I had an interesting day...
I usually do not share religious thoughts as to avoid offending folks but...
I was invited to a toy giveaway by someone special to me. He was inducted into a biker gang and this was his first mission - giving toys to children in need. Anyways, my kids and I were invited to come and support him on his special day. So we went. Here's where it all went wrong.
Let me outline some of the worst 2 & 1/2 hours of my life:
1. Wrong, wrong, wrong.
We were given a nonexistent address and showed up at the wrong place at the right time. At this point I should have turned around and went home but I thought, NO, it's a puzzle and I will figure it out. What was I thinking?
2. I thought they said 400 kids!
There seemed to be an expectation that 400 children would be there. NOPE! When I found the place, I knew from the line, they definitely overbooked. LOL. Again, I should have turned around...
3. Separation anxiety.
As we entered the building (a church) Kids were ushered to the left and adults to the right. it didn't sit well with me. I don't like to be separated in a crowd so large. It's not natural. I could barely see the in the sea of millions *it seemed*
4. That can't be...
Santa. Huh. He looked like a woman. I don't know. There's not a lot I can say here. It was just weird.
5. The re-enactment
There was a play-like something or another midway through this debacle complete with Mary, Joseph and the birth of Jesus. It was interesting. That's all I can say.
6. Oh no they didn't!
The second re-enactment was of Pontius Pilates soldier forcing Jesus to carry the cross. Now, I attended Catholic school, so this was not far from the norm for me but... The soldier was poking Jesus with his sword and the noises Jesus made were very realistic. Many of the younger children were frightened and began to cry. To make things worst, Jesus climbed the alter and was then nailed to the cross. From my angle, I could see the spokes were under his arms but it was too much for a lot of the kids to bear. An outburst of tears ensued...
7. Why am I still here?
They line the kids up for the toys (Yes, I am leaving things out. There was preaching and "you will all go to hell is you do not accept Jesus Christ as your lord and savior talk" but some things don't need to be mentioned) and of course the rough element all bust to the front to claim a gift. My children, the little angels, sat quietly awaiting their turn to be called up and get a toy. After parental intervention, one received a tiny teddy bear and baby books, another received a spring (fake slinky) and the other a pack of dominoes. Can I say lame?
What did I learn?
I learned that I should never go anywhere without doing research, even for the ones I love. I may not even answer the phone if he ever calls again. LOL. J/K.
I feel like my kids took away some important lessons though. That was definitely a learning experience for them.
We got out of there as quickly as we could and rushed home to wash away the sinful day. Never again, no more.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Holiday Wish List Meme
http://bit.ly/tmwishlist) and http://bit.ly/gamestop10) are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.
1. What is your holiday wish for your family?
My wish is for us all to be happy, healthy and together.
2. What is your Christmas morning tradition?
We awaken, eat a healthy breakfast and watch holiday cartoons and movies all day.
3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be?
For myself, I would ask that my children have all that they want and need. I'm a stay at home mom so sometimes they have to go without non necessities. It would be nice to totally indulge just once. I love seeing my children happy.
4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money?
We spend special time doing things together. Macy's has a Christmas light show and a Dicken's village exhibit we check out every year. It never seems to get old.
5. What games did you play with your family growing up?
Growing up, we played Monopoly, UNO, Life, Clue and Operation. I also loved Hungry, Hungry Hippos when I was young.
6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood?
A tradition I hold dearly is having the whole family over for a turkey dinner and passing out practical,inexpensive gifts to all that attend.
7. Where would you go for a Christmas-away-from-home trip?
If we could be anywhere for Christmas, I would love to visit Walt Disney World. As of yet, we have not been and I think it would be an enjoyable experience.
8. Check out GameStop link to: http://bit.ly/gamestop10 and tell us, what are the three top items on your GameStop Wish List this year?
Kinect, A Nintendo DSI and a Play Station 3 are the top three items on my Wish List! I am really hoping to make that happen for the whole family.
1. What is your holiday wish for your family?
My wish is for us all to be happy, healthy and together.
