What a Week!

I am tired to say the least, but most of it was good.


Monday...


I got my hair done (just in time for my birthday) by my wonderful sister who loves me more than any biological sister could. It is still looking fabulous today, but this is what it looked like when she first did it, and we got to spend the whole day together!

Tuesday...

Happy Birthday to ME!

From my facebook messages and texts, to all the wonderful gifts/cards I received, I felt the most loved. 

I got to spend the day with my sister again, not doing too much at first. Then after she picked up all the kids from school we went to the movies. The girls saw Devil (make link) and my sis and I saw Legend of the Gaurdians (make link) with my nephew and our other friend. The movie was very cute, like an action movie, but with owls. I would recommend it.


We got back to "Mom's" apartment and to my surprise, she had cooked dinner for me and thanks to my sis for keeping the secret, these were also waiting for me...

Everything was so good, and this is where the cupcakes ended up!

They really love me huh?


Wednesday...


Back to work, where I got another surprise from the people I didn't even know knew it was my birthday. One lady made me a pumpkin cheesecake, it tasted ok, but the gesture was lovely. They tricked me into coming into a meeting that I wasn't originally invited to and sang Happy Birthday! I also got another gift and more cards from my supervisor and a couple of the students.

All of the staff signed it awwwww!

How happy I am wearing the sweater given to me by the bestest supervisor ever! I love you Darran!

Afterwards, I made my sister smile by giving her a much needed gesture and token of love from me. It felt good. Then, it was off to Rajanee's audition for Mosaic, for which she chose to sing and not act. This was a surprise to me, but I trusted her judgement and also because I know she really can sing. The audition went well and even she said she was proud of herself and even if she doesn't make it, she got a huge confidence boost just by doing it!


Thursday...


It was an awesome day for the mostpart. I left work early to go to my doctor's appointment, which I had been dreading all week. It turned out to be better than I could've imagined. The nurse said she was so proud of me for keeping up with my health, not smoking or drinking and my blood pressure was normal. Then I had the most attentive and nice midwife ever since I had been going to this clinic. She made me feel comfortable and the exam went off without a hitch. I was out of there in no time! But the best news I got was that since I had always had normal exams and I have no family history of breast cancer, I don't have to get a mammogram until I'm 50! Oh happy day, until...


Enter Evil Teenager!


I met her at school, which I don't normally do because I'm on the other side of the street where her school is. But, since my doctor is closer to her school, I decided to wait for her until she gets out (which she knew already because I had told her earlier that morning). Anyway, she gets all upset saying that I'm embarrasing her etc. And doesn't want to go to the McDonald's near her school, but quickly changes her mind because I know she's hungry. But, I told her she doesn't have to worry about me coming home with her anymore and she can go alone! So we get home, and I'm totally tired from earlier in the week, everything is fine, for a while, until she gets the gawl to yell at me number one, and over something as stupid as what clothes she has clean! I told her to get away from me and don't talk to me at all until she was ready to apologize. So, she stayed in the kitchen almost all night, until my grandma made her get out (but I'm still not talking to her).


Friday...


Evil teenager is trying to be nice, but I ignore her, because she still hasn't apologized. I go to work, have a quiet and productive day, sold my G1 finally, my friend Anita treated me to lunch since I didn't get to see her on my birthday. We went to Good Girls Go to Paris Crepes where I had the "Sarah" (chevre, red pepper, spinach, and mushrooms, topped with balsamic vinegar). I stuck to my guns and made Raja come home by herself, although she wasn't actually alone, but with her friend, so I didn't feel as bad, although I shouldn't :-). 
I went to pick up my prescription and found out it was cheaper than I originally thought, so that was good. Got home before Raja and wondered if she would still be in a bad mood, but didn't care too much. When she got home, I asked her if she was ready to apologize, to which she said yes and did. I asked why and she said for yelling and for disrespecting me. I accepted, although I kinda think she may have done it just so I wouldn't cancel her sweet 16 party.


Good day returned:


She made the Main Stage Ensemble at Mosaic! All my ill feelings went away and I was sooooo happy! Now comes the hard work, rehearsals, performances, and all while keeping her grades up. But, I know she can do it!


