tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4367876011892996602024-02-21T01:43:30.559-05:00LEXA'S JOURNALThis blog is dedicated to women like me, who seek balance, joy, and fulfillment in their lives, while juggling careers, relationships, and family.Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-8083004360375018742011-07-06T15:02:00.000-04:002011-07-06T15:02:08.125-04:00I've moved to a new locationHello world! I've moved to a new location.... You can now find Lexa's Journal at <a href="http://www.lexawrites.com/">www.lexawrites.com</a>. While this site has been good to me, especially as a newbie to blogging, the time has come for me to move on. I've been wanting to make the move since the start of the year but just didn't have the time.<br />
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Sitting still is no easy task for me, but amazingly today, I was able to sit long enough to nearly complete the page. I stayed away from facebook, except one post this morning. I left twitter and my emails alone. I started to sit pool side to work, but knew that would be counter productive. Reluctantly I sat in the house, wearing my swimsuit with the pool out of sight. Wow! That's amazing for me. <br />
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To follow me on my new blog, simply subscribe to the site and you will continue to receive automatic email updates. <br />
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See you soon!<br />
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<em><em>Think Forward</em></em>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-69023560152746463692011-06-29T19:40:00.001-04:002011-06-29T19:40:46.268-04:00My St. Maarten favoritesYesterday I returned from St. Maarten. I thought I'd share a few of my favorite moments on the island.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtuEcJYGPCw5T9eE-cN5v78XH75cHP8V8zPIQ51PCqO1Kw3602474ydv9Hn9QReHmubczCGliqLS2V3pKHyjnMkA2LwabNjsbUStHHmcf-lPOfeKPactCIa2Paa0LCpIC3OAYyyNoD_A/s1600/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtuEcJYGPCw5T9eE-cN5v78XH75cHP8V8zPIQ51PCqO1Kw3602474ydv9Hn9QReHmubczCGliqLS2V3pKHyjnMkA2LwabNjsbUStHHmcf-lPOfeKPactCIa2Paa0LCpIC3OAYyyNoD_A/s200/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+015.jpg" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My absolute favorite place to hang out... tropical beaches!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Zp-f2Qek2QGCQEfcDu1DNneDTPdAKol0QQniIpYnhlDraXKR9SrAHbPprexhNW_mAf2MNcLlL6MsusdLYblmQpJUdsv7s4go85sOJ_PGDG8yp3KtZPiBlFhNExd5hedoZvV_D0GNUc4/s1600/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Zp-f2Qek2QGCQEfcDu1DNneDTPdAKol0QQniIpYnhlDraXKR9SrAHbPprexhNW_mAf2MNcLlL6MsusdLYblmQpJUdsv7s4go85sOJ_PGDG8yp3KtZPiBlFhNExd5hedoZvV_D0GNUc4/s200/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+020.jpg" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture will come in handy during the bitter cold winter season.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTRKtoFB0j6gTJKaTq0UiyTU-uATMTmjH0K7phhccKRpUNIFn8ugh-SAtrVVkVTDAldBvKfDcMRI0l3QTzV15gfYJebcGZ5byHGg_kuAKhwDcHvvF_qLLS4wNFcqByHTfsipJgFLkfUQ/s1600/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTRKtoFB0j6gTJKaTq0UiyTU-uATMTmjH0K7phhccKRpUNIFn8ugh-SAtrVVkVTDAldBvKfDcMRI0l3QTzV15gfYJebcGZ5byHGg_kuAKhwDcHvvF_qLLS4wNFcqByHTfsipJgFLkfUQ/s200/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+023.jpg" width="150px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry & Guava berry drink (virgin or with "spirits") is refreshing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBddGmlNpKKaDVNm1GsWY-Gknu1RZLs57dXVqtnvYN-G2Qc0BX1jhNueSTT3jQyh0123nutmZYKeyVYe_gkjieX5VeG_IQO9cxwprzpCtpyjo-0HymyX6iK7pzP3J54-1dQtVg1qDiHEw/s1600/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBddGmlNpKKaDVNm1GsWY-Gknu1RZLs57dXVqtnvYN-G2Qc0BX1jhNueSTT3jQyh0123nutmZYKeyVYe_gkjieX5VeG_IQO9cxwprzpCtpyjo-0HymyX6iK7pzP3J54-1dQtVg1qDiHEw/s200/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+031.jpg" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nope! I don't know this guy. Inebriation prevented him from making it to his room. He got off of the elevator on our floor and this is where he landed. I could not resist taking his picture. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8uYMZx5EuP80piuuDftzF67X-k1dNEru3KoeVivQLC3Cp4UV7KUSUrt4yFA0yhb7Nij4julNa0uB3B44gnIajCX_Suh_09We9Y-tKaPllDJKb60kYXnVb75U0CrugqEckeJl7H6Dafg/s1600/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8uYMZx5EuP80piuuDftzF67X-k1dNEru3KoeVivQLC3Cp4UV7KUSUrt4yFA0yhb7Nij4julNa0uB3B44gnIajCX_Suh_09We9Y-tKaPllDJKb60kYXnVb75U0CrugqEckeJl7H6Dafg/s200/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+046.jpg" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My girlfriend was relentless in getting us to dine at this marvelous restaurant. Why? Because Oprah said so! No disappointment here... The food was sensational and left my taste buds wanting more.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpcLijDizgq13cgbBWLcGqIO0q7k9PE_272joEgMAAIvLYv8SK5uDsbOaehGOZAfXuZPzA92JWxs4DKVNcPG2SnbHbk3iFdw5rH8-gto2oMQAKcWCKGX0L5LTceyLKvB0ml9rYj7iaa8/s1600/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpcLijDizgq13cgbBWLcGqIO0q7k9PE_272joEgMAAIvLYv8SK5uDsbOaehGOZAfXuZPzA92JWxs4DKVNcPG2SnbHbk3iFdw5rH8-gto2oMQAKcWCKGX0L5LTceyLKvB0ml9rYj7iaa8/s200/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+032.jpg" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oddee.com/item_93109.aspx"><span style="color: black;">My hotel was located near the Princess Juliana Int'l Airport and we were very close to this beach. Last week the beach was featured on yahoo as one of the </span></a><a href="http://www.oddee.com/item_93109.aspx">top 10 dangerous beaches</a>. I am amazed at the fools who stand at the foot of the airport at take off. They are literaly blown into the sand by the power of the planes exhausts. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPdePvNh4_KpEoVk9W8_RLR7XPQ8mQu_i9AQL_qChyphenhyphenAUQi-92pXdPrxa2RMwPj6N9ElaEYQ_W5xWMgrYtfKSnkLZQIDpvNLTspl54r8v7YN2XChcqZv6Vyi6K5W61uD9tE0HdAoZD8-s/s1600/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPdePvNh4_KpEoVk9W8_RLR7XPQ8mQu_i9AQL_qChyphenhyphenAUQi-92pXdPrxa2RMwPj6N9ElaEYQ_W5xWMgrYtfKSnkLZQIDpvNLTspl54r8v7YN2XChcqZv6Vyi6K5W61uD9tE0HdAoZD8-s/s200/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+012.jpg" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sign rests near the ocean at Orient Beach (French side of the Island). Great advertisement-- great beverage choice while laying on the beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjewYjOTGlJzlCAptX0arvnbEf8rlvfb-Non6pXM9sTK3EubvXKEIJC20Sx3-BPJ93aFz9Lc3ENVjL8AwF4dJWItzE3gqO5MtnqOJVK07u1BtsznaIJRtWoUJ0CiQbQCZc4islEpkuTw/s1600/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjewYjOTGlJzlCAptX0arvnbEf8rlvfb-Non6pXM9sTK3EubvXKEIJC20Sx3-BPJ93aFz9Lc3ENVjL8AwF4dJWItzE3gqO5MtnqOJVK07u1BtsznaIJRtWoUJ0CiQbQCZc4islEpkuTw/s200/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+048.jpg" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this shot while sitting outside a restaurant... wondering what it's called?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeOwstW7AItZH_9MWBS20o6Nzz115LAMigEoGLZERY6wFKYjivV3D79HphjOi7wujQZswGyq7qgNjoUBtNCDi3yVjHxiWkL-_Cd7E-aqojM_CFbcQpMnOCnukDN6skD1Kj9k-2agalnA/s1600/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeOwstW7AItZH_9MWBS20o6Nzz115LAMigEoGLZERY6wFKYjivV3D79HphjOi7wujQZswGyq7qgNjoUBtNCDi3yVjHxiWkL-_Cd7E-aqojM_CFbcQpMnOCnukDN6skD1Kj9k-2agalnA/s200/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+059.jpg" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you say ambiance? The outdoor waiting area at the Big Fish. Gorgeous- right?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSp-IIF87jwf1WRFid8TrRVXJqu_mB8_FBY43vzs7l0f4WVCYx8Q_ts-bjCDXNZv_T6oKGAsKNl8CdR0BtMBTJ6_-cosXhTeek_55BBtu9b1crkHdJHLE9RJn8zakE6_p6SSg4Z_BvwYc/s1600/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSp-IIF87jwf1WRFid8TrRVXJqu_mB8_FBY43vzs7l0f4WVCYx8Q_ts-bjCDXNZv_T6oKGAsKNl8CdR0BtMBTJ6_-cosXhTeek_55BBtu9b1crkHdJHLE9RJn8zakE6_p6SSg4Z_BvwYc/s200/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+056.jpg" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner plate at The Big Fish. Almost every object in the restaurant is white, including the cool rectangular plates that dinner is served on. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqJ6gkEwV0r9V_BrJduNk9PV0VXmNl5wdW_ZqxZY3LcV6rRSJ1Iyp6mgjZNZvoZXxCd2eQu5WKYpUbKDB6L7YsauLbUJa0a7TJZ-QFDG1SmlcUfVnVBhH-IoopCUJSG7pkd_YdAWhGKY/s1600/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqJ6gkEwV0r9V_BrJduNk9PV0VXmNl5wdW_ZqxZY3LcV6rRSJ1Iyp6mgjZNZvoZXxCd2eQu5WKYpUbKDB6L7YsauLbUJa0a7TJZ-QFDG1SmlcUfVnVBhH-IoopCUJSG7pkd_YdAWhGKY/s200/St.+Maarteen+June+2011+060.jpg" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At dusk, The Big Fish sign is illuminated! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-84431986554390650582011-06-22T05:00:00.003-04:002011-06-23T23:25:29.594-04:00Farewell alarm clock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9Nb1u593I1joiNYY4J7H4WLkpPyIfRNrf7fuxqHc1F54tymZ6Yfr9oIsgbUX5hZ2rfKyWq1z4ZClwZeL4km5li2V29_v8a9vs6QO9u1C9m2b7evkD6G_K3_zENVfRxDmTyWQXyg44Zw/s1600/IMG_1044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9Nb1u593I1joiNYY4J7H4WLkpPyIfRNrf7fuxqHc1F54tymZ6Yfr9oIsgbUX5hZ2rfKyWq1z4ZClwZeL4km5li2V29_v8a9vs6QO9u1C9m2b7evkD6G_K3_zENVfRxDmTyWQXyg44Zw/s200/IMG_1044.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div>So I made it through another intriguing school year. Today is my last day of the 2010-2011 school year and my summer will officially begin. <br />
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The summer means I can sleep past 5:00 a.m. Wake up without an alarm clock or the sound of the coffee pot grinding. Iced coffee! Running, reading, and writing more frequently. Spending more fun time with my family. Oh and getting through my summer to-do list (later I will say more about my list). I am delighted!<br />
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I'm kicking off my summer and rewarding myself this year with some much needed down time. Translation... a Caribbean island, white sand streaming through my toes, crystal clear blue water, exotic palm trees, sweet tropical cocktails, and no kids. Someone else will cook, wash the dishes, clean the toilets, make my bed, laundry the towels, and prepare a fine meal that I will enjoy among adults with mature and uninterrupted conversation. Yes, I'm ready! <br />
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</span></div>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-1693057375287811492011-06-12T13:53:00.000-04:002011-06-12T13:53:15.280-04:00My confession<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
For the past month, I’ve been terribly unproductive at blogging and my writing in general. I figured out why!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIzyGQqLlOL9HHjBsAImI4dJE1Hq8MCST8psoALOn4wxNHqP6ucv-sMluEDd5wP6fllqVrRJUyKhg5NJ6Vf00tVfh93fMN-WCHGEvCCHtmDjry4-oo0pcYDRCFlRva6lMs5R8DvkafYg/s1600/coupon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIzyGQqLlOL9HHjBsAImI4dJE1Hq8MCST8psoALOn4wxNHqP6ucv-sMluEDd5wP6fllqVrRJUyKhg5NJ6Vf00tVfh93fMN-WCHGEvCCHtmDjry4-oo0pcYDRCFlRva6lMs5R8DvkafYg/s200/coupon.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>These darn coupons! How on earth could that be? The first time I saw the show <a href="http://tlc.discovery.com/videos/extreme-couponing-videos/">Extreme Couponing</a> I thought “great, those women are getting some great deals, but the average mom doesn’t have time for that!” I am also ashamed to say that I thought…they have no life. <br />
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Well, Tanya’s eating her words because couponing has snuck up on me like a thief in the night. Robbing me of my precious writing time, but saving me huge amounts of money.<br />
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When did I realize that I was having issues? I clearly remember… standing in line at Pathmark cashing in on the triple coupon promotion. Yes! Triple! A $1.00 coupon worth $3.00! Amazing right!!! <br />
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As the cashier rang up my items and began scanning my coupons, I realized that my hands were trembling! Lol!! Palms were sweaty and all. I thought, “girl, you’ve got issues!” I got so excited that day, because the cashier gave me $0.05 back (he wasn’t suppose to do that), that I left my bank card at the cash register. <br />
