2009 Review - The Year Of Healing

I consider 2009 the year of healing for me due to in the previous year, I had to let go of people and or things when I wasn't prepared in doing so.

Losing my grandmother early in 2008, I've had to learn to move forward without her.  I was depressed for a good half of the year.  I still from time to time pick up the phone to call my grandmother. I miss physically talking and spending time with her. However, now I feel joy when I look at her pictures. Although, I no longer cry when I look at her pictures, I do still become sadden, but quickly soothe myself by knowing she is no longer in pain.

My relationship with my sons father is better as well. We are cordial and actually discuss things regarding our child.  He spends more time with our son, which makes my son happy, thus, I'm happy.

Due to my health not being as great as I thought,  my blood pressure has been registering high.  My doctor has ordered, I lose 20 lbs and guarantees my blood pressure will decrease.  I don't like taking medicine,nor am I good at it.  I must do this, so I will no longer have to take this little pill!  My sons father suggested, I start running with him [he runs practically every day].  I never thought that was something I could do.  We trained by running from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Mermorial [ran up/down the steps] and back.  At first, it was ugly, I thought he was trying to kill me! I thought he was pushing me too hard as I felt like I was going to faint.  I am proud to say, I did my first 5K with my girlfriend Alisa on Thanksgiving morning.  Now, I have to admit, I ran/walked [I need to work on hills].  My girlfriend did great!  I promised her I would run another 5k with her in the new year.

I learned how to deal with people, whom I considered as a close "friend" yet discovered otherwise on their part.  I learned to deal with them on my own terms...not theirs! Friendship is about give and take...not just the latter.  Associates are good to have as well.  Right?  I thought about childhood friends, friends who seemed who were loyal. I finally created a FACEBOOK page.  One of the best things, I did this year.  Connected with several grade school and long lost friends.

The United States celebrated the election of its first African American President!!!

Looking forward to the new year!

2010 Goals

Hmmm... 

I don't think, I did well in completing my 2009 goals.  So, for 2010, I'm not documenting any goals other than to take care of my son to the best of my ability and to strive to become an even better person than I already am. I also, plan to sew two (2) items.  Yes, two items.  I sewed one this year, so that's progress...LOL!

[Edited 12/30/2009- I stated, I wasn't going to list any goals for 2010, but after discussing with a friend, I do have a few to list:

1. Guide my son in being more responsible.  Taking care of the dog (i.e., walking, feeding, grooming), taking care and appreciating the items he receives (i.e., games, game systems etc.).
2. Sew five (5) items. I increased the amount due to I AM going to schedule a sew day once a month. I should be able to produce 5 items in 12 months. Right?
3. Continue to de-clutter our home.
4. Increase my Emergency Fund (EF) by the amount I set for 2010.
5. More health conscious -Lose 20 lbs by April and lower my BP.
6. Listen and observe more
7. Remain perm-free until April...longer if I can deal with the rainy season
8. Run another 5k; at least one.
9. Increase my net worth by 12%
10. Update my Will. I've been saying I'm going to do this.  Having a young child and being a single parent [with a BP that's out of wack] I have to do this.]
11. Refinance the investment home.

Let's see how I did with my 2009 Goals: (don't pay attention to the numbering...blogger is tripin') 

1. De-clutter - for every item I bring in, an item must be taken out.
•  I actually did this and will continue to do so.  I have given alot away, but still have more to go through. 

1. Track my spending - I have my spreadsheet ready.
• I did this for a good 2 to 3 months.  I applaud those who can do this on a regular basis.  I seem to forget to get a receipt or to write down the cost of items/service (i.e. gas etc.)
2. Sew- I would like to see at least 15 items. Preferably, a coat, 3 dresses, 3 pants, 2 jacket and 6 tops.
• Boo! I made one (1) item.  Thus, my reason for setting the goal to two(2) for 2010.
3. Reestablish Game Night - my son has begging for this.
• Game Night became Movie Night and we have been on track with this.  My son is into his Playstation games and I'm just not into them (I need to refer to item no. 10).  I envisioned more so board type games.
4. Organize -EVERYTHING
• Still working on this.  I want everything to have its place.  Therefore, I need to continue item no.1.
5. Blog at least once a week.
• I tried, but was not successful.  Again, I applaud you all that do.
6. Listen and observe- life seemed calmer when I use to do that.
• I started off good, but as of late been adding my 10 cent to everything.  I will attempt this in 2010.
7. Reach my financial goal in increasing my EF.
• I think, I was successful at completing this, but won't be certain until I do my end of year financial statement. My emergency fund looks good whether I reached the set amount. Go Me!
8. Make one new friend (LOL, since I've been purging some).
• I did it! LaShawn and I talk like we've known each other for years, but have never officially met.  Hold it...get this, our sons birthdays are on the same day and year and were born in the same hospital!  (We will meet in person in 2010 as we are going to get the boys together)
9. Re-connect with true friends from back in the day.
• I did this too...via the internet and FACEBOOK.  It's so nice to re-connect with them.
10. To be a better mom.
• I try...this is an ongoing process.
11. Exercise at least 2 a week (I want to be a solid sz 6, not borderline sz 7 like I am now.
• I am doing this and will step it up in 2010.  I must be 20 lbs lighter before going back to the doctor in Apr.  My blood pressure also, must be lower by then or I will be taking meds for life (I do not like taking medication at all)
12. Start dating again (ugh!  Thought, I was done after all these years...)
• I did, but it didn't work.  I really wasn't "feelin'" him, so it's ok.  I'm content with myself for now.
13. Pamper myself once a month 
• This totally did not happen.  I've got to take time out for myself...somehow...someway!   