Saturday...


Nothing too special, I did manage to get some rest, I cleaned the kitchen and bathroom, while Raja did the food inventory of the fridge and freezer. We had an awesome breakfast, cooked in my new Xpress Redi Set GO cooker. I'll make a separate post about how much I love it later. We also had a nice dinner, after a trip to family dollar in which I forgot two of the things I needed most lol. We watched some movies, then went to sleep.


Today is the first meeting of the Mosaic team, then we're off to have dinner at Ci Ci's with the fam.

Sleep Tight, Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite...

Its just a saying right? WRONG! These things are really real and on the rise. I recently encountered them in my living space and am on the war path in order to get rid of them. I originally thought I might have them when I woke up one morning with this on my arm..

They are kind of hard to see, but it is six little red bumps in rows of three (the classic feeding style of the bed bug). This was after a night that I had gotten under all my covers for the first time since summer ended. At first I freaked out because the thought of having any bug that close to me is not a good feeling. Then, after talking to my friends and family I calmed down a bit because I was thinking maybe I had gotten bitten at work that Friday before, the bites showed up on a Saturday, and since I work at a University that recently had a bed bug problem in one of its apartment complexes. So, a couple days went by, no bites, then I got another one on the other arm in almost the exact same spot, but this time only one. Ok, now I am almost certain that I do have the little critters living with me, so my freaky panic is back. 

I went online and read everything I could about the bugs, where they hide, breeding methods etc. and all the while trying to figure out where I could've gotten them from. I still haven't figured it out yet, but I know they have got to go! So, after convincing myself that I have them, even though having not seen any evidence (yet) other than the bite marks, I decided that I would just strip my bed and vacuum every inch of the room. This was going to be done on a weekend, since I didn't have to work the next day, so I tried to get some sleep, which has been really, really hard lately. I woke up Friday night around midnight to find one of the little suckers crawling up the sheet! I freaked, hit it with a piece of paper, but it didn't die, so I had to get a piece of tissue and grab it.  The picture below is exactly what it looked like. 

Adult bed bug feeding on a human. (M. Potter, Univ. of Kentucky)

Afterward, I had to go in the bathroom and calm down, prayed, and prayed some more. My sister tried to calm me down after I texted her, but it only worked for a short while.  I tried to go back to sleep, and finally did around 4:30, but didn't get much rest. I got up the next morning and stripped everything off the bed, carefully looking for any signs of bed bug life. I luckily didn't find any, but trust me when I say that does not mean they weren't there. I took all the sheets, comforter, blankets, stuffed pillows, and animals and put them in plastic bags then took the bags outside. I vacuumed every inch of the mattress and surrounding areas before spraying it down with alcohol (someone told me this kills any live bugs), then put on brand new sheets and a blanket that wasn't even in the same room I was bitten.  I also cleaned all the filters in the vacuum, then put them and the entire vacuum outside too.  This seemed to ease my mind for a little while, that is until I saw the spots on the newly put down comforter.

Mine were only about 1/8 of this size and amount, but I knew then that they were not gone and even though I hadn't been bitten again (yet) it was only a matter of time, so I immediately ordered some Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth and these Mattress Covers.  I put the DE all over my room yesterday (good thing its not toxic), and just waiting to see if it kills any of them, then I have to vacuum it up, change the bed (again) and repeat the vacuuming process, encase the mattress and boxspring, then put down more DE. I am praying this eliminates my problem, as it wasn't big to begin with, or so I hope. 

A prayer for plans

This is an exerpt from my "One minute prayers for Women" given to me by my friend Tracey, author of Back Away from the Plate. This particular entry felt like it was speaking to only me from the moment I began reading it.  It comes from the section entitled Plans...

Off Track

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.

PROVERBS 21:30

I have a planner overflowing with...well, plans, of course. Each day's box lays claim to a portion of my life.   I know that each time I set a commitment down in blue ink, I am also claiming a portion of the time You have planned for me.  I imagine I am steering things in the wrong direction more times than not.  I take great comfort in knowing You are able to guide my random efforts back to Your intention for my life.