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While, I’m still a novice at this couponing adventure, I am saving money and having fun. Here are a few pictures of some my favorite buys.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZg7S-3OIAwc2s7MkSmkxrgJSz6YyNxxKzzKdb2BJS4i_Gz-SQ-6sU_N2AG7oWA8s86rRLlSB5BrstWa8PoU342arqSFVPvXgkgnMgcRrWeeVfix4LyYGzfZ9yTLQXpRgom2dPQShiIm8/s1600/acme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZg7S-3OIAwc2s7MkSmkxrgJSz6YyNxxKzzKdb2BJS4i_Gz-SQ-6sU_N2AG7oWA8s86rRLlSB5BrstWa8PoU342arqSFVPvXgkgnMgcRrWeeVfix4LyYGzfZ9yTLQXpRgom2dPQShiIm8/s200/acme.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Acme) Total bill - $6.16</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaD0oZI2jTHeatU679htfYOVUwxugRqYI90qJFQhVrmbkrWpEE3mh2VGSIvLCjqihgvzmyG2fEtrkti2IbRwNc-1Denoh3WMt9VoOo5-k4SpTcPjSl7GKQBLBbTuY76cTqqwbEPRJM1Po/s1600/freezer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaD0oZI2jTHeatU679htfYOVUwxugRqYI90qJFQhVrmbkrWpEE3mh2VGSIvLCjqihgvzmyG2fEtrkti2IbRwNc-1Denoh3WMt9VoOo5-k4SpTcPjSl7GKQBLBbTuY76cTqqwbEPRJM1Po/s200/freezer.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ore.Ida fries were free (Pathmark promo) & the creamers were either free or under $0.50. The freezer is full!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAi4_8cjBuODMQmt1oJMiRVYA11Hk6MteLi4Kcuwlh-WPOAQ3YtAPBpJ3vOW_PqJvPtR8r2YI6JGu716q-heDS8D_VD48qgexPP1gJVyvlmwMLuI6nFfiWP5RsWENatgAGBZ7aTLa7Ag/s1600/photo-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAi4_8cjBuODMQmt1oJMiRVYA11Hk6MteLi4Kcuwlh-WPOAQ3YtAPBpJ3vOW_PqJvPtR8r2YI6JGu716q-heDS8D_VD48qgexPP1gJVyvlmwMLuI6nFfiWP5RsWENatgAGBZ7aTLa7Ag/s200/photo-12.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you tell, Tabasco is my favorite hot sauce? I got 9- 2 oz. bottles for FREE!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DS7wCmDsDTvV7f_VYLT5fJnBh3eA74IPetIVZWKORFSm4_KkbZ6_pMPZPSwu8vHoB3apYmUPvRf_sJaXOGE4jCPofib7jk-TiQxDpVqhVamFIF1QHUR5vE52cTa0HRgUPrQL4OoRC9A/s1600/water+ice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DS7wCmDsDTvV7f_VYLT5fJnBh3eA74IPetIVZWKORFSm4_KkbZ6_pMPZPSwu8vHoB3apYmUPvRf_sJaXOGE4jCPofib7jk-TiQxDpVqhVamFIF1QHUR5vE52cTa0HRgUPrQL4OoRC9A/s200/water+ice.JPG" t8="true" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 Luigi's Italian Water Ice & 2 - 20 oz. Lipton Green Tea - Total Bill - $0.21</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UCh98nIb4CSG47-thuOyHHydG-x_LhrDanJkREGe82mbDcbp274vFNps18qd65mkV0Lt6x8Kr2ucLirjEKSz1zhArRxjsu64XhorwSAsFZvIz1PTgAg2Lb694W8RqtcnnHJTypwEFyo/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UCh98nIb4CSG47-thuOyHHydG-x_LhrDanJkREGe82mbDcbp274vFNps18qd65mkV0Lt6x8Kr2ucLirjEKSz1zhArRxjsu64XhorwSAsFZvIz1PTgAg2Lb694W8RqtcnnHJTypwEFyo/s200/photo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son loves PJ sandwiches - These were from a ACME promo. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My mom always ask, "why do people tell their business?" My answer regarding this post is, I'm sharing my coupon adventures with others to help save money. I know of many working class people who are unemployed or underemployed and struggle to make ends meet. If this information can help others, than the post is well worth the time.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>By the way, once I get this couponing down pat, I refuse to over stock on items that I don't or won't ever use. Instead I will donate to those who are in need such as the <a href="http://www.njfoodbank.org/southern-branch/">NJ Food Bank</a> , the <span id="goog_839667994"></span><a href="http://www.covenanthousenj.org/">Covenant House</a>, <a href="http://www.acwc.org/">Atlantic County Women's Center,</a> the <a href="http://www.acrescuemission.org/">Atlantic City Rescue Mission</a> , or <a href="http://www.unitedwayac.org/">another non profit agency</a> in need.<br />
<br />
Enjoy the remainder of the weekend.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-86815316089764386242011-05-20T05:00:00.001-04:002011-05-20T05:00:08.414-04:00Give special recognition to graduating moms<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5r1HUaXHIKT8otEZs0I3nzEnpQpWZygPVajFSRXPnfu8wH1Cald76dGnaso4ldcqtDJeFwcXzq4A6VHq3xGb3m9Jr0pMnDgriNLEMy8vITYUSCJOdl-cFmHbejXXwwyxwG4yXhkgRH0/s1600/fireworks.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5r1HUaXHIKT8otEZs0I3nzEnpQpWZygPVajFSRXPnfu8wH1Cald76dGnaso4ldcqtDJeFwcXzq4A6VHq3xGb3m9Jr0pMnDgriNLEMy8vITYUSCJOdl-cFmHbejXXwwyxwG4yXhkgRH0/s200/fireworks.png" width="162" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">This week a long-time and close friend graduated from<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>junior college and received her Associates degree with honors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While this may seem like a small achievement to some, I am here to tell you that her success involved endless sacrifices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am extremely proud of her and overjoyed for her success! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">She’s a single mother of three children and like so many moms, always put her kids needs before her own. Her desire to attend college was shelved until she felt attending college would not interfere with their individual needs. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Countless moms (and single dads) undertake the journey of furthering their education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether the goal is a GED, an Associates degree, a Bachelor’s degree, or other advanced degree, the sacrifice and commitment is all the same. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Kids homework, groceries, laundry, house cleaning, cooking, coaching, counseling, coordinating schedules, transporting the kids to activities, holidays, birthdays, nurturing all the relationships in the home, and working a second job out side the home (for some).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Add to the above, mommy’s classes, lectures, homework, papers, projects, quizzes, exams!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh yeah, did I mention sleep?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You cannot begin to imagine the mental and physical demands of maintaining this routine for any extended period of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only God or another spiritual connection and a supportive network of family and friends can get you through such an exhausting and taxing journey. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Trying to keep everything going simultaneously is a bizarre juggling act</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The experience of making a commitment to oneself and following through to the end is an incredible rewarding, uplifting, and exhilarating feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After nearly 11 years of attending day, evening, night, weekend classes, and sometimes, commuting twice a day (a one hour drive each way) in 2002, I proudly walked across the stage to receive my Bachelor’s degree at Rowan University.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Strolling across the stage with my much younger and fellow graduates was one of the best feelings in my life!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The moment was incredibly emotional and rewarding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Like so many other women, I was the first in my family to receive a college degree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> M</span>y mom was proud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dad died my senior year in high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made his spiritual presence when I received my high school diploma and revisited as I received my diploma in hand at Rowan. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For a mom, furthering her education is empowering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moms often nurture everyone else except for herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Success in each class validates the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the one thing in her day, her week, her month, her year that she do for herself and no one else.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So when I read or hear about another woman’s accomplishment, I say cheers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kudos!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Congratulations! And then some!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because I know firsthand how the road is paved with potholes, detours and road closures, yet we diligently persevere.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A special segment in every college graduation ceremony should be dedicated to graduating mothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These accomplished moms usually work twice as hard as their classmates and deserve special recognition.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Congratulations to all the graduating women this spring; you rock!!</div><!--EndFragment-->Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-81627395225963255342011-05-17T19:12:00.000-04:002011-05-17T19:12:19.137-04:00Today's idea of balance<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">bal·ance*</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="pg" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 0px;"><span id="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">–noun</span></span></span><div class="luna-Ent" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="dnindex" style="color: #7b7b7b; display: block; float: left; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 28px;"><span id="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">1.</span></span></span><div class="dndata" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span id="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">state</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">of</span> </span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/equilibrium" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">equilibrium</a><span id="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">equipoise;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">equal</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">distribution</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">of</span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">weight,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">amount,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">etc.</span></span></div></div><div class="luna-Ent" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="dnindex" style="color: #7b7b7b; display: block; float: left; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 28px;"><span id="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">2.</span></span></span><div class="dndata" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span id="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">something</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">used</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">produce</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">equilibrium;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">counterpoise.</span></span></div></div><div class="luna-Ent" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="dnindex" style="color: #7b7b7b; display: block; float: left; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 28px;"><span id="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">3.</span></span></span><div class="dndata" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span id="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">mental</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">steadiness</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">emotional</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">stability;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">habit</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">calm</span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">behavior,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">judgment,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;">etc.</span></span></div></div></span></blockquote>At this moment, per me, I should be washing the dishes, cleaning up the kitchen, and filling my coffee pot with coffee beans for tomorrow morning's early rise<br />
<br />
Hubby has taken our son to an activity. This is my hour or so of mommy <em>me</em> time. Yeah right! Me time! Lol! I'm sitting in my study laughing my ass off. Why? Because there is no way that I can fit anything that I really want to right now into this little window of an opportunity.<br />
<br />
So I'm here to just say, I'm still here! I am promising myself that I will make a fierce return and say everything, well- well almost everything that I intended to say over the past two weeks. <br />
<br />
I hear noises. Alex! That's my puppy. I'm really not alone after all. I must go, he's chewing the baseboard in the kitchen again. <span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">I'll </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;">b</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">ba</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">c</span><span style="background-color: white;">k!</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="pronset"><span class="show_ipapr" style="display: none;"><span class="prondelim">/</span><span class="pron">ˈbæl<img alt="" border="0" class="luna-Img" src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.png" />əns</span><span class="prondelim">/</span> -is defined by dictionary.com as </span></span><span class="pronset"><span class="show_ipapr" style="display: none;"><span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;">1. a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc. </span></span></span><span class="pronset"><span class="show_ipapr" style="display: none;"><span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;">2. something used to create equilibrium, </span></span></span><span class="pronset"><span class="show_ipapr" style="display: none;"><span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;">3. mental steadiness,</span></span></span><span class="pronset"><span class="show_ipapr" style="display: none;"><span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;"> emotional stability... </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">* <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/balance</span></span>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-20894416676272271452011-05-06T05:00:00.002-04:002011-05-06T05:00:03.446-04:00A well understood wake-up call<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“Every death is a wake-up call</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> to live life more fully”</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> - Oprah Winfrey<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9La5wFPl-wQoi2_u9vF6pZxdAG6_2kDAXMqgOr8XL1O9EJHGhG9A8VdC8mxHxCpG_LgBSp_MZfSqohV5ZeKcizTL0syctl7RnwQ8pQOGx4J1hmHub_yd8TRXiBUgVZzzig8Uq_IJQOg/s1600/yellow+rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9La5wFPl-wQoi2_u9vF6pZxdAG6_2kDAXMqgOr8XL1O9EJHGhG9A8VdC8mxHxCpG_LgBSp_MZfSqohV5ZeKcizTL0syctl7RnwQ8pQOGx4J1hmHub_yd8TRXiBUgVZzzig8Uq_IJQOg/s200/yellow+rose.jpg" width="131px" /></a></div><br />
</div><br />
Wise and thought provoking. The rapid and untimely death of my cousin Marlene was my wake-up call. Actually- it was more like a violent jolt. Although our moms are sisters, Marlene felt more like a sister than a cousin. <br />
<br />
She was 46 when she passed. I remember driving in my car, struggling to listen to one of my favorite songs, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqfLVDIZcP8">Mariah Carey's, "Bye Bye."</a> Wondering why her? Why now?<br />
