she and I together tell others to "kick rocks" if they don't like her. She loves to get lost in books, learn about cultures other than her own, she is suddenly interested in making new friends and wants to learn to shoot a gun. She engages in activities that take her out of her comfort zone and what's best of all is that she hasn't suffered from sudden depression and feelings of failure since her return from Alaska (which is another BIG-ass deal, considering she still needs a job and her appt. to begin the home buying process is on Oct. 8th).

Enough about this new woman, let's talk about the new book I'm reading.

When the movie came out I rendered myself too impressionable to see it. Straight away I felt it would make me question my own status in life, my marriage, blah blah blah and then I would have to deal with wanting to pick up for a year and run off because I had seen a movie and was sure I was going through the same thing. I don't know what made me think that reading the book would not offer the same result, especially since books tend to have more details than motion pictures. BUT, I'm reading the book nonetheless, and so far, the only effect it's had on me is to begin journaling again. I'm in chapter 19 of book 1 (Italy). I won't even brush the surface and risk spoiling it for you. Get it. Read it. Experience it for yourself.

I'm thinking of cutting my hair like this

My friend A showed me the haircut courtesy of her friend S. Since I've embraced the fact that I am chicken. I will not do this at least until next spring or summer. It's about to get cold now and I love wrapping my scarf around my neck with my hair down acting as another barrier against the elements. I can't believe I'm even considering this. I mean, I vowed not to even go near a pair of scissors until I birthed my first child, but things change, people change, ideas change, and this, the desire to cut my hair, just happens to be one of those things that fall into that sweet little category of life we like to call, C-H-A-N-G-E.

CLAUSE-trophobic

2010-08-26T03:24:00.000-07:00

For the next 6 or 7 hours I will be on my way to the North Pole. Yes. The actual North Pole. How? I'm driving. Why? Because I don't believe the place is real & mom has assured me that it does in fact exist. My secret? I'm extremely excited. Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I don't favor surprise too much, but I love the pretty paper and bows, and liquor and stuff. I'm currently located in Anchorage, AK. Here is a map of where we are going. Mom has friends there that are preparing breakfast for us. I've been preparing myself to drive the entire trip since a) mom is still recovering from surgery and probably won't feel like much b) my aunt won't do it. She avoids driving like the plague. Right now as I'm typing this to you, Mom is talking to me loudly from the other room and it's setting in that I'll be in close quarters with her for the next 6.5 hours and I'm painfully reminded of how much I HATE road trips. ICK!!! Good thing, I'm so darn excited about meeting Santa (well Santa's family).

In other news: Today begins week two for my Couch-to-5k. Week one was okay. Despite the massive itching all over my body, I'll say that I am proud of myself. I can tell a difference in my stamina. My breathing isn't so shallow and my endurance is building rather rapidly. Plus! Yesterday I got dressed for the last part of the seminar I taught while I was up here, and I noticed that I only look bloated and not 3-4 months pregnant. That's got to count for something, right!?

Latest conversation

2010-08-23T18:06:00.001-07:00

Old guy: come back nxt yr and teach this again. Or sooner
Me: uh... Idk we'll see
Old guy: tell ur hsbnd ur doing the Lord's work
Me: uh... *perplexed look*
Old guy: if u were my wife I'd say baby I know you working for Jesus but this time we working together!
Me: ha!

A tweet to detailed for Twitter

2010-08-22T18:17:00.001-07:00

I hate it when I think my cycle will end b/c I've run out of tampons. When it doesn't I have to buy a brand new box. Then I only use two of those before my cycle goes and I find two spare ones hidden in a purse or someplace random.
#TMI

Day Trip ~ Hatcher Pass & Palmer, AK

2010-08-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the day my mom's bff was to leave Alaska. So in honor of her departure and all the hard work she put in while she was here, I planned a day trip for the four of us. Our first stop was the Palmer Visitor Center and Museum in Palmer, AK. It's a quaint little town, filled with kind people and some very interesting history. So, back in the 1920's FDR moved a select number of families to this town in hopes to create a new life for them (my interpretation, not actual history). Apparently they were of some other nationality (still unclear but of darker skin) because the town was named after the only caucasian gentleman, {insert first name here}Palmer who was also the town's postmaster. The museum was a little log cabin and inside we found things like this

I was just overcome with the culture and found myself surrendering to the amateur photographer inside me. I love family photos and when I saw this, I just knew I had to capture it.

Right across the street there was a fair. Well the pre-fair to the upcoming Alaska State fair. There was so much going on. So many people, so many stories, so much love and history.... All I wanted to share with you was this. I think it's the coolest picture I took that day.
After we left Palmer, I had planned for us to ride further up North to Hitch Pass, AK. I had no idea what to expect. All I knew was that it was supposed to yield the peaceful, picturesque-ish scenes of Alaska at its best. However, it ended up being a flood of fear and uncertainty. Since I had no direction I was afraid I was going the wrong way and that my mom's bff would pull rank and call the trip off. Somehow I felt as though she was judging me. I've known her all my life (well the years worth talking about) and you know how your "elders" get. She's all into the no texting or talking or holding or doing-anything-with-your-cell phone while you drive type and i think she was a bit annoyed that I chose to use Google maps on my iPhone vs. the talking TomTom mom had in the car. NT-way, I slowly but surely gained my confidence once we had passed a few view points. It was then that I realized that Hitcher Pass was a huge ass mountain and not an open field. This photo was taken at the first view point we stopped at on our way up the mountain.
I have more, but their pretty redundant.

On Thursday unto Friday next week mom, my aunt M, and myself are planning to visit Fairbanks, AK. This was just decided today as we were driving back from what was supposed to be time alone for me (long story). Mom has friends up there and we're also going to visit the North Pole. Yes. The actual North Pole. I'm excited. I'll be doing 95% of the driving and that's okay with me.

In other unrelated news: Tomorrow will complete the first week of my Couch-to-5k fitness plan (a.k.a. Project Get Pregnant). I'll have to get up on time in order to fit in the meandering around and complaining I do before I get myself together and run. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes. So far, I'm not impressed. But it's only the first week.

Days off?

2010-08-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

Are there instructions for my off day(s) on my Couch to 5k plan? All I've done today was wake up, eat multi-grain cereal, sleep, wake-up answer text messages, sleep, wake-up read, eat collard greens, watch Kimora & Tori & Dean, and eat Chex mix. Not that I'm complaining, but, uh.... Is there something else I'm supposed to be doing on the days when I don't exercise?

Project Get Pregnant Day 1

2010-08-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

I missed my alarm this morning at 6:00am. It wasn't until I read a text from my friend V that confirmed it. After dosing off to sleep for a few more hours, I got up, ate all the wrong things for breakfast (cornbread), went back to sleep, got up and ate again, then finally got myself together to go out and do day 1.

It was exhausting! I have decided that I absolutely loathe exercising and I wish there was some way I could meet my weight goals and not have to actually work for it. But since that can no be, I've decided to just do it.

That's was all the excitement for today. One day down, 26 more to go.

Project Get Pregnant

2010-08-17T22:01:00.000-07:00

the Senator and I are trying to have a baby. Dr. says I need to lose 20lbs to help regulate my already semi-regulated cycle (sorry if TMI). I have an overwhelming need to fulfill/begin this section of my life called motherhood. It elbows its way past every emotion I can possibly conceive.

So. In leu of my new obsession and because I consider running, exercising, and anything having to do with weight management, tortuous, I have decided to take on the approach of a fellow blog buddy of mine, Mrs. Jetplane. In a blog post here she references a Couch-to-5k option to help her get into shape. I think this is absolutely amazing. What a great way to stay motivated! Right!?!? Anyway, I've decided to follow her lead and follow this plan. Honestly, I'm excited. I start tomorrow morning at 6:00am and end on October 9th. Which happens to be the day after hubbs and I follow-up with your home buyer folks to let them know that we've paid off 90% of our debt which means we can move to the next step. Yay!!!!!

