Good day peoples!
Yesterday, as I was perusing twitter, I noticed my wife was tweeting about one of the "Judge Shows" that my dad likes to watch during the day, while they were visiting. I didn't watch the show, but from her tweets, I gathered that the case was about some girl, lady who got pulled over for DUI. She didn't want to tell her parents to know what had happened so she started stripping to pay the fines and everything. I'm not gonna lie, I've heard of people stripping to pay for things and then get caught up in all the money and lifestyle and forget their original purpose for stripping. But apparently the girl still couldn't manage to pay her rent with the money that was coming in from stripping. My initial reaction - She wasn't that good.
The following {short} list was compiled based off the conversation that me and wifey had regarding this issue & was posted on my twitter account (BiggDaddyMoore) with the hashtag #StopStripping
Commonsense thoughts on why you should NOT be a stripper #StopStripping
You can't dance... #StopStripping
You like "Granny" panties... #StopStripping
You have to sit down to take your pants/skirt off... #StopStripping
You have "short" arms... #StopStripping
You're allergic to glitter... #StopStripping
You don't EVER shave your underarms...#StopStripping
You have bad feet (i.e. you can't wear heels)... #StopStripping
This is only a short list and currently applies to only females. As I was explaining to my wife. I can't really speak for male strippers as I can only comment on what I, personally, don't want to see... If you have more, feel free to post it on here or twitter with the hashtag #StopStripping to me or @TableTalkN
Holla atcha!
5.12.13
Names & Titles
Yesterday, lil man said something that apparently stuck with me. Here's how the conversation went:
kid man and has actually said all of our names at some point. Usually he was repeating one of us after we had called out for the other, but still. He does actually know that PaPa's name is James or Jimmy. And that Granny Gran is Ann, but he won't call them that. Just as he won't call me Kesha unless given clearance (ie. singing Happy Birthday with everybody else or asking me my name) or when asked sometimes. He flip flops between that answer depending on his comfort level with the person and understanding of what that person really wants.
Anyway, I thought about that this morning and realized I want to teach him differently so he understands the difference between a title and a name. Now, I will NOT give him clearance to call my Kesha on the regular, but I do want him to know that that's my name. He's only to refer to me as Mom so that he's never confused about my actual role in his life. As mom, I am held to a different standard than as Kesha. Plus, Kesha holds other titles defining other roles and I'd hate for him to ever confuse them because they are NOT all the same. Not only that, but they all require a different answer from me when addressed. So know that when you add a title to your reference of me, I will respond according to that title. I am still and always will be Kesha, but I have a different set of responsibilities to demonstrate under my various titles.
So let's step back a moment. I actually am not a fan of titles and would rather everyone call me Kesha ... until I had a child and he called me Kesha. At that point, I realized that I was NOT okay with that. See my dad called his mom by her name because she told him to do that; I tried to change them both and they just laughed at me. I've called my mom by her name when yelling "Mom!" in a crowd of mothers didn't get her attention, but that's the only excuse I use. I've found that I'm not comfortable calling parentals by their names. It weirds me out to call my MI parentals (you may call them my in-laws) by their name even though they've told me to do so. Anyway, now I get titles.
However, I will still not get one changing and being fake about that foolishness. You are no better with your title than without. See your title defines a particular role NOT your personality & character. See I am still the same ol moody weird not-so-nice, but loving Kesha whether my son is referring to me as Mom or my husband refers to me as wife or anybody else calls me Kesha. My personality doesn't change, but my responsibility to you does. As mom, I am responsible for this child's life. As wife, I am responsible for my vows to my husband. As Kesha, I am only responsible for loving you anyway.
Hopefully that sounds all warm and fuzzy. This is all to say that no matter what my title is, I am still just -ME- ... nothing more, nothing less. Don't put me in a box or on egg shells. Just go on about being you and we will be all good. (I'd make a M.C. Hammer reference, but I was NOT a fan of that stage of his musical career.) So yeah, I'll leave y'all on that note.
[While this was written, the day after these things happened, this post shall come to you a fewdays weeks later ...]
Love y'all ...
Lil Man: Mom, what's your name?A lil later ...
Me: Mom
Lil Man: Nooo, your name is Kesha.
Me: You are right, but to you, I am Mom. What's daddy's name?
Lil Man: Jason.
Me: What's Granny Gran's name?He's a funny lil
Lil Man: Granny Gran
Me: What's PaPa's name?
Lil Man: PaPa
Anyway, I thought about that this morning and realized I want to teach him differently so he understands the difference between a title and a name. Now, I will NOT give him clearance to call my Kesha on the regular, but I do want him to know that that's my name. He's only to refer to me as Mom so that he's never confused about my actual role in his life. As mom, I am held to a different standard than as Kesha. Plus, Kesha holds other titles defining other roles and I'd hate for him to ever confuse them because they are NOT all the same. Not only that, but they all require a different answer from me when addressed. So know that when you add a title to your reference of me, I will respond according to that title. I am still and always will be Kesha, but I have a different set of responsibilities to demonstrate under my various titles.
So let's step back a moment. I actually am not a fan of titles and would rather everyone call me Kesha ... until I had a child and he called me Kesha. At that point, I realized that I was NOT okay with that. See my dad called his mom by her name because she told him to do that; I tried to change them both and they just laughed at me. I've called my mom by her name when yelling "Mom!" in a crowd of mothers didn't get her attention, but that's the only excuse I use. I've found that I'm not comfortable calling parentals by their names. It weirds me out to call my MI parentals (you may call them my in-laws) by their name even though they've told me to do so. Anyway, now I get titles.
However, I will still not get one changing and being fake about that foolishness. You are no better with your title than without. See your title defines a particular role NOT your personality & character. See I am still the same ol moody weird not-so-nice, but loving Kesha whether my son is referring to me as Mom or my husband refers to me as wife or anybody else calls me Kesha. My personality doesn't change, but my responsibility to you does. As mom, I am responsible for this child's life. As wife, I am responsible for my vows to my husband. As Kesha, I am only responsible for loving you anyway.
Hopefully that sounds all warm and fuzzy. This is all to say that no matter what my title is, I am still just -ME- ... nothing more, nothing less. Don't put me in a box or on egg shells. Just go on about being you and we will be all good. (I'd make a M.C. Hammer reference, but I was NOT a fan of that stage of his musical career.) So yeah, I'll leave y'all on that note.
[While this was written, the day after these things happened, this post shall come to you a few
Love y'all ...
22.11.13
November Extreme Coupon Trip(s)
Hey folks: I'm pretty excited about my most recent coupon trip. It was pretty awesome for my 1st time not focusing on Kroger (I did go there, but it wasn't the focus) and for using the "Stock-Up" plan of action. I'm trying to change my thinking about shopping since I generally dislike it, but couponing has me more interested in it. It's a puzzle of how I can save the most money on the things we need. This is a journey so come on & see what my ride looked like last night.
So I spent hours this week planning my trip because I needed to get up to $50 of stuff, which rarely happens even before I began couponing. That planning time was well worth it though, because our counter was full & our pantry is overflowing after last night's trip. I spent $35.45 at Target & $24.53 at Kroger; I spent a total of $59.98. Let's go through what it would have cost me.
Target Transaction:
Kroger Transaction:
No pictures this time around cause I don't have a dedicated "take pics of deals" area just yet. I will soon though. I will soon.
Alright folks. That's all for now. I'll try to write up how it felt to do this soon. I've never actually handed anyone a stake of coupons and pretty much held up the line before - it was interesting & a bit embarrassing at the same time. I thought I was going during a non-peak time AND it was raining. Oh well, until next post ...
So I spent hours this week planning my trip because I needed to get up to $50 of stuff, which rarely happens even before I began couponing. That planning time was well worth it though, because our counter was full & our pantry is overflowing after last night's trip. I spent $35.45 at Target & $24.53 at Kroger; I spent a total of $59.98. Let's go through what it would have cost me.
Target Transaction:
Coffee Mate Creamer - 3 @ $1.50 eaTotaling to $74.86. I only paid $35.45, which is a 47% savings. Ssswwweeeeeeettttt!!!
Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes - 6 @ $0.99 ea
Del Monte Canned Veggies - 4 @ $0.65 ea
Campbell's Condensed Soup - 4 @ $0.65 ea
French's French Fried Onions - 1 @ $2.99 ea
Chex Cereal - 1 @ $2.00 & 1 @ $2.50
Yoplait Yogurt - 6 @ $0.50 ea
SweetTarts Candy Canes - 2 @ $2.00 ea
Campbell's Slow Cooker Sauce - 1 @ $2.59
Heinz Gravy - 5 @ $0.59 ea
Hunt's Tomatoes - 4 @ $0.85 ea
Cool Whip - 2 @ $0.99 ea
Jell-O Gelatin - 2 @ $0.59 ea
Market Pantry Apple Juice - 2 @ $1.89 ea
Swanson Broth - 5 @ $0.59 ea
Carnation Evaporated Milk - 2 @ $0.94 ea
Eagle Brand Condensed Milk - 2 @ $1.99 ea
Welch's Essential Juice - 1 @ $2.00
Barilla Pasta - 2 @ $1.29 ea
Barilla Pasta Sauce - 2 @ $1.99 ea
Quaker Warm & Crunchy Granola Hot Cereal - 1 @ $2.50
Biscoff Spread - 1 @ $3.41
Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce - 2 @ $1.89 ea
Suave Kid's Body Wash - 1 @ $1.79
Kroger Transaction:
Kroger Tub Lunch meat - 1 @ $3.00Totaling to $48.57. I only paid $24.53, which is a 51 % savings. Yeeaahhh Buddy! I received quite a bit of free stuff because of the Free Friday Downloads & coupons & store sales. The only problem here is that I paid about $4 more than I should have not paying attention to the signs. My Cheerios should have been only $2.50 and I should have NOT paid for any milk. Blah! Reading is fundamental people! It's cool though cause I still saved lots and we're good on milk through Thanksgiving. We go through LOTS of milk around these parts so I try to participate in all of the FREE milk deals.
Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks - 2 @ $2.50 ea
Chex Mix Muddy Buddies - 2 @ $2.50 ea
Aquafina Flavorsplash - 1 @ $1.00
Dole Smoothie - 1 @ $1.99
Stacy's Bake Shop - 1 @ $2.99
Milk - 2 @ $2.50 ea
Kroger Cheese - 3 @ $1.67 ea
Dole Canned Fruit - 3 @ $1.00 ea
Cheerios (Multi Grain) - 2 @ $3.29
Fiber One Bars - 2 @ $2.50
Nature Valley Bars - 2 @ $2.50
No pictures this time around cause I don't have a dedicated "take pics of deals" area just yet. I will soon though. I will soon.
Alright folks. That's all for now. I'll try to write up how it felt to do this soon. I've never actually handed anyone a stake of coupons and pretty much held up the line before - it was interesting & a bit embarrassing at the same time. I thought I was going during a non-peak time AND it was raining. Oh well, until next post ...
31.10.13
Toddler Interlude: Halloween
Dad decided that I would be a boxer for Halloween. That is today. He did not consult with me as much as he probably should have. Why? Well, here ya go ...
He put my new boots on. They are too big and I was not even about to walk around in those things. Dad said the boots are not too big, but I said they are. Mom just looked at us.
He put tape on my hand. That was too tight. I wanted it off. Dad said boxers wear tape on their hands, but I didn't want it on mine. He got his boxing gloves for me. Mom just looked at us.
Dad made a championship belt for me. I like it. There are Angry Birds on the inside. {Cardboard needed a little reinforcement so dad used the Angry Bird tape.
Oh did I mention, I have on 3 layers on bottom? How am I going to got to the potty all by myself? When I went this morning, I forgot to pull up the shorts under my pants. That didn't feel good.
Well, I made it to school. Mom had to help me down the stairs cause I can't really carry the boxing gloves down stairs.
Happy Halloween everybody!
He put my new boots on. They are too big and I was not even about to walk around in those things. Dad said the boots are not too big, but I said they are. Mom just looked at us.
He put tape on my hand. That was too tight. I wanted it off. Dad said boxers wear tape on their hands, but I didn't want it on mine. He got his boxing gloves for me. Mom just looked at us.
Dad made a championship belt for me. I like it. There are Angry Birds on the inside. {Cardboard needed a little reinforcement so dad used the Angry Bird tape.
Oh did I mention, I have on 3 layers on bottom? How am I going to got to the potty all by myself? When I went this morning, I forgot to pull up the shorts under my pants. That didn't feel good.
Well, I made it to school. Mom had to help me down the stairs cause I can't really carry the boxing gloves down stairs.
Here's what I should look like for our school Halloween Parade:
And yesterday, Granny Gran carved my pumpkins. Look:
Happy Halloween everybody!
22.10.13
Homemade Goldfish & Coupon Brag
Y'all ... these past few days have been a score for me! Why? Well, I scored a huge deal on one of my coupon-ing trips, I spent a few hours with a young lady who ALWAYS lifts & encourages my spirit, I made 3 dinner entrees in one night, AND I made homemade goldfish crackers! AWESOME!! SO here's the scoop: backwards style.
Goldfish Crackers:
I made homemade goldfish crackers and ooohhh they are delicious. For the recipe, go here. I didn't take pictures of the process because I forgot. I was so excited that I was just trying to get to the end. See ...
Did you see? Oooohhh ... yeah. Anyway, I made one batch of these and then made cheese straws because I just couldn't take making those lil fish anymore. See, I don't have a fish cookie cutter so I made one using this method. I was not as careful as I should have been (ie. no gloves, no measuring, no drawing) so mine wasn't perfect and it was still fairly sharp on both sides. I also may have a small scrap from not cutting evenly. Anyway ... you should make these or be around when I do. MMMMMM!! And I will be experimenting with different cheese & flavors because that recipe was amazingly simple. These may show up in the form of trains at a certain lil person's birthday party.
{Just found this: DIY-Cookie-Cutters Instructables .... YYYEEESSS!!! I will be all over this!}
Dinner Entrees:
I LOVE my slow cookers. Yes, there is an s there and I will gladly take more. So I made some barbecue shredded turkey from some leftover turkey (did I tell y'all about me cooking an entire turkey all by myself for the 1st time last week?), some bell peppers, and one of those Kraft Recipe Makers that I got for just $.49 (ha! another coupon-ing plug). It was delicious. Made sandwiches for lunch & then added some rice for dinner. I also browned some chorizo before added it with peppers and some tomato sauce for another meal (will probably add some noodles and corn). And the other meal was a roast with peppers and some balsamic vinegar dressing (will probably put with some greens and potatoes). Today, I'll put those greens in the slow cooker with my turkey leg so they'll be all set for tomorrow. I get excited when I have that may meals planned already.
Sister Friend Evening:
This is pretty well self-explanatory, but yeah had a lil meeting set up with my dear friend to plan her 40th bday party and time flew right on by. We discussed everything under the sun and laughed for hours shutting Panera down for the night. I love that lady cause she is a ball of joy despite everything and I need that in my life something terrible. So here's my plug for her. She's all about the Kidney Foundation so I'll definitely have a post soon about that for her.
Coupon Trip (CVS):
So since I started this coupon-ing thing, I have been non stop wanting to ensure to get everything on sale with a coupon or two. I loosen up from time to time, but I'm enjoying the hunt for great deals and saving money for our family. So here ya go. Here's my brag photo.
I got all of this for $30.33 saving myself about $28 with the fact that CVS had a sale and I had coupons for everything in the picture. I'm sure it could have been better, but hey - ya gotta start somewhere. Oh I did buy some sponges, but they only added like $1 to the total.
Well, that's all I got for this post. See y'all on another great posting day.
{Challenge Update: Slacked last week, but Coach Moore will get me back on schedule - I'm sure.}
Goldfish Crackers:
I made homemade goldfish crackers and ooohhh they are delicious. For the recipe, go here. I didn't take pictures of the process because I forgot. I was so excited that I was just trying to get to the end. See ...
{Just found this: DIY-Cookie-Cutters Instructables .... YYYEEESSS!!! I will be all over this!}
Dinner Entrees:
I LOVE my slow cookers. Yes, there is an s there and I will gladly take more. So I made some barbecue shredded turkey from some leftover turkey (did I tell y'all about me cooking an entire turkey all by myself for the 1st time last week?), some bell peppers, and one of those Kraft Recipe Makers that I got for just $.49 (ha! another coupon-ing plug). It was delicious. Made sandwiches for lunch & then added some rice for dinner. I also browned some chorizo before added it with peppers and some tomato sauce for another meal (will probably add some noodles and corn). And the other meal was a roast with peppers and some balsamic vinegar dressing (will probably put with some greens and potatoes). Today, I'll put those greens in the slow cooker with my turkey leg so they'll be all set for tomorrow. I get excited when I have that may meals planned already.
Sister Friend Evening:
This is pretty well self-explanatory, but yeah had a lil meeting set up with my dear friend to plan her 40th bday party and time flew right on by. We discussed everything under the sun and laughed for hours shutting Panera down for the night. I love that lady cause she is a ball of joy despite everything and I need that in my life something terrible. So here's my plug for her. She's all about the Kidney Foundation so I'll definitely have a post soon about that for her.
Coupon Trip (CVS):
So since I started this coupon-ing thing, I have been non stop wanting to ensure to get everything on sale with a coupon or two. I loosen up from time to time, but I'm enjoying the hunt for great deals and saving money for our family. So here ya go. Here's my brag photo.
I got all of this for $30.33 saving myself about $28 with the fact that CVS had a sale and I had coupons for everything in the picture. I'm sure it could have been better, but hey - ya gotta start somewhere. Oh I did buy some sponges, but they only added like $1 to the total.