As I make plans for the days ahead, may I seek Your guidance, Your priorities, and Your will.  When I follow Your direction, the meaning of each day is magnified.  The possibilities to serve You become clear.

After reading this, my sight was never clearer and I came to the realization that NO plan I make will ever come to be if I don't sit still and listen to the Lord and HIS plan for me. 

10 things I look forward to when I move...

1. Privacy

2. Decorating my themed rooms

3. Having guests over

4. CLOSETS!

5. Matching towels

6. Direct TV

7. Having room to install my surround sound and a bigger TV

8. A shower

9. Matching tableware

10. Having my OWN!

Its just not gonna happen

The last moment of the month was a moment I realized this year isn't even remotely like I had planned. However, I don't see it as a bad thing. It just gives me more motivation to make next year bigger AND better!

I just wanna SANG!

It took me a while to figure out what to write on this post. I do miss a lot of things, but what I miss the most is singing. I have been in many choirs and even a band, even sang to myself on many occassions too. I even incorporated my love of writing and wrote a few songs.

I love musicals (movies and stage plays) and now I know why. Music is just in me and I think its time I let it back out.

31 to 35

Today marks one month until my birthday...a milestone some would say. I'll be 35! 30 was a big moment for me in that I wanted to have my life plan in order, which I actually did, but putting it into place has been harder than I thought. I am looking forward to turning a year older because I don't look my age, but the deeper feeling of non accomplishment does not make me happy :-(.

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Sushi it is!

The only favorite place I can think of would be my own home, and since I don't really have that yet, I'll tell ya about my favorite restaurant. Its called Wasabi! Eating there daily can put a real strain on my wallet, so I usually only go about 2 or 3 times a month. My friend Anita comes with me most of the time and we have lots of pictures of us and our food there on Facebook. Some of my favorite dishes are...

The spicy tuna roll, spicy salmon roll, salmon box, chicken eggrolls, shrimp tempura roll, and this luscious beauty below, known as the Chef Special!

Wasabi is located on Woodward near the DIA and Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. Check them out here.

Ratings and reviews

Be afraid, be very afraid...

I am not scared of many things, mostly bugs, spiders, snakes, and reptiles in general. However I do have a fear of dying a failure. I know that is a pretty deep thing to say, but lately I have been feeling sad about not accomplishing the things I would have liked to with my life. I know there is still time, but with all the things I had planned for this year that didn't happen, it can be a bit discouraging. I want to be a good role model for my daughter and set a great example for her and I just feel like I have fallen short on that. While these are very real and understandable fears to most people, I have one that is not.

The weirdest fear I posses is one that not even I can explain, but this terrifies me like nothing else...

It is...

Wait for it...

Are you ready?

That's right! Lightening! I don't know why, but the mere thought of it makes me cringe. SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME!

Glory Day!

I have had many firsts in my life, but perhaps the most memorable will be when I move into my OWN house! No more living with family, not being able to decorate the way I want to, or just having simple privacy. It will definitely be a glorious moment and I can't wait for the day to come.

The Bucket List

'The Bucket List' was an interesting and inspiring movie and it made a lot of people think about their own bucket lists. I have thought about this a lot in the last few years, but have most of my items in my head. A friend of mine told me about this application actually called bucket list. You create your own list, share with others, and even comment on others lists. Its available for android and iphone. Check it out below.

Bucket List App

Celebration of Love

I always cry at weddings, no matter if they're real or on movies or TV, even if I just hear about people getting married. Some people call me a wuss, but theres just something about the celebration of love that brings out tears of joy.

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Introducing...The Frugal Organizer

Most of you know that I am an organizer. I have been called an organization freak and some have told me I'm just "too organized" to which I say no such thing! So I have decided to share some of my organization "skills" with everyone else via a new blog...The Frugal Organizer! Come check it out.

They love me, they really love me

When I'm feeling down, all I have to do is hear from one of my friends through an email, call, or text, sometimes even just a feeling of knowing that they are thinking of me. It feels good to know that I am surrounding by so many people who love and care about me as much as I do them.