I feel hopeful, and have committed myself to one day at a time. I tend to exhaust myself by contemplating the days ahead and not focusing on what's in front of me. I get all bent out of shape and become a psycho over-achiever and then fail horribly because I become fearful I won't be able to finish what I've made so huge in my head. I know. Don't even say it. I'm already talking about it with my therapist. Does anyone know how much weight I will lose while training for this thing? I mean, am I going about this the wrong way? I just envisioned myself extremely frustrated because I find out that training actually puts weight on you instead of helping you take it off... Oh No!!!! Help!

Have you ever embarked on a journey like this? What was your experience like?

This blog makes me want to have babies...

2010-08-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

I'm officially obsessed. This blog makes me want to have babies... And this picture makes me want to own a home in the sticks of VA with my babies whom have yet to be born with my man whom I'll be without until September 1st. Living a forced life of pseudosingledom. (Love that word).

That is all.

Baby Fever

2010-08-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

This post here is the funniest thing I have ever read. Sorry, Ms. Mindless, but you had me going for a bit there. In addition to this making me laugh, it also reminded me of how much of a failure I am at loosing 20lbs (as recommended by Dr.) so that I am more eligible to have a baby. Sometimes I think it's totally necessary and other times I think of those shows I see on Discovery Health where those obese women give birth. Surely, I'll be able to reproduce. Right?

I mean really, how hard is it to get pregnant anyway!? Apparently extremely difficult! I think since my ovarian surgery I've become even more obsessed with becoming pregnant and it's driving me crazy. While in recovery, my friend A said that every time she visited me I had a baby show on. I denied it then, but the truth be told, I did. I want a baby, but I don't want to turn into a crazy obsessed-about-making-a-baby lady. You know, what I am now.

Can I get anymore pitiful? I mean, really. Seriously.

I'm a heartless Bitch

2010-08-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

It's been four days since my arrival and all I've seen of AK is Tudor Rd, N. Lights Dr, Debarr Dr, Providence Dr, and the inside of room 384-bed 1. I have literally been consumed with the idea of my mom being in the hospital and frankly speaking, I'm OVER it. I know this sounds bad and selfish and insensitive, but it's the truth! I'm overwhelmed. They ( my aunt and my mom's bff) don't want to leave or go anyplace without me! My mom has a bad attitude one minute then apologizing the next. Then she wants us to sit in her room with her while she either sleeps or complains about pain. Oh my goodness, I am a heartless bitch.

I don't know what I thought this would be like. I mean the reasonable, sensible, side of me is saying that I'd want someone to visit me and care for me, but at the same time, would I? I mean, all we do is go and sit. Literally, all we do is go and sit. I have to do better. This time I'll take my laptop, finish my book, study my chapter for my GRE review class tonight, then start another book.

It's not about me, it's about her. This experience along with my struggle to loose 20lbs is the beginning of my selfless phase. I must overcome it.

It's a Wonderful Day in the Neighborhood

2010-08-08T05:40:00.000-07:00

Dear God: Thank you! Dear Me: You did it... 1/4 of a century. Congratulations. Dear Senator: Thanks for being such a great hubbster. Words can not express how wonderful and warm you make me feel. These past 7 years of my life have been nothing short of an adventure and it's safe to say that as we grow older things will only get better.

I'm 25 today. Just shy of three months ago I was throwing fit about turning 25, and making blog posts about things that make me happy, and trying to distract myself from being depressed, and so on and so forth. As this milestone quickly approached, my life goals slowly began to come to pass. Hubbster and I had serious financial goals (you can read more about those here) and it was not looking good. Thankfully, we were able to pay off almost 100% of our debt. What's left will be done in September of 2011. We live a bit more stress free, who am I kidding? ALOT more stress free. Now, as the financial head of the household, I'm in search of a good budgeting tool that will help me manage our monies appropriately. I was using Mint.com, but they don't do well with updating and it pisses me off!

Anyway, for my birthday we're going to Eggspectation in downtown Silver Spring, then to Solomon's Island for a day of walking and whatnot. I've never been to Solomon's Island. Have you?

Insert savvy title here

2010-08-06T15:21:00.001-07:00

I realized that the title of my last post and it's contents didn't necessarily match up. So, I've come back to give a more consistent train of thought and speak on some other matters.

First things first: The last post.

As a result of Dr. telling me I can travel, I'm off to AK for almost a month. How do I feel about this? I'm capricious. One minute I think I want to and the next, I'm dreading the fact that I will have to deal with constant swooning and princess-ish remarks about me being great and never giving trouble as a child and ugh! anything else you can imagine annoying. Then I mellow out and remember that in all things I must give thanks and find something good. Hence my project, the blogumentary I spoke of (read more about it here). I have not done much research as to how to get this thing done. Not that I have time to find equipment. All I'm taking with me is a rigged Kodak camera I got three years ago as a b-day gift from the Senator. It has video capability and awesome photo quality. When I get home I will dump all I've obtained into iMovie or whatever and see what I come up with. I need to put my degree to use anyway.

Regarding Other Matters: DHWofDC

So far, DHWof NJ remains my favorite. I may be biased. However, this series is shaping up to be quiet a gas. I mean.... all I can say is Wow!

Inured 2 all matters concerning family

2010-08-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

{Welcome to the whinny edition}

Since my last post I've been on an up and down roller coaster ride of emotions with regards to my ovaries. The Sunday before last I was rushed to the ER due to excruciating pain on my right side. the Senator and I thought it was appendacitius but Dr.'s determined no infections were present and ruled out that diagnosis. After 14 hours, yes that's right, 14 hours of white chalky junk juice, IV bags, parading the halls in my rain boots, narcotic injections, stoic disgnosis from the house dr.'s, and anything else you can imagine. I was sent home and said to have cyst the size of a navel orange. Ouch! is right.

This is a photo of a female uterus:

This is a photo of a navel orange:

"OUCH!!!" IS RIGHT

Shortly after having my citrus inspired cyst removed, I began the recoperating process. Hence was birthed four [insert whitty adjective here] - filled days of forced rest and inescapable fidgetiness.

I had my follow-up appointment today and MIL went with me. She helped me ask all the pertinent questions which included a very detailed baby-making plan. That's right... we're officially on the road to procreation. While I was on bed rest I emmersed myself in Discovery Health and TLC. Nothing but adorable babies, surgeries, and all the gross what-not's you could think of.

I imagine all types of baby goodness and forget the fact that Dr. said we'd have to hump every other day for a week straight. {btw, that schedule makes me mentally exhausted}. I mean, who doesn't want to be pregnant!? The models, they make it look so easy!

{In other news}

I'll be traveling to Alaska on Monday to nurse my mom back to health after a very much needed knee replacement surgery. I have been quiet capricious about traveling, but as of now; I'm excited about going. I think the issue is the time factor. I'll be going for almost a solid month. Let me remind you, this isn't just a leisure visit with the parental, this is a visit to work. One that will give her full reign to whine and complain and be as needy as she usually is... plus more. I've begun planning my distractions. My plan is to follow this calendar of events as closely as possible. I've thought of many things I could do in addition that would get me out of the house; one of them being creating a Month-long Blogumentary. {I just made that up} Here is the problem. I'll tell myself I'm going to do it, get all 7 of my followers excited, then I'll flake. So... I'm NOT going to commit myself to experiencing something new everyday in Alaska and blog about it. I'm NOT going try new foods, learn the origin, and blog about it. Lastly I'm NOT going to interview the locals at the fair and record their responses and blog about it. There. :)

Alright... it's almost 7:00pm which means it's time for the Senator and I to get on the road. We're attending rehearsal tonight even though we won't be a service Sunday. Later, we're indulging Rita's with some friends before my departure.

Toodles!

limits to blogging

2010-07-31T19:41:00.000-07:00

it's a long story, and I've been a very bad blogger. However, I just had surgery to remove a dew cysts from my right ovary. I'm horny, grouchy, and anxiously awaiting my pain medication to kick in.