Well, that's all I got for this post. See y'all on another great posting day.
{Challenge Update: Slacked last week, but Coach Moore will get me back on schedule - I'm sure.}
11.10.13
My Experience at Victoria's Secret
Good Day my friends,
Yesterday, I took something back to Victoria's Secret to exchange it for my wife. Before I get into the story, remember who this is writing this...
Before I even get into this story, let me say that I am very confident in myself and my manhood. I have never been the guy to shy away from doing things that would otherwise shame others. So walking through the middle of Briarwood Mall, carrying a "dainty" pink Victoria's Secret bag had no effect on me.
So I walk into the store, with all bravado and confidence in the world. I walk right up to the counter (there was no line at the time), place the bag in front of the lady working and hand her the receipt and look her in the eyes and, confidently, say "I would like to exchange this bra for a different size for my wife."
She took the receipt and said "ok". She then proceeded to take the bra out and asked what I would like to exchange it for.
I, still smelling myself, tell her the color (yeah, I know my colors), style and explain that I do not know where this particular bra is kept, but if she would be so kind as to point me in the right direction, I will go get the replacement myself. I was THE MAN!
The exchange quickly took a 180 within the next few moments:
Clerk: Oh, it's ok - they're right behind you, but I can have another associate bring it up here for you.
Me: Great. Thank you.
Clerk: Now, what size do you need?
Me: (Checking my iphone to make sure I gave her the correct size) XXXX (I'm not gonna put my wife's business out there)
Clerk: Oh, I'm sorry, this style doesn't come in that size. Would you like the sister size XXX?
Me: (losing my bravado & confidence in one fell swoop) - huh?
Clerk: The sister size - It fits the same, it's just a different number.
Me: Um, sure. If, um, if that one, um, that didn't work, could it be exchanged or some-something?
Clerk: Oh, sure. Tell her that if it doesn't work after trying it on, just to bring it back and we work to get the right one for her.
Me: Um, ok, I'll let her know.
Now by this time more people have started to line up and they were calling associates to help ring the others out. I HATE being the reason for the hold up, because I just feel like everyone is looking at you smackin' their lips, wondering what in the world is your problem.
Needless to say, I was very relieved with the new bra was brought up and the exchange was completed. The clerk was even nice enough give me a new bag and wish me a great day. All my Bravado came right back, like there was never any problem:
Me: Hey! You have a Great day too!
As I walked back out the mall, carrying my new "dainty"pink Victoria's Secret bag. As soon as I got home, I had to share this experience with my wife. You know what she said?!
Wifey: Ohhh, I knew there was something I meant to tell you...
WHAAATTT?! Even if you don't know the exact numbers, you could have alluded to the fact that I might hear something about a "sister size". I'm trying to do you a favor, and you're gonna let me walk into a fire fight blind?! I just got ambushed by the Vicki Secret Angels, and all you can say is "I knew there was something I meant to tell you"...
I'm a guy. I deal in logic (most time). I know that a 5/16's & 11/32's are close but they are not the same. Two different numbers are two different sizes, period. I was not ready for that curve ball...
So fella's, next time you decide to go into a store for women, remember, be prepared for anything!
Yesterday, I took something back to Victoria's Secret to exchange it for my wife. Before I get into the story, remember who this is writing this...
Before I even get into this story, let me say that I am very confident in myself and my manhood. I have never been the guy to shy away from doing things that would otherwise shame others. So walking through the middle of Briarwood Mall, carrying a "dainty" pink Victoria's Secret bag had no effect on me.
So I walk into the store, with all bravado and confidence in the world. I walk right up to the counter (there was no line at the time), place the bag in front of the lady working and hand her the receipt and look her in the eyes and, confidently, say "I would like to exchange this bra for a different size for my wife."
She took the receipt and said "ok". She then proceeded to take the bra out and asked what I would like to exchange it for.
I, still smelling myself, tell her the color (yeah, I know my colors), style and explain that I do not know where this particular bra is kept, but if she would be so kind as to point me in the right direction, I will go get the replacement myself. I was THE MAN!
The exchange quickly took a 180 within the next few moments:
Clerk: Oh, it's ok - they're right behind you, but I can have another associate bring it up here for you.
Me: Great. Thank you.
Clerk: Now, what size do you need?
Me: (Checking my iphone to make sure I gave her the correct size) XXXX (I'm not gonna put my wife's business out there)
Clerk: Oh, I'm sorry, this style doesn't come in that size. Would you like the sister size XXX?
Me: (losing my bravado & confidence in one fell swoop) - huh?
Clerk: The sister size - It fits the same, it's just a different number.
Me: Um, sure. If, um, if that one, um, that didn't work, could it be exchanged or some-something?
Clerk: Oh, sure. Tell her that if it doesn't work after trying it on, just to bring it back and we work to get the right one for her.
Me: Um, ok, I'll let her know.
Now by this time more people have started to line up and they were calling associates to help ring the others out. I HATE being the reason for the hold up, because I just feel like everyone is looking at you smackin' their lips, wondering what in the world is your problem.
Needless to say, I was very relieved with the new bra was brought up and the exchange was completed. The clerk was even nice enough give me a new bag and wish me a great day. All my Bravado came right back, like there was never any problem:
Me: Hey! You have a Great day too!
As I walked back out the mall, carrying my new "dainty"pink Victoria's Secret bag. As soon as I got home, I had to share this experience with my wife. You know what she said?!
Wifey: Ohhh, I knew there was something I meant to tell you...
WHAAATTT?! Even if you don't know the exact numbers, you could have alluded to the fact that I might hear something about a "sister size". I'm trying to do you a favor, and you're gonna let me walk into a fire fight blind?! I just got ambushed by the Vicki Secret Angels, and all you can say is "I knew there was something I meant to tell you"...
I'm a guy. I deal in logic (most time). I know that a 5/16's & 11/32's are close but they are not the same. Two different numbers are two different sizes, period. I was not ready for that curve ball...
So fella's, next time you decide to go into a store for women, remember, be prepared for anything!
26.9.13
Challenge 5: 30 Day Insanity Prelude
Alright y'all I decided to prepare for Insanity. Heard of it? If not, what rock have you been living under?
So here's my background. I'm always about the next easiest way to have fun exercising. I heard about Insanity and immediately wanted it and someone was GREAT enough to send it right on to me. Sweet!! Anyway, here's what happened.
3 months after the arrival of lil man, I was all set to begin my Insanity journey ... or so I thought! The 1st day, I didn't make it all the way through just to find that I was doing the wrong day's workout. I did the workout for Day 1 of Week 2 ... blah! So I started over. The next morning, I got up and did the right workout. Yeah, I made it through the workout only to realize that it was JUST the warm-up. DUDE! Seriously?! I wasn't excited at all cause I BARELY made it through the doggone warm-up. I wanted to punch Shawn T and his backup exercisers in the face for that foolishness!! So yeah, I less than barely made it through that Day 1 Workout. Geez! So anyway, I tortured myself like this for about a week I believe. Then, one day as I was headed upstairs for something, my leg totally gave out on me. The good news was I was holding on to the rails so no actual fall happened. The bad news was that that was the 1st of 3 times in one day. I decided I'd better chill on the Insanity workouts until my body was ready again. Can't be falling carrying lil man - he got goons. Heh heh heh!
Well, fast forward to today (a good 2+ years later). I've gone back & forth with plans to start up Insanity once again, but I keep punking out. Yeah, I just can't talk myself into getting back on it. However, I need to do something so here's what I'm gone do. I found out about a 30 Day Intro to Insanity Blueprint (from here) and received it in my email so I can prepare for my Insanity journey. I am looking forward to it while covering my eyes and peeking through my fingers. [Y'all know how we do when we don't, but do wanna see that scary or disgusting part of a movie.] My 1st huddle may be easier than it would have been before though. I shall take my before pics and not be ashamed of them. Yeah ...
I'm going to try to do this about once every other week so I can see my progress cause that may be the only way to jump-start this thing for me. I hate looking at terrible pics of folks especially of myself. I should prolly go buy new workout clothing articles - mine are old and the wrong size so they provide very little support. I think I'm good with shoes though & there's plenty of water bottles around the house. Well, here's to being Insane!!!
Keep in mind that I still gave the Mr. permission to place his own workout challenges on the whiteboard for me. This will be an interesting 30 days! He's way too excited too so y'all pray for me & send all the good luck vibes ya can my way. Also, remember to check on me so I don't punch Mr. in the face. Heh heh heh!!!
Get yo workout on folks ...
So here's my background. I'm always about the next easiest way to have fun exercising. I heard about Insanity and immediately wanted it and someone was GREAT enough to send it right on to me. Sweet!! Anyway, here's what happened.