2. What is your Christmas morning tradition?
We awaken, eat a healthy breakfast and watch holiday cartoons and movies all day.
3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be?
For myself, I would ask that my children have all that they want and need. I'm a stay at home mom so sometimes they have to go without non necessities. It would be nice to totally indulge just once. I love seeing my children happy.
4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money?
We spend special time doing things together. Macy's has a Christmas light show and a Dicken's village exhibit we check out every year. It never seems to get old.
5. What games did you play with your family growing up?
Growing up, we played Monopoly, UNO, Life, Clue and Operation. I also loved Hungry, Hungry Hippos when I was young.
6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood?
A tradition I hold dearly is having the whole family over for a turkey dinner and passing out practical,inexpensive gifts to all that attend.
7. Where would you go for a Christmas-away-from-home trip?
If we could be anywhere for Christmas, I would love to visit Walt Disney World. As of yet, we have not been and I think it would be an enjoyable experience.
8. Check out GameStop link to: http://bit.ly/gamestop10 and tell us, what are the three top items on your GameStop Wish List this year?
Kinect, A Nintendo DSI and a Play Station 3 are the top three items on my Wish List! I am really hoping to make that happen for the whole family.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
My Favorite Road Trip
This takes me back many years to my childhood. When I was ten years old, my grandmother and her sister took my two male cousins and me on a road trip. We took a day long ride on an Amtrak train.
We left from Philadelphia around 8 a.m. on a Friday morning. It was a cloudy day and I remember wishing the sky was much brighter. The train was filled with many people going many places but none in our car were going as far as us.
My cousins and I played card games for the first few hours as we were giddy with excitement. We also played punch buggy while watching the cars trying to keep up with the speeding train.
I remember meeting a man who told us wonderful stories about growing up in the South and how things have changed. He made me feel as if I were there with his colorful words and descriptions. His tales of lying in the sun made me long to be there as well.
For lunch, we headed to the dining car. It was very busy, filled with hungry travelers. We ordered pancakes, bacon and eggs. It's funny that I remember. The pancakes and bacon were delicious. The eggs were runny and horrible. I remember missing my mom's special pancakes and eggs she made during our special time together.
After lunch, I felt a little sad and stared out the window for a while. My cousins noticed my mood and started to name different cars they saw passing. At this stage in my life, cars were my passion. I joined in on the fun.
We had dinner a few hours later. My great aunt packed fried chicken and biscuits. We ate in our seats as we watched the beautiful scenery pass us by. I remember seeing mountains, green grass, sandy dunes. There was so much beauty in nature that I felt I'd never seen before. It was as if I were experiencing them for the very first time.
I was in awe.
As night approached, I was very tired from playing games and gave in to Mr. Sandman. In the morning, I awoke from my slumber to find all new people were in our car. Not many were friendly and wanted us children to be quiet. We were excited to find we were very close to reaching our destination.
We arrived in Fort Lauderdale around 11 a.m. We headed to my grandmother's brother's home to meet his family. He had a granddaughter my age for us to play with. That was the highlight of our trip as most relatives were not happy to be visited by the rambunctious city kids that were my cousins and me.
I'll always remember that train ride and hold it dearly as a fun time spent with my grandmother and cousins.
I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Discount Tire blogging program, making me eligible to receive a $50 gift card and be entered for a chance to win a prize valued at $1,000. For more information on how you can participate, click here
We left from Philadelphia around 8 a.m. on a Friday morning. It was a cloudy day and I remember wishing the sky was much brighter. The train was filled with many people going many places but none in our car were going as far as us.
My cousins and I played card games for the first few hours as we were giddy with excitement. We also played punch buggy while watching the cars trying to keep up with the speeding train.
I remember meeting a man who told us wonderful stories about growing up in the South and how things have changed. He made me feel as if I were there with his colorful words and descriptions. His tales of lying in the sun made me long to be there as well.