That is all.

H-A-P-P-Y

2010-06-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

I had a breakdown... nothing major, just forgot to look for happiness. Today I had a dr.'s appt. and all went well. My physically in great shape and got specific instructions for very specific questions that I've had (diet, exercise, etc.). I have to tell you... I am SO excited about going for a run tomorrow. After I drop the Senator off I'm parking my car at Sligo and running the trail. I mean ... I literally can-not-wait. I have never been so excited to work out. Any suggestions as to why?

Right now as we speak, I'm watching the Lakers game with the Senator. It's close. The Lakers are pissing me off. I feel like their nervous and making dumb mistakes. the Senator is yelling every 45-50 seconds and in the midst of all my progress, I've decided that I might want to be a PA. I know. When does the madness end? It doesn't. P.S. how do you become a celebrity at the Lakers game? I mean... I could totally do that job! Anyway, before a new desire to save the world arises, I'm logging off the enjoy the rest of the game with my man.

Come-what-may... I'm H-A-P-P-Y

Segment & Analyze

2010-06-14T19:31:00.001-07:00

Today my step-MIL suggested I segment and analyze my life. I did.

In case you can't see here goes the breakdown:

The upper left quad = "Mother of Three (3)" The action steps required = proper diet and nutrition & finding a good OB/Gyn and Internal Medicine Dr.

The lower middle quad = "Serve each target market of Graves Consulting LLC" The action steps required = answering the following questions 1) What are my current skills? 2) What skills do I need to improve? 3) What skills do I need to obtain? 4) What are the areas of focus I desire to obtain certificates or degrees in?

The upper right quad = "Seminary Professor" The actions steps required = researching degree/certificate programs, financial options, plan, and apply.

I am proud to announce that I have completed the action steps for phase 1 and on my way to completing the actions steps for the others. I feel good. Accomplished. Notso... useless and stupid. I go through alot emotionally everyday, but looking forward to what makes me happy on a daily basis helps me get through it.

Good idea!

2010-06-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

Today the Senator and I went to Sandy Point to fish and get alot of
sun. Those were actually our reasons for going. We did nothing serious ALL DAY and loved it! Every now and then you need time like that together.

Newly inspired closet ideas

2010-06-10T20:10:00.000-07:00

My fellow bloggers over at www.younghouselove.com gave an excellent
idea regarding jewelry storage. I took their advice. This made me happy.

Insert blog title here

2010-06-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

Today I wore

2010-06-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

This baby blue claws shirt from casual corner... I love collard
shirts, especially this one. It is "no iron"!

Useful You...

2010-06-08T20:56:00.001-07:00

Is always better than useless you. Lately I've been in a very strange
funk, which we will from now on call mood-not-allowed-to-mention.
Today I spent the later part of the morning and the afternoon with my
pastor getting a series of assignments. I felt so good. I called mom
and she immediately said to me, " what did you do differently today?"
then it hit me. Not working has taken a toll on me. I know most people
with a regular 9-5 may feel like "if I had the opportunity to retire
and chill I'd take it", I agree.
Ya see, self-emoyment is a funny thing. It brings with it freedom yet
an immeasurable amount of pressure ( any entrepreneurs out there!?).
You can't imagine the mental strain involved unless you've experienced
it first hand. When you're working it's great, but when you're not,
it's bad (to say the least).

So! On to what makes me happy. Planning a 12-week marriage intensive
for the married couples at my church, organizing the church office
volunteers, logging the connection cards from each service
(demographic info, prayer requests, requests for info on different
ministries, etc.), transcribing sermons into a book, planning to take
over the church office and become the business manager they can't live
without.

Yea, all this... makes me happy.

I know I promised pics tonight but I still have not taken pics on my
new diggs. I lost the cord to my camera (bummer) so... I'll just post
my outfits everytime I wear something I got from MIL. Standby for
today's pics...

Hand-me-downs

2010-06-07T19:28:00.001-07:00

Eariler today MIL called me to say that she was cleaning out her
closet. Two reasons why this statement translated into Christmas-in-
June. One: I'm the closet girl ( S, my step-SIL lives in CT) and Two:
I'm her size! (I will post pics tomorrow as I am blogging from my
iPhone and do not have the patience it takes to pull off such a
detailed post).
Anyway, this makes me happy!

sent from Kameaka's iPhone
www.ConsultKMG.com

"Him" Time

2010-06-06T19:40:00.001-07:00

tonight the Senator and I went to dinner at O's after a very pleasant
after-church-nap. She cooked chicken Alfredo, yum! Then we came home
and he rushed around the corner the Green Turtle to watch the game.
That made me happy.

Pocketed skirts

2010-06-05T19:26:00.001-07:00

Pocketed skirts make me happy. It is something about the option of
resting my hands mid-way my waist... or something like that... that
gets me all warm and fuzzy inside. It plays to my shy side and gives
me a reason to retreat during conversation when I do not have the
nerve to do so literally.

Sorry the picture is so fuzzy... $22.99 at Amazon.com

What's the purpose of this bog, anyway!?

2010-05-18T07:52:00.000-07:00

For the next few days/weeks/months I will be working diligently to define the purpose of my blog. I'd love for it to become a source of income for me, serve my community, gain more followers, blah blah blah.

I want my life to mean more and I want everything I do to have purpose. I want to make a difference, I want my business to grow, I want to be more of a positive influence in my community, I want to start a revolution.

Any ideas!?

How White Are you? ~ WARNING Long Post

2010-05-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

Let me first say that the intention behind this post is NOT meant to be rude to the Caucasian culture. *** disclaimer made*** proceed:

Check off everything that you like. When you are finished, count everything up and determine your whiteness percentage.

coffee
religions their parents don't belong to
assists
farmer's markets
organic food
diversity
barack obama
making you feel bad for not going outside
wes anderson movies
asian girls
nonprofit organizations
tea
having black friends
yoga
gifted children
hating their parents
film festivals
awareness
international travel
being an expert on your culture
writer's workshops
having two last names
microbreweries
wine
david sedaris
manhattan (and Now Brooklyn, Too!)
marathons
not having a TV
80's night
wrigley field
snowboarding
vegan/vegetarianism
marijuana
architecture
the daily show w/ jon stewart/the colbert report
renovations ~ true story, the Senator just said to me on Saturday, "We haven't been to brunch in a while"
renovations
arrested development
netflix
apple products
indie music
suschi
playa
public radio
asian fusion food
the Sunday New York Times
Liberal arts degrees
whole foods and grocery co-ops
vintage
irony
living by the water
sarah silverman
dogs
kitchen gadgets
apologies
lawyers
documentaries
japan
natural medicine
toyota prius
bicycles
knowing what's best for poor people
expensive sandwiches
recycling
coed sports
divorce
standing still at corners ~ HILARIOUS!!! SO TRUE!!!
mos def
difficult breakups
being the only white person around
study abroad
gentrification
oscar parties
threatening to move to canada
bottles of water
musical comedy
multilingual children
modern furniture
the idea of soccer
graduate school
hating corporations
bad memories of high school
t-shirts
the wire
shorts
outdoor performance clothes
having gay friends
st. patrick's day
dinner parties
san francisco
music piracy
rudgy
new balance sneakers
beards
having children in their late thirties
red hair
noam chomsky
non-motorized boating ~ actually very romantic... if you're in shape
michel gondry
the boston red sox
scarves
cleanses
self-deprecating humor
integrity
pretending to be canadian while traveling abroad
the criterion collection
natural childbirth
high school english teachers
native wisdom
trying too hard
portland, oregon
free health care ~ i mean, who doesn't!?
che guevera
the new yorker
non-american news sources
subtitles
premium juice
the ACLU
plaid
platonic friends
reusable shopping bags
acoustic covers
dave chappelle
Tibet
nintendo Wii
conspiracies
the Simpsons
avoiding confrontation
DJs
carbon offsets
following their dreams
not having cash
adopting foreign children
LEED certification
expensive strollers
singer-songwriters
eating outside
books
music festivals
glasses
McSweeney's
hardwood floors
bakeries
modern art museums
cheese
therapy
public transportation that is not a bus
dive bars
self-importance
rock climbing