A baby is a gift from above

I love children and although I only have one biological one, I am mom, aunt, friend, role model, and confidant to many. Something I feel very strongly about is when "parents" neglect and/or abandon their kids. Mothers leaving their kids with their so-called boyfriends because they are in love just goes all over me. Donating DNA does not automatically make you a parent!

Its too much to even attempt to write here, so I'll just leave you with a few links to stories that illustrate this fact.

Child left in hot car in West Palm Beach, Florida

Man beat son to death for not sleeping

Mother charged with neglect after taking baby to bar

Foster homes are no better

While these are only a very small percentage, there are many more and I am thankful for people like a special friend of mine, Talise "Princess" Jones, who are there for these kids when everyone else has failed them. She truly understands God's gifts to us as parents (biological and chosen).

The moment my mind went blank

For once I can't think of anything to write on this subject, but since it is about "a moment" I guess this will do. We'll revisit it later.

Goodbye August

Well I am starting to sound like a broken record in saying things didn't go as planned. I just think maybe MY plan isn't the plan that is supposed to happen. I trust in God that he will lead me through and show me the path in which I am to take. August did bring me time spent with those I love the most and I wouldn't give that up for anything.

I am not giving up on my plans nor am I going to stop making new ones. I learned a lot about myself this month and I will take that knowledge with me into September and beyond and keep adding to it until my dreams become a reality.

What ifs...

I try to live life with no regrets, at least now anyway. So, with that being said I choose not to dwell on the regrets I do have from the past.  I do however have a series of what ifs running through my head every day.

You're Golden!

I had my golden birthday on September 28, 2003. So, I will have to claim this as my favorite. While I didn't do anything too special, it was special to me because my sister also had her golden birthday the same year. I still sometimes tell people I am 28 and they believe me because I don't really look my age anyway :-).

No one can choose just one

It is a hard to pick a favorite memory as I have so many. All of my high school days were very memorable, some days I wish I could go back to that time. I can't forget the choir, volley ball team and Spanish class, where I had the most fun, and running to Ms. Ayler's History class because I didn't want to get hit with the ruler for being late. Two senior trips; one to Florida and the other to Ghana, where I met some of the most wonderful people I've ever encountered in my whole life. The bats in the trees were not a welcome sight, but the overwhelming feeling of love from that country was amazing!

The birth of my daughter was very memorable in that it was a milestone in my life and I remember saying "I wanna push," the doctor telling me no, and her dad telling the story afterward so everyone could have a good laugh. She has given me the most memorable moments of my life though. From her first words, and steps, to the way I watched her personality develop and grow from my precious little girl into an independent young woman.

Both my high school and college graduations were noteworthy, more so the college one as I had all of the most important people in my life (at the time) there with me. One is missing from the picture (Khilida) as she is the one taking it.

My trip to California in 2007 was one that I will never forget. This is because I was actually old enough to enjoy it, I wasn't afraid of the banana trees anymore, I spent time with all my relatives that I hadn't seen since I was a kid, and I got to see all the places my cousins had told me about. The place I loved the most was the Bubba Gump restaurant in San Fransisco! I got to see all the things made famous by one of my favorite movies of all time...Forrest Gump. Food, Family, and Forrest, what could be better.

I've watched all the kids in my life grow up right before my eyes, but none has touched me more than DeShon, my pseudo son, who graduated top of his class last year and has truly demonstrated what a responsible young man he has become. I have never been prouder.

While these are only a few of the memorable moments of my life, I hope to make many more great memories in the future.

The first of many

Once again I am playing catch up, so I will have to post three (or four) blog entries tonight.

This one is about my first kiss and since my first first kiss wasn't good enough I guess to be memorable, I'll write about the best first kiss. It just so happened to be with the guy who became and is still now my best friend. We were 15 (almost 16) and in 10th grade, walking down the hallway on the 4th floor, just joking and having fun like we always did. He grabbed me by the hand and guided me over by the pop machine where he planted the biggest and softest kiss on me ever. It was sweet and sensual and to this day, his lips still attract me. I'll always remember it.