<br />
Early in August 2006 everything was well. The disturbing cancer diagnosis came soon after. Two days after Christmas, she passed. She was a strict <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">vegetarian</span> for nearly all of her life. She <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">never drank alcohol</span>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Never smoked</span> cigarettes or cigars and never used drugs. She had no risk factors, but was still struck by this non-discriminate and mortal disease.<br />
<br />
<ul><li><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Fact: "About 70-80% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. These occur due to genetic abnormalities that happen as a result of the aging process and life in general, rather than inherited mutations"</span></strong></li>
</ul><ul></ul><div></div><br />
She <em>was not</em> suppose to be the one to leave the family yet! She was just too darn young and six months prior celebrated the youngest of her three children's high school graduation. It's been four and half years, and I'm still amazed.<br />
<br />
Marlene represented the true spirit of Christianity, but she never felt the need to make the declaration or to broadcast it to others. Instead she chose to live a quite Christian life and led by example. Marlene greeted everyone with a gentle and warm smile and loved sewing and crafting. Never complained, even when she had reason to.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">The stats are astounding and no one is exempt from this deadly disease. I can take all the precautionary steps to minimize my risk factors, however, the fact remains that I can still be afflicted with the disease. <br />
<br />
</div><ul><li><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Fact: "About</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">1</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> in 8 women in the United States (12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime."</span></span></li>
</ul><br />
My wake-up call reminds me to... <strong>Enjoy</strong> <strong>each</strong> <strong>day</strong>. <strong>Laugh</strong> <strong>often</strong>. <strong>Enjoy and appreciate the special people in my life.</strong> <strong>Partake</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>activities</strong> <strong>that</strong> <strong>are</strong> <strong>important</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>me, and most of all, have fun!</strong><br />
<br />
Now a days when I think about someone, I take the time to connect with them to say, "hello," "how are you?" or "I was thinking about you" because the next minute, hour, or day is not promised to any of us.<br />
<br />
I'm excited and feeling really good about running in this Saturday's, <a href="http://www.shirleymaefund.org/detail.php?9th-Annual-Shirley-Mae-Run-Walk-13">Shirley Mae Breast Cancer Run and Walk</a> . I am running in memory of Marlene. The event is also about celebrating survivors and I will be doing that too.<br />
<br />
I will also be running to celebrate survivors Crystal, Vanessa, Dawn, and for those whom I don't know.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Congratulations ladies on your triumphs! Yeah!</span><br />
<br />
<ul><li><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Fact: "In 2010</span></span></strong><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">, there were more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors</span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> </span></span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">in the U.S.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">"</span></strong></li>
</ul>Yes!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
Resources and related links:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://gaming.courierpostonline.com/2011/04/14/boardwalk-run-benefits-breast-cancer-patients/">http://gaming.courierpostonline.com/2011/04/14/boardwalk-run-benefits-breast-cancer-patients/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.shirleymaefund.org/">http://www.shirleymaefund.org/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.shirleymaefund.org/detail.php?9th-Annual-Shirley-Mae-Run-Walk-13">http://www.shirleymaefund.org/detail.php?9th-Annual-Shirley-Mae-Run-Walk-13</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/%C2%A0">http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/%C2%A0</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics.jsp">http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics.jsp</a>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-26219904931937975682011-05-04T05:00:00.000-04:002011-05-03T22:45:35.460-04:00What was the unhealthiest meal that you've ever eaten?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Amazed! At what? My response to the latest writing prompt. </span><a href="http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/describe-unhealthy-meal/">http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/describe-unhealthy-meal/</a><br />
<br />
"What was the unhealthiest meal you’ve ever eaten?"<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Growing up my mother fed me hearty and well balanced meals. Fruits and vegetables were plentiful. Every summer we gardened and harvested a beautifully large crop of corn, okra, green peppers, hot peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, and collards. I wasn't allowed to eat much candy and don't recall eating fast food until nearly high school age.<br />
<br />
Remembering the unhealthiest meal that I've ever eaten, really stirred me up. The meal was at McDonald's and became a weekend ritual somewhere around the age of 15. I'm repulsed and down right disgusted at the amount of garbage that I put into my body. I was a member of the Oakcrest High School Marching Ambassadors. We participated in competitions all over and traveled on the weekends. That's when I got the opportunity to eat at fast food restaurants. My mother wouldn't dare feed me McDonald's.<br />
<br />
I ate two Big Mac sandwiches, two large fries, an apple pie, and a large orange soda. Now that may now sound like much, but for a nearly 5'9, 120 pound teenage girl, that just doesn't sound normal to me. My cousin Curtis and I collected the McDonald's calendars that had the buy one get one free coupon at the bottom of each month. We lived for those coupons.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was curious and had to get the nutritional facts on what I ate. Below is the data:</div><div class="MsoNormal">Big Mac’s (2)</div><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>563 Calories each<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>33g fat each</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1007g Sodium each<br />
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Large Fries (2)</div><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>487 Calories each<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>25g<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Total fat each</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>350g Sodium each</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br />
Apple Pie (1)<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>260 Calories <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>15g Fat</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>200g. Sodium</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br />
Orange Soda (1 large)<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>124 Calories<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>20g Sodium</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>33g Sugar</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">2,484 Total Calories!!!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><blockquote style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">131g Total Fat!!!</span></span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><blockquote style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">2,934 Total Sodium!!</span></span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Honestly, I want to take a laxative and a 15 mile run just thinking about the calories, fat and sodium that I consumed. Stunned and astonished! <br />
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Fast forward to 30+ years later- I stopped eating red meat in 1994 and I don't eat pork. I eat turkey, chicken, and seafood. My occasional indulgence from McDonald's is a small order of fries and that's a rarity. These days, I love my fruits, fresh vegetables, and other healthier food choices. I religiously read nutritional labels <em>before </em>I buy or eat mostly everything. <br />
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Personally, I don't feel like I'm depriving myself of anything. I cherish my body more than I did then before. I eat now to fuel my body with the proper nutrients so that my body and mind can perform at its best. I've tried to teach my children the importance of eating well, but they too may go through a similar stage.<br />
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My 22 year old was a bit deprived of candy, but she did enjoy the pleasures of happy meals. I've relaxed even more with my 8 year old. He gets more candy and about the same amount of fast food as his sister did, but more junk food than she ever did. I hope that by not depriving them of the fun stuff that they won't over indulge like I did. Perhaps we've all had our stages as teens or adults. Maybe. Maybe not.<br />
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What was the unhealthiest meal you've ever eaten? Oh, please share!<br />
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</div>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-2682829209163059992011-05-03T05:00:00.033-04:002011-05-03T05:00:04.504-04:00Saving money with coupons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjpM4cqwzJjR7iS92laPrWuBRaSJFjCcixHubpVngJjmeDd3FraVSHMx6ei-9WDu85Gf8YUlKqI2jsKlLK9NqO5gPfve_Cudw0IxszCcGeVMT4eju1C-VBGbg0W3NAYI3KP_nBlo6BeI/s1600/coupon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjpM4cqwzJjR7iS92laPrWuBRaSJFjCcixHubpVngJjmeDd3FraVSHMx6ei-9WDu85Gf8YUlKqI2jsKlLK9NqO5gPfve_Cudw0IxszCcGeVMT4eju1C-VBGbg0W3NAYI3KP_nBlo6BeI/s200/coupon.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Last year <a href="http://lexawrites.blogspot.com/2010/07/strategic-shopping.html">I blogged</a> about saving money through the use of coupons. A co-worker shared with a couple of us in the office how she'd saved hundreds of dollars on grocery, household, and other every day items, simply by using coupons and reading various <a href="http://www.couponmom.com/blog/#_">forums. </a><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">I took a second look when she told me that she found even better buys at smaller stores than purchasing them in bulk at the larger warehouse stores. I was surprised. Now I have clipped coupons before, I just haven't gotten those kind of results. My key chain is even full with discount price plus and advantage club type cards that I faithfully use every time I shop. But I've never saved <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">that </span>much money. She even gets tons of free stuff like kleenex tissues, contact lens solutions, air freshener, paper plates, and other items. She's darn good! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Consider this to be an update as to how I’m doing with this coupon phenomenon. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Like any new habit, I started out with good intensions and a lot of enthusiasm. Clip, clip, print, print, away I went. From the <a href="http://couponmom.com/">couponmom.com</a> website to CVS, Acme, ShopRite, Target, Walmart, and Rite Aid, I was clipping, printing, and making my lists.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Suddenly I realized that this couponing business was an extremely time consuming full time gig! Slowly but surely, the coupon circulars began piling up in their “designated” place… never to be seen again… that is until I became re-inspired by the show <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=extreme+couponing+tlc&aq=1&oq=extreme+coupon">Extreme Couponing</a>. If you haven’t seen the show, please check it out! These folks are out of control BUT are saving INSANE amounts of money! I’m talking about buying over $1,000 in groceries and paying less than $50 bucks! Yup! That’s right. Insanity!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">By the way, you can find printable coupons for most of your favorite stores like Old Navy, Target, or wherever else you like to shop. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I went back to my pile of coupon circulars to sort and clip only to find that most of the coupons that I saved had expired. Oh well. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Although I do find the show to be incredibly inspiring, realistically, I just don’t have that kind of time. I realize that my failure to find the right balance, was because I didn't establish a system that could work for me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am undoubtedly one of the most system oriented persons around. Mostly everything that I do has a system. From stacking and rotating my abundance of bath towels and sheets, to vacuuming the house, to packing for vacations, I have a system. So I need to figure out a system that will fit into my routine. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am a serious seasonal allergy sufferer. Given the fact that, from Spring to late September, I run outside at least 50+ miles a week, I have to take a pill every day. Eventually I will seek out herbal alternatives, but for now it's Claritin. What inspired me to get back into the coupon game was a recent $24.00 savings on my allergy meds. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thanks to my teacher, Mrs. S., I’m becoming a better student. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At CVS, I made two separate purchases of a Claritin Non-Drowsy, 24 hour Relief (40 tablets). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Regular price: $22.99</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sale price: $19.99</div><div class="MsoNormal">CVS Claritin coupon -$4.00</div><div class="MsoNormal">Manufacter’s coupon: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">-$5.00</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">Final Price for each: $10.99</div><div class="MsoNormal">Total savings per box: $12.00</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I should have used another CVS $3.00 off coupon to further reduce the price to $7.99, but instead<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> used the $3.00 to get a free 24 case of 8 oz. water bottles that was on sale for $2.88.</span> I could have also used the $3.00 off coupon towards three boxes of tissues at 88 cents each, or…. Okay. I know. You get it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So I almost have my supply for the season and I still have several manufacturer coupons to spare. I’m hoping to catch another good deal in the upcoming week.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now the question is, how do I stay motivated this time? Well. I’m working on a system that will work for me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I will keep you posted. Meanwhile. Happy Shopping!<br />
