Sing for your Supper

Can you hold a tune? I think I'm a pretty good songstress or at least I used to be. My musical "career" has been all over the place. It started in the junior high choir for which I had to give up typing class to join, then on to high school choir with a simultaneous spot in the church's youth choir. A stint in a community choir while in college, then, believe it or not...backup singer in a band!

I was 22, and my sister's then boyfriend played guitar for a controversial group of people which included an alcoholic drummer (not so rare right), an "I'm too sexy for my shirt" keyboard player and a smoking lead singer. I don't mean smoking as in hot, sexy beauty but rather that she smoked at least two packs a day, which would most likely account for the fact that she couldn't get the simplest of songs right, but it was HER band, so who were we to complain. I had two or three solos, but the one that sticks out the most is 'I saw the sign' which I sang twice (as an oncore request by some drunken men lol) at a small bar in a far away place I don't even remember.

That was a long time ago, but lately I've been missing my musical side. I'm thinking about joining another community choir or just recording a few things of my own to satisfy my longing for song.



Posted via Blogaway

No Worry

Borrowed from Tammi...

When we worry, we make problems bigger that what they really are. Instead, of worrying, accept whatever you have no control over, prepare whatever you can and choose happiness instead of worry!

Hello June!

A new day of a new month marks the beginning of ME getting my life back on track...my weight, my work, my writing, my move and everything in between. We are at the halfway mark for 2010 and I feel like I haven't accomplished anything. My yearly plan has fallen by the wayside and I can't really answer the question as to why. I felt stuck, but not anymore. I am embracing the changes that will occur in my life. I am happy to see the warm weather and shed some clothes. This month will be productive because I won't let it be anything but that.

I picked a sun as the picture for this post for two reasons...1. Summer is just around the corner and I will welcome it with open arms, and 2. I have been told I have a sunny disposition on many occasions, although I haven't been showing it much lately. So, now is the time to get back to who I know I am and put into motion what should have happened already.

Random things that irritate me (pt. 2)...

People who talk about how others look when they aint the cutest themselves.

Women who get all holier than thou about premarital sex now that they're married/engaged when they were just getting it on last week!

People who cuss at their kids for no reason at all...IN PUBLIC!

TEENAGERS!

Women who wear sandals and don't even bother to wash their caveman looking feet.

The fact that I don't have air conditioning.

When people don't use yeah and yay properly.

Bad grammar in general.

So-called digital TV.

FOREIGNERS!


I'm sure I will add more as my week progresses.




Posted via Blogaway

The Women behind Wanda

Mama, with whom it all began, a name that speaks volumes with no more being said. We've had our ups and downs, but through it all I know nobody loves me more. I hope to always make her proud.

Grandma, the woman who has been there for me when nobody else was. She knows what I need without me even saying a word. Tough love was not in her vocabulary but she definitely loved hard. It is she who taught me to never settle for less than I'm worth and always remember where I came from.

Peachey...no words can ever express what you have brought to my life. If I hadn't given your brother my number at that skating party so many years ago, I'd probably not even know you and now I can't imagine my life without you in it. We couldn't be any closer if we were siamese twins.

Khilida...you're the only one I can not talk to for any amount of time and it's like we just spoke yesterday. We've both grown up quite a bit, but those days of hanging out at Hart Plaza and dressing in the same clothes are forever etched in my heart. The term bff doesn't begin to sum up our ever lasting relationship. I know you'll always have my back and trust that I'll always have yours.

Darran, whose always looked out for me. You not only took me on, but my daughter as well. We lost touch for a while, but fate brought us back together and I couldn't be happier to be working with you again. My supervisor, my idol, role model and friend. You'll always hold a special place in my heart.

Anita...we have more in common than I think even we both realized. I am so happy to call you friend. You truly are my "sister from another mister".

Wendy, whose always had my best interests at heart and knows what I need to hear before I even ask the question...you'll always be that special person I admire for so many reasons.

Voni, from the moment we "met" I knew you were one lady I always wanted in my corner. You have inspired me in ways I didn't even know were possible.

Lizzy...I never thought I'd find a friend so far away whom I'd confide in as much as you. Thank you for always being my crying shoulder and listening ear.

