A Long Time Coming......

I have not posted in a long time. I have been on wedding detail. This is going to go kind of fast, so keep up!

Last week I was feeling TOO depressed about the lack of assistance I was getting from my bridesmaids and from Rev. So on Friday I was in the most depressed mood ever. No one had ordered their dresses, Rev would not communicating wedding plans with his family, and I got another caterer. It was just too much going on. So, by Friday, I just resolved to myself that the bride would stand alone, and I would just get done what I could. When I got home from work, I put on a movie for Miss Beasley (Curious George for the 50-11th time) and went down to the room over the garage to start painting the letters for my cake table. So, as I am painting I hear my little sisters voice say, "I thought I would come home early." I was too happy to see her. She said she wanted to surprise me by coming home so she could go to the bridesmaid meeting too. We ended up going to the revival at my church and going out to dinner at Ruby Tuesdays. The next morning we got up and took Miss Beasley to her first day at dance class. After that we headed over to David's Bridal and met with 3 of the other bridesmaids. At this point you are probably wondering where the other 5 bridesmaids were. One is a hairdresser, so you know she wasn't going to be able to make it, one lives in GA, one was MIA(later discovered she was in the hospital, she is my pregnant bridesmaid--due on April 15, the wedding is on the 12th) and two of them were out of town. So, when we got to David's it was quiet. This picture best reflects the calm before the storm.
Once everyone got their choices going, hilarity ensued. When looking at these pictures think of all the dresses in clover (or AKA green as my sister called it)

My Bridesmaid Stephanie

My sister Kim(Doesn't she look fabulous?)

Kim ensuring us that we can strike a jail pose in the dress

This one looks good!

When it all comes down to it, it is about the shoes.

Miss Beasley in her dress

Kim was not happy with this one!

My mom hitting her Diane Carroll/Willona Woods pose!

Marschetta trying on a dress.....yes those are slippers

Weaze trying on a dress

When it was all said and done, I left with 4 bridesmaid dresses ordered and paid for and my mom got her dress too! I don't have any pictures of her in it, but I will try to take one of it on the hanger. It's gorgeous. Rev and I took engagement photos a while back and those came in. I will put those in the next post. Be Blessed!

Oh the Humanity of it All!!!!!

I just realized something as I sat here at Rev's house: I don't post as much as I should. This is definitely a time in my life that was meant for journalizing and I need to do it. So much has been going on it is hard to even know where to start.

I recently got a second job at Farm Fresh(I know, I am super crazy) to help with my wedding and living expenses. Trust and believe this is not a long term deal. I am going to work there until December, then I am out. I really am doing this so I can give my daughter a bomb Christmas and birthday(her b-day is 12/14). So far I like working at Farm Fresh. It's cool. It's just a little horrifying working with people who were born in the 90's. These children(yes, that is what they are to me) have no concept of the 80's whatsoever. It makes me feel older than old when they ask me questions like, "So, what high school do you go to?". All I can do is say, "Child please, I have had that season and I wish not to return." But it is cool though, none of the pressures of my other job. Just scan the groceries and don't come up short. I can do that.

Today Rev and I took our engagement pictures. It was perfect!!!! The weather was just right and City Center and we looked sharp. I did my own eye makeup!!!!!!!!! It looked great. I bought some ALMAY makeup because they had do it yourself instructions on how to apply the makeup. The only snag in the day was I was late to Rev's house and then we get in the car and get on the road and I remember that I have on flip flops and I left my bad ass heels in the trunk of the car. So all pictures of us are knee cap up. I can't wait to see the pics.

I bought my first First Lady ensemble(hat and suit). Them things are expensive as hell. So I did what most First Ladies do(psst this is a secret) I put it on layaway. I will get it out this Friday so I can wear it to either a) the fall revival b) Rev's preaching engagement on the 5Th Sunday. All I need now is some pink shoes.

Friday I had to cuss somebody out at David's Bridal. Let me just preface all this by saying customer service is dead. I called them to ask about their layaway policy on behalf of one of my bridesmaids. She wanted to know if she could put a dress on layaway that had to be ordered(meaning the color,size, and style aren't in the store). So I called up 30 minutes after they opened and this is what I got:

Lynn: Thank you for calling David's Bridal, how can I help you?

