He Who Cast the First Stone....

INFECTION: AVOID THE UNHAPPY AND UNLUCKY-You can die from someone else’s misery – emotional states are as infectious as disease. You may feel you are helping the drowning man but you are only precipitating your own disaster. The unfortunate sometimes draw misfortune on themselves; they will also draw it on you.... Associate with the happy and fortunate instead.

I can't take credit for this, got this from a friend's Facebook status, but this so true and applicable to a recent experience. Let's just say that I'm quite used to negativity and careless, non-constructive criticism from other, more specifically, my sisters. (You're moving where, you're buying what, you're going where, you're working out, you're volunteering, you're majoring in that, the list goes on and on...) I should mention an overbearing, controlling, manipulative, and overly-needy Mom who has become my burden and lives vicariously through me. Through the years I have thought and been told it's because they are unhappy with their own situations and deflect on me, but it recently crossed the line when it was displayed on FACEBOOK....(really, the whole world needs to see/read this right now....you're mad at him but taking out on me...you're failing to look at your own life right now, your deception, your secrets, your bad relationships, etc... and concentrate on mine...really)?

So after my big sister calls me a jerk, a jackass, shady, and every other thing she needs to air out openly, she has the nerve to ask if I can drive two hours up to her house to get her kids, then drive another two down so they can visit. Mind you, she doesn't have a license at the age of 38, never has and never owned a car. Her useless, deadbeat dad of a "boyfriend" of the past 18 years will be the continuous jerk and not offer to do drive his kids down to their Grandmother's. He will rather have his two children ride on the bus, or if she has her kids ask and beg him enough, he'll ask his parents to use their car. But on Facebook she has no problem berating my significant other and I, who have done more for her kids than their own father.

My older and "perfect" sister started it although she didn't go as far. Mind you she has a potentially fatal, chronic condition that she never  revealed to any of our family. I was told by her perverted husband that makes me uncomfortable every time I'm around him. Stop worrying about me, gossiping, and making smart remarks on anything I post on Facebook. Start living honestly, take care of yourself and your health, appreciate and spend more time with your own family rather than your in-laws, and deal with your husband and marriage.

I'm not perfect...I've made plenty of mistakes. There are things I could have and still can do better... but I'm, honest, transparent, non-judgmental, and don't bring negativity onto others. I am happy with my life because I choose to live and make my own choices.

Ok, I let it out...I feel better now :)

"I'd Rather Be Fat, Than to F With That": My "4/20" Celebration

I don't live under a rock, but I never heard of "4/20 Day" until I saw it on everyone's Facebook status, yesterday. (Note to everyone, it isn't wise to post your illegal activities online, including pictures...like really, you never know who will access your info. Even if you delete it still exists somewhere in cyber world). I finally decided to google and learned that it's supposed to be a holiday of sorts for celebrating and smoking Cannibus aka Weed. Now, I've always been my own person and very secure in who I am (i guess that's why I've NEVER felt the pressure to fit in by smoking weed). Of course I know people who do so, but that's the one thing I always told myself I wouldn't do--any type of drugs--and I never have. And why do weed smokers always try to recruit non-smokers to join them? As I digress... But in my own personal celebration I went to Dairy Queen with my son after baseball practice and ordered a very tasty and large Mint Oreo Blizzard...and it was mmm, mmm goooooooood!!!!!! Normally it's not taboo, but I've been TRYING to eat healthier and overcome my sweet-toothed-junk-food-obsession, mind you my son already had an ice cream cone from the Mr. Softee ice cream truck after school. Hence my motto of the day became...

"I'd Rather Be Fat, Than to F With That"!


LMAO!

Rest In Peace Guru

What a tragic loss to the old school and the true essence/roots of Real Hip-Hop, not the mainstream "garbage" I hear today. Rest in peace Guru, creator of "Jazzmatazz".

Hope I Made a Difference In Your Life Today

As I'm sat down at the Food Court about to dig into my meal, I noticed a woman sitting with a couple of empty bags, looking around. I've always been conscious of other people and something told me she was hungry and probably envious that everyone else around her have many options for dinner. So in my head I'm thinking that I should go over and offer her a bite to eat. I'm thrown off a little by her empty Wendy's bag and she's drinking out of a Wendy's cup..plus she might take offense that I'm offering to buy her a bite to eat.

Five minutes later a young couple next to her get ready to leave, as they rise from the table she extends tow quarters to them. I figure out that it's her offer as payment for the leftover food on the women's plate. They actually take the money and give her the food. I jumped into action and finally go up to the table and offer to buy her sandwich from Wendy's..she is so happy and accepts without hesitancy.