3 months after the arrival of lil man, I was all set to begin my Insanity journey ... or so I thought! The 1st day, I didn't make it all the way through just to find that I was doing the wrong day's workout. I did the workout for Day 1 of Week 2 ... blah! So I started over. The next morning, I got up and did the right workout. Yeah, I made it through the workout only to realize that it was JUST the warm-up. DUDE! Seriously?! I wasn't excited at all cause I BARELY made it through the doggone warm-up. I wanted to punch Shawn T and his backup exercisers in the face for that foolishness!! So yeah, I less than barely made it through that Day 1 Workout. Geez! So anyway, I tortured myself like this for about a week I believe. Then, one day as I was headed upstairs for something, my leg totally gave out on me. The good news was I was holding on to the rails so no actual fall happened. The bad news was that that was the 1st of 3 times in one day. I decided I'd better chill on the Insanity workouts until my body was ready again. Can't be falling carrying lil man - he got goons. Heh heh heh!
Well, fast forward to today (a good 2+ years later). I've gone back & forth with plans to start up Insanity once again, but I keep punking out. Yeah, I just can't talk myself into getting back on it. However, I need to do something so here's what I'm gone do. I found out about a 30 Day Intro to Insanity Blueprint (from here) and received it in my email so I can prepare for my Insanity journey. I am looking forward to it while covering my eyes and peeking through my fingers. [Y'all know how we do when we don't, but do wanna see that scary or disgusting part of a movie.] My 1st huddle may be easier than it would have been before though. I shall take my before pics and not be ashamed of them. Yeah ...
I'm going to try to do this about once every other week so I can see my progress cause that may be the only way to jump-start this thing for me. I hate looking at terrible pics of folks especially of myself. I should prolly go buy new workout clothing articles - mine are old and the wrong size so they provide very little support. I think I'm good with shoes though & there's plenty of water bottles around the house. Well, here's to being Insane!!!
Keep in mind that I still gave the Mr. permission to place his own workout challenges on the whiteboard for me. This will be an interesting 30 days! He's way too excited too so y'all pray for me & send all the good luck vibes ya can my way. Also, remember to check on me so I don't punch Mr. in the face. Heh heh heh!!!
Get yo workout on folks ...
25.9.13
Challenge 5: Taking Care of The Temple
SO my body is the temple of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 states:
See, I've been slacking for awhile now. I had all of these plans for riding my bike & jump roping with lil man. And then there was the treadmill plan of doing a bit of jogging while lil man played. And finally, there was the whole I'll workout while lil man naps. NONE of them worked for long. I've tried all at least once, but didn't really focus on it and kept having excuses for not working out. My number 1 excuse is: "I'm tired." Well, now my issue is that "I'm tired" of looking at this flabby belly and feeling the (old) familiar fit of my clothes. Being too tired to really enjoy our active lifestyle, I feel like I'm dragging and holding the family back. That's not cool. So instead of continually failing at these writing challenges, I'm gone place myself on this physical challenge. This also means that I am officially giving my husband leeway to hold me accountable for my workouts. [There will probably be more posts about how I despise him cause he's a GREAT coach in the sense that he won't take no & forces you to really stretch out of your comfort zone when it comes to fitness. I still love him though.]
Now the other difference with this challenge is that I plan to build upon it not only with different fitness plans, but maybe even my eating habits. I suck at eating healthy for an extended amount of time. I do really well for a few months and then I do really bad for a few weeks and then the cycle repeats. I'd love to find a healthy eating space I can hold on to for life. I'm getting better though cause these few weeks of not so healthy having been as bad as in the past. And I've began dabbling in seafood again so yay me. I also haven't been cooking my homemade stuff so y'all know I'm feaning a good home cooked meal for the simple fact of cooking.
Speaking of, y'all up for a Sunday Dinner soon? I'm bringing it back now that we're back to just us ;) No really, I have this turkey that needs to get cooked before Thanksgiving. I'm thinking of slow cooking it. Hhhmmm ... I guess Id better get that thing out of the freezer so it can thaw.
Welp folks ... that's all. Again, if you see me or just think of me - holla at me about the love notes and this fitness challenge.
I just realized I didn't say what fitness challenge. I'll get to researching that cause it has to be something that will get me back energized about working out. On to my research.
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.This to me has a lot of meaning and can be interpreted in so many different ways. Matter of fact, each time I read it, I find a different meaning in it that applies to that very moment. At this moment though, I'm using it to really refocus myself on being healthy in the physical.
See, I've been slacking for awhile now. I had all of these plans for riding my bike & jump roping with lil man. And then there was the treadmill plan of doing a bit of jogging while lil man played. And finally, there was the whole I'll workout while lil man naps. NONE of them worked for long. I've tried all at least once, but didn't really focus on it and kept having excuses for not working out. My number 1 excuse is: "I'm tired." Well, now my issue is that "I'm tired" of looking at this flabby belly and feeling the (old) familiar fit of my clothes. Being too tired to really enjoy our active lifestyle, I feel like I'm dragging and holding the family back. That's not cool. So instead of continually failing at these writing challenges, I'm gone place myself on this physical challenge. This also means that I am officially giving my husband leeway to hold me accountable for my workouts. [There will probably be more posts about how I despise him cause he's a GREAT coach in the sense that he won't take no & forces you to really stretch out of your comfort zone when it comes to fitness. I still love him though.]
Now the other difference with this challenge is that I plan to build upon it not only with different fitness plans, but maybe even my eating habits. I suck at eating healthy for an extended amount of time. I do really well for a few months and then I do really bad for a few weeks and then the cycle repeats. I'd love to find a healthy eating space I can hold on to for life. I'm getting better though cause these few weeks of not so healthy having been as bad as in the past. And I've began dabbling in seafood again so yay me. I also haven't been cooking my homemade stuff so y'all know I'm feaning a good home cooked meal for the simple fact of cooking.
Speaking of, y'all up for a Sunday Dinner soon? I'm bringing it back now that we're back to just us ;) No really, I have this turkey that needs to get cooked before Thanksgiving. I'm thinking of slow cooking it. Hhhmmm ... I guess Id better get that thing out of the freezer so it can thaw.
Welp folks ... that's all. Again, if you see me or just think of me - holla at me about the love notes and this fitness challenge.
I just realized I didn't say what fitness challenge. I'll get to researching that cause it has to be something that will get me back energized about working out. On to my research.
Challenge 4: Love Notes Failure
I failed something awful on these love notes. It's like I just couldn't find the time nor the words to say. Is writing a love note really that hard? Apparently it is for me. I only got 8 of these done. So sad since I started off great with 5. Yeah, so I only wrote 3 more. I suck big time, but I'm gonna take this one with me on through the next challenge.
So why did I fail this challenge? Honestly, I have very little motivation to do it. People keep pissing me off and showing just how selfish and self absorbed they can be to each other. It's sickening to watch and more painful to be apart of such an atmosphere. Y'all: What happened to treating people as you want to be treated and really being for real about that? I'm seriously at a lost for words for how far off the mark people are with this thing. I don't have the filters to address it with folks who aren't really listening to me either; I hate wasting my words on deaf ears. Know that the way I treat you is the way I wish to be treated by you.
If I opened up to you and then started closing up shop, you have done something to prove I can't be open with you. I'd say fix it, but usually by the time you notice, I'm more than halfway out the door. I probably now want you to just let me go. However, please don't be rude about it. While that may make it easier for me to keep on moving, it also puts a nasty taste in my spirit concerning you. That ain't right. I like to separate on amicable terms in which we still cool and can be cordial without my innards recoiling at your presence.
On the other hand, it also depends on how we met. I'm leery ofsome most folk when I first meet them so I usually keep to myself and don't say much. Give me time. There are several folk who I literally had an immediate negative visceral response to who I have no problem with today. It's just my nature and I'm working on that, but I'm honest about it. They knew that I wanted nothing to do with them and would go the opposite direction. Now, we're cool and I've found that I enjoy their conversation and company.
So yeah, back to these love letters. I'm gone get over the immense selfishness of others. I could say I'm just gone be selfish myself, but I can't. I've got to get these love letters written. So if you see me or think of me, give me a nudge and ask about these doggone love letters ... on to the next challenge.
So why did I fail this challenge? Honestly, I have very little motivation to do it. People keep pissing me off and showing just how selfish and self absorbed they can be to each other. It's sickening to watch and more painful to be apart of such an atmosphere. Y'all: What happened to treating people as you want to be treated and really being for real about that? I'm seriously at a lost for words for how far off the mark people are with this thing. I don't have the filters to address it with folks who aren't really listening to me either; I hate wasting my words on deaf ears. Know that the way I treat you is the way I wish to be treated by you.
If I opened up to you and then started closing up shop, you have done something to prove I can't be open with you. I'd say fix it, but usually by the time you notice, I'm more than halfway out the door. I probably now want you to just let me go. However, please don't be rude about it. While that may make it easier for me to keep on moving, it also puts a nasty taste in my spirit concerning you. That ain't right. I like to separate on amicable terms in which we still cool and can be cordial without my innards recoiling at your presence.