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</div>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-46301013891411624522011-05-01T06:00:00.005-04:002011-05-01T06:00:05.747-04:00Are you a giver or a taker?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneszsbEr6zUntwkW0QmWb-4zV8UocAuGVMTNtjg_izv4iI9sEhyphenhyphenhdIbocsOr3usN5ZxRfU5fc_-PV4Jxt97tIQBYPhduSUCOZq_y1EBx-zt2CpwvV9hg7gbhYYwJf8N2otcBnqfsuU8Y/s1600/IMG_1140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneszsbEr6zUntwkW0QmWb-4zV8UocAuGVMTNtjg_izv4iI9sEhyphenhyphenhdIbocsOr3usN5ZxRfU5fc_-PV4Jxt97tIQBYPhduSUCOZq_y1EBx-zt2CpwvV9hg7gbhYYwJf8N2otcBnqfsuU8Y/s320/IMG_1140.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 24px; font-style: italic;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">giver</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">taker</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Which are you?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span> </div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Givers will give you a listening ear.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">They will share their spirit, their heart, their love, their joy, their laughter, and typically anything that they can give to help someone in need.</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The takers will take your time, your advice, your money, your spirit, your energy, and anything else that you are willing and able to give up.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></blockquote>A recent conversation with someone prompted me to write this post.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">For the sake of her privacy, I’ll call her Shauntel. We were chatting about a number of topics. You know how it goes. Aimlessly jumping from one topic to another, playing catch up from a busy day, week, or month. Trying to cover everything in a short span of time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">With a hint of frustration, Shauntel asked my opinion about a situation she was experiencing. Someone had asked a favor of her. She agreed to the initial request. A day or so later, the person wanted to add more to the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">favor</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span> Shauntel felt as though she’d extended herself enough and was second-guessing her instinct to say no to the additional request.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The scenario is so typical of the givers and the takers in the world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Since she asked my opinion, I told Shauntel the following:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><blockquote>Don’t let this person guilt you into over commitment. Do what you <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">can</span></span> do. Do what you <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">want </span></span>to do. Do what you <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">feel </span></span>like doing. I’m so sick of the takers manipulating the generous hearts of the givers into over extending themselves.</blockquote><blockquote>The madness occurs at work (between colleagues, supervisors, subordinates, and mangers), at home (with parents, spouses, and kids), extra-curricular activities (amongst soccer moms, football moms, cheerleading moms, coaches, etc…), and with family (at holiday gatherings, vacations, weddings, and funerals) </blockquote><blockquote>Thankfully, I’ve come to my senses. I’ve matured and wised up some and can usually identify the givers and the takers that pass through my life. The takers use to try to suck the life out of me, but I learned to avoid them and to stay away from them like my life depends on it. I advised her to do the same. Run!</blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I also believe that the givers share the responsibility of the situation and the outcome too. It is not just the fault of the takers.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Rather than to continue to play the role of innocent victim, complaining and sulking to anyone who will listen as to how they’ve been done wronged and taken advantage of (by the way, Shauntel is not like this), the person should understand and access their own actions and determine what steps they can take to change the situation. Sometimes it takes extreme measures such as ejecting people from your life.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You bettcha! I’ve kicked full-fledged adult “takers” out of my life and felt darn good about my choice. “Don’t let the door hit you where the good Lord split you!” When I was a kid, I heard that phrase a lot.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My eight year old understandably struggles from time to time with the idea but my recently turned 22 year old has embraced the notion rather nicely. <o:p> I hope and pray that I've taught and continue to teach my children to see the value of giving over receiving; it really is a life long process.</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Give generously and take only when needed and only when necessary. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-71272561294923220932011-04-29T05:00:00.001-04:002011-04-29T05:00:07.259-04:00Being unconventional can lead to success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHDlO81gSM_Qq2cS_odsnipn8Ob40WI98RPiGw5QcQjEQf92hVBtp6FlGNjVzjexY8zrCtI-M_IEj4KPKk_xZatqTrqhdHiWkjiuLLA4pPjv9ofJ47KNBhbEaDgmk6UY9DL-GORmC5P8/s1600/Wave.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHDlO81gSM_Qq2cS_odsnipn8Ob40WI98RPiGw5QcQjEQf92hVBtp6FlGNjVzjexY8zrCtI-M_IEj4KPKk_xZatqTrqhdHiWkjiuLLA4pPjv9ofJ47KNBhbEaDgmk6UY9DL-GORmC5P8/s200/Wave.png" width="200px" /></a></div>Buck the system. Go nontraditional. Be unconventional. Celebrate being eccentric. Be yourself. Do you with confidence and with flair.<br />
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I’ve always condoned the traditional in much of everything that I’ve done. I know- as I’m told, tradition has its place. Not to sound clichéish, but my kids have always been encouraged to leave their own footprints in the sand and avoid following in anyone else’s footsteps.<br />
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With those thoughts in mind, last night I celebrated the Philadelphia Eagles, 23rd NFL Draft pick, Danny Watkins! <br />
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Sidebar- I don’t follow college football. I do watch professional football and can only name a handful of football players. On a good day, I can name nearly ten professional football teams. I can’t tell you jack about the stats on ANY player. <br />
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I’m sure that by the time this posts, there will be hundreds, if not thousands of posts on the good and the bad of the Philadelphia Eagles Draft pick.<br />
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That said it’s not the stats that’s sent me into a tizzy, it is the fact that this 26 year old didn’t play football in high school. And get this! He’s a part-time firefighter! I love it! <br />
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Wait! Those who know me will say that I’m excited and am partial because my hubby’s career is in fire suppression, but I assure you that one has nothing to do with the other.<br />
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The fact of the matter is this:<br />
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<ul><li>In spite of Watkins missing out on Taxi, Pee Wee, JV, and Varsity football, the guy was drafted to play NFL Football.</li>
<li>In high school, he played rugby and hockey and probably enjoyed every minute of it.</li>
</ul><div></div><ul><li>At 6’4” 312 pounds, he was probably a decent size athlete who was encouraged to play the all American game of football, but chose another sport.</li>
</ul><div></div><ul><li> After high school, he attended college and majored in general studies. Perhaps he was uncertain about his career path. I'm sure that as the days pass, we'll learn more about Watkins.</li>
</ul>From what I’ve read, he didn’t play football until 2007 and four years later, he’s drafted by a national football team. Amazing!<br />
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<em>So what’s my point?</em><br />
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Watkins, like many child athletes, probably didn’t stand out as the “star athlete” destined for professional ball, yet he’s catapulted to the forefront. Ahead of other athletes who no doubt feel as though they’ve “done their time,” or “shown their commitment” to the sport and deserve to be there over Watkins. Regardless, he chose a different path from many others, yet ended up at the same destination. <br />
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I’m convinced that the same holds true for every other kid or adult in the world. Regardless of the individual appearing to be an average Jane or John, each of us has much to contribute to society. We shouldn’t judge or count others out because their credentials are less esteemed than the next guy. We should simply respect others and focus our positive energies on our own indvidual path and destination.<br />
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Congratulations Danny Watkins!Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-30294059409393755452011-04-20T05:00:00.006-04:002011-04-20T07:09:07.845-04:00Foul ball on the jewelry selectionI cannot believe that I'm blogging about this incident, but it's true and I'm just keeping it real. <br />
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“Staying in the moment” and being "present" sometimes comes as a challenge to me. I have to constantly remind myself to focus, to enjoy the present moment and to not think about anything else. Some days I am more successful then others. Case in point- <br />
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My latest fad is an attraction to anklets and bracelets made of materials like hemp and leather. On one recent shopping trip, I purchased quite a few bracelets. I chose a few cool pieces mainly due to their bright and vivid coloring. <br />
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Black clothing dominate my work clothes because it's easier and quicker to put an outfit together at 5:00 a.m.. I've learned that adding a spice of color through accessories is simpler for me. The process of coordinating my bracelets, earrings and other jewelry pieces with my outfit is less time consuming.<br />
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Anyway, few weeks ago I was excited to sport my cool black natural fibered bracelet with rectangles painted bright yellow, red, and green.<br />
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Fast forward to around 8:00 a.m. the day that I wore my bracelet to work. I’m sitting in my office, easing into my work day. I gingerly glance down at my bracelet smiling and admiring its beauty. At that moment, I realized that the pretty "tropical" plants looked familiar. I stopped to take a closer look. "Hmm.... this isn't good," I thought.<br />
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No, it can’t be! I put my reading glasses on! Perhaps I need to wear my glasses when I shop now. I take a second and third look. OMG! I am horrified to discover that the damn tropical looking plants on the side of my bracelet are marijuana plants!!! What the heck?!?!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxCZDm50aUkeUUC0mSEvPsfKSkAR6OmImNwe2kX6O2P0RZKYjJi3YTImyksDdEFx-9bsGN5vNbL05gmJMxBldYqaZnG5h5cPzf5qCsDggdEqsQNYIMRNEcWvyRugDDgxdZRkB4kNDGSo/s1600/bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxCZDm50aUkeUUC0mSEvPsfKSkAR6OmImNwe2kX6O2P0RZKYjJi3YTImyksDdEFx-9bsGN5vNbL05gmJMxBldYqaZnG5h5cPzf5qCsDggdEqsQNYIMRNEcWvyRugDDgxdZRkB4kNDGSo/s200/bracelet.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duh! I forgot to mention Bob Marley's pic!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>At the time of my purchase, I had no idea of the art work depicted on the bracelet. Just wasn't paying close attention. I don’t use drugs nor do I make it a habit of buying merchandise that contain pictures of drugs. I work with teens and pride myself in setting a positive example for students. Jeez! What an airhead!<br />
<br />
<i>Needless to say, I made an immediate adjustment to my adored accessory on this morning and the bracelet never became visible to students.</i> I am so glad that I realized this outrageous snafu before any students got a chance to see it. <br />
<br />