For lunch, we headed to the dining car. It was very busy, filled with hungry travelers. We ordered pancakes, bacon and eggs. It's funny that I remember. The pancakes and bacon were delicious. The eggs were runny and horrible. I remember missing my mom's special pancakes and eggs she made during our special time together.
After lunch, I felt a little sad and stared out the window for a while. My cousins noticed my mood and started to name different cars they saw passing. At this stage in my life, cars were my passion. I joined in on the fun.
We had dinner a few hours later. My great aunt packed fried chicken and biscuits. We ate in our seats as we watched the beautiful scenery pass us by. I remember seeing mountains, green grass, sandy dunes. There was so much beauty in nature that I felt I'd never seen before. It was as if I were experiencing them for the very first time.
I was in awe.
As night approached, I was very tired from playing games and gave in to Mr. Sandman. In the morning, I awoke from my slumber to find all new people were in our car. Not many were friendly and wanted us children to be quiet. We were excited to find we were very close to reaching our destination.
We arrived in Fort Lauderdale around 11 a.m. We headed to my grandmother's brother's home to meet his family. He had a granddaughter my age for us to play with. That was the highlight of our trip as most relatives were not happy to be visited by the rambunctious city kids that were my cousins and me.
I'll always remember that train ride and hold it dearly as a fun time spent with my grandmother and cousins.
I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Discount Tire blogging program, making me eligible to receive a $50 gift card and be entered for a chance to win a prize valued at $1,000. For more information on how you can participate, click here
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Play catch up?
It has been a while since I've posted. Needless to say, it's not that my life is boring, I just haven't had time to slow down and put my thoughts into words.
School is back in session and everyone knows that takes the bulk of my attention.
On a stranger note, I received a call the other day from a random ex associate. I m bored with these people's antics. I've invited them to take this issue where it needs to be settled but they insist on playing childish games. I move forward.
I am the proud parent of a 9 year-old. She is no longer my little baby (hasn't been for awhile) and I am not a happy camper. Yes, I'm all for the growing up but I already miss that sweet, chubby faced baby I used to hold in my arms. LOL! I'm a basket case.
Contests have been slowing down, I noticed. It may just be that I am not interested in every little thing. That is fine. It will pick up again soon & that takes up a good deal of my time and attention as well.
The people in my life are doing well, doing okay or on the verge of who knows what on a daily basis. I pray for strength and enlightenment in these trying times.
That's all the info I am willing to share for now. Till next time, take care friends!
School is back in session and everyone knows that takes the bulk of my attention.
On a stranger note, I received a call the other day from a random ex associate. I m bored with these people's antics. I've invited them to take this issue where it needs to be settled but they insist on playing childish games. I move forward.
I am the proud parent of a 9 year-old. She is no longer my little baby (hasn't been for awhile) and I am not a happy camper. Yes, I'm all for the growing up but I already miss that sweet, chubby faced baby I used to hold in my arms. LOL! I'm a basket case.
Contests have been slowing down, I noticed. It may just be that I am not interested in every little thing. That is fine. It will pick up again soon & that takes up a good deal of my time and attention as well.
The people in my life are doing well, doing okay or on the verge of who knows what on a daily basis. I pray for strength and enlightenment in these trying times.
That's all the info I am willing to share for now. Till next time, take care friends!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
"Ten Tips for Ensuring a Healthy, Safe and Successful School Year."
My ten tips for the school year would be:
1. Be prepared. Stock up on school supplies and clothing now. There are great back to school sales going on now.
2. Make sure your students know their personal information ie. name, address, phone number.
3. It is important that students spend at least 20 minutes reading daily. This helps to ensure they will be prepared when it is time to return to school.
4. Check school lists to be aware of dress code.
5. Check store lists for appropriate items for each grade.
6. Pack hand sanitizer in each student's backpack.
7. Create a secret word for pickup persons. If the person does not know the secret word, the child should not leave with them.