On the other hand, it also depends on how we met. I'm leery of
So yeah, back to these love letters. I'm gone get over the immense selfishness of others. I could say I'm just gone be selfish myself, but I can't. I've got to get these love letters written. So if you see me or think of me, give me a nudge and ask about these doggone love letters ... on to the next challenge.
What's the point?
Good evening all,
I've recently experienced something that kinda threw me for a loop. I was actually rejected. Now I don't say that egotistically (even though that is exactly how it sounds) but I say that reflectively. To start, let me introduce a little "background" into the subject. I was a part of a small section where we all shared one major thing in common. It started off great and continued on for a minute. But then as time moved on, we all had a differing of opinion on a number of things.
Now it's okay to disagree on something, that's what helps relationships to grow. The problem was that not enough people, self included, were real enough to tell their complete feelings when the opportunity presented itself. And when (and if) someone did want to "share their thoughts" on a subject, it may have come at a different moment. Needless to say, feelings were hurt, people were upset, and the overall atmosphere of the group became "fake" when certain individuals were around.
Fast forward to today. An opportunity has come up where we could all hang out together for a little bit, but I, personally, didn't feel moved to attend. I stated that I would not be in attendance, in a very diplomatic way, and kept it moving. I did recognize that this could play out in a number of different ways: good, bad, indifferent. The group chose to meet without me, which is fine and what I would have chosen to do too. But they are considering getting a replacement for me. So at this point, I can choose to (a) confront the group (b) have hurt feelings, (c) keep it moving.
Anyone that knows me is quite well aware that I am picking C without a doubt. Anyone else, might actually be "concerned" with what others think and do, but as for me - I'm choosing to look more on my family; starting with my lovely & wonderful wife and beautiful baby boy (even though he's not so much a baby now) and moving to other family, extended and such. I've been around to know that there is truly a season and a reason for every period in your life, and God doesn't just allow for those to be only happy good times.
There's also a bigger picture; something more that can be learned and applied. Not only to this particular instance, but for future instances as well. Am I bothered by the whole thing? I'd be lying if I said that my initial reaction was a little bit of "gruffness". But that definitely didn't last long. But I thought I would share it because you can always learn from your past and, if nothing else, consider this a learning point in your career called life.
There is always purpose.
Good night to you & you & you...
24.9.13
JAM Randomness
Random excerpt from our Hangouts (Chats). This is how we show our love.
AM:
In case you're lost, I am not an Apple fan, but my husband is a fan of FREE ... heh heh heh!Good morning love! Just sending you a free app to download - http://hip2save.com/2013/09/24/free-highly-rated-battery- saver-app-1-itunes-app-in- tools-category-regularly-2-99/ JM:Good morning my love. Thank you!AM:Good morning and you're welcome. You may be a trader, but you are still my husband so uumm yeah -JM:I'll remember that if i ever have to defect to another country for clandestine work...lolAM:LOL!!!!
Disclaimer: JM looks at too many spy shows and has been listening to too many of the Bourne books. He's really just an amazing husband that dreams of being a superhero while being employed by a certain university.
18.9.13
Time to reflect
Good day my friends.
Today, (or whenever I post this), I want to clear my head. That's what a blog, at least this one, it's for. As I sit in this hotel lobby waiting for my wife to get done with her meeting, here in sunny California, I'm reflecting and thinking about things that this trip has brought to my attention.
1. I'm so lucky and blessed to have this life that I do. People have been "clowning" all week about us traveling so much. We did just get back from a week's vacation for our anniversary (#roadtrip). But me and the Mrs do not travel without each other (wherever possible). So when I have to go to Frankenmuth, MI for work, my family is coming with me. When my wife has to go to California for a one day conference... Normally we would bring the little guy, but a quick turnaround, 2 11 hour travel days and a 2 year old do not mix.
2. My wife is sexy as hell! We were going down for breakfast this morning and as I was walking behind her, I saw that figure 8 frame that, if you're not careful, she'll hide it on you. She is a classic introvert. Not "shy" mind you, she just doesn't need the attention of others, as a result, she dresses accordingly. Lucky for me she had a business thing that requires more than comfy clothes. And the clothes she chose to wear were a "nice fit" ;-D.
3. I need to get back to my devotional time, definitely back in my word. I had time this morning to read, pray and comprehend what I studied. It was more than a quick prayer in the shower before heading out to work. (Stop judging me, it's more than some do). But my day has went well, and even if it hasn't, I have a peace within me that helps me deal.
4. These times are crazy. As I mentioned, I'm here in the lobby of the hotel and the news is on & of course they were covering the shooting. People shooting and killing others at a Navy yard?! Killing! Over what? What issue is so bad, so traumatic that you would do an act of terror? Yes I'm calling it an act of terror, because people are scared. Why do others feel the need to destroy and take life when they themselves are the ones suffering? The main point of my Bible study today is "faith". Sometimes we have to just stop and think about what keeps us from being the ones that suffer? We have to have faith that we will be protected, and when it is our time, we will be taken care of in the end. Wrapping this whole post together, I've been blessed and I, personally, have to have faith that God will continue to bless and give me strength as I deal with life and all that it entails.
12.9.13
Morning Blessing
You ever just wake up like "blah" & just go about your day all just "whatever"? Well, that was me this morning. THEN these ridiculous drivers kept being in my vicinity just ruining my whole "blah" vibe almost turning it to a "What The Foolishness" kind of day. I decided I need to go back to sleep and try this day again ...
Y'all I'm not the MOST spiritual person out here, but sometime the Lord even speaks to a delinquent soul as mine. You ever been moved by such a simple conversation? Seriously, I pray she reads this and knows just how much her simple text blessed my Spirit today before the Devil took ahold of me and tried to ruin my day.
So to end this post, know that I love & appreciate y'all. Be blessed folks!
I need to try today over again already ... SMH!Well, not 5 minutes after posting that tweet, I received a text that just touched my Spirit immensely and was like a jolt of energy. That text simply said:
— A M (@mmesarcasm) September 12, 2013
My response was:
And the follow-up response was:
He definitely does and He knew I needed a simple reminder of what He placed me down here to do and be. Even more, right after ending that conversation, my radio played Let The Word Do The Work [Donald Lawrence] followed by He Knows [Karen Clark-Sheard]. Y'all, I had no choice but to shout cause my GOD knows me - lil ol' me.
Y'all I'm not the MOST spiritual person out here, but sometime the Lord even speaks to a delinquent soul as mine. You ever been moved by such a simple conversation? Seriously, I pray she reads this and knows just how much her simple text blessed my Spirit today before the Devil took ahold of me and tried to ruin my day.
So to end this post, know that I love & appreciate y'all. Be blessed folks!
Some people bless my Spirit without even trying or knowing it. I love y'all much for that!
— A M (@mmesarcasm) September 12, 2013
2.9.13
Road Trip: Reviews, Reviews, Reviews
Made a late night, last minute reservation and forgot to read the reviews until after our arrival. Not cool! This place is shifty as ALL get out! It'll be fine for tonight, but I am not ever doing that again. The rest of our trip reservations will be made AFTER I read the reviews. Our room is fine and all, but the location & lil things around the place make it shifty. There's a huge abandoned building that you pass to get to the hotel too so I'm sure that does nothing to make me feel better. Anyway, road trip is still going well despite our lil overnight pit stop. Rrrroooaaaadddd Ttrrriiiippp! Later y'all.
Oh yeah, we had a ball at the Children's Museum earlier. We'll definitely return again anther day.
Look! Train!!!
31.8.13
Challenge 4: Love Notes
So as promised ...
Below is the base of the letters that I'm writing. 30 people will receive this next month. I'll mail them all at the same time.
Below is the base of the letters that I'm writing. 30 people will receive this next month. I'll mail them all at the same time.
Hey! Hopefully you are receiving this some time within the week of May 25, 2013. If you know what that day is, then great! If not, I still love you anyway and I’ll tell you just how much and why below. I know this letter may seem random, but it really isn’t. I’ve been thinking about writing it for years now, but just never made the time to do it due to all kinds of excuses. This year, I’ve been trying to figure out what to do for my big 3-0 birthday (yes, that’s what that day is) that would be different, unique, and all me. The plans run the gamut, but I knew either way I wanted to somehow show some love and appreciation for those who have contributed to me making it to this big day. So on my day, I’m thinking of you and all that you’ve done for me deliberately or not. Now that I’m done making excuses, I hope to make this an annual letter because what better way is there to prepare for my birthday than telling you all the ways that I love you to date?
Obviously, it is way after May 25th, but better late than never for stuff like this huh? Whether you agree or not, this is what I've decided to do. So far, I have 5 notes done. Great start eh? Maybe, maybe not. The interesting thing about these notes is that they are emotionally draining. I've never experienced such mixed emotions so yeah ... it's a pretty hard one. Plus, y'all know I'm not really into emotions and whatnots. It's actually why I decided to mail them and not personally deliver them. That'd be too much for my non-emotional self right now.