For sure, I learned my lesson the hard way. Stay "present" woman! The irony is that I tell both my kids all the time, "pay attention!" He he! The jokes on me. Doggone it! Pay attention Tanya!Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-51568040285093966132011-04-19T05:00:00.002-04:002011-04-19T07:45:48.716-04:00Will you still love me if...<div class="MsoNormal">Through the spirit of a child-</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Will you still love me if I’m gay?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Will you still love me if I’m over weight?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Will you still love me if I’m not like you?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Will you still love me if I’m not a college graduate?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Will you still love me if I fall down and can’t get up?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Will you still love me if my life long partner is an atheist? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Will you still love me if I love someone of a different faith? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Will you still love me if I don’t achieve </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman Italic';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">your </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">definition of success?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Will you still love me if I chose to love someone outside of my race?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">If you’ll still love me in spite of the characteristics that make me different from you, than you appreciate the significance of unconditional love. I love you mom.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">I love you dad. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A recent conversation with a young woman prompted me to think about the idea of unconditional love. Unconditional love is often talked about by parents like it’s some automatic device that comes with parenting. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When our children are young, innocent, impressionable, cute, and still hang onto our every word, it’s so easy to love them… unconditionally. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">However, with the passage of time, our impressionable babies become independent, outspoken, confident, rebellious, courageous, and begin to make their own choices- And that's when the true test of unconditional love presents itself.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The young lady told me that she was gay. This was her official “coming out” to me, but I was not surprised. I told her that her sexuality had no bearing on our relationship and that she should live her life being true to herself. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was curious and questioned her about her peers, her family, and her friend’s knowledge and acceptance of her homosexuality. All was well until she spoke of her parents. Neither parent approved of her lifestyle; consequently, life at home was a struggle. She quietly spoke of betrayal and other events that took place within her family circle that continue to weigh her down. She revealed that for a short moment, she contemplated suicide, but quickly realized that suicide wasn’t the answer. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">She referenced biblical scriptures that she’d been shrouded with by family and a few others. She also expressed her love and commitment to her faith.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I couldn’t tell her that I knew how she felt, because I didn’t know for sure. However, I vividly remember my own struggles at age 17 that left ball patches in the front of my hair and ulcers in the pit of my stomach. So I could certainly empathize with her and hope and pray that she would soon find peace in her heart and within her family. <br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As the mother of a soon-to-be 22 year old, I’ve discovered that as our children blossom into young adults, we have to let go. Letting go doesn’t mean disappearing from their lives. To me, it simply means that we have to find a balance between trying to help them avoid severe life altering mistakes to allowing and encouraging them to make responsible choices and to become the adults that we hope and pray that we’ve raised them to become.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nearly 20 years ago, I remember working with this lovely and hard working woman. Members of her family stopped speaking to her because she was Jewish and was dating an Italian guy. A patriarch of the family forbade her to continue dating the guy and, when she refused to end the relationship, stopped speaking to her. I was amazed. This was a closely knit family.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I just don’t get it! I’ve always told my daughter, “I don’t care who you date or marry- Black, White, Asian, Latino, Hispanic, man, woman- that’s right! As long as the person has a good head on his or her shoulder and treats her with dignity and respect… that’s the criteria for me.” She understood and has always been open with us. She dates a nice Irishman, who is smart, career minded, witty, and treats her with dignity and respect. Of course, my mom has issues with the bi-racial relationship, but that’s her problem for her to keep all to herself. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My final thoughts are to love your kids--- regardless. <br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-30065277466611402702011-04-09T17:01:00.000-04:002011-04-09T17:01:29.559-04:00“What would your profession be if you didn’t need money?”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EI5D62bvpQNv1ivhkAKGOvmtjPEd7oixpcIZK7_7fYhFxmUm9ZF74JkA_7UaNBrLd1_-nJtCFMZZDSWehar1KHPL2lVKOWJ_aiGNdZI1crJ-yVmPLpbxuIK0cgbXwT9Is3_GdM2ZGMQ/s1600/Reflection+-+GalleryPlayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EI5D62bvpQNv1ivhkAKGOvmtjPEd7oixpcIZK7_7fYhFxmUm9ZF74JkA_7UaNBrLd1_-nJtCFMZZDSWehar1KHPL2lVKOWJ_aiGNdZI1crJ-yVmPLpbxuIK0cgbXwT9Is3_GdM2ZGMQ/s400/Reflection+-+GalleryPlayer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I love this question! It came to me by way of <a href="http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2011/04/08/what-would-your-profession-be-if-you-didnt-need-money/">The Daily Post</a> a blog that I subscribe to.<br />
<br />
If I was to wave a magic wand and I didn’t need the money, I would be working as:<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><em>Owner of Lexa’s Place</em>.</u> Lexa’s place is a community for homeless teenage girls. A community where you and I would feel very comfortable to eat, sleep, bathe, and rejuvenate. Visualize a warm and nurturing environment where young ladies receive individual and group counseling, treatment for substance abuse, medical assistance, mentors, life skills training, family planning, educational support and guidance and more. The community in which Lexa’s place sits in a quiet suburban community nestled deep in the woods and a great distance from the rut and temptation of city life. A large part of my day is spent managing, advocating, and working to improve and change the course of the lives of the residents in the program.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><u><em>A Personal Fitness</em></u> <em><u>Trainer</u></em> working with obese children and their families. I am a fitness enthusiast. Truthfully, I’m an exercise junky. I’m addicted to the euphoric feeling of the runners high. <br />
<br />
It’s unsettling for me to see young children learn unhealthy eating habits and unhealthy lifestyles. When I see obese kids, especially the young ones, I want to grab the parents and quite frankly ask, “What the hell are you doing to your kid?” “Setting them up for major health issues, low self-esteem, teasing and bulling in school, discrimination and more!” “Stop! There’s a better way!” Of course, I know that if I took that approach, at the least, I’d get cussed out, but you get the picture. To adapt a healthy life style, one must educate themselves on exactly what a “healthy lifestyle” means, then the person must make a conscience choice to slowly make the change. I’d love to help the little ones and their parents do this.<br />
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<div></div>Lastly, a <em><u>Writer.</u></em> More specifically, a writer, generating income, writing for my favorite magazines and a few other topics. I know, money is not suppose to be part of the equation, but realistically, I need to fund my other projects and pay for a second home in the islands. So somewhere along the line the need to make money will factor in. A percentage of my income will come from writing.<br />
<br />
<div></div>I answered the question very easily because I’ve asked myself the same question many times. Consequently, I am working on all three projects and have no doubt that each will occur in the right season and at the right time. Meanwhile, I continue to move forward… steady and slow, knowing that I will be ready when each opportunity presents itself.<br />
<br />
I strongly believe that, with the exception of a few professions, the idea of a lifetime career is nonexistent. With so many career options and possibilities, no one should be stuck in an unsatisfying career. Although change does not occur overnight, it is also true that change cannot take place without some effort on our part. It's easy to talk about what we want to do with our lives in the future, but it takes hard work, sacrifice, and commitment to make our dreams come true.<br />
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<div></div>How about you? “What would your profession be if you didn’t need money?” I would love to hear from you. <br />
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<div></div>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-41537055919170237282011-04-03T18:31:00.000-04:002011-04-03T18:31:57.594-04:00April Fools Run<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qJ0LAOT6b76fjk-r8PjQS9sMCtPUGf_JtxkBAL37deFAVG6JV2-Kv2r0Z3na5wOYaS31TmqTaPZFiKnBfGl8yvYteXMydokPK9fOz2KU4qw6qe-47BqAPE2g0bIzjS77Bg4yuNgexhs/s1600/april+fools+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qJ0LAOT6b76fjk-r8PjQS9sMCtPUGf_JtxkBAL37deFAVG6JV2-Kv2r0Z3na5wOYaS31TmqTaPZFiKnBfGl8yvYteXMydokPK9fOz2KU4qw6qe-47BqAPE2g0bIzjS77Bg4yuNgexhs/s200/april+fools+1.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">A</span></span>ccomplished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s my word for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This morning I ran in the <a href="http://www.atlanticcityweekly.com/events/Katz-JCC-April-Fools-Run--114725034.html">first annual Katz JCC April Fools</a> run on the boardwalk in AC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather was perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dazzling sunshine, a calm Atlantic Ocean, and an abundance of enthusiastic runners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than palm trees blowing in 90 degree temperatures, white sand, and crystal blue waters, it doesn’t get any better than that.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Participants received cool t-shirts and colorful jester hats that even light up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My puffy hair didn’t fit well enough under my hat, so as much as I wanted to run wearing my jester hat, I couldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The picture was taken after the race.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I ran the 11K or 6.83 mile run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I placed 166 out of 342 and I’m feeling pretty good about myself now. My pace was 9:06 miles and it took me 1 hour and 2 minutes to complete the run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My only competition was myself. I rarely have the time to train for any running events, but I do try to keep in some kind of shape so that I can finish respectively.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The race was well organized and upon completing the race, runners were treated to a nice cold beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds like an oxymoron right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust me- they go well together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bananas, oranges, water ice, pretzels and water were also available to runners, but for some reason, the beer stands out in my mind.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Running is a euphoric experience for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more that I run, the more I want to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never get bored indulging in running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m excited because I started running with my son on his bike and look forward to the day when we can run together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a very small window where I’ll be able to keep up with him; after that, mom will be too slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also hope to teach him a little something about fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/">The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> reports that “more than one third of U.S. adults—more than 72 million—people and 17% of U.S. children are obese.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to get off topic, but we have to get our kids off of the sofa, away from TV, away from video games and computers and keep them active.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must also break away from any unhealthy eating habits or other unhealthy family traditions and teach our children a better way of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A good place to start is exercising and playing outdoors with the kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather is warming up and the spring is the ideal time to get out doors and have some family fun. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">CDC Links</div><div class="MsoNormal"><!