Did you do a better job than I at reaching your goals for the year?

Egg Nog Heaven

My son LOVES Egg Nog!

I do too, but that boy of mine seems to love it more.

Sometime in September while we were grocery shopping he asked me when do they put out the egg nog.  I told him probably sometime around Thanksgiving.

One day after my mother picked him up from school and they had stopped at the grocery store, he called me at work. "Mommy, guess what?!" I replied, as i normally do, "guessing what".  It's here, it's here!"  I had no idea what in the world this child was talking about, until he said, "don't tell mama I told you.  She brought some Egg Nog and it's GOOD!"

Needless to say that night after picking him up from my mother's, he insisted that we take a trip to Giant [grocery store] to get some, which we did.  We both love Turkey Hill's Egg Nog, but surprisingly there was none.  Giant's Egg Nog is just as good.  So good, I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't made by Turkey Hill...you know how they make the same item and place different manufacturer labels on the products. 

I cannot believe I have purchased, thus far four half gallons of Egg Nog and have had only 2.5cups.  My son has been drinking it like its water.  I decided I wasn't going to buy anymore until around Christmas.  So, unbeknownst to me, my son asked his father to get him some.  His father later told me he was going to buy some Lucerne Egg Nog and my son told him, "No! Not that or Shoppers Food Warehouse, it's not good.  Turkey Hill or Giant they're the best!"  He's right.

What's your favorite Egg Nog?  BTW, have you tried Egg Nog ice cream?  Pretty good...go get you some before it's gone!

I WON !!!

A pair of Ugg Boots!!!
I've never won anything through my blog, so this was exciting.

Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa

Contact me if you are interested!!!

Do You Like Ugg Boots? You Can WIN a pair!

Here's your chance. Enter the Ugg Boots Giveaway. To enter just click the graphic on the side. Fill in the form and put their button on your blog/webpage. Monthly drawings are held. If you don't win this month, your entry stays in until the Dec. drawing! They ship worldwide.

Give it a chance...you just might win!(if you do let me know)

Health Care Reform...Needed Yesterday!

All Americans!!!
Sounds like a good thing to me.

As I listened to President Obama's speech to Congress on the Health Care Reform, I thought about him. I thought if this was already in place "he" likely would be here today.

President Obama stated, "Everyone understands the extraordinary hardships that are placed on the uninsured, who live every day just one accident or illness away from bankruptcy. These are not primarily people on welfare. These are middle-class Americans. Some can't get insurance on the job. Others are self-employed, and can't afford it, since buying insurance on your own costs you three times as much as the coverage you get from your employer. Many other Americans who are willing and able to pay are still denied insurance due to previous illnesses or conditions that insurance companies decide are too risky or expensive to cover."

You see "he" was a "... middle-class American", who couldn't, "... get insurance on the job. " I was appalled to learn that the security company that employs the security guards for our building do not provide health insurance. I'm not certain if he tried to get insurance on his own, but I believe as President Obama stated, he probably couldn't "...afford it, since buying insurance on your own costs you three times as much as the coverage you get from your employer." The fact that he had diabetes, there is a strong possibility that he was/may have been denied insurance, "due to previous illnesses or conditions that insurance companies decide are too risky or expensive to cover."

I cried, as I listened to the speech. I thought of him, my grand-mother and others who are or those who had been struggling *suffering* through their lives due to not having health care or denied health care services.

He was always cheerful, always helpful. He was one of the security guards at my office building. One of the more personable ones...he didn't just greet you, he had conversations with you, he shared himself with you...

I saw him Friday, September 4, he spoke as I walked in my office building, I spoke and told him he looked tired. He said, he didn't feel well. I didn't hold a conversation with him as he didn't look up to it. I told him, I hoped he felt better and to try to get some rest over the weekend and he smiled.