8. Teach proper hand washing technique to ensure cleanliness.
9. Make sure your student knows to speak to a teacher or authority figure if any problems arise.
10. Make sure your student has a nutritious breakfast each day before heading out to school.
I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Airwear blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, visit http://airwear.twittermoms.com/about
1. Be prepared. Stock up on school supplies and clothing now. There are great back to school sales going on now.
2. Make sure your students know their personal information ie. name, address, phone number.
3. It is important that students spend at least 20 minutes reading daily. This helps to ensure they will be prepared when it is time to return to school.
4. Check school lists to be aware of dress code.
5. Check store lists for appropriate items for each grade.
6. Pack hand sanitizer in each student's backpack.
7. Create a secret word for pickup persons. If the person does not know the secret word, the child should not leave with them.
8. Teach proper hand washing technique to ensure cleanliness.
9. Make sure your student knows to speak to a teacher or authority figure if any problems arise.
10. Make sure your student has a nutritious breakfast each day before heading out to school.
I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Airwear blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, visit http://airwear.twittermoms.com/about
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Open letter to a stalker
I knew from the moment we met, you did not like me. It was a loathing that came from a deep, dark place. It didn't show in your expression but, I could feel it. I never let it bother me though, I never let you bother me.
You went out of your way to make others think we were friends. I never lied. I couldn't. I knew more than I needed to know about you, not from what you said, not at all. Your actions showed your true intentions. Your transparency said it all.
I don't understand how you can hold on for so long to something so negative. I never held you as anything important to my life. I never valued your existence, yet you seem to be still holding on to me. Why is that? What is it about me that would possess you to want to hold on?
After all the ish we've surpassed, I don't hate you. I don't have it in my soul to feel anything for you. I hope you grow stronger and your family gets you the help you need. I hope you find peace.
I've got mine.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Denim Debutante is doing an Easton denim giveaway!
I know, it seems like I've said it all before but I NEED to win these jeans!
Their styles are hot!. You know I like hot styles.
If you're looking for some new jeans, check them out!
I know, it seems like I've said it all before but I NEED to win these jeans!
Their styles are hot!. You know I like hot styles.
If you're looking for some new jeans, check them out!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
One of these days...
One day, when I have the patience to sit still, I will put some of my exploits into words.
Twitter has been so much fun and there are at least three blogs I want to get around to...The proper ways to run a contest is one of them. I had a fiasco claiming a prize a few months back... Things have been crazy but as always, the good outweighs the bad because I make it so.
This is my little check-in of sorts.
Much love all!
Twitter has been so much fun and there are at least three blogs I want to get around to...The proper ways to run a contest is one of them. I had a fiasco claiming a prize a few months back... Things have been crazy but as always, the good outweighs the bad because I make it so.
This is my little check-in of sorts.
Much love all!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Shhh! It's a secret.
It's not good to share secrets but I'll share this one with you (just this once).
Thee Denim Debutante is doing a NAEM denim giveaway!
I know, you have to keep this secret. I NEED to win these jeans. Their styles are hot and they quoted Mighty Mos in their blog. You know I liked that.
What was that you say? I haven't given the link? Well, since this IS our secret.
Denim Debutante
Ok, keep this secret. Thanks!
Thee Denim Debutante is doing a NAEM denim giveaway!
I know, you have to keep this secret. I NEED to win these jeans. Their styles are hot and they quoted Mighty Mos in their blog. You know I liked that.
What was that you say? I haven't given the link? Well, since this IS our secret.
Denim Debutante
Ok, keep this secret. Thanks!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The Cause Shoppe
The Cause Shoppe is a socially-conscious online shop that features products designed to benefit charities that support our local and global communities.
Most of us enjoy shopping but how many of us consider where our money goes? At the Cause Shoppe, you can search by shopping categories or charity you would like to support. When you make a purchase, proceeds go to the charity of your choice as well as a portion going to The Cause Shoppe's choice charities. You are making socially-conscious purchases and the benefits are endless.
At the moment, there is a gift card giveaway going on. Visit: Giveaway for details.