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/defining.html">http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/defining.html </a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_child_07_08/obesity_child_07_08.htm">http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_child_07_08/obesity_child_07_08.htm </a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/index.html">http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/index.html </a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><!--EndFragment-->Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-72764787902761838962011-04-02T16:18:00.000-04:002011-04-02T16:18:37.606-04:00Mixing up the mundane<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">E</span></span>very now and then I feel a little caged and desperately need to do something different. You know, break away from the routine and do something outside of the norm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, last weekend I decided to forgo my mundane weekend routine and invest in a little <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">me</span> time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A Martini & Minx Nail party at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/KinHairitage-Salon-Spa-LLC/139840723660?v=photos&ref=ts">Kinhairitage Salon</a> on Friday evening kicked off my weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Typically Friday nights are reserved for laundry and, while I did toss a few loads in the washer and dryer, I didn’t finish, nor did I care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This momma was guilt free. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At the party the conversation was positive, light, and engaging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My nails were done up really cool and the martinis were right on time and much needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I say needed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lol!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know how it goes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I couldn’t wait for Saturday night to come- just hubby and I were going out on a date to see Janet Jackson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s right- my girl Janet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Janet and I go way back to Penny on Good Times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love her music but have never seen her in concert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, while finishing up laundry and Sunday’s dinner, I rocked to the beat of my favorite Janet songs. Before I knew it, concert time had arrived.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The crowd was energized and it was refreshing to see such a diverse audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Young, old, gay, straight, Black, White, Asian, Latino, and more, all feeding off of the same energy.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My girl did not disappoint me! I sang and danced the entire show. I just want to know how the heck can you attend a Janet Jackson concert and remain seated?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What? Are you kidding me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, if you have a physical condition, I understand, but for everybody else, get your butt up and move!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s emotional! Come on people! I screamed her name and even became teary eyed when she performed with a backdrop video of her and her brother Michael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was lucky enough to get a t-shirt, which I wore the entire concert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t be wearing it or washing it very often because it was overpriced, but worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFISWbyI3b_o63s8TGkDgAceJfjBdyFJ1e4drm25JU4ecTjBa4zZaVjomG2_3Ac0MGV4vwl1zwUCI3j7PzecplcM_yJrMewA_fotRxAMZRiYrFsdWu9pOHOmu0AGT7c57hPh0jCNBQ-u8/s1600/janet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFISWbyI3b_o63s8TGkDgAceJfjBdyFJ1e4drm25JU4ecTjBa4zZaVjomG2_3Ac0MGV4vwl1zwUCI3j7PzecplcM_yJrMewA_fotRxAMZRiYrFsdWu9pOHOmu0AGT7c57hPh0jCNBQ-u8/s200/janet1.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sunday was awesome too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My cousin and I got up early and drove two hours to a Black Hair Care Expo in Baltimore, Maryland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I can say is TREATS!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point, my cousin asked me if I had a budget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was like, budget?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmm… Lol!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Below are a few pictures of some of my purchases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6KskG42JpoZuo9WqEXt5AsVjP3QxzqGcMo1hbxp_Jm6F1xiZalG0MTwWIYOIaJwL-y7BoaBs5T00ItmazOOtLFdfYdC2_Pl27Ail3r0qabn4QTbUZ4ONMcv4vDUSmOFK5YYiWsyma_w/s1600/bracelet+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6KskG42JpoZuo9WqEXt5AsVjP3QxzqGcMo1hbxp_Jm6F1xiZalG0MTwWIYOIaJwL-y7BoaBs5T00ItmazOOtLFdfYdC2_Pl27Ail3r0qabn4QTbUZ4ONMcv4vDUSmOFK5YYiWsyma_w/s200/bracelet+1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEjzbWt25KGuA7Uh29GqBiI6U89RHYLB36p6aP11MYlS9HEMc3Y0SppX2HEkk8E7ToqiSdM9jTuPy79HZaZep4RFZe5Uyix_KOFQZN-Il_oRM0NSq7ohrc4cjOH6rzPQsJy13ClDqa5E/s1600/earring1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEjzbWt25KGuA7Uh29GqBiI6U89RHYLB36p6aP11MYlS9HEMc3Y0SppX2HEkk8E7ToqiSdM9jTuPy79HZaZep4RFZe5Uyix_KOFQZN-Il_oRM0NSq7ohrc4cjOH6rzPQsJy13ClDqa5E/s200/earring1.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-J1DJomic_U4ppv3QReEC-mu4RDlSCC0QenK37rS2pdY9SmknrB7uGsjHtfcMT123mSW-bfOD7AftZ8k6FBYOUS3wdcO4OMhoe1_jJPOa5ySINtCtPbWbw0iG5bLiUd8bDrY7MjudAdo/s1600/earring2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-J1DJomic_U4ppv3QReEC-mu4RDlSCC0QenK37rS2pdY9SmknrB7uGsjHtfcMT123mSW-bfOD7AftZ8k6FBYOUS3wdcO4OMhoe1_jJPOa5ySINtCtPbWbw0iG5bLiUd8bDrY7MjudAdo/s200/earring2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdNOEZnaVv_Ff4_-jtSdpmbmLbf7DHlkstTCSFWC24FcJBk1A29tIQGBindYt29kLkcpA2BLTquX6VxfF1DU1rhYqy5S-_PiC4yPnLrEDFyqwmnAd8WJD_kDwfktX01kg0GQgLm8trzc/s1600/earring+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdNOEZnaVv_Ff4_-jtSdpmbmLbf7DHlkstTCSFWC24FcJBk1A29tIQGBindYt29kLkcpA2BLTquX6VxfF1DU1rhYqy5S-_PiC4yPnLrEDFyqwmnAd8WJD_kDwfktX01kg0GQgLm8trzc/s200/earring+3.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmzUUOmy__l3tXj8CotQX3QQejIESJoHsRiADgjLAz2zm1_IOt3cH9X-XcpvhvdyRwWD52fDHkgmWzt2iLzpeOqn1d14gq-2khuq1r2NkpmsJ4sEEaI4hRP3uJIlXaAQJxQrfTl8zaGE/s1600/hair+piece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmzUUOmy__l3tXj8CotQX3QQejIESJoHsRiADgjLAz2zm1_IOt3cH9X-XcpvhvdyRwWD52fDHkgmWzt2iLzpeOqn1d14gq-2khuq1r2NkpmsJ4sEEaI4hRP3uJIlXaAQJxQrfTl8zaGE/s200/hair+piece.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sarenzobeads.com/">www.sarenzobeads.com</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I didn’t expect to find so many beautiful and exotic hand crafted jewelry and clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The merchandise was very affordable, which made it very easy to blow a hundred or more.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This was my first Black Hair Expo. I found it to be informative and educational; I will definitely attend again. I leaned about it through my natural hair stylist, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShidaNatural?ref=ts">ShidaNatural.</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks Rashida, sorry I missed you, but I won’t next time.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The weekend wore me out, but didn't feel as short as it usually does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Could I do this every weekend?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heck no!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I certainly paid for the running around and partying, but every now and then it’s good to mix things up a little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I had a blast!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment-->Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-90555105856086181972011-03-23T05:00:00.003-04:002011-03-23T05:00:15.536-04:00Cheers! A time to celebrate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-XLSr1TzOmMR9xiPFPt_LmpC9S_cTnSHpkklg9EwtPIbSb1ozgv22G9GJIjffQKtsAYfNqDlDnXakOHWrsPQzpQK2ZbdsZYjTIix4i0uIU-ZXRg_dmN505Afr2Sishi0u5ia4OjW0OQ/s1600/yellow+rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-XLSr1TzOmMR9xiPFPt_LmpC9S_cTnSHpkklg9EwtPIbSb1ozgv22G9GJIjffQKtsAYfNqDlDnXakOHWrsPQzpQK2ZbdsZYjTIix4i0uIU-ZXRg_dmN505Afr2Sishi0u5ia4OjW0OQ/s320/yellow+rose.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">L</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ast night I realized that January 20, 2011, marked the one-year anniversary of Lexa's Journal!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The day passed without any acknowledgment on my part.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">No cake, confetti, glass of wine, or celebration.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It’s an important milestone for me, yet I didn’t mark the date on my calendar or subconsciously remember it. It took me 82 days to remember...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Why?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have no idea.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I even checked to see if I posted on January 20th this year, but I didn’t.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I saw an incomplete draft about New Year resolutions, but it remains unedited and unpublished.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Although I’m not yet disciplined enough to post daily, posting <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">has</span> developed into a healthy habit.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When I don’t post often enough (for me), this nagging voice in my head reminds me that the task needs to be moved up on my priority list.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The reality is that I am just not the kind of person who remembers milestones.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Sure</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, I remember my family member’s birthdays.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I will always remember my wedding anniversary, June 4, 1988. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But, I can’t construct the date we met, the date we officially started dating, or the exact date of my father's death in November of 1982. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Others can recall these dates really well.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Congratulations all! Perhaps I just don't remember that I'm suppose to remember these dates. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The anniversary of my blog is about a personal sense of accomplishment. Although maintaining Lexa's Journal for the first year was challenging, I stuck with it—typos and all.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Like anything else, I will learn from my mistakes but continue to work hard at developing my craft.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Blogging and writing is an activity that I earnestly enjoy.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I encourage all, particularly women; single, married, widowed, with children, and divorced to explore your personal interests.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Don’t let your interests, dreams and aspirations fall victim to your responsibilities and obligations to your family or to your career. Try to keep Nike’s motto in mind…. “Just do it!”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-35202638231199019812011-03-21T19:00:00.001-04:002011-03-21T19:00:03.149-04:00Remembering the stuffed peppers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-l-9izYHumWT8YLDxEH0E1gXHG8ONPulTmMkt3s0m4qTeznoSVoT8Q-P5w3Y39AOHYl70466n7a3YWH6njGyUceq_CDANxp6A9f7q1imsPaJ9lh8XGjSIJ7qs9E8lWVK1y2HjN8qdQs/s1600/beef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-l-9izYHumWT8YLDxEH0E1gXHG8ONPulTmMkt3s0m4qTeznoSVoT8Q-P5w3Y39AOHYl70466n7a3YWH6njGyUceq_CDANxp6A9f7q1imsPaJ9lh8XGjSIJ7qs9E8lWVK1y2HjN8qdQs/s200/beef.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>“Do you remember the stuffed peppers that I use to buy?” My mom asked. My reply, “yes.” I continued to fix my son’s dinner plate. I knew where she was going with the question, but felt a simple reply was best. <br />
<br />
Within minutes, we’re sitting at the table eating dinner. Mom asks again, “Do you remember the stuffed peppers that I use to buy?” “Yes, I do.” I’m compelled to suggest that she stop beating around the bush and say what’s really on her mind, but I don’t. I am mindful of my tone here, but I’m being truthful with you. She finally asks me why I don’t buy stuffed peppers.<br />
<br />
Is she serious? This isn't a new practice for me. Close family and friends know that red meat isn't part of my diet. The last time I ate steak or a beef burger was in 1996. Furthermore, pre-fab stuffed peppers have no nutritional value and who knows what’s really in the food. Yuck! Not for me. Now, here’s the kicker! She then suggests that I buy bison (buffalo) burgers. The idea is hysterical to me. <br />
<br />
Before anyone casts judgment upon me, my mom is well aware of my eating habits. She’s not some feeble old lady who’s lost her memory and her mind. Lena is extremely deliberate in her words and in her actions. As a matter of fact, she is well known by family for delivering harsh and razor-sharp opinions, that have sometimes brought about both laughter and tears. <br />
<br />
Anyway she constantly turns up her nose at my salads, loudly hums, and reminds me that, “you gotta die from something?” That’s true, but quality of life is important to me. Although I prefer poultry and seafood, it’s my choice. I don’t judge others who eat differently; it’s a personal choice that I respect.<br />
<br />