As, Monday, September 7, was a holiday (Labor Day), I returned to work on Tuesday, September 8 and was told he'd passed that morning [complications due to his diabetes]. I couldn't believe it. I still can't.

He was 38 years old, a father of two children.
Our office building is taking up a collection in his memory in hopes to help his mother with his children and his burial. As, he did not have health insurance nor did he have life insurance!

So, America, I too believe we need Health Care Reform...like yesterday! When will "we"[America] start taking care of our own!

America, stop fighting before you even know what you're fighting about. It's not about black or white, rich or poor, young or old...it's about human lives...

Respect our President and give him a chance to explain the agenda before you get your blood pressure up [do you have health care?]. A rumor is just like a virus...stop it!

May you rest in peace Officer R. Matthews!

Fun At The Grocery Store

Have you been grocery shopping lately? ('make groceries" for those in the south...lol)

Well, my son and I made our usual trip to the GIANT grocery store the other day and we noticed a stand with several scanners as soon as we entered the store...SCAN IT! My son was curious and went to investigate. He told me we could scan our food items while we shop. Sounds good to me, so I went to further investigate. Sure nuff, you can scan your items and bag them too while you shop. Anything to get me in and out of the store faster, I'm willing to give a try.

As I shopped, he scanned and bagged the items (sweet!). After weighing produce, the scale printed a barcode label, which you scan. The only annoying thing was the ringing of the device every 5 mins to make you aware of an instant coupon and my son announcing each instant coupon, "Mommy, do we need ketchup, we can save 25 cents with the instant coupon".

I really love the fact that this gadget tallies the items, which keeps me within my budget. Now, if you happen to be like me and go over the budget or if your child[ren] scan items that you did not place in the basket (kids!) you can delete an item easily. Checkout was pretty smooth as there was no one in the SCAN IT checkout line.

It turned out to be a great day at the grocery store for my son and I. He had fun scanning and I enjoyed not hearing him nag me ("I'm ready to go...are we done yet") staying within my budget was a cinch with the new gadget and getting in and out of the grocery store in record time.

For me SCAN IT is a keeper and I will definitely use it when my son is with me. I have concerns about thief as it seems it would be "easy" to not scan an item. Food prices are high enough and I just don't want us the consumers to have to pay for those who take "full" advantage of this new concept and technology. I'm sure (I hope) they have something in place. I'm not willing to test the waters to find out though ;-0

Do you have SCAN IT(or something similar) at your local grocery store? If you used it, what did you like or dislike about the experience?

For Those Who love Chocolate

Never been fond of the stuff, but I know there are those who just can't do without it. So, I'm passing on some info. that will help you get your fix.

"Free Chocolate Fridays" Offer

Each Friday until 9/25/09, Mars will give away 250,000 coupons for one (1) single sized candy bar, including M&M’s, Milky Way, Snickers, 3 Musketeers, Twix, and Dove Bars. In order to receive your coupon, you must provide your complete, name, address and email address. To read more about this offer click on Chocolate Fridays and provide your info.

Don't forget to read the terms and conditions. ENJOY!!!

What Goes Around Comes Around!

Everyone has heard of the saying and probably has said it a few times themselves. I know, I have. I firmly believe in the saying, as well as, "what's done in the dark, comes to light"!

Basically, it's Karma. This post is more so for me to document that yesterday it was revealed (not hear se) to me that the dirt that was done to me by that person has come back around on them. Am I happy? Not particularly. I am more so relieved that, that person has hopefully learned a lesson by being in my shoes so to speak.

Don't do to others, which you don't want done to you!

White House Easter Egg Roll Tickets

This is the first time that I've been excited to participate in the White House Easter Egg Roll event. When I told my son that I was going to try to get some tickets for the event, he showed no excitement whatsoever. He said, "I want to go to the White House, but not for an Easter Egg Roll!". I told him in order for me to go I had to bring a kid, so if I get tickets he would be going.

Well, all that(convo) was for nothing because I didn't get any tickets. I was disappointed, but I'm not enrage as others. I mean have you read some of the post regarding the distribution of the tickets. It's crazy! Yeah, I understand people have been glued to their computers attempting to get tickets and came out empty handed as myself. It just ain't that serious to me though. I had co-workers logging on attempting to get in so I could get tickets, but to no avail. No tantrums here. Some folks wrote that they would have preferred to camp out for the tickets as they had done previously. Hmmm...not I! I've never camped out for some tickets to anything and definitely wasn't going to start now. Especially, when I read a lady traveled from PA...camped out and as she was getting closer to the distribution box office they announced all tickets had been distributed. Now that is someone who should have had a tantrum or been enraged. Besides, it rained all day yesterday...Moi definitely would not have been camped out in the rain for tickets (this is not a life or death matter people)

I was happy to hear that they were distributing the tickets online. I hope they do the same next year and thereafter as well. The problem that occurred with the online system was the amount of people, which I guess the WH Easter Egg Roll committee under estimated and the system crashed! A lesson learned and I'm sure they will get it right next time.