Oh for those who may not receive one this time around, no worries. It's NOT that I don't love you. It's just the nature to such things. Maybe you'll get one the next time around. Maybe you just think more of yourself than I do. Maybe I just suck at recognizing your importance in my life. Who knows? Either way, don't be offended. You may mention it to me to place your love note on my radar, but don't be all extra about it or you'll NOT get a doggone thing. I don't have to be nice to you. Always, remember that. But I do love you because you may need my love for now. {Do you believe I have to be nice to you just because I love you? Another post for another day.}
Love y'all much!!
30.8.13
Bugs, Bugs, & More Bugs ... Life Near a Pond
So about these bugs ...
The other day I rid our home of a HUGE spider. I'm not exactly fearful of spiders, but I don't like them in my space. I won't hurt them if they are outside and stay out there; this one ran his fast tail into my house. Sorry, spider lovers, but that's NOT cool! Well, I'm thinking the lil bugs outside my door should have been excited about that cause that joker was trapping all of them. Seriously, we knocked down several HUGE webs. We won't even open the front door - if you visit, we will ask you to come through our garage. Well, NOW I think these jokers are getting out of hand. There are bugs, huge bugs, all over my front door. I don't like it at all. I am NOT a fan of bugs. Maybe that huge spider was keeping these jokers at bay for us. I'm not sure though cause he was getting too comfy around my front entrance. But anyway, not getting on my box today. Here's what I saw when I looked outside of my windows last night. Enjoy ... (or not)
The other day I rid our home of a HUGE spider. I'm not exactly fearful of spiders, but I don't like them in my space. I won't hurt them if they are outside and stay out there; this one ran his fast tail into my house. Sorry, spider lovers, but that's NOT cool! Well, I'm thinking the lil bugs outside my door should have been excited about that cause that joker was trapping all of them. Seriously, we knocked down several HUGE webs. We won't even open the front door - if you visit, we will ask you to come through our garage. Well, NOW I think these jokers are getting out of hand. There are bugs, huge bugs, all over my front door. I don't like it at all. I am NOT a fan of bugs. Maybe that huge spider was keeping these jokers at bay for us. I'm not sure though cause he was getting too comfy around my front entrance. But anyway, not getting on my box today. Here's what I saw when I looked outside of my windows last night. Enjoy ... (or not)
Keep in mind that I took these photos through my window so the quality isn't that great, but you get my drift.
So moving right along. The other bugs that we have BAD are mosquitoes. Those things bite & bite & bite some more beginning around 7:30/8ish. That must be when they get awaken to eat cause boy have they feasted on us. I mean I get those huge bumps & everything from them. And they will feast anywhere on your body - it's terrible.
Whelp, that's our life near a pond. We actually have a few in the neighborhood, but I'm sure it's more because we have one in our backyard. I love my home, but these bugs got to go!!! Anyone know of any plants or natural solutions for keeping them at bay? I hate gardening, but I'll plant some citronella and whatever else needed to keep these jokers away from my home.
Also, about that pond ... we've had to take care of a snake a couple months ago (I'll call it an anaconda, but I believe others refer to them as garter snakes - eh!)
Alright y'all that's enough of that. Tomorrow's post will describe my new challenge - no bugs involved. Heh heh heh!
Road Trip
RRROOOAAADDDD TTRRRIIPPP!!! Exciting eh? Heh heh heh! For real, we're on a road trip. So look forward to short posts with just pictures or videos as we go along our road trip.
I'll tell y'all all about our trip when I return. It's my 1st road trip (ya know where we actually stop and chill for a bit). It's lil man's 1st road trip (and most plans revolve around activities that he'd love - pools, Children's Museums and whatnots). It's Jason's 1st road trip with us (dealing with a crazy wife and crazier toddler shall prove interesting - eh?). It's OUR 1st road trip and we shall enjoy each other and the open road ahead.
See y'all soon! And we look forward to sharing our travels ... woo hoo! ROAD TRIP!!!
28.8.13
Gallie ... Hey Gallie!
So I just got a new phone; that new Samsung Galaxy S4. It's pretty cool! Not as creepy as I thought it would be with that whole following your eyes & movement to stop a video, scroll through a book, etc. BLASTED! I just dropped the doggone phone too. This is some BULL! It fell right out of my pocket, like that's okay, onto the asphalt. I picked it up & it is cracked - like one of those iPhone cracks ... Gggrrrrrr!!!
and so what did I do? Well ...
I was going to post a video of me doing just that. I was sssooo tempted because it looks like so much fun [I have an engineering background ... electrical at that]. However, I just broke down and busted up our Christmas Savings because I didn't want to void my warranty and I especially didn't want to mess up my phone even more. Also, I kept looking at reviews for the screen replacement kits on Amazon and stuff was looking real fishy!
Guess what though ... it was NOT $200 AND it arrived the next day (didn't even take 24hours)!! Woo hoo! So I'm back in business with Gallie & I can get back to the extras in life.
Alright y'all, I'm out - time to finish getting Gallie right. Oh and about the title. That's my wake-up command for Gallie. Lil man likes to repeat me to see if Gallie will respond to him too. Silly kid! He has the "Stop" command down for my alarms though.
Until next time, don't drop your phone! Heh heh heh!
What do I do? I go to the store to get a new phone. I jjuussstttt got it, but I am still outside of the return to sender time. Cost? $200. NO!! I didn't even pay that for the doggone phone! Independent Screen Replacement Retailers? $100-150. NO!! To Google, I go. What'd I find? This:
and so what did I do? Well ...
I was going to post a video of me doing just that. I was sssooo tempted because it looks like so much fun [I have an engineering background ... electrical at that]. However, I just broke down and busted up our Christmas Savings because I didn't want to void my warranty and I especially didn't want to mess up my phone even more. Also, I kept looking at reviews for the screen replacement kits on Amazon and stuff was looking real fishy!
Guess what though ... it was NOT $200 AND it arrived the next day (didn't even take 24hours)!! Woo hoo! So I'm back in business with Gallie & I can get back to the extras in life.
Sidebar: Y'all walking around with these cracked screens, how do you do it? I was too disturbed by my phone being broken like that. I wouldn't even put the phone all the way up to my ear for fear of being cut. Actually, I hid the doggone phone for those 10 days cause I just didn't even wanna look at it like that. I didn't even realize just how much it bothered me until I felt the wight lift when I broke down and placed that insurance claim for my new phone. Sidebar EndOh wait, before I head on out. didn't do very well with my challenge last month, but y'all got more posts than usually right? Yeah. So I'll keep up with that sine my goal is to have something for y'all everyday ... ONE of these days. The new challenge of this month though is a bit more personal. This month I'm writing my Love Notes. if you haven't heard about it, I'll give another post tomorrow concerning it. But yeah ... this is probably the MOST emotional challenge I'll do, but since I haven't thought of them all - ya never know.
Alright y'all, I'm out - time to finish getting Gallie right. Oh and about the title. That's my wake-up command for Gallie. Lil man likes to repeat me to see if Gallie will respond to him too. Silly kid! He has the "Stop" command down for my alarms though.
Until next time, don't drop your phone! Heh heh heh!
22.8.13
Table TalkN Interview: 14KT
Hey All: Yesterday we interviewed one of our dear friends who we consider one of the hottest DJs out there!! He's about to drop an album on Tuesday (8/27/13) and we wanted to make sure to get the word out cause he's our boy & that's what we do. Soooo without further adieu ...
We did have some technical difficulties with airing some videos, but for your previewing pleasure:
Go on and cop this album Nickel & Dimed on itunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/nickel-dimed/id668873948.
We did have some technical difficulties with airing some videos, but for your previewing pleasure:
Go on and cop this album Nickel & Dimed on itunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/nickel-dimed/id668873948.
19.8.13
Tea Experiments
Hey folks ... What's going on?
Had any delicious tea based vittles lately? Well, I have at least one every week. Sometimes it's as simple as experimenting with sweetened condensed milk in my Earl Grey or Bengal Spice. Other times, it's baked Bengal Spice Chicken or tea-infused rice. I've even made up random muffins and sodas using various tea flavors. It's sooo much fun to see just how many things I can use my tea for infusing and just adding a slightly more complex flavor profile.
Recently I experimented with simple Sweet Tea as defined by me.
Last week I brewed an Oolong Sweet Tea, a Tangerine Honey Sweet Tea, and an Earl Grey Simple Syrup. They each were delicious with various sweet levels. Of course, the Oolong sweet tea was the sweetest because I brewed it the way I normally brew sweet tea adding in a heap of sugar. The Tangerine Honey Sweet Tea was brewed like normal as well except I just sweetened it with just a bit of honey instead of sugar; It was for lil man so yeah. As for the Earl Grey Syrup, I used it with the SodaStream and enjoyed some Sparking Earl Grey; Not too sweet, not too (un)sweet, jjjuuusssttt right for a sunny afternoon. It reminded me of a sort of cream soda.