Divine Order

Let see, my psychological dreams are easy, they're always of things I think I want. I'm not sure if they are things that are attainable or things I just wish would come to be. Either way, most of them are surely fun!

My real life dreams are a little more complicated and have changed as the years passed, so much so that I dont even know what they are anymore. I know God has a plan for me, so I am just trying to follow the divine order of things.

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Simple yet sophisticated

Today I wore my green and black sundress, a black tank top with silver accessories and shoes.

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My week

Friday the 13th, nothing eventful happened. It was a rather fun week although that loosely translates into half productive. I did some things I needed to, but others fell by the wayside. Overall it was still a good week.

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Just throw it in the bag!

Today I am carrying my blue jean bag with the brown strap and flower. Inside it resides...

My wallet
Eyeglass case
Make up case which contains...lipgloss, tampons, bc pills, tissue, lotion, hand sanitizer, mirror, pantiliners, sewing kit, inhaler, carmex, fixodent)
Phone charger
Keys
Coupon holder
Mail
Take 5 bars
Water drink mix
Appointment card
Flash drive
Lipgloss
Headphones
Mint case with coins

Wow that seems like a lot of stuff huh?

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Its all relative

I have three biological brothers and one biological sister.

My brother on my mother's side is 30 years old and still has a lot of growing up to do. We didnt always get along when we were younger, but I love him dearly and because he looks up to me (now that we're both grown) I always tell him the truth and I try not to let him down.

My other siblings belong to my "father" and I have to admit I don't know them that well. This was of no fault of my own and I am constantly trying to rectify that. My sister especially holds a special place in my heart. She was the one who hardly ever got any of my dad's affection and I too never got to see her.

Many revelations have occured in my life over the past year. I regret not being able to spend the time with my brothers and sister that I would have liked to and in the next year I plan to make up for all that time lost.

I cant let this post go by without mentioning the one person who has been closer to me than any biological relative could ever be...my sister Deionna "Peachey" Covés! She is my sister in every way that matters and I love her more than words can say. We may not share the same blood but we definitely share a heart <3.

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Not my typical outfit, but...

Since I haven't done laundry yet, and I only went to the store today, my outfit was less than appealing. It was so hot and I didn't have anything cool to wear. However, my toes (which also currently match my nails) were cute in my little silver sandals.

I had on jean cargo capris with zippered pockets and strings at the bottom, a white shirt with puff sleeves and pink and yellow stitched flowers. I did like my jewelry though, my pink stone butterfly earrings and necklace.

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I believe in you, you believe in me!

How come all my blog posts lead to music somehow? Perhaps I should write songs instead of stories. For those who don't know, that was in reference to the blog title which is a song from one of my favorite movies, The Five Hearbeats!

So, on to the beliefs...I believe everything happens for a reason, no matter how much you don't like something, its all a part of a bigger plan that you might not even be aware of the time. I believe you don't have to go to church every Sunday to have Jesus in your heart and just because you do go doesn't make you a christian. I believe God doesn't make mistakes.

I believe you can be whatever you wanna be...

I BELIEVE IN ME!

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Give me one moment in time

I remember singing this song in the Northern High Shool choir. I really miss it. I have been in many church and community choirs, even sang in a band for a while. "The Sign" was my signature song. None of these compared to the feeling I got from being in the school choir. I looked forward to senior year when I'd get a chance to direct at graduation, the tradition started for us by the best choir director to ever teach!

Enter Ms. Livingston...she took over when our original director got a better job as principal at another school. We missed her terribly for several reasons. Not only did our entire song selection and singing style change, but we didn't get to sing at any of the places we used to like the local nursing homes, homeless shelters, and most importantly the solo ensemble festival for which we had taken first place three years runnning. Directing the choir at graduation was also out. We all hated her, but nothing could compare to what happened at the Evening of the Arts,1992...my "moment" of this post.

We had always been grouped with two other schools to sing a number that would be the opening act for this wonderful evening hosted at the glorious Detroit FOX theatre. Its the day before the event and we go to the theatre to rehearse the song with everyone. We're on stage and the director, a teacher from one of the other schools announces which song it is and our choir looks around at each other like we've just heard a family member had died. Why? Because our "director" never taught us the song. It was the most humiliating moment of my life and I, along with the rest of the choir never forgave her.