_________ divided by 150 = _____________ %
Total

Guide
15 = 10% white
30 = 20% white
45 = 30% white
60 = 40% white
75 = 50% white
90 = 60% white
105 = 70% white
120 = 80% white
135 = 90% white
150 = 100% white

post credit and more

story behind the post:
I was watching the Italian Job on Saturday with the Senator. my new favorite movie. Anyway, Steve (dude who steals the gold) called to confirm his reservations. I thought to myself, "I wonder if all white people do that?" Then I said to myself, "I wonder if I think like a white person". So i googled "stuff white people do" and I came up with THIS link.
I went to Borders on Monday, today for my work day and to plan my life restructuring (will tell later) and found the book... above is the test from the back of the book. The site has more... There's a little white in all of us...

random-ness

2010-05-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

*** begin whiny phase...planning a trip with my man at the end of the month, planning a trip with my girls in the next couple of weeks, a wedding this weekend, a dirty apartment, an enormous work load (some clients leaving some joining), Mother's Day, feeling gross today (but grateful nonetheless)... okay whiny phase over****

my W.E.L.L (small study group) was cancelled this morning so my off day really became my off day. I have alot of things I want to say, alot i feel, but not ready for the internet worlk to read that deep into my thoughts yet.

Insert savvy title here

2010-04-29T18:31:00.001-07:00

I rise this morning in preparation to spend the afternoon with my
client. I got a text from my gf wanting to go to coffee, I accepted. I
took my work with me, though. In the midst my afternoon client time
got cancelled ( there was no need. We are literally exploring the
virtual world) and I ende up heading back home around 2 to prepare a
marriage enrichment packet for my pastors review. the Senator and I
are planning a 12-week intensive for the couples at my church... And
really anyone.

the Seantor has been working on videos since 5:00pm thus afternoon for
our Tweens program tomorrow night. Our Internet still isn't up and the
signal from "angie'snetwork" isn't strong enough for us to do anything
at our apartment.
I'm so exhausted today I can't stand it. I just wanna get in my comfy
robe and lie someplace and be obligated to nothing.

sent from Kameaka's iPhone
www.ConsultKMG.com

North Carolina BBQ - pics

2010-04-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

Cucumber Salad & Lay-a-way

2010-04-28T18:04:00.001-07:00

Today I had the most amazing experience with lay-a-way. I was to meet a client of mine at her store (unsure of the site/on my phone but the name of the store is Blessed 24:7) our meeting got cancelled due to a schedule conflict but it was not a lost cause. As you know the Senator and I are on a strict budget and we've also just moved. So shopping at this point is out of the question... W/o some serious saving and delayed gratification. I chose five pieces of which I failed to take photos of and put them on lay-a-way. Can I tell you I felt so good and ... Yea, responsible for doing so. I walked out with my head high and my dream night light lit. I had a goal to save toward and for once in a very long time I would purchase without the subtle guilt of that-money-could-have-been-used-else-where. I called Senator graves right away and td him of the great news. He wasn't as thrilled as I was but he wasn't unhappy either. Our budget was still in tact and ... Well I did good. Lay-a-way could be the answer to alot debt questions, don't you think? I mean good financial strategist tell you to take a cool-down period before buying anyway. Lay-a-way is the perfect cool-down period. I don't know, maybe this goes on my I'm-totally-psycho list. Bottom line - I LOVE LAY-A-WAY!

Tonight is date night, as every Wednesday is and the Senator is making Carolina BBQ. We plan to have Carolina BBQ and cole slaw sandwiches with cucumber salad. Here is what mine looks like, kind of.

Sorry the pic is so huge... Blogging from my iPhone again. Anyway this is one of my favorite dishes and it's healthy, right?

(since I usually sign my posts as the senator's wife and cannot do that on my iPhone I've decided to leave my iPhone signature)

:-) :-) :-)

sent from Kameaka's iPhone
www.ConsultKMG.com

No better place than here ...

2010-04-27T17:36:00.001-07:00

Preface: I'm currently sitting in bible study/members meeting at in
church and blogging from my phone. Ease excuse any typos...
I had the following thoughts while sitting here... Maybe I'm psycho -
the Senator and I are starting a family... I may be pregnant right now
as I type this blog post... Pregnant ladies what where your early
signs? I can't tell really annoying pms or early pregnancy symptoms...
My cycle isn't late yet but the only signs I have that it's coming are
tingly boobs, annoying nausea, extreme... Extreme... EXTREME
fatigue... Will I be a good mother? Can we afford a baby? We live in a
one bedroom apt... What will we do? I Interjected my opinion on my
mother today... (drama with her and my god-mom, K) should I have done
that? Will my mother and ever have a decent relationship? Will she
ever trust me as a mother does a daughter? Or is this a silly pipe
dream? Should I suck it up and take my random crochet lessons for what
they are? Is God pleased with my life? Me? My marriage? The way I
handle my finances? Ugh!!! What on earth am I here for?!?!?!?! I'll
never be "in" with the L crew (too old to rehash, if Velta is reading
she'll know) again... Face it, girl! You're better off on the
outside.. Just ask Delta!! Do my ministry head think I'm a flake/
slacker? I am seriously beginning to doubt my "self-starter"
abilities. I think I stole from my church? I got money from them to
get stuff for the college kids for the past Christmas... I didn't give
the change back yet. Can I really make a difference with my VA company
(www.consultkmg.com) what does my future hold for me, my marriage, my
career? People make me angry. Be an adult! I want my husband to run
for a political office... He would be so awesome! And would be a
wonderful asset to society! I feel like I want to do alot more but
right now today I don't have the energy to do it... I want to read my
bible more and know my scriptures better... I volunteered to be an
adjunct (kindoftalkedmyselfintoit) for one of our Judah U professors.
She has not co gaffer me, should I contact her? Why are MW's (lady at
my church) always sleepy? Bedtime?

24 reasons why I probably will never have alot of close friends:
24- only child syndrome, BAD!
23- selfish when it's inconvenient for others
22- sometimes I judge
21- easily irritated with complaining
20- the older I get the thinner my filter gets
19- I hate to do anything I don't want to do (I mean who does)
18- I love to receive but don't like to give all the time
17- I don't like it when my friends go thru issues and stay in their
issues too long
16- I will always continue to grow in Christ which means I strive for
righteousness and not foolishness!
15- disclosure begets disclosure. Period.
14- I can be sometimey, sometimes
13- I don't feel like being a friend, all the time... Sometimes
12- 12-2 are for the things I can't think of but others reading this
can think of
1- my friends will probably read this post and break-up with me as a
result

That is all.

sent from Kameaka's iPhone
www.ConsultKMG.com

rainy work day

2010-04-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

i skipped church yesterday... just could not drag myself out of bed. In-fact I laid around in my robe ALL DAY and ALL NIGHT... After taking the Senator to work this morning, I came back and began my work day. I am proud to say that I finished all but my online tasks at 1:30. I worked on a blanket I'm making for out (unborn) baby, and talked to my gf S on the phone for about an hour. Now, I'm at the local Panera sending work e-mails and editing my work site ... and blogging. I love the rain and can really appreciate the fact that I have the liberty to work at home and be relaxed.

All in all I'm fairly please with my accomplishments. I really want to skip dance rehearsal tonight, but I think that may be a bit too much. Crocheting has become my new vice... I'm loving it. If anyone reading this knows how to crochet, please be so kind as to share some ideas with me.