Thankfully at 77, mom still has her independence. I can only hope and pray that I’m still alive and kicking at her age. That said if she wants to eat beef then, on her regular trips to the supermarket, she could easily pick up the beef that meets her liking. I don’t buy it or cook it; the smell of uncooked red meat nauseates me terribly. If my husband really wants a steak, I’d rather treat him out to dinner at a fine gourmet restaurant than cook the steak. I’d love to treat mom out for dinner, but according to her, no one in a restaurant is clean enough to prepare or serve her food, so she doesn’t dine out. I am not mocking her; these are her words not mine.<br />
<br />
My mom says that I am naive. She believes I have an unrealistic view of the world. She thinks that I’m afraid to talk about death. She views me as a modern day mom, who lacks the valor to brutally beat the crap out of my kids for inappropriate behavior. Sorry mom; that’s not Tanya. I’m just saying.<br />
<br />
I am praying that there’s still time for us to surely get to know one another. Honestly though, I don’t know if it’s going to happen in this life time. She hasn’t been able to work through some lifetime experiences. Experiences that continue to weigh on her mind, her spirit, her heart, and her soul. We’re all unique, but I’ve never met anyone like her. Occasionally I stretch, grasp, and attempt to reach Lena, but, to no avail. It’s just another long story. Perhaps one day. Optimistic? Credulous? Don’t know.<br />
<br />
I just wish that she could respect others’ opinions, values, beliefs, and lifestyles that are different from hers. She can respectfully disagree and leave it at that. <br />
<br />
Reflecting back on this post, my final thoughts are:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>Perhaps she wants me to make homemade stuffed peppers, but doesn’t want to bother me with all the work. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Maybe.</span></li>
<li> I don’t make stuffed peppers because it’s too much work, but I’ll look for a recipe and, for her sake, give it a try. It will be nice surprise.</li>
<li>When (initially this read If) I do make the stuffed peppers, they will be made from turkey breast and brown rice. I'll use red, yellow, or orange peppers instead of green ones. </li>
</ol>I did not consider making the peppers for mom until I began composing my final thoughts. I’m just keeping it real with you. Writing really helps me to sort through my thoughts in a more constructive and positive manner; I am so thankful for the insight and the ability to do so.<br />
<br />
I’ll let you know when I make my stuffed peppers and how they turn out.Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-31815895793788524162011-03-20T21:13:00.000-04:002011-03-20T21:13:29.185-04:00Who learns more from kids’ projects?<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">T</span></span>oday we helped our son with a project for black history month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Officially black history month is February and this is March.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The timing is not an issue for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I'm going off topic here but, I feel very strongly that black history, women’s history, and all other non-mainstream cultures should be studied year around. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To me, designating a specific month, week, or day can minimize massive gifts made to society by many of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, I’m not naïve and know that in some instances, if specials like black history month weren’t officially recognized, many young people would fail to learn about our rich history.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A diverse history should be intertwined throughout the school curriculum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more students learn about other cultures, the more likely they will be open to others who are different from them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our (in general) children’s literature, history, and science books are in desperate need of modernizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are so outdated it’s gross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Okay, back to the intent of this post. I’m not sure where all that came from, but it presented itself, so it stays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, I’m glad that his teacher and the school (a private one) recognize the importance of African-American history and the enormous contributions made to society. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After working with my hubby and son on this project, I wondered who learned more, our son or hubby and I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all learned from the project and that’s my point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our quest for an African-American Achiever, we looked beyond the typical historical figures studied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We discovered Benjamin Bannecker (1731-1806).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9XZZpsX3Fuba82Jnugprmch4T2GTdPIk8Xv0evxIm5UPdY2ggXYhyphenhyphenP1DyMEwdig5QBIeJ3sICJfGvqge1x3bkJARGw-0-PS8Zpz2c9SXU0PsgeTzmlmOr4oMPVQuIW74h5NNRIPQXEo/s1600/Benjamin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9XZZpsX3Fuba82Jnugprmch4T2GTdPIk8Xv0evxIm5UPdY2ggXYhyphenhyphenP1DyMEwdig5QBIeJ3sICJfGvqge1x3bkJARGw-0-PS8Zpz2c9SXU0PsgeTzmlmOr4oMPVQuIW74h5NNRIPQXEo/s200/Benjamin.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">A lot of parents (I was one) cringe at class projects, especially if your child is in early elementary school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The projects are designed to involve parents, to be fun, to be hands on, and to promote a positive educational experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t laugh at me; I’m serious. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Time is always a factor and typically isn’t in the parents favor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In between music lessons, dance lessons, or athletic practices, completing any project can be challenging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The challenge often results in the parents doing the work and putting their kids name on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come on now!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve seen projects that were allegedly completed by a first grader that look like a college professor completed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hilarious that the parents can even look the teacher in the eye.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our rule is that our son must do the work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cutting. Writing. Reading. Drawing and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s how he learns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We oversee the project and guide him, but the project is his baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether the project has crooked lines, smeared glue, or other perceived defects, it doesn’t matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put forth his hard work and, in the end, we’re all very proud of the end result and we are all a tad bit smarter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><!--EndFragment-->Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-75814870195501521722011-02-18T05:00:00.002-05:002011-02-18T05:00:04.079-05:00Five lessons learned from being in trouble<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooH3iGWCLoqzQMq12LupFfoCkS8jNydrBlpG7iU1Vd7_kM4TyVCglcqBy2vnzfh2kCTGtcnVUmz-SKg_7TUtySBUMy6deOQ46GoxcFdW4OBnxWhaEPt5zF0lTRp8Gz1xNSDLOIBkUb3w/s1600/oops.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooH3iGWCLoqzQMq12LupFfoCkS8jNydrBlpG7iU1Vd7_kM4TyVCglcqBy2vnzfh2kCTGtcnVUmz-SKg_7TUtySBUMy6deOQ46GoxcFdW4OBnxWhaEPt5zF0lTRp8Gz1xNSDLOIBkUb3w/s200/oops.png" width="197" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em>A</em></span>ah! those early teen, post-teen, pre-adult, young adulthood years… How soon we forget. <br />
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I was recently asked, "What’s the most trouble you’ve been in?" Within a few minutes of recollecting my memory, I’d have to say that the most trouble I’ve been in involved buying a car at around age 21 that I undoubtedly could not afford. I <em>thought</em> (using too little brain cells) that I could afford the car, but I really couldn’t. <br />
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My spanking brand new candy apple red, manual transmission, sporty little Prelude Si sat in the parking lot of the dealership, with my name written all over it. Honest! I saw my name on it- envisioned my cute little body, leaning to the side with my braided hair extensions blowing in the wind. The sales representative saw a name too! It said s-u-c-k-e-r! I was blinded by my stupidity, ignorance, and instant need for gratification to see the reality of the situation. <br />
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Through outrageous and absurd concessions, I purchased the car. Almost instantaneous my troubles began. I got behind in my bills, robbed Peter to pay Paul, and once physically threatened a bill collector who hinted that he would stop by my apartment to collect a payment. After repossession, then a recovery, and more struggles, I sold the car… ironically to a car dealership. No, I didn’t buy another car. I sold the car about an hour away from home. I had no idea as to how I was going to get home- I remember thinking, “it’s not like I’m going to spend the rest of my life in Cherry Hill; I’ll eventually get home.” I was happy and relieved because I sold the car and managed to walk away with a little check in my hand. <br />
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Over time, I learned from my mistake and I recovered from the disaster. But recalling this stressful and chaotic time in my life reminded me of the lessons that I’ve learned. <br />
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1. All youth (even adults) are capable of making poor choices that can lead to some kind of trouble – I will always be there for my children<br />
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2. When our kids fall to error, it doesn’t mean that the world has come to an end. It just means that we help them up, dust them off, affirm that they can learn from the mistake, don’t repeat the same mistake, and continue to move forward<br />
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3. The opportunities to grow spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually are often masked as nuisances<br />
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4. Don’t forget to laugh<br />
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5. Remember when... What’s the most trouble you’ve been in?Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-17147712872235372172011-02-15T05:00:00.003-05:002011-02-15T05:00:15.052-05:00What I recently learned...<span style="font-size: large;">W</span>hat have you learned lately? I don’t mean metaphorically but an actual skill that you recently learned such as knitting, painting, photography, or something else that may be of interest to you.<br />
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Consider this post to be your “what have you done for yourself lately” first of the year check up. I am adamant about us moms and career women scheduling time for ourselves. In between cooking dinner, shuttling the kids from one activity to another, homework duty, laundry, and or other routine commissions, we must be diligent in carving out some me time. <br />
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Creating time for yourself will free you up physically and mentally to explore your own personal interests, have a little fun, and learn a new skill. I recently set out to learn <a href="http://www.bellydancestuff.com/styles-sharqi.html">raq's sharki</a>, more popularly known as belly dancing. That’s right! OMG! It’s so much fun but much more challenging than it looks. I took the class at a time that I knew would work for me. I also made certain to avoid scheduling any activities for the entire family around “my” time. <br />
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The first day of class with dance shoes in hand, I was awfully nervous. As a little girl, I always wanted to take dance, but never got the opportunity and here I was some 30+ years later, taking my first dance class.<br />
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Although the class was listed as intermediate, out of six students, I was the only first-time student. My instructor was knowledgeable and provided a detailed history of the form. As we moved into the basic forms, I have never felt so awkward and uncoordinated in my life. And to be completely honest with you, as the only woman of color and definitely the youngest in the class, I felt self-imposed pressured to instantaneously swing my hips to the beat of the music. Nope! It didn’t happen! Ha! Not even close!<br />
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I work out- I’m in shape- I like to swing my hips and to get my dance on- But the art of belly dancing requires a different type of movement and it wasn’t going to happen as quickly as I thought and hoped that it would. The movement focuses on technique not rhythm. My hamstrings and gluts ached and burned liked I was lifting weights. Oh yeah, it was a workout for sure. <br />
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Throughout most classes, I found myself laughing aloud and harder than anyone else. I guess you could say that I was crackin myself up at my attempts to shimmy to the beat of the mysterious Egyptian music. The other ladies smiled and encouraged me but probably thought I was nuts. I didn’t care because I was having a blast. I had fun and will definitely take the class again. Check out this video. Someday I envision myself moving like this. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/vJsZR3w776E?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