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You don't know me?

In an effort to get more followers for my blog...I want to play a little game. Who knows me best? Answer the questions as best you can. Some have multiple answers so you get double "points" if you get them all. As a matter of fact, some of them can even be found within other blog posts.

1. How old am I?

2. What's my middle name?

3. Who do I admire most?

4. What's my favorite color?

5. What's my favorite movie?

6. Which food(s) can I not live without?

7. How many siblings do I have?

8. What are my creative vices?

9. What do I want to do more than anything in my life right now?

10. What do I wear most of?

11. What do I have the most of?

12. What is my biggest pet peeve?!

Feel free to browse my other posts and comment as you see fit. Don't forget to become a follower :-).

He's my lobster

I've been blessed with many women I can truly call friend. Read all about them in my blog post The Women Behind Wanda. So, then I'll just tell you about the male one here...

We met in 1991 and I was reluctant to talk to him. In 1992 we began our relationship that led to our beautiful daughter being born in 1994. Down the road plans changed but one thing remained true...he's the one I can tell anything and everything to. We share a bond that no one can break, though they may try. From just a look sometimes, to a simple gesture, we know what it means without even saying a word.

We have had our ups and downs and while we're no longer that same couple, we share so many things. There were times when I didn't even want to hear his name and he hasn't always communicated completely with me. I guess that's just the story of life, but we always made it through and 19 years later, our friendship has never been stronger. We've grown as we've aged and I look forward to getting to know even more about the person who is my true love, my writing partner, and my bff, Donnell "Covae" Covés.

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My day

This was for yesterday, because I got so busy I forgot to write it.

The weather was beautiful, but I chose to stay in being that it was no so hot outside, that made it cooler in the house and more bearable to get some things done. I got up early, caught up on some TV shows I had missed, washed the dishes, made breakfast, and cleaned out my email. After a few more household chores, I had lunch, took a bath, and decided to take a nap. When I awoke, I got an unexpected yet very welcomed phone call and that made me smile.

I finished my food inventory and entered everything into the My Pantry app (downloadable here for any android phone), then wrote down everything that was missing so I know exactly what I need to get from the store. I wish I could just order groceries and have them delivered to my door. I despise grocery shopping!

I watched a little TV, then back to bed where I slept very well for the first time in a long time. It felt good.

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Love is...

There are many types of love... The love we have for our family, friends (near and far), motherly love, brotherly love for which the city of Philadelphia is named that I would like to visit someday, the love one has for their pet or even a favorite object or article of clothing (or shoe lol) all have different meanings. The most prominent type of love that comes to mind for me is the romantic kind.

So many clichés about what the word love means: "love means never having to say you're sorry" or perhaps the beautiful yet simple love is... Cartoons that everyone passes along. My definition of love in any form, is the feeling of a feeling for someone/thing you can't live without. The unconditional... One you'd do anything and give anything for. I've been blessed to have many types of unconditional love in my life and I wouldn't have it any other way.

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My life in lists

I am nothing without planning, but is it possible to be too organized? I have a list for everything, sometimes multiple lists, a place for everything and everything in its place. It sometimes becomes overwhelming to keep up with them all.

I've been called an organization freak, obsessive compulsive, and I can't say that I disagree. So, from now on I promise myslef to be more spontaneous.

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You are what you eat?

Today I had...

B - sausage and cheese on an English muffin, a peach and grapes, a homemade mocha

L - chicken patty sandwich

D - leftover salmon, mashed potatoes and corn

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They taught me different things

I've written many blog entries about my mom, so I'll dedicate this one to my "dad".

My parents got married because my mother was pregnant, her "first time" no less. It was a myth that came true to life. He was a jerk from the beginning as I'm told and they finally got a divorce when I was three. My mother never looked back. My childhood was great. I never wished them back together and though I love my mom, I hoped for more time with my dad.