Congratulations to those who did get through!

Why I haven't been blogging?

It's been awhile since I last blogged. I've checked my blog to see if any of "the blogs I like" have updated their blogs. I'd check the title of their update and if it sounded interesting, I would go to their blog. If not, I would check their blog out later. What's holding me back from updating my blog and reading the blog of others...

FACEBOOK!!!

Yall, I'm hooked. I can't believe "it" got me. I resisted for so long in creating a page because I thought it was for teeny boppers. I thought it was like MySpace and I didn't want any parts of that. Well, after several of my friends started sending me invitations and giving me verbal updates on other friends; friends I haven't seen for quite a long time I bit the bullet and signed up. OMG! I have people from ELEMENTARY school sending me friend requests and emails entitled "Do you remember me?" I've come in contact with old co-workers, old male friends and old girl friends. I love the fact that you have an opportunity to catch up with them through their picture story...pictures of their family; the parents, KIDS, and the pets. It's the greatest...hahaha...LOL. I know it's probably old news to most of you.

I heart Facebook and the mobile application too!

What are some of your surprised addictions?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love The Ones You're With...

To my family and friends.

I hope you all are enjoying your day.  I am enjoying mine.  My parents gave me a card and money (that was nice).  My son brought(through his grandma) some flowers...Tulips and a card.  He loves giving me flowers and I love receiving them (he will make some woman happy when he comes of age).  I love Tulips.  I love flowers.  Most folks are surprise that I do not like chocolate.  In the past, I would receive a box of chocolates and I would just accept it with a smile.  Later, I would give it to my grandmother who loved chocolate.

Last year this time, I wrote a post informing everyone that I didn't have a "valentine" and hopefully next year I would.  Well, that was not exactly true, my son is my Valentine and will always be.  I still do not have a significant other and I'm fine with that.  I decided in December that in the new year I would be open to dating again.  I've met people, but no one I'm interested in getting to know better.  So, again we shall see ...

What did your Valentine give or do for you?

 

A year ago today

My grandma passed. It's still hard to believe that she's no longer here with me on earth.

I miss her so much.  Truly, apart of me died when she did. 

I will forever treasure the memories I have.

Continue to rest in peace 'Momma'.

Love Ya, Always!

Randomness- Ugh!

• It's snowing! 

• my car decided it didn't want to STOP at the red light(@ the bottom of the hill) while driving my son to school.  I honked the horn and put hazard lights on so on coming traffic would stop.  Thank You Jesus no one was hurt!!  The most scariest thing.

• I checked my sons school website for status of school opening, closing or late arrival several times...and prior to walking out the door.  Nothing!  TV, Radio doesn't state anything regarding his school.  After rushing to get my son out of the house, almost becoming "road pizza" (my sons statement) while taking him to school... to find out the admins decided to close the school, but didn't think(and this is a private school) to update the website or contact local television station and or local radio stations to inform parents.

• had to force the dog to go out in the snow...what's that about...UGH!

After all this, I decided I was going to work from home today.  My sons father came to get my son (OMG...Thank You!), so now I'm de-stressing and starting my work day;-)

• 
  

President Obama and the First Lady!!!

It's official!
I will forever remember this day.

To You Martin Luther King

In honor of your birthday,

I Thank You!

Blog Anniversary!!!

It's been a year ago today that I created and wrote my first blog post.

So, many things were going on in my life during that time.  I needed an outlet, I needed a stress reliever, I needed to BLOG!  Blogging, has truly has been therapeutic for me. I love reading blogs just as much as writing.  I like the idea that part of my life is documented.  I can at any given time "review" events that have taken place in my life.  Sometimes, we may remember an event, but not the exact emotions we felt during that time.

For now, I know I will continue.

Happy Birthday Lil Sis

My how time flies.

I remember my sister always tagging along with me where ever I went. Always in my room. When, I wouldn't let her in or when I would put her out of my room, she would run and tell my mom. My mom, would tell me to let her in. I would, but then I wouldn't play with her because she had told on me...LOL. Eventually, she would leave, but she always came back to check to see if I was doing anything that looked fun.

It's funny, how I may run into an old friend, while with my sister and they'd ask, "How's your little sister doing?" I'd smile and say, "that's her" while looking up at her. Everyone is always amazed. It's like they are still looking for that lil girl that always tagged along with me. I refer to her as my big little sister now...I'm 5'...she's about 5'7"...5'8". Some things never change as she still tries to tag along with me. I don't mind it so much now {most of the time I ask her to come along}. Besides, it's not that often we hang out together like we use to...I kinda miss it.