Whelp, those are my tea experiments of the week. I'm sure I'll come up with something else this week. I have some meat to bake (or slow cook) that I think will go well with a cup of strong brewed tea. What are you steeping these days?
Had any delicious tea based vittles lately? Well, I have at least one every week. Sometimes it's as simple as experimenting with sweetened condensed milk in my Earl Grey or Bengal Spice. Other times, it's baked Bengal Spice Chicken or tea-infused rice. I've even made up random muffins and sodas using various tea flavors. It's sooo much fun to see just how many things I can use my tea for infusing and just adding a slightly more complex flavor profile.
Recently I experimented with simple Sweet Tea as defined by me.
{Steps on soapbox}
I am from GA and I enjoy sweet tea from time to time. If you serve me ice tea and it's not sweet, I will judge you something awful. If I wish for that mess, I will ask for unsweetened tea. I know. I know. These days it's all about less sugar and the whatnots, but I am not on that boat - and you can't force me into it. I don't drink enough sweet tea for that anyway. It takes me all week to actually drink all of my experiments ... sometimes 2 weeks. And don't hand me no doggone sugar packets to sweeten some ice tea. That foolishness doesn't work!! And it just ain't right - forget what ya heard! I will take simple syrup though.
Now, I've only recently learned of the folks who actually care about it even more than me. Did you boil it and add sugar while it was still hot? Did you sweeten it after it cooled with simple syrup (or its like)? I don't care which way you did it because I think each one holds it's on depending on the crowd. I just began experimenting with simple syrups and I'm still working on the perfect consistency for using it to sweeten tea. I especially like that you can add various other flavors to add to the tea flavor. It'd also help with being able to do more with cold tea drinks that I want to play around with.
{Steps off of soapbox}
Last week I brewed an Oolong Sweet Tea, a Tangerine Honey Sweet Tea, and an Earl Grey Simple Syrup. They each were delicious with various sweet levels. Of course, the Oolong sweet tea was the sweetest because I brewed it the way I normally brew sweet tea adding in a heap of sugar. The Tangerine Honey Sweet Tea was brewed like normal as well except I just sweetened it with just a bit of honey instead of sugar; It was for lil man so yeah. As for the Earl Grey Syrup, I used it with the SodaStream and enjoyed some Sparking Earl Grey; Not too sweet, not too (un)sweet, jjjuuusssttt right for a sunny afternoon. It reminded me of a sort of cream soda.
Whelp, those are my tea experiments of the week. I'm sure I'll come up with something else this week. I have some meat to bake (or slow cook) that I think will go well with a cup of strong brewed tea. What are you steeping these days?
15.8.13
Coupon Excitement
Hey y'all! If you've been following us and paying attention, you know we're all about a good deal. Matter of fact, I told y'all about one just last night (Bzz) - I'm building up to even more. Anyway, because we're in to deals, it was just a matter of time before we got into couponing. No, we're not Extreme about it, but we're pretty efficient at it nowadays. We have a system that seems to work so well that we saved almost $50 during one of our shopping trips. Great right? Yeah, we thought so and became even more vigilant about it.
That was a few months ago ... fast forward to this past weekend. I went on a shopping trip (a small one), but I left the store without spending 1 cent!!! Seriously, everything was free because a sista got into couponing and actually keeping up with the sites for the FREE deals. Y'all hear me. I get FREE stuff. So yeah, now I'm all about this couponing stuff now. Still not going Extreme, but more than willing to give out my system. You want on? Well, here ya go.
Here's an excerpt from an email I sent to one of my girls cause she actually came through for my face-to-face "How to Start Couponing" spiel.
That was a few months ago ... fast forward to this past weekend. I went on a shopping trip (a small one), but I left the store without spending 1 cent!!! Seriously, everything was free because a sista got into couponing and actually keeping up with the sites for the FREE deals. Y'all hear me. I get FREE stuff. So yeah, now I'm all about this couponing stuff now. Still not going Extreme, but more than willing to give out my system. You want on? Well, here ya go.
Here's an excerpt from an email I sent to one of my girls cause she actually came through for my face-to-face "How to Start Couponing" spiel.
SO you're welcome for this. Feel free to let me know of any sites or sources you have for getting the BEST deals around.Wait, first: Sign-up for them, but know that a lot of sites have the same coupons. I sign-up for those few that aren't the same or the items I plan to get that may need more than 1 coupon (rare, but it happens).Kroger Plus kroger.com - I know you already have this, but make sure to check back often because they randomly have things that they don't necessarily advertise. And right now they have the Free Friday Downloads. You have to go to the site to download whatever is free for the week.MPerks https://mperks.meijer.com/mperks - Most printed coupons are manufacturer so you can use them here too. Mperks also has their own coupons similar to the Kroger Plus ones - digital. And they just got a sort of Rewards program in which you can earn personalized rewards - I don't shop there enough to be successful at this, but that's because Kroger is more convenient. CellFire cellfire.com - More digital coupons for your Kroger Card. They just added a few more stores (RiteAid, Hiller's, & DeCA [<- no idea what this is]) and they do have some printable coupons.SavingStar savingstar.com - Just found this one so I can't vouch, but I did sign-up. I'll update you on this one as I figure out more about it. You don't get an immediate return though so I'm not so sure about it.SmartSource smartsource.com - Generally, these are mostly the same as the printable ones that come in the paper. This is why I said you don't need to buy a paper. :)Coupons.com coupons.com - I think you said you may already be signed up. If not, make sure to sign-up. There are digital and printable ones. There are also coupon codes for things other than groceries so check 'em out.P&G pgeveryday.com - Sign-up. You get coupons more-so for household/cleaning, but yeah. They also have digital ones.Valpak valpak.com - Coupons for a whole bunch of stuff (groceries, clothes, restaurants, etc.); some digital, but I think most are printable and there are coupon codes.
14.8.13
Bzz: Frontera Wine
Hey Folks: I just wanted to give you all a heads up. I’m a BzzAgent.
What’s that, you ask? HA! It’s awesome. I get to try things out for FREE or a GREAT DISCOUNT. In return, I take on the role of pretty much a worker bee :) I spread the word, bzz-ing all over about the latest, greatest product that has graced our house through me being a bzzagent. I’m quick to post about it on twitter and even quicker to pass out coupons that I have to get my friends & family in on these great products deals. If you haven’t received one, you haven’t been around at the right time.
Anyway, my most recent one was a Frontera At-Home Wine Tasting. We saved $5 off two bottles of Frontera Pinot Noir &/or Moscato. We bought one of each so here’s our review.
Frontera Pinot Noir:
Jason (not necessarily a red wine drinker): Surprisingly tasty for a red wine.
Me: Pretty Delish. I’d buy it again.
Frontera Moscato:
Jason: Not all that great.Frontera Brand:
Me: It was along the lines of most Moscato to me. I'm not a big Moscato fan though so I suppose that's not saying much. I'm more of a red wine gal myself.
We had friends over when we popped the Moscato bottle open & they enjoyed it so you should go taste for yourself.
For the price, we would definitely try this brand again. We were very surprised by the tastes of these given the regular price of the wine. Our rebate made it even better!
I already passed out my rebate coupons, but there will be more so stay tuned until my next bzz ...
{... OOOORRRRR you could sign up to become a bzzagent yourself at www.bzzagent.com.}
P.S. I, of course, have to respond to my husband's delightful letter at another date. Y'all know how we do - can't be normal about anything. Plus he surprised me so I'll have to wait him out til he's not thinking about it anymore. Heh heh heh ... Still on that challenge flow even though I've been slacking. This one is "hard yo!"
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P.S. I, of course, have to respond to my husband's delightful letter at another date. Y'all know how we do - can't be normal about anything. Plus he surprised me so I'll have to wait him out til he's not thinking about it anymore. Heh heh heh ... Still on that challenge flow even though I've been slacking. This one is "hard yo!"
Dear -ME-
Good day my friends,
As I sit and write this post, I reflected back on what we stand for (Table TalkN). It’s quite simple, “Everything is on the table. Nothing is left unsaid. Join the conversation.” That’s pretty direct and to the point. Every post I have written and posted has been to the general public. Sharing a story or 2, telling you of my most recent experience and/or thoughts. While this post is not by any means private, it is directed at one person. The person who has stolen my heart, got caught doing it, and refused to give it back. This is my letter to my wife:
Dear -ME-
They say time flies when you’re having fun, but what about when you’re doing more? While we haven’t reached the 7 year marriage point, I’m pretty confident I won’t EVER get the itch! I am having too much fun every day that I wake up next to you. We always seem to find things to talk about, and even when we don’t agree, we do agree that we each have a valid point.
You have given so much of yourself to me, more than you would anyone else and for that, I thank you. You have allowed me to enter into that dark recess of your heart and allowed me to comfort you when you’re sad, laugh with you when you're happy and sit with you, when you just want to be quiet.