Carol...what can I say, girl we've been through some rough stuff, but you never let it get you down. You give me hope in more ways than one and I'm so glad you chose ME to be in YOUR circle.

Bethany...we met at Church, no more fitting place, for God doesn't make mistakes and I'm so glad he brought us together.

Katherine...we found our way back to each other and I'm so glad we did. Nobody lifts my spirits the way you do.

Kellie...who would've thought a group could bring so many people together. You've entrusted me with so much and never regretted that decision. I am so proud of how you've taken your life in the right direction and you've inspired me to do the same.

TammyD...no matter how rough life gets for you, you're always there to lend kind words to someone else. That is a rare quality and I'm glad to have been on the receiving end of it.

Genise...I've known you so long I don't even remember how we first started our friendship. But, I am so glad we did. I only wish we lived closer so I could give you all the support you need.

Tracey...You've been more to me than I think even you realize. I know your faith in friendship is shakey, but I'm glad you gave me the chance to brighten your day and I'll be there for you as long as you want me to be.



To all my real family, my aunts, cousins and my only bio sister Michelle...we lost some time through no fault of our own, but I love you greatly and pray that our relationships are forever unchanged.

I know I couldn't mention everyone, but please know this is in no way a reflection of you not being a very important part of my life. I thank God every day that I am surrounded by so many wonderful people who love me for ME and I greatly return the sentiment.

I have decided...

As I typed this title it reminded me of a song I used to sing in Vacation Bible School...'I have decided to follow Jesus' and although that wasn't the original thought of my post, it does kind of symbolize the direction of my life right now. I've been so focused on doing what I thought I wanted and not listening to what God told me to do, but recently found out that following his way is always the RIGHT way.

The real reason for this post is about my weight. It has been an ongoing struggle for the past year and I know a lot of that has to do with the fact that I don't get enough exercise, which will change once I move, but that is a slow going process as well. So, from this day on I will not focus on numbers anymore, a statement I have made before and didn't stick to. I am going to continue to eat right and if the pounds drop, so be it, but if not I will not stress anymore.

Turn off the TV!

I know we all love our favorite programs (GLEE is my fav of the moment), but sometimes we do spend way too much time in front of the tube. Aside from it taking away from exercising, i.e. couch potato syndrome, starring at the screen for hours on end drains your eyes and your energy in general, which makes you tired and you lay down and just watch even more TV. It's a never ending cycle. The list below was borrowed from a member of my "Staying Healthy" group...Picture of Health. Please check it out if you're interested.

Turn off the TV, and…

1. Learn about native trees and flowers in your area.
2. Plan a picnic or barbecue.
3. Go bird watching. Learn names of local birds.
4. Walk the dog. Wash the dog.
5. Plant a garden. Work in your garden.
6. Take a nature hike.
7. Feed fish or birds.
8. Watch the night sky through binoculars; identify different constellations. Observe the moon.
9. Learn to use a compass.
10. Take photographs and then organize them into an album.
11. Do yard work.
12. Go Camping.
13. Take an early morning walk.
14. Climb a tree.
15. Watch a sunset; watch the sunrise with a friend.

Turn off the TV, and…Part 2

1. Listen to the radio.
2. Write an article or story.
3. Paint a picture, a mural or a room.
4. Write to the President, your Representative or Senator.
5. Read a book. Read to someone else.
6. Learn to change the oil or a tire on a car.
7. Write a letter to a friend or relative.
8. Make cookies, bread or jam and share with a neighbor.
9. Read magazines or newspapers. Swap them with friends.
10. Go through your closets and donate items to Goodwill, the Salvation Army or a local rummage sale. Have a garage sale.
11. Start a diary or journal.
12. Play cards.
13. Make crafts to give as gifts. Try a new craft.
14. Do a crossword puzzle.
15. Save money! Cancel your cable TV!
16. Learn about a different culture. Have an international dinner.
17. Teach a child some of your favorite childhood games.
18. Study sign-language.
19. Write a letter to your favorite author.
20. Cook dinner with friends or family.
21. Make cards for holidays or birthdays.
22. Play chess, bridge or checkers.
23. Play charades.
24. Have a cup of coffee and a conversation.
25. Repair or refinish a piece of furniture.
26. Make a wooden flower box.
27. Wake up early and make pancakes.
28. Read a favorite poem.