My mother visited from Alaska this weekend. She and my uncle stopped in on their way from NC back to CT. I cooked breakfast for the crew ( eggs, sausage, bacon, and grits). After they ate they slept and I worked on what started out to be a pot holder, but turned into a canoe (that is when I quit that project and started on a blanket), much more simpler...so far. They left around 5:45 and the Senator and I got dressed for our evening wedding. Attending weddings is a different experience for us now. I have recently decided to stop giving gifts and instead give cards with prayers for longevity and peace. A vacuum can't do sh*t for a couple who are on the verge of breaking up....
The ceremony was beautiful. It was outside, and my prayers for God to hold back the rain for them did not fall of deaf ears, my God heard and he delivered. It was cold an my dress was strapless and I was barelegged and my shoes hurt my feet, but I was cute. I met a lot of young married couples, newlyweds, and I did the "oooooh!! Congratulations!" voice that I hated when I told folks I had just gotten married.

Toward the end of the night, I started to get worn out... fatigue is really kicking my a** lately... I just can't get it together!!! ugh!!! The best man said the best thing I have heard any best man say " Marriage isn't about meeting the right person, it's about becoming the right person"
Awesome, right?! Any witnesses in cyberspace?! I have learned so much about myself and have become a completely different person as a result of marriage. It's a wonderful thing!

What do you think?

2010 IHOP Commercial: Kids Eat Free

2010-04-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

This is the funniest commercial I've seen in a long time... this will probably be my kid...

I had a really good blog title ~ but oh well

2010-04-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

It's been 44 days since my last post... I've thought about blogging everyday, just hadn't sat down to make it happen. Let's see, what's been going on?

the Seantor and I moved
tante ushi came from Germany (her last wish ~ she's dying of cancer) hence us moving
the apartment (which will be most affectionately referred to as the Penthouse) is great! and as soon as I muster up enough guts to video blog I'll show you around the place...
business is great! more clients mean more work ...
i've applied for a p/t gig with hallmark, something i've always wanted to do. I'll be a retail merchandiser (stocking the card shelves at my local wal-mart... triple bonuses are: a) i love wally-world b) i love cards c) the job is m,w,f, and s from either 9-10 or 9-2... i can still serve my clients and get a few extra pennies on the side
the Senator and I have officially started TTC...
my mother is in town from Alaska and visiting me on saturday, i'm cooking breakfast
the Senator and I are better and no longer living in a fragile state of mind, but strong in our relationship
lastly, but certainly not least... i found my season 7 of the Cosby show...

I guess needless to say I've been super busy, but I missed the comments (the small, yet increasing amount) and most of all missed telling you all about my life.

Here's to regularity, once again...

;-)

Trees & interesting facts about trees & your will

2010-03-08T13:15:00.000-08:00

I am currently obsessed with trees. Today I went to the library and checked out four books on trees. Let me explain:
I'm taking a Biblical Exegsis class on Saturday's and last week we studied Psalm 1. I am convinced there is a message regarding the tree that stands tall. Other than it being literal for mankind, there is much more to it and we can draw a deeper lesson as a result as a little digging...

I was going to tell you interesting facts about trees but I don't have any significant ones that get me excited... maybe later.

"Your Will"

i'm "late", back in town, and useless fact #5

2010-03-06T18:11:00.000-08:00

i'm "late"... yes, that's right... "l-a-t-e" and scared. my cycle has been on time for the past two years and i've been counting on my sick ovary (pcos) to keep my safe from children... scratch that to keep children safe from me for a while. I think I've gotten caught. I don't have any "symptoms" other than a missed period. The first day of the my last cycle was 1/1/10... today is 3/6/2010. the week before last I had some light pink discharge so I thought I was coming on... but nothing... not even a spot. It wasn't until around the 26 of Feb. that i realized that I had not gotten my period and the month was almost over. I gave myself until 3/5 to worry... well it's nothing, and I'm a bit concerned. I'm going to give it a couple of more weeks (3/21) to be exact (that was the last day of the last pd) and then take a test if nothing comes. I have not told the Senator yet only my girls V and D. V's excited and is already making plans. D, isn't quiet that excited... i'm with her. don't get me wrong, I'd love to have kids... but:
A) I still live with O
B) the Senator and I are in a delicate place in our marriage and I don't want to bring a kid into all that right now. I want us to love one another again. (not that we don't we're just in a rough patch)
C) We can't afford it right now (according to our financial plan we'll be ok by Oct., but... what about Dr. appt's and such)
D) I'm psychologically unstable... ithink... i'm worried i will suck at it. my mother always gave me to people for them to take care of me and the way my life is going right now i'll have to do the same (kindof). plus i'm not liking my in-laws right now, their nosy and controlling and I can just predict the drama.... and i just want MY OWN PLACE!!!!! i miss my space... i will never give up may own walls again.. i've certainly learned my lesson... my marriage is hurting so badly right now.
E) ?????????? ugh!!! ?????????? is this really what God wants for me? us?... if it is "this". (?)

i've gone over this in my head... i can't imagine why it would not show up... i've not been stressed not to the point of complete absence maybe late, but it's been an entire month... idk what to do... i'm kind of freaking out...

since last Sunday I've been out of town. I attended the Great Gathering in Colombia, SC. my girls V, D, and I had a blast. We worked and got a chance to play as well. it's always good when we can get together with one another. So much has happened since then... let's see... adventures in packing a Toyota corolla to the gills with over-sized luggage then four adults, adventures in almost being stranded in SC because apparently cash is not as good as credit, and adventures in just being young and married.

sorry I have not been keeping up with may useless facts. I fell off the consecration (lent) wagon hard. Wednesday night a caved and had a slice of NY style cheesecake, and since then I've had a small bag of UTZ potatoe chips a day and last night I had a glass of Chianti with apple pie a la mode... [don't judge me] I got back on the wagon tonight. I've made up my mind that I will fast for 40 days, so I've started over tonight.

useless fact #5 ~ my encyclopedia of useless information is in my car and my feet and legs hurt from being on them all day. so I've taken a fact from a different source...
If you have 3 quarters, 4 dimes, and 4 pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar.

fact credit

home alone & useless fact #4

2010-02-27T19:27:00.000-08:00

Tonight the Senator is in Chi-town and I'm home alone. After I took him to the airport this morning I came back to get some more shut eye before my class at 10:00. I thought I heard someone climbing the stairs and dreamt about my in-laws coming in to pull up tile. It was strange, but false. We've kept in touch most of the day via text message and I spoke with him briefly on my way home from Baltimore. He was still in session at 9:30-ish. I miss him. No matter what happens between us, I'm still diggin him, even when I think it's too hard to carry on.
N-T-way,.... he's calling NOW! brb... okay back, he's staying down the hall from Louis Farrakhan

useless fact #4:
DRIVING
According to a survey conducted in 1997, 7 percent of truck drivers think of sex, drink, food, and a night out while they are driving; 35 percent think of their families; and 16 percent think of nothing at all.

fact credit

togoornottogo, divineinspiration, & useless fact #3

2010-02-26T18:10:00.000-08:00

togoornottogo:
the Senator was scheduled to leave today for the next four days to attend the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in Chicago, IL. Well with the major wind storm in effect his flight go canceled until 4:00a tomorrow morning. I was happy, this is the first time we haven't fought in weeks and I was kind of sad to see him go. At least I get a few more hours with him. He excited and I am too, especially because he's been seeking God for his purpose for quiet some time now and youth ministry is where we both believe God is calling him.

divineinspiration:
While in prayer tonight, a little girl joined our group. She had the prettiest nails and I thought to myself (while agreeing in prayer) "why are my hands all jacked up and this little girl's isnt?! what am I doing?" So I came home and did a quick manicure.