I thought I would be able to get this when I moved into his house three years ago while he was away in Brazil. He came back and things were good. My daughter was getting to her grandad and I was happy for that. Then, instead of him going back to Brazil with his gf, who is also the same age as me, he brought her and her two daughters to live with us, married her and treated the girls way better than he ever did my sister and I. They eventually took over the house and he asked me and my daughter to leave which I did gladly because his wife was turning me into a person I didn't like.

That situation taught me two things...I can and will make it living on my own and that my father is exactly who my mother thought he was so many years ago. Had anyone told me I would came out of this with something positive I wouldn't have believed it, but I did. I learned for myself that my "dad" doesn't care anything about me and it only made me stronger because he is the one missing out.

I know I said I was dedicating this one to my father, but I couldn't let it pass without saying how thankful I am to my mama for the way she raised me, most times having to be mom and dad and making me the stong, independent woman I am today.

I love you mom, with your crazy self :-).

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He was first...

This was supposed to be posted yesterday, but I kind of forgot.

My first love was a disaster! I don't even want to claim it as a "love". He was a devil worshiping, cheating murderer (no exaggeration).

And there's nothing more to be said about that.

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I am beautiful, no matter what they say...Simply Wanda!

A little late, but still here...

I am me, plain and simple, no muss, no fuss, a what you see is what you get kinda girl.

I'm 34, a single mom just trying to make a better life for me and my daughter. I love hanging with my family, movies, writing and anything musical. I originally started blogging as a way to vent/filter my thoughts, about nothing in particular and anything that came to my mind. Sometimes I may write one sentence or four full paragraphs, just depends on my mood.

I didn't used to like myself on the outside, but the more I look at who I am on the inside, I love ME more and realize the outside isn't as bad as I thought.

Bright, funny, cool, mildly confident...Simply Wanda!

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Hello August

Today was my niece's 13th birthday! I can't believe how much she's grown. We had an awesome time celebrating with her.

Today also marks the start of a lot of new things in my life. They will all be revealed in later posts.

My main goal for this month is to finish planning Rajanée's party so I can focus on other things.

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30 days...30 blogs

In the next few days I will begin a 30 day blog challenge. Each day, beginning August 1, I will post on a different topic (about me). Some information will be duplicates, but I'll try to make it interesting. And since I write whenever the mood strikes me anyway, there will most likely be days with double or triple entries. I plan to make August the best month of my life, no matter what I have to do to make it so.

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Through a mosquito's eyes...

Hated by everyone,

Hovering around day and night,

I risk my life for a meal.

Your bare sweaty skin attracts me.

An animal would be an easy alternative,

But not nearly as sweet.

I know you hear me buzzing overhead,

While you sleep I creep in.

An ankle is a good spot, or maybe a toe...

I can get my fill before the stinging sensation awakes you.

But one bite is no longer enough,

The cycle that was chosen for me.

And just when I'm totally sustained,

Thwack! It all ends...



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Slacker!

I have been really slacking on my weight loss goals. I try to eat right, but I have an occassional set back. I haven't been doing my weekly menus or food inventory for about a month now. I have all these apps on my phone that are supposed to help me keep track of everything and they do work. But truth be told, I havent been using them because I got discouraged looking at the numbers on the scale and started thinking whats the point. I havent exercised in a while, other than walking, mainly because I dont have the space, but its really no excuse.

We all fall off the wagon sometimes but I'm determined to get back on. I know Friday is a weird day to start a plan, but if I dont do it today, tomorrow will never come. So, I will get my menu planned this afternoon, finish my inventory which I started on Wednesday and not pay attention to the numbers anymore, which I've said in the past but now I gotta stick to it. Healthy is my main goal and I wont let that go.



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An Overwhelming Update

Since my last post I've been through a lot of things, some good, some bad, some indifferent.

I once again had something taken from me with no regard. Material things are replaceable, but the fact that someone stole from me, someone who I more than likely see on a regular basis, just hurts. I asked myself why me? Why do bad things keep happening to me? Then I thought, maybe its not me. Some people are just evil, but I cant think that way either because God says love thine ememies too. He knows my heart. I do whatever I can for everyone around me and that does not go unnoticed. So, I just had to take a step back and look at it that way. The person who stole from me will not prosper. God will take care of them just as he will take care of me in the opposite way. I was, am and will continue to be blessed!