Not like I've never been exposed to homelessness..please i live in NY, it's everywhere. But can you imagine the desperation she faced as she accepted someone's leftovers in the presence of hundreds of strangers? Can you imagine how the sight and smell of food tempted her, as she watches us eating wishing it was hers?

I'm mad because I'm thinking why would they take what is probably her last 50 cents? Why wouldn't they just add another 50 to it so that she can buy a $1 sandwich from a value menu somewhere? I'm mad that others around me see what I'm doing, comment amongst themselves, but probably watched her eat the leftover food as soon as stood in line to purchase her sandwich. I feel bad and guilty that I spent almost $15 buying 2 meals from the Japanese restaurant for my son and I. I'm sad that tomorrow she will most likely feel hungry again and dig through the trash for a meal, or offer a couple cents to eat another's leftover meal. I feel bad that I didn't buy her a complete meal in place of  a dollar chicken sandwich. I explain to her that it's a small offer, but all I can afford. Not that it mattered, she was so grateful, thanking me over and over again. Even more so, I hope I made her feel significant and loved.

I don't have much and still struggle on a daily basis, but at least I can eat and have options. I can purchase new clothes, treat and pamper myself on occasion, and entertain my child every day. You cannot predict every circumstance in life; you never know when you'll have to depend on a stranger's kindness. You never know if and when you will hit rockbottom... it can happen to anyone, yes even you. I have been there before (although not necessarily in the sense of poverty). If strangers weren't so gratuitous, compassionate, and kind I wouldn't have been able to escape from an unfortunate situation.

As far back as I can recall, my parents used to and still leave an open door for the less fortunate...that's why I have such a great sense of compassion and non-judgment of others. My son told me I should feel so proud of myself for my good deed. I'm proud to provide him with the same example my parent's were to me. As we receive good fortune, we will ensure that we pay it forward as well.

I'll be praying for you tonight and hope that just as today, someone will be willing to feed you tomorrow. You are significant and you are loved.

What would you do? Miss Maxwell and Erykah Badu??!!!!

I made a prior commitment before I knew that Maxwell's scheduled June performance at MSG in NYC will feature Erykah Badu. I'm not sure if Jill Scott will be performing that night as she will be in other cities. I've never attended a Maxwell concert and no explanation is needed as to why I must see him perform. I saw Erykah perform waaaaay back in 2001 and of course I loved it! She has been my girl way before she became mainstream.

(Not to mention I love her recent "controversial" video and the concept. The public totally missed the point of it all and just reinforced her message. Not to mention, Ms. Badu is looking right. I've been told I resemble her but think it's more so our physical stature/frame and the hair, but there are some things I need to work on physically and she is my new inspiration of physically fit, non-pouchy moms. I don't need a six pack, just tone up and get rid of my tummy...I have the curves in the right places too Ms. Badu..lol! Can a girl just have the option of going nude?)

I can't miss it! But I may have to. But I can't..what am I to do?! Time is running out and by the time I make my decision to attend as I NEED to, it will most definitely be sold out, if not already..I'm scared to check.

Thought of the Day

Nothing like a 5 minute,whole-hearted, deep-from-the-gut laugh with your child over something silly they said/did. I would share but you just had to be there to get the humor. I LOOOOOOOOOOOVE you Jaeden! You are growing up way too fast for mommy :0 xoxoxoxo

Thought of the Day

Cook your heart out and be sure to compensate your hard efforts with dessert---guilt free! YUM!

Thought of the Day

You are your child's best advocate. Do what you must to ensure their safety, especially when the school drops the ball. Don't encourage violence, but do encourage self-defense when appropriate!

Thought of the Day

NEVER SAY NEVER again. This wasn't supposed to happen but I'll proceed with caution. Maybe this love is meant to be.

Thought of the Day

It IS possible to be a cohesive unit for your child and actually have fun! A tremendous weight has been lifted off all of our backs!

Thought of the Day

When is better to say absolutely nothing at all? I expressed my concerns and frustrations, and the floodgates opened up..I think I said more than I intended. Then when I ask for no response that i just need to get my point across, I get a reply that i didn't expect. This is going to get complicated...maybe I shouldn't have siad anything at all...

Thought of the Day

Cherish each day with your child, for they grow so fast..especially in the early years because this what influences and shapes who they will be as adults. Make your children your number ONE priority!