You like?

useless fact #3:

GARLIC~
Garlic is one of the world's oldest cultivated crops. It was fed to the builders of the Great Pyramid of Cheops in the Egypt in the belief that it gave them strength. "Garlics, though used by the French are better adapted to the uses of medicine than cookery"~Amelia Simmons
(American Cookery, 1796). It sounds from the as though Ms. Simmons was a alliumphobe-the term for a garlic-hater.
Garlic may repel vampires but it attracts leeches. Experiments show leeches take 14.9 seconds to attach themselves to a hand covered with garlic, bu 44.9 seconds to suck blood from a clean one. In view of this, it may be wise to know that a recommended way to get the smell of garlic out of your hands is to rub them with salt and lemon juice and rinse; to banish garlic breath, chew on fresh parsley or a coffee bean.
The average American eats over 3 ibs. of garlic a year and the habit is clearly an old one. The city of Chicago (where the Senator is going tomorrow) is named after garlic: "chicagaoua" was the Indian word for garlic.
~The word "garlic" occurs twenty-one time in Bram Stoker's Dracula, and only four time in the entire works of Shakespeare.
~The longest continuous string of garlic contained 1,600 garlic bulbs and was 36.5 m long.

fact credit

new toiletries, i'm finally organized, & useless fact #2

2010-02-25T20:01:00.000-08:00

Overdue visit to Wally-world:
Tonight was the first night I visited Wally-world in weeks. I had been on a strict budget and was holding out HARD! I only spent $20.00-and-some-change. I was so pleased. I got the Seantor some necessities for his trip to Chi-town and me some goodies.
The first, exfoliating body scrub by skin below the chin it's in this wonderful watercrest fig w/ pink jasmine and bergamot scent. It's said to a) improve texture, b) restore radiance, and c) leave skin looking healthier all of which I need in weather like this.

The next, St. Ives' hydrating moisturizer w. vitamin E. I was looking for something that would give me significant moisture. My skin is so dry and frankly, I don't want to use EVOO anymore, it's oiling up my clothes.

Busy, Busy, Busy MP:
so.. okay!, I'm taking 5 classes... all of which are offered via my church (Judah Temple AMEZion church). I believe this to be God's way of feeding my desire to go to seminary. I've been going crazy because I N-E-E-D order like I need air to breathe and for the past few days I've have not had it. Finally tonight after prayer, my gf J suggested...

The Schedule:
Sunday & Monday ~ study for my Tuesday W.E.L.L class
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday ~ Study for my Saturday Judah U class
Friday & Saturday ~ study for my Sunday Judah U class, Financial Peace University, and MasterLife classes.
I've decided that I like the aforementioned suggestion and will adopt it.

Useless fact #2:
MONOPOLY ~ According to a statistical analysis of the game of Monopoly, the property most often landed on is Illinois Avenue. In 1975, twice as much monopoly money as real money was printed in the United States.

World records for Monopoly include the following:
~Longest game ever played: 1,680 hours (seventy days)
~Longest game played in a tree house: 240 hours (ten days)
~Longest game in a moving elevator: 384 hours (sixteen days)
~Longest game played underground: one hundred hours (four days and four hours)
~Longest game in a bathtub: ninety-nine hours (four days three hours)
~Longest game on a balance beam: two hundred hours (eight days eight hours)
~Longest game under water: 1, 200 hours (fifty days)
~Longest game on the back of a fire truck: one hundred one hours (four days five hours)
~Longest smallest game: (played on a board measuring 1 sq. in.) thirty hours

fact credit

Blog sacrafice & Useless fact # 1

2010-02-24T16:50:00.000-08:00

This time of year is special for me. I chose to sacrifice a few things here and there. This year I found myself growing a small panic when thinking about having to give up my blog. I mean, I've got 6 followers for goodnesssake! This was confirmation that I had developed a soft addiction. So, for the next forty days I will post once a day a useless fact from this book. They will go in no particular order, just as I flow with the book as it opens and leads me to that day's specific discovery.

I picked it up a few months ago after discovering a girlfriend of mine had one. From one fellow bookworm to another, it's a keeper! I will not interrupt the cycle unless something really great happens in my life.

Useless fact #1
FRANKLIN, Benjamin (1706-90)
Benjamin Franklin rose early every day and sat naked for half an hour or an hour either reading or writing, a practice he described as "agreeable". Sometimes he would return to bed for "one or two hours of the most pleasing sleep that can be imagined."

He was strongly against the use of the words "notice," "advocate," and "progress" as verbs.

fact credit

The first step is admitting...

2010-02-19T07:04:00.000-08:00

Today while reading Financial Peace revisited by Dave Ramsey we talked about the infamous "Dumping Debt". The Senator and I have, well had five credit cards between us, over $17k in debt and another $5k in an unsecured loan plus our student loans that equal idk right now but I'll get back to you on that. We've cut up cards before and ordered new one and ended up back in debt.

So this time... we said goodbye for good....

If you're normal you're thinking "hotel reservations, airfare, blah blah

blah" well, anywhere Visa is excepted so shall our Visa debt cards be also...accepted. Don't give me the blues, I've done it before.

I knew I had a problem because when I read the paragraph about cutting them up I got this sick feeling in my stomach and felt light-headed. It was then that I knew I had to get rid of them. I knew that being serious about getting our finances in order and staying that way meant not giving us temptation. This also forces us to either sink or swim. I mean we have bad communication issues, which often leave us sabotaging E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G because of last minute plans. Well no more, not us. Get this---- I don't care if I'm the hated DIL for that. At this point my marriage depends on it and enough is enough. In addition, the Senator and I are signing a personal contract that will hold us accountable to our commitments to one another.

We've agreed on the following to be at the top our list for
"tasksneedingtobecompletedimmediately"

1- $1000 to begin emergency fund & continue into 3-6 er plan
2- continue debt snowball
3- find a place to live
#3 is of most importance we have given up the privacy aspect of our relationship and it has caused serious issues. Okay, that can go into an entirely different direction.

N-T-way, I'm still working on the detailed budget, I'm a bit of a retard when it comes to crazy numbers so it will take me some time.

a plan is essential

2010-02-17T20:19:00.000-08:00

photo credit: i found it on my hard drive
as homework for our financial class we had to do a quickie budget, monthly cash flow plans, and some other stuff. i did the quickie and started the monthly cash flow, but it was HARD! I thought it would be easy because i've got a basic outline on good 'ole excel, but it wasn't and i couldn't finish it tonight. in the midst, i did find out that from 1/10/2010 - 2/17/2010 the Senator and I spent $452.85 on food WTF, right?! it was insane. tonight was the first night we talked about money w/o tension in the air. he said to me "when i look at our money on paper, i wonder, "where does all our money go?" I said confidently, "we eat out alot"... I had no idea! i feel like I cook all the time! N-T-way, sharing that has prompt me, so i'll just share with you what I have so far.

when you begin the class you and your spouse fill out what is called "Major Components of a Healthy Financial Plan". It's a to-do list of important items to complete and you decide on action dates. I love this kind of stuff... to give an example~

Action Needed Action Date
Written Cash Flow Plan (the hard task i tried to complete tonight) February 19, 2010
Will and/or Estate Plan March 17

you get the idea, right?

then you sign the statement at the bottom and carry on with life. we are so geeked... this is helping us so much! Next there is a Consumer Equity Sheet that tells you your networth. ***Be Prepared I'm about the break the mainstream habit and tell you our worth**** $227,281.96, not including our student loans.

The Quickie Budget
(These are our monthly necessities)

Giving: $343.00
Saving: $050.00*
Phone: $239.00
Gas/Oil: $150.00
Car Insurance: $201.00
Life Insurance: $078.00
Total necessities/mo: $1,061.00
*our goal is to save $1,000 ASAP to begin our emergency fund, then put away 3-6months of our monthly expenses. yesterday when I applied for the p/t patient register rep my application history said that they were sending it to the recruitment office, i checked it today and they said they were sending it to the hiring manger for the department. I took this is a good sign, i mean why else waste time sending me a notice and sending it to the hiring manager if I weren't being strongly considered, right? I'm thinking their going to give it to me. I'm going to prepare myself to receive it and think nothing less until they tell me i don't have it.

The Facts

Salary 1: $3433.3/month***
Bonus: this will be the income from my p/t job. since we already have things in place with just the Senator's salary, I figured it would be good to perfect that and do a "Lump Sum Payment Plan" with the income I'm claiming to be bringing in. I keep the money i get for my business in a separate account. I need to purchase some big office supplies and will be traveling in April, so I will need my business to pay for that, no need to disrupt the budget, right?