I have still not moved but I am patient. The plans are set in motion and everything will hopefully come to pass.  I know I will not be dissapointed. My finances aren't the greatest, but I've come too far to turn back now. If I could handle living at my "dads" paying the bills on top of all the other stresses, being on my own should be easy.

Work is work, but I'm now laid off for a few weeks. Maybe the break is just what I need. Away from the stresses that my job can sometimes cause. I miss my supervisor and I know she needs me there, but we both decided that I would not work for free, so here I stay until I am able to get paid again.

My writing has fallen by the wayside for many reasons, but I plan to rectify that soon. With my "new" writing partner who is also my best friend, I have back and while I'd love for there to be more, I'm putting the relationship in God's hands. I had missed the communication we used to share, from a kind word to a listening ear to just a simple gesture that let us know we cared. I will never let that go again.

Rajaneé will be having her sweet 16 birthday party this year and plans are underway. Its hard to believe my baby is all grown up now. We're going to have a masquerade themed party and I hope it is the best party ever!

Love is a beautiful thing, revelations are awesome, prayer changes things and he just might be MY lobster.

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Things Mama Taught Me (borrowed)

I'm sure we can all relate to this...

Things My Mother Taught Me

My Mother taught me LOGIC...

"If you fall off that swing and break your neck, you can't go to the store with me."

My Mother taught me MEDICINE...

"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they're going to freeze that way."

My Mother taught me TO THINK AHEAD...

"If you don't pass your spelling test, you'll never get a good job!"

My Mother taught me ESP...

"Put your sweater on; don't you think that I know when you're cold?"

My Mother taught me TO MEET A CHALLENGE...

"What were you thinking? Answer me when I talk to you... Don't talk back to me!"

My Mother taught me HUMOR...

"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT...

"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.

My mother taught me ABOUT SEX...

"How do you think you got here?"

My mother taught me about GENETICS...

"You are just like your father!"

My mother taught me about my ROOTS...

"Do you think you were born in a barn?"

My mother taught me about the WISDOM of AGE...

"When you get to be my age, you will understand."

My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION...

"Just wait until your father gets home."

My mother taught me about RECEIVING...

You are going to get it when we get home.

And my all time favorite thing - JUSTICE

"one day you will have kids, and I hope they turn out just like YOU..then you'll see what it's like."

A recipe for Wednesday...

Chicken Hash

2 to 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 red bell pepper

1 green bell pepper

1 red or white onion

1 pound (give or take) red skinned potatoes

1 lemon, juiced

1 tbsp garlic

1 cup chicken broth

Olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Prep

Cut the peppers and onions into strips, I like to cut them the long way, then again in half

Season the chicken with salt and pepper, it also helps to cut them in half as well

Cut the potatoes in half moon shapes and boil just until tender (this cuts down on the cooking time later).

Cooking

While the potatoes are boiling, coat the bottom of a large skillet with olive oil, add the peppers and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, then add the onions and garlic, season with salt and pepper. Cook until the veggies are tender. Push them to one side of the skillet, add a touch more olive oil, then add the chicken, brown on one side, then flip. Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken AND the pepper/onion mixture. Remove the peppers from the pan and set aside. Add the chicken broth to the skillet. Cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes more. By this time the potatoes should be done. Drain them, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. Add the potatoes to the pan, with a touch more olive oil and arrange in a single layer (if possible). Cook until brown and crispy, turning occasionally to your tastes. Cut the chicken breasts in strips or cubes, and return everything to the skillet, stir and heat through.

Top with cheese and/or sour cream and enjoy! I sometimes add mushrooms to mine as well.

Take me baby or leave me...

Another one borrowed from a friend...

I might not be the most beautiful or the sexiest...
Nor have the perfect body...
I might not be anyone's first choice, But I am a GREAT choice,
I don't pretend to be someone else...
Cause I am too good at being ME..
I might not be proud of some of the things I've done ..
but I am proud of who I am today. Take me as I am or don't take me, at all.