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At the end of each class, I realized that I felt a sense of accomplishment and gratification. I relaxed, I laughed, I had fun, and managed to focus 100% without my mind wondering outside of the room. What an amazing way to conclude my day. Go ahead, I dare you, try something new and be sure to have a blast!Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-28149911958412670142011-02-14T05:00:00.002-05:002011-02-14T05:00:07.503-05:00Have you ever lied about your age?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzJcDDh_iFWaaXUrTBbrABCUoyxkBiTnSK7FwM54bX8IuKfCDYXiu5Ecm-dai8CdtVP1cdlfZqI8CJjCuxsZWsnYakAf4Yj07_hANrI7_hQcWx8pL_U4y7mjUm0rovoaqy5j54wG0bnk/s1600/sunrise.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzJcDDh_iFWaaXUrTBbrABCUoyxkBiTnSK7FwM54bX8IuKfCDYXiu5Ecm-dai8CdtVP1cdlfZqI8CJjCuxsZWsnYakAf4Yj07_hANrI7_hQcWx8pL_U4y7mjUm0rovoaqy5j54wG0bnk/s200/sunrise.png" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">H</span>ave <i>you </i>ever lied about <i>your</i> age? The question was recently posted as a writing prompt on WordPress.com. <br />
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No. I haven’t lied about my age, nor have I felt the need to do so. For the most part, I’ve always felt comfortable in the space that comes with the age in question. At age 17, I was the youngest Front Desk Agent at Harrah’s at Trump Plaza Casino and made no excuses for it. Naïve, hard working, free spirited, high-strung, risk taking, down right crazy and more; all of it came natural at 17 and I enjoyed every minute of it. As a youth, I didn’t want to be perceived to be any older than I was. Um… with one small exception… and that was when I was underage making a purchase at a liquor store. <br />
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Throughout time, people have always lied or misrepresented their real age. I’m not posting to cast judgment on their personal choices, but instead to ponder over the question. As a 45-year-old wife and mother, I am extremely pleased and happy to be in my current space. Forty-five years of life has licensed and cultured me to become smarter, to become wiser, and to acknowledge the harsh reality that I still don’t know much of anything. To deny my age is to deny my present state of existence. I accept who I am now. <br />
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I know that some celebrity’s lie about their age as a means to maintain the perception of youth. A youthful appearance may prolong a career. Of course, there’s much to be said about the double standard set for women and men in Hollywood, but I’ll reserve that discussion for another day. <br />
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At work, some of the high school students are astonished to learn my age. I don’t hide it; it’s not taboo for me to state my age, so I tell the truth. Then I laugh at their response when I ask, “What does a 45 year-old woman suppose to look like?” They stumble over their words trying to explain that age 45 is old. Lol!! It’s hilarious! But truthfully, as a teen, I too thought that age 45 was old. Thanks to my parents, I’ve been blessed with a decent set of genes, but quite honestly, I don’t think that I look any better than the average middle-aged mom. Furthermore, I've seen other beautiful and drop-dead gorgeous moms out there who make me double take. I definitely acknowledge that making a conscience effort to take care of myself and to avoid unnecessary drama has helped me to mentally and physically stay in shape.<br />
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Regardless of the physical attributes that come with being forty something, what I love most about my current age and cycle is the confidence, the insight, and the tranquil nature that has come about. I hope and pray that I continue to age healthy and gracefully and promise myself to always be honest with myself and others about my age. <br />
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Have you lied about your age? Why or why not?Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-31050285008147905502011-02-12T23:07:00.001-05:002011-02-13T03:28:22.520-05:00Reconnect with a family member or friend today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxMAY3nq0_2uKuqpqGYqyJqCsXMZem8SW1kbyakt0df-0JnHOz7qHAMpIqDyAmwPbRVB10mZobrqHRERKTBVSyyqPQprxmKngZHY9407asc-bBvC5F1KH1d3Q2jHG5SjvElyLum2wH3E/s1600/Untitled1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxMAY3nq0_2uKuqpqGYqyJqCsXMZem8SW1kbyakt0df-0JnHOz7qHAMpIqDyAmwPbRVB10mZobrqHRERKTBVSyyqPQprxmKngZHY9407asc-bBvC5F1KH1d3Q2jHG5SjvElyLum2wH3E/s200/Untitled1.png" width="200" /></a></div>It is now 43 days into the New Year and 36 days since my last post. Whoa! That’s way too long. While I am disappointed that I started the New Year with fewer posts, I am still very much committed to my blog and refuse to give up. <br />
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Today I attended a family member’s funeral. The basis of our gathering was somber, however, the positive energy and enthusiasm that brought the family together was refreshing. I was delighted that the difference of opinions, attitudes, ages, values, and beliefs that typically cause anxiety and squabbles during family gatherings such as weddings and funerals, did not permeate today’s gathering.<br />
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I united with family members, some of whom I haven’t seen in ten years or more. My son made acquaintance with cousins, young and old. It was so cool watching the kids little faces light up with surprise and amazement at meeting new relatives. The adults greeted one another with gigantic smiles; breathing taking hugs, and lipstick stained kisses, all genuine with sincere warmth. I enjoyed partaking in the event, as well as, witnessing the affection and love tossed about the room. <br />
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Reflecting on the days events, I cannot help but wonder how is it that throughout the year we’re all busy with our own individual lives and cannot squeeze the time in for a phone call, a card, an email, or a visit, but when someone dies, we stop everything to pay our respects and to say farewell to our loved one. We often take off from work and school; find baby sitters that previously didn’t exist, and find ways to travel hundreds and thousands of miles across waterways and roadways. Any previously scheduled events or appointments manage to take a back seat and the world continues to revolve. <br />
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“Why do we have to wait until someone dies, for us to get together?” is a heartfelt sentiment that many of us have either spoken or heard at funerals. And yes, I also heard the words muttered today. We rhetorically ask the question, know the answer, but don’t usually change our behavior- we simply continue to mundanely ask the question. <br />
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Three years ago after the passing of a very dear cousin, I committed to reach out to distant love ones more often. And while, I’ve partially followed through with my commitment, I need to re-commit to follow through even more often. We’ve all said it- over and over again, but do not take any course of action to change it? Most often not, but I’m going to work harder at it month by month in 2011. <br />
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What family member or friend have you not seen in a while? Whom have you thought about recently? Take a moment right now and do something about it. Make yourself a note and take some kind of action to reach out to them. Texts, facebook, email, or make the call. If you don’t have his or her contact information, reach out to someone who does… As the Pastor suggested today, we don’t get advance notice that our number is up, it just happens. Reach out today while you still can.Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-25552028981177464802011-01-07T15:30:00.015-05:002011-01-07T15:38:40.804-05:0010 Tips for Stressed Out Parents<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>s parenting stressing you out? If you’re sashaying along just fine with only a few bumps and bruises, then I convey my congratulations to you and suggest that you stretch your arms out and give yourself a much deserved pat on the back. <br />
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If you are like most parents, you’ve experienced bouts of parental lassitude and are in need of a re-charge. Let’s face it. It happens to the best of us. Kids are kids. Regardless of their age, they will do goofy things and make silly choices that get under our skin.<br />
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Bringing a sense of humor to the picture will make a world of difference. As parents, we should be able to laugh at ourselves and our kids. Personally, I think some of us take parenting way too serious and expect too much way too soon from our kids. Often the seriousness leads to stress.<br />
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A parent whose child or children are enrolled in multiple extra-curricular activities may be stressed from stretching themselves too thin. You know—not enough time for dinner and homework. Not having enough time to get from point A to point B and cursing every speed limit obeying driver in front of them. Come on now… Don’t get angry with me because I’m obeying the road rules. Lol! Y’all know what I’m talking about. This morning I overslept and caught every school bus in my township. At one stop, the bus driver waited as the student casually tip toed down her lengthy driveway to the bus. I started laughing at the thought of me screaming out the window, “Move it! I’ve gotta get to work!” Lol! But I didn’t do that, I just thought to myself, “If I had gone to bed earlier last night and gotten up earlier this morning, I would have missed all the school buses and the student and bus wouldn’t be an issue.” <br />
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Parents should have more realistic expectations from children. Parents evolve, mature, and psychologically develop and so do our children. We don’t have our babies knowing everything about child rearing. Children don’t come with instructional manuals, so we seek to educate ourselves in many ways. We also learn from our actions, the actions of others, and from our children. <br />
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A constant fact to remember is that we are developing and so are our children. Our challenge is to find a suitable balance to raise moral, happy, confident, smart, and spiritually connected (for some of us) kids.<br />
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To minimize the stress I say the following:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">1. Don’t compare your kids to other kids – They’re all individual; let’s treat them that way</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Respect other parent choices – what works for my kid may not work for yours and vice versa</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Let your kids develop their own dreams - Live your own dreams</div><div style="text-align: center;">4. Sacrifice within reason </div><div style="text-align: center;">5. Let kids be themselves… KIDS!</div><div style="text-align: center;">6. Core values are more important than a 4.0 GPA </div><div style="text-align: center;">7. Reserve “me time” daily – say “no” to the family and “yes” to you</div><div style="text-align: center;">8. Break historical negative family cycles and create new ones</div><div style="text-align: center;">9. Our kids’ lives will never be error free-- ours isn’t’</div><div style="text-align: center;">10. Relax in 2011!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436787601189299660.post-24200570203769627042011-01-05T09:28:00.000-05:002011-01-05T09:28:47.306-05:00The Challenge: Complete The To-Do List...Today!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIV2ZV-vdfOt_B0mDOfVrRXybstCsUUVK4FEWQpGBmsDnEEaWctoSh8tWVYF5jtDM8_vFVePTpKp536gDO21Cukl2mFG8MyI5aBoyMy8-fHoLx7S_F9UQWav5E92XUqWwK8crndAnWKgs/s1600/question.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIV2ZV-vdfOt_B0mDOfVrRXybstCsUUVK4FEWQpGBmsDnEEaWctoSh8tWVYF5jtDM8_vFVePTpKp536gDO21Cukl2mFG8MyI5aBoyMy8-fHoLx7S_F9UQWav5E92XUqWwK8crndAnWKgs/s200/question.png" width="200" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b>fter picking my son up from school yesterday, I routinely checked his folder. There was a note from the school nurse. During school he complained of a sore throat and had a temperature reading of 99.3. The nurse’s instructions were, “please keep student home tomorrow.”<br />
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So, as I sit here Wednesday morning realizing that I did not hit the mega million jackpot for 300 and some million dollars, that I should use this weekday to be productive. And- productive I shall be! It would be so easy to curl up in bed and do nothing all day, but with my 2011 goals and resolutions waiting to be activated, I’m up, dressed and ready to go.<br />
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My to-do list that I created this morning already has one and half fewer items on it. I bathed the dog because he stunk! His bed is in the washer. When I complete this post, another item will be checked off this list. <br />
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I know that I can finish this to do list if I focus really hard and don’t get distracted. Ha! Ha! At times, I distract easily. Take my phone for example. It just chimed. Meaning I just received an email, text or facebook message. Do I dare check it? Hmm… maybe- maybe not. That’s a time zapper for certain. But I can’t resist checking it. Lol!! Maybe I should add “stay off facebook” today to the list. Now that I think about it, I should also add, “don’t watch The View” and “resist the urge to tune into the OWN Network today” <br />
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Oh man! This is going to be much harder than I thought. But I’m going to try. Wish me luck—I’m going to need it!Tanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12898769705193936620noreply@blogger.com0