Lump Sum Payment Planning

we decided to move our vacation from May back to December. we've been passively deciding to go away for Christmas, just the two of us for about two years now. So we decided that we would plan for a fund for our anniversary and save the big-ness for Christmas time. We've got 8 birthdays between now and November, 1 anniversary (ours), and a vacation to plan for. here goes the breakdown~
Vacation: $2,000 ~ $200/monthly
Gifts (Christmas): $600 ~ $60/monthly
Birthdays: $400 ~ $40/monthly
if you're asking why the birthday budget is smaller than the Christmas budget, it's because the Senator's family is big, and i mean B-I-G on time together. more than likely, we will celebrate all 8 birthdays with some form of a family gathering/dinner which will take some pressure off of giving a gift.

Birthday Breakdown: (just in case you wanted to know)

02/2010: Justin, Cousin-Inlaw, Renee' (step-MIL)
04/2010: O
06/2010: Adrian & Sharita, Uncle and SIL
07/2010: the Senator, Duane (FIL)
08/2010: moi
10/2010: Kyle, BIL
11/2010: Karen, MIL
12/2010: Vincent, Step-FIL (Karen's Husband), Jasmine (step-SIL)

so with all this said, i still need to share with you the details. i promise i will once i figure out the forms. at least you know what we're up against and where my head is regarding the matter.

angry post & budgeting

2010-02-17T07:12:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm angry because:

the cleaning lady came at 9:22 instead of 9:00 which gave me false hope that she may be possibly snowed in and not coming which meant that I could stay in and work from home today.
i'm sleepy as all get-out and all i want to do is be lazy, but i have waaaaaayyyy to much work to do
i'm getting a p/t job (not angry about that) but am angry about, well idk why. I just am
the Senator: he makes me want to do the following~ a) choke slam him b) chop him the throat c) leave and NEVER come back.
my in-laws... enough said
that after 24 years of life and idk how many years of having a period and i've never suffered from PMS until 6 months before i turn 25, ugh!

N-T-way, Ashley over at Our Little Apartment posted an awesome post about budgeting. If you'll recall my last post i talked about our taking a wonderful class Financial Peace University . It's been great, having only taken three classes and today I'm going to do our budget, which I will share with you as part of my being accountable to you. I really inspired by Ashley's attitude of full disclosure. You never know how much your story means to someone else or how much it can help someone else. Ashley, you're awesome!

I'll be back later this evening with the details of our budget.

financial peace and part-time job

2010-02-15T15:15:00.001-08:00

the Senator and I are taking a class on Sunday nights by Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. It's been so great. The class started about four weeks ago but our second class was only yesterday. We've been delayed because of the snow. Anyway, we got our kit last night (to the left). I love books and pads, papers, forms, outlines, blah blah blah... i just love it! I'll keep you updated... in the meantime, I recommend everyone take a course. All you have to do is go to the website and put in your area code and find a course nearest you. It's FREE, all you have to do is pay $100 for your kit. i told you guys, we're moving from here...

while all this was going on, the Senator and i have been having some major issues. money has been the source of all of them. i didn't get it at first... i started my own VA business a while ago 5 months and some change to be exact and we took a hit. nothing big enough to make a dent just big enough for us to notice we had to manage our money a lot better. anyhoo, we cut our apt. loose and moved in with O, okay caught up?! it's been crazy. Not all bad, but not all great either... more not all great than anything. i'm so tired of sharing space I don't know what to do with myself. I'm so frustrated with space I don't know what to do with myself, I'm so eager to get my own space i don't know what to do with myself. i want so bad to decorate my own place, and do things my own way, and get my own four walls back and breathe in my own air of my won house i don't know what to do with myself. well, i finally figured out what to do with myself. i'll get a p/t job (working at night) and build my business during the day. a) it will expidite the process of us eliminating our debt and b) it will help us be prepared enough to move when O moves if she finds a place before October (our next apt. with NACA). I'm so excited, I see a very bright future today and i'm meeting the needs of my man and that makes me feel awesome. for a long time i felt like if I went back to work I would be admitting that I was wrong for leaving, but... i don't feel that way. I wasn't wrong for leaving, my time was up there, i was supposed to go when i did and do what I did, and right now, I'm supposed to do this for my family. it's a good thing, and I'm confident that though the Senator appears to be... oh idk, concerned that i won't be happy, that deep down inside maybe there is a small piece of him that is relieved that we'll have an extra income and can move quicker with our goals.

one thing i've learned as a wife is that, sometime we have to see a need and just fill it. i've asked the Senator countless times if he wants me to go back, his response, "I want you to be happy". well mr. Senator, i'm happy right now, right this moment, right today.

budget update

2010-02-13T05:35:00.000-08:00

I check our account yesterday and was overwhelmed. the numbers are looking good and everything is going according to plan. I'm so excited. I believe we are actually going to do it this time. I signed another contract yesterday so, that means more money coming in to help support my business ventures so our household budget isn't disturbed... yay!!! when you plan and pray, all things work out. I know there will be struggles, but right now i'm all excited about just having things go right with our money for a change.

amazing new blog(s) to follow

2010-02-12T19:41:00.000-08:00

you know i'm easily inspired...

#1~please check this out it's am amazing blog and this is my all time favorite part of it... I love the way she thinks!!!
Mrs. Limestone, you're fab!

#2~please read this post, i'm taking it's sugestions to heart. I'm new at this blogging thing, but desire to build a community of readers who I can establish commonalities with. this was helpful...
Tamstyles, I like the way you think!

#3~you all may not know this, or maybe you do, but I L-O-V-E to organize and clean and post-it.... any and everything... well, I've found a kindred spirit... my new bloggy at Anything Pretty, check her out!
Jenny, I'm diggin' those post-its!

#4~a new bloggy over at life and style did something great with a table from the thrift store! read about it here.
Dayka, you go girl!

alright, loves, that's all for me tonight... I've enjoyed it, but... gotta go!

t.g.i.f.night

i can't import my photos

2010-02-11T19:19:00.000-08:00

tonight i made pulled bbg chicken sandwiches and threw some mac and cheese in the oven that O left, i still have not learned to make the rue yet. i took really great photos and wanted to share, but i can't import my photos into iPhoto from my camera. so sad! i was so excited to share... fret not, i'll keep working on it.

i know i was supposed to post about the completion of footwear & clothing by mp, but i suck and after my conference call from 11-2, my run to the post office, and my very interesting errand to my MIL's house to drop off two pieces of mail, I was exhausted! i don't get it, it's not like i got up to shovel snow with the Senator... anyway, i got back, did a bit of work, then napped. by the time i woke up it was 10 til 7 and i still had dinner to make. that's where the idea for a quick meal came from. i don't like to eat too late, well... except for tonight... we ate around 9-ish or so. n-t-way back to my original issue, i can't complete the import. i get the notice that says that the import is happening, but then the camera shuts off and and i have to turn it off then on again, and when i go to check to see if i've got photos in the "last import" folder, nothing is there.
ugh! i'm not super tech savvy, i've got a macbook, the generation before the last one, and i've got a c653 easy share by kodak.

does anyone know what i should do? I'd love to hear some suggestions from any of my 6 followers....

alot to do today...

2010-02-11T08:01:00.000-08:00

right now as we speak i'm snuggling up to my cell with my study books as my group prepares to begin our W.E.L.L groupd via conference call. after which I will dive into a few new contracts and assignments for a client of mine. i plan to work until about 3 (depending on when the call is finished), then complete my project for Footwear & Clothing by MP .

What are some of your plans for today?

Carrot Bread

2010-02-10T19:10:00.000-08:00

I was over at all-things-lovely and came across this delicious recipe. I posted a comment and said I was on my way to make it. So I ran downstairs and made it! You can get the recipe at that blog, since it wasn't originally my idea.