Most of us enjoy shopping but how many of us consider where our money goes? At the Cause Shoppe, you can search by shopping categories or charity you would like to support. When you make a purchase, proceeds go to the charity of your choice as well as a portion going to The Cause Shoppe's choice charities. You are making socially-conscious purchases and the benefits are endless.
At the moment, there is a gift card giveaway going on. Visit: Giveaway for details.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Have you heard?
There's a great new giveaway going on at Wishing Penny!
In honor of Earth Day and all things eco-friendly, there is a Sprout Watch giveaway. There will be three winners and anyone wanting more info about Sprout Watches should head over to check it out!
Me, well, I'd love to win. This time, it wouldn't be for myself. There is someone very special to me that I would love to give a Sprout Watch. This wonderful person has been with me through times, good and bad and still loves me. I would be grateful to give this prize to someone so loving.
Wish me luck!
In honor of Earth Day and all things eco-friendly, there is a Sprout Watch giveaway. There will be three winners and anyone wanting more info about Sprout Watches should head over to check it out!
Me, well, I'd love to win. This time, it wouldn't be for myself. There is someone very special to me that I would love to give a Sprout Watch. This wonderful person has been with me through times, good and bad and still loves me. I would be grateful to give this prize to someone so loving.
Wish me luck!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Droid Eris Giveaway!
Raise your hand if you are in need of a new cell phone.
*hand raised*
If any of you are like me, you know how hard it is to choose a new phone. There are all the vital stats such as carrier, plan, brand, etc. These things are all important during the research phase.
Currently, I am looking to upgrade and have been checking out smart phones. Yes, I like the idea of being able to access my e-mail and social networks via my handy, dandy cell phone. Currently, I have a not-so-smart phone that needs desperately to be replaced. That is where Mommas Reviews comes in. There is a Droid Eris giveaway going on over there. If you're interested, maybe you should try your luck as well. If not, cross your fingers for me, I really need this.
Thanks!
*hand raised*
If any of you are like me, you know how hard it is to choose a new phone. There are all the vital stats such as carrier, plan, brand, etc. These things are all important during the research phase.
Currently, I am looking to upgrade and have been checking out smart phones. Yes, I like the idea of being able to access my e-mail and social networks via my handy, dandy cell phone. Currently, I have a not-so-smart phone that needs desperately to be replaced. That is where Mommas Reviews comes in. There is a Droid Eris giveaway going on over there. If you're interested, maybe you should try your luck as well. If not, cross your fingers for me, I really need this.
Thanks!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
I found myself
I found myself crying today. It was strange. Crying is not typical for me. I'm pretty much a suck-it-up type of woman. I don't like the loss of control that crying makes me feel. But I did. I cried.
For the first time, in a long time, I cried. Not for the reasons I should cry, for all the things I have left behind.
Today, I noticed how much influence the life I've lived has had on me. I looked in the mirror and saw my mother's smile. I heard myself use words I only hear my grandmom say. I poured ketchup and hot sauce on my omelet just the way my uncle always did. I longed for a Mountain Dew and a lemon Tastykake pie just like my grandpop did everyday.
It's amazing the influences people have on you, even when you don't notice. I cannot imagine my life any other way than the way I've lived it; the good, the bad and everything in between.
I guess what I am saying is... I found myself. I found me in every one of them. They all played such a great part in shaping me into the woman I am today. I am very proud of who I am and all that I have accomplished. I am proud of what they instilled in me.
For the first time, in a long time, I cried. Not for the reasons I should cry, for all the things I have left behind.
Today, I noticed how much influence the life I've lived has had on me. I looked in the mirror and saw my mother's smile. I heard myself use words I only hear my grandmom say. I poured ketchup and hot sauce on my omelet just the way my uncle always did. I longed for a Mountain Dew and a lemon Tastykake pie just like my grandpop did everyday.
It's amazing the influences people have on you, even when you don't notice. I cannot imagine my life any other way than the way I've lived it; the good, the bad and everything in between.