And even though you claim to be the “mean one” of the two of us, it’s relative. Because, no matter how hard you try, you can’t help but to give love to everyone you come into contact with. They may not like what you are saying (self included) but it always comes from a place of love and I appreciate that.
You said the other day, that you feel for our son because he loves so hard and it might cause him to get hurt as he grows. He learned that from you ya know?! The reasons that he has such a big heart is because of you. He may have gotten his million dollar smile from me, :-D but he loves like his “mommy”. I thank you for bringing another level of your love to me. You continue to find ways (whether intentional or not) to show me how much you love me.
Let it also be known, that you inspire me. The reasons that I do what I do is so that you can be happy & taken care of. I was hanging with some of my friends the other night and they were speaking about their wives (nothing bad) but just talking about what they (the wives) do that they (the husbands) like. And one asked, “if they do “xyz” do the husbands reciprocate?” I couldn't help to think that I’m so glad that our relationship is not like that. It’s not an “if, then” relationship. We do for each other because we genuinely want to do nice things. I don’t work out for all the traditional reasons, I know that you appreciate that I’m in shape. (Maybe a little ego plays a part, but it’s not a big part...)
So as I sit here, reflecting back on the past 8 years of my life (1 year without you and 7 with you in my life) my admiration and gratitude for you continues to grow. I realize that I may have “found you”, but you chose me, and for that, I thank you!
I love you, always!
j-d-m
As I sit and write this post, I reflected back on what we stand for (Table TalkN). It’s quite simple, “Everything is on the table. Nothing is left unsaid. Join the conversation.” That’s pretty direct and to the point. Every post I have written and posted has been to the general public. Sharing a story or 2, telling you of my most recent experience and/or thoughts. While this post is not by any means private, it is directed at one person. The person who has stolen my heart, got caught doing it, and refused to give it back. This is my letter to my wife:
Dear -ME-
They say time flies when you’re having fun, but what about when you’re doing more? While we haven’t reached the 7 year marriage point, I’m pretty confident I won’t EVER get the itch! I am having too much fun every day that I wake up next to you. We always seem to find things to talk about, and even when we don’t agree, we do agree that we each have a valid point.
You have given so much of yourself to me, more than you would anyone else and for that, I thank you. You have allowed me to enter into that dark recess of your heart and allowed me to comfort you when you’re sad, laugh with you when you're happy and sit with you, when you just want to be quiet.
And even though you claim to be the “mean one” of the two of us, it’s relative. Because, no matter how hard you try, you can’t help but to give love to everyone you come into contact with. They may not like what you are saying (self included) but it always comes from a place of love and I appreciate that.
You said the other day, that you feel for our son because he loves so hard and it might cause him to get hurt as he grows. He learned that from you ya know?! The reasons that he has such a big heart is because of you. He may have gotten his million dollar smile from me, :-D but he loves like his “mommy”. I thank you for bringing another level of your love to me. You continue to find ways (whether intentional or not) to show me how much you love me.
Let it also be known, that you inspire me. The reasons that I do what I do is so that you can be happy & taken care of. I was hanging with some of my friends the other night and they were speaking about their wives (nothing bad) but just talking about what they (the wives) do that they (the husbands) like. And one asked, “if they do “xyz” do the husbands reciprocate?” I couldn't help to think that I’m so glad that our relationship is not like that. It’s not an “if, then” relationship. We do for each other because we genuinely want to do nice things. I don’t work out for all the traditional reasons, I know that you appreciate that I’m in shape. (Maybe a little ego plays a part, but it’s not a big part...)
So as I sit here, reflecting back on the past 8 years of my life (1 year without you and 7 with you in my life) my admiration and gratitude for you continues to grow. I realize that I may have “found you”, but you chose me, and for that, I thank you!
I love you, always!
j-d-m
10.8.13
Been Awhile
It's been awhile since I last did a post. Yes, I'm still doing the challenge. Just haven't had the energy to post. Life transitions are draining for me, but it's cool. I'll be back soon. I actually have quite a bit of writing to get out from the past week or so. How long has it been anyway? Oh well, I'll get better.
You'll read about my Tea Experiments, Coupon Excitement, Gallie and more ...
2.8.13
Best Friends - Toddler Style
Have you ever had a friend that you’re just excited to see?!
Lil man has a friend like that. It is very heartwarming that he has found a friend that is just as excited to see him as he is to see him. They run to each other like they haven’t just seen each other the other day. I mean it’s like a movie scene to see these two running towards each other. Then they cry when we must separate them for any reason (dinner, bath/bed time, rain, etc) and we all cringe to have to be the parent to initiate it. We try to work together and plan around each other.
The other great thing about this is that we like our lil man’s best friend’s parents too. They’re cool peeps and we love that they’re our neighbors and the parents of his lil friend. The kids are both around the same age (friend recently turned 3) so we’re looking forward to them attending school and just growing up together. Fun times ahead!!
{... excerpt from today’s thoughts as the kiddies played a lil longer than planned in their battery operated vehicles}
1.8.13
New Phone Day
Today (or by the time y'all read - yesterday), I got a new phone. Woo hoo! If you know me well enough, you know that it was an exciting day. Productive only in the respect that I spent the day getting to know my new phone, my new Life Companion- that's what it calls it self. For now, I call it Gallie - not very creative, I know - but I may rename it after it has been fully integrated into my life, our life.
{... an excerpt from today's antics}
Lil Man hasn't gotten acclimated with Gallie just yet, but there's always a "cheese" ready:
{... an excerpt from today's antics}
30.7.13
Cherry Baked Oatmeal
There were no random thoughts decent enough for a blog post for me. So let’s see what I can come up with on the fly …
Oh wait - we did just come into a new toy! It’ll be at our house by the end of the weekend. AND it could be promising for more than just its educational purpose. More on that another day.
 |
| See?! |
Ah! I made Cherry Baked Oatmeal last night. Yummy! If you haven’t tried baked oatmeal yet, do iiit … do iiit … just do it do it do iiittt!!! :D Seriously, though it’s amazing! Like having dessert for breakfast! You can make it even healthier by substituting bananas or applesauce into the recipe to replace the sugar. Of course, there are probably a few other adjustments when doing that, but still - it’s delicious! I never use the same recipe, but I’m trying to get there. I found a mixture we like, but I keep experimenting; this experiment was a success!
Butter (or spray) a pan {I used a pie pan}. Place the cherries (halved & pitted) in the bottom of the pan. Whisk together eggs & half & half & melted butter. Mix together oatmeal, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Combine egg mixture with oatmeal mixture and then just pour the mixture right on over those cherries at the bottom of the pan. Place this into a preheated 350° oven for about 35 minutes (until edges are a golden brown). Mmmmm!
{... this is just an excerpt. Measurements are not included because I didn't measure my ingredients. I eyeballed it for the most part. Hopefully, I will measure the next time.}
29.7.13
#DateHour
Hey folks! If you follow us on Twitter, you've probably seen #DateHour pop up several times. We don’t actually tweet about it every day, but still we’re pretty frequent about it.
It is going to probably be the basis for our next random project, but more about that after we've finally solidified that. What’s Date Hour? It’s our way of continuing to date while not having the time or resources to be able to do weekly or monthly date nights. So to rectify that, we implemented Date Hour. Almost every day, we set aside an hour for just us. Some nights it is a simple dessert & wine date. Other nights have been movie nights. And some others have been actually going out for late night drinks. Yet others have been more business meetings (financials, business planning, etc.). All in all, we use that time to continue to reconnect & reinforce our love for each other each and every day.
Woo hoo for the forever dating married life! I’m loving mine - what about you?
{... just a thought excerpt.}
28.7.13
Kitchen Experiments
Over the last couple weeks, I've been on a roll experimenting in my kitchen. These experiments have been interesting especially the liquids, mostly tea. So tonight’s post is about just that … enjoy!
Liquid Concoctions
Ginger Tea Soda: Ginger Tea + Sugar + Soda Stream
Strawberry Basil Syrup: Strawberries + Basil + Sugar
Strawberry Basil Rum Soda: Strawberry Basil Syrup + Rum + Soda Stream
Strawberry Ginger Tea Cocktail: Strawberry Cocktail Base + Ginger Tea + Vodka
Dark N Stormy Tea: Ginger Tea + Sugar + Dark Rum
Dark N Stormy Tea Soda: Dark N Stormy Tea + Soda Stream
Food Concoctions
French Toast Oatmeal: Oatmeal + French Toast leftover egg mixture + Syrup
Root Beer BBQ Pulled Pork: Root Beer + Pork + Slow Cooker +BBQ Sauce
Creamy Herbed Chicken: Herbed Cream of Chicken Soup + Chicken + Slow Cooker
Of all the concoctions, I think the Dark N Stormy Tea was my favorite liquid. The Root Beer BBQ Pulled Pork was my hands down favorite food concoction. One of these days I’ll do better about taking pictures so y’all can see them; the strawberry basil syrup & rum soda looked amazing!!
{... an excerpt from my thoughts of the day.}
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