It came out so good! I was so excited! the Senator loved it, he topped it with some vanilla ice cream and wen back downstairs to watch guy tv. It was quiet like the original recipe as hers was more of a puddin' and mine was more of a bread, but delicious all the same, i'm sure.

i do believe this storm is going to make a cook out of me! Right now I'm watching Julie & Julia just because i wanted to see Julia cook all those recipes and imagine myself in her place since I was "supposed" to be starting challenge a while back, which i didn't do, obviously. Anyway I'm cooking all the same and loving every bit of it.

i'm worried but i know better

2010-02-10T16:01:00.000-08:00

earlier this morning the Senator told me that his pay for the beginning of March would be about $200 less than yesterday's pay. that's major! right now i don't see how we can manage to obtain our current financial goals with that little coming in. ordinarily we aren't even worried, but i believe now that we're really trying to get things in order all hell is going to break loose... of course, right?!

i guess, scratch that, I know! no good thing comes w/o a struggle and some sacrifice... i guess it will just have to force me to be extra creative, because i refuse to forfeit the budget or not pay a bill just because it's hard. I mean, we've got a home to buy and I'm, sorry, "we" are serious about that thing.!

an indirectly related note: I've separated all the clothes, shoes, and everything else that I am going to use to start footwear & clothing by MP. I posted my first item for sale today. I plan to take pictures and log everything tomorrow in it's appropriate categories. i'm so excited. i imagine getting e-mails from bloggers and thrifty shoppers asking for items. I'd like to think my clothes are cool and other people would want to buy them. I can't help but feel the slow creeping panic i felt when i first got a FB page... I was paranoid that no one would want to be my friend. only this time, i'm afraid no one will want to buy my clothes.
i even got the Senator to throw in a few things for my "uncategorized goodies".

i really want this little venture of mine to work, i mean i don't need the clothes and i refuse to do a yard sale again. my MIL and i did one last spring and I gave away tons of goodies, awesome shoes, bags, clothes, etc. and came home with $50. i mean it was $50 i didn't have and i got a mani and pedi, but my heart ached for weeks.. i just felt like i got taken, ya dig what i'm saying? n-t-way, footwear & clothing by mp will serve as a place for me to do good and to anyone out there who's ever seen a bag or a pair of shoes of mine and wanted them, following this blog and participating my be your chance to get that item.

ive been inspired... AGAIN!

2010-02-10T11:59:00.000-08:00

GiGi is the author of GiGi's Gone Shopping and FS by GiGi. I found her blog, well you know! I do not have a clothing budget but love to shop so I thought why not sell what I have and take the proceeds to purchase new things. This will not disturb my current budget or our goals for purchasing our first home at the end of the year. I'm so excited!

Check it out HERE

i've been inspired again: ~$18k in 240

2010-02-09T20:28:00.000-08:00

{insert my "usual blog reading" opening sentence here} Our Little Apartment is a new blog that I'm following. A, the author of this blog wrote a post HERE that mirrored my thought exactly on a little issue we like to call budgeting. I mean she hit it on the head, it was as if we had talked and I bore my soul to her. A, I'd just like to say. Everything will be okay. We're ALL there. We've all been there and I'm safe to speak to everyone when I say, budgeting is a bear! Hey, that kind of rhymed... lol!
With that said. I've decided to add a cute little widget to the right that will count down to the day the Senator and I go back to visit our NACA rep. For those of you who don't know, we're trying to buy our first home at the end of this year so we're getting disciplined. I talk a bit more about it here.

so, this is the official public commitment to paying off ~$18,000 in debt in 240 days (the day we're due to go back and sit with our NACA rep)

A, I'll post our (my Senator and I) goals for saving and such as a support to your post and will check back with you (via comments) so that you'll always know there is someone else out there who's feeling your pain.

Who else is on board? Visit A @ Our Little Apartment and lend her a bit of encouragement.

the contents of 5 purses

2010-02-09T18:20:00.000-08:00

I was doing my usual blog reads and J over at Always a Northerner posted something that totally inspired me.

She cleaned out her laundry basket of purses and blogged the contents. Well I don't have a laundry basket of bags, here at O's house. I only have 5. The rest of them are in storage... all three plastic tubs worth... {feel free to judge me} Anyway, here is what I found.

2 plastic bangles; i Mac remote; 1 iPod charger; 1 broken hair tie; 2 batteries; 1 peppermint; 1 wedding magnet; 1 adhesive calculator; my Giant bonus card; our '08 taxes folder; my notes from a Growing Disciples workshop i did last year; 2 pkgs of Karma Cards; 2 dry erase markers; 1 highlighter; 2 gel pens; 3 ink pens; 1 broken key chain from the time Delta and I went museum hopping; 2 hotel key cards from Bahamas; 1 nail (think HS wood shop); an old car insurance ID; my Rita's Water Ice 2 for Tues. card; 1 Bahamian dollar; $3 in change; and 1 pkg on ranch flavored Sunflower seeds

1 half eaten bag of Hot Tamales; 1 empty Neiman Marcus shopping bag; 1 pkg of Dr. Scholls For Her expressions~Insole 3pk; 1 iPhone cover; 3 books; 1 mini Bible; 1 belt; 1 pkg of post card rings; 1 eyeglass lens cleaner cloth; 14 business cards; sermon notes; 1 paper bag w/ an important address that I've been looking for; 1/2 of an index card with a to-do list written on it; small stack of mail (10 items); 1 bottle of nail polish; 1 tube of lip gloss; 2 Angle mints (I had never heard of them until i got them as a gift); 2 citrus flavored Halls Defense; 1 large paper clip (think Staples, Office Depot, etc.); and $0.61 in change

3 nails (think Home Depot); 2 batteries; 1 spa Brochure from when I got my first wax; 1 Panera Bread napkin containing our AT&T data plan change confirmation; 1 pen; 2 Tylenol cold capsules; 1 bottle of nail polish; 1 B&N gift card (with Balance); 1 soft peppermint (my favorite); $0.03 in change; 1 pen cap; 8 business cards

1 cinnamon granola bar; 1 half eaten bag of citrus flavored Halls Defense; 3 bottles of nail polish; 1 pair of tweezers; 1 mini emery board; 1 pencil; 3 ink pens; 1 highlighter; 4 antibacterial Wet Ones; 1 pair of socks; 1 tampon; 2 pantie liners; 3 sanitary napkins; 1 handkerchief; 1 barrette; 3 hair pins; 1 mini safety pin; 2 Tylenol Cold capsules; 1 hair tie; 1 StrapPerfect (As Seen on TV); $0.71 in change; a stack of mail; 3 fliers for January's revival

31 STD magnets from my wedding; 1 jewelry bag; 1 ink pen; 1 gel pen; 1 hair band; 2 hair ties; 1 iPod charger; 1 necklace; 1 pocket mirror w/ my wedding planner's name on it :(; 3 Ziploc bags in descending sizes; 3 cotton balls; 1 colour quad; 2 key cards from V-day last year; 1 Amway Global ID card (thought i lost it); 1 Bahamian dollar; 1 tube of lip gloss; 1 mini tape recorder; 1 sm tube of toothpaste; 1 tube of Blistex (brand new)... i win!; 1/2 bottle of prenatal vitamins ( i had baby fever BAD two years ago); 1 sm ball of rubber bands; 7 bottles of nail polish; 1 peppermint; 1 pkg of pantie liners (opened, but never used); 1 spool of thread; 1 box of push pins ( i was learning how to sew... still am, kind of): 1 purple cosmetic bag; 1 gold Kenneth Cole change purse (Super Cute); 2 jumbo bobby pins; 14 small bobby pins; 1 pair of earrings; $10 in arcade money; 1 Maryland House coin (you know the kind you get as a souvenir); $1.21 in change; 12 Pesos; 1.87 Euros; 1 jumbo hair clamp; and 2 of the Senator's collar stays

There you go, I'm officially naked and exposed