I guess what I am saying is... I found myself. I found me in every one of them. They all played such a great part in shaping me into the woman I am today. I am very proud of who I am and all that I have accomplished. I am proud of what they instilled in me.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Slooooow Dooooown
These past two weeks have been crazy hectic. I am a bit of a procrastinator and in an effort to break that nasty, little habit, I have been pushing myself to work ahead of schedule. In doing so, I have been driving the whole family mad. LOL. But, so far, we are ahead of schedule.
The last minute call came in that the semester would be ending on Friday and, again, I had to push to make sure everything was done and turned in on time. I drove myself batty on this. In the end, I am hoping everything was taken care of and nothing was missed.
One thing I made sure to find time for, outside of my lovely children, is twitter. I have been enjoying myself attending tweetchat parties and such. It's a cool networking tool, where I can hang out and have conversations with other moms, something I can't do where I live. There are a lot of people in our neighborhood, but not many I can relate to or get along with, I guess is the best way to put it.
I've also won some cool prizes via twitter. I won a superfly hat from www.kidcuteture.com via the Organic Girl blog (button to the right)
I also won a super sexy purse from www.handbagheaven.com via the Wishing Penny blog (button to the right) I cannot wait for the purse. They have asked me to send a photo when I get it for them to post on their blog.
Ah, and how can I forget, anyone who has my hotmail address received an email about www.lush.co.uk sent out. My daughter and I were featured at the end of the email. We will receive a You're a Star gift box. She and I are both excited as Lush is our favorite shop on the planet. We have entered many of their contests but never won.
Anyhoo, I wanted to catch up and keep you guys updated on my so-called life.
At the moment I am boiling a pot of collard greens and preparing a baked make and cheese. Yum!
Gotta go!
The last minute call came in that the semester would be ending on Friday and, again, I had to push to make sure everything was done and turned in on time. I drove myself batty on this. In the end, I am hoping everything was taken care of and nothing was missed.
One thing I made sure to find time for, outside of my lovely children, is twitter. I have been enjoying myself attending tweetchat parties and such. It's a cool networking tool, where I can hang out and have conversations with other moms, something I can't do where I live. There are a lot of people in our neighborhood, but not many I can relate to or get along with, I guess is the best way to put it.
I've also won some cool prizes via twitter. I won a superfly hat from www.kidcuteture.com via the Organic Girl blog (button to the right)
I also won a super sexy purse from www.handbagheaven.com via the Wishing Penny blog (button to the right) I cannot wait for the purse. They have asked me to send a photo when I get it for them to post on their blog.
Ah, and how can I forget, anyone who has my hotmail address received an email about www.lush.co.uk sent out. My daughter and I were featured at the end of the email. We will receive a You're a Star gift box. She and I are both excited as Lush is our favorite shop on the planet. We have entered many of their contests but never won.
Anyhoo, I wanted to catch up and keep you guys updated on my so-called life.
At the moment I am boiling a pot of collard greens and preparing a baked make and cheese. Yum!
Gotta go!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Gimme Now!
I. Want. Soda. NOW!
Giving up soda is kicking my butt. I would be glad for any kind, right about now. I KNOW I don't need it. I WANT IT. It makes food taste better or so it seems. I feel disoriented and confused without it.
I KNOW I don't need it. I am gonna be so much better for it once it's outta my life. I really am trying. Yesterday, I tried to convince the kids to convince me that Fanta isn't soda. They laughed. That didn't go over so well. The man definitely won't let me have it.
I know it's for the best.
*sigh*
I'll be fine.
Giving up soda is kicking my butt. I would be glad for any kind, right about now. I KNOW I don't need it. I WANT IT. It makes food taste better or so it seems. I feel disoriented and confused without it.
I KNOW I don't need it. I am gonna be so much better for it once it's outta my life. I really am trying. Yesterday, I tried to convince the kids to convince me that Fanta isn't soda. They laughed. That didn't go over so well. The man definitely won't let me have it.
I know it's for the best.
*sigh*
I'll be fine.
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