Me: Hi I just wanted to know if you can put a dress on layaway that needs to be ordered?

Lynn: No, you would have to spend 150 dollars and the dress would need to be in stock

Me: Oh OK, would it possible for you to check for me and see if you have this dress in stock so I can let my bridesmaid know?

Lynn: (agitated) Um, we are REALLY slammed with customer right now, all the phone lines are tied up and I really can't help you. Can you just have your bridesmaid call me back in 30 minutes?

Me: Let me speak to the manager.

Lynn: She is busy I can take a message and have her call you back.

See, there are few things that ticked me off about this exchange. I am a customer, I don't care that you are busy, that is not my problem. Matter of fact, I should have NEVER been informed of that. A simple, "I am assisting another customer right now, if you can just give me the style number and color I can check when I am finished. Is there a number I can reach you at?" I hated to be a bridezilla, but when the manager did call me back I politely told her what happened(wouldn't you know Lynn was SURE to tell her she tried to take a message---lies). I have a meeting with my bridesmaids at David's on the 22ND, and I am going to make a final decision on this shoe deal. I can't seem to make up my mind for the life of me. Be Blessed!

Wedding Mayhem......

There's only about 6 months left.....yeah, feel the anticipation. I am in what I like to call bridal mayhem. I have decided to complicate this by doing what? Getting a second job. Yeah, get there. *sigh* I am starting to find myself overwhelmed by some of my planning, but I am too much of a perfectionist to let my coordinator completely take the wheel. Tonight I tried to make favor tags and by the third sheet, I just stopped. Shoot, I am tired y'all. Rev and I are getting our engagement photos taken next week. I am so excited. I am trying to figure out what to wear and the biggest thing--the makeup. Oh me and makeup have a bad history. I have never been one who always knew how to apply makeup. Oh I wear the basics, mascara, eyeliner, and lipgloss, but when we start getting into eyeshadow and foundations, it's a mess. I am going to have a MAC consultation this weekend so I can get my look together and maybe they can show me how to use eyeshadow responsibly. The photo shoot location is the business. Its City Center at Oyster Point in Newport News. It's a perfect location. Only downside is we have to be there at 8am. Yeah I said it 8am. Which means I need to get up around 5 or 6 am. Great.....Be Blessed!

Chu'ch!!!!

Today I had a good time at church. Some real miracles happened and I am now a FIRM believer that God puts everyone in your life for a reason. Just give Him some praise on that!

Well, in the spirit X's post on some things that get on her nerves at her job in relation to customers, after the week I have had....I need get somethings off my chest:

• When your card doesn't scan the first time, don't go running it back and forth all rapid fire, WITH THE BARCODE ON THE WRONG SIDE, just ask for some assistance.
• No, I will not change the TV so you can watch what you watch everyday at this time. There at least 10 other people in this waiting room.
• Coffee is a courtesy. If you see I am busy, do not come in the midst of all my confusion and ask me to make coffee. I will get to it a an opportune time.
• Every time you come for a follow up, we have to register you and that means we need to see your insurance cards. Stop asking like I have asked you for your first born child. Just because they made a copy of your cards in Outpatient surgery 6 months ago, doesn't mean that we have them in Radiation Oncology. This may sound strange, but the hospital has *gasp* different departments that have nothing to do with one another.
  
• If you don't want to list your medications you are taking, fine with me. Just don't call me at the front desk all frantic when your medication is interacting with the new one your just got. And for the record, no we don't keep a list of the meds you are taking "in the computer" they are in your chart in case, I don't know....the computer crashes.

That felt good to get off my chest. In the past three weeks I have worked that front desk I have seen some of the nastiest human behavior known to man. People these days really have a sense of entitlement. Jesus help them! Be Blessed!

My Jumping Broom Is Here!

Rev and I will be doing the traditional "jumping of the broom" at our wedding. Well, of course, I need my broom to be fly too. So , I linked up with this lady named Moe from Chocolate Brides(great resource!) and she made my jumping broom. Here are the pics:


It turned out beautiful. It took her less than two days to make and I should get it sometime this week. Next up: Monogrammed aisle runner!

Bridal Brigade,,,,,

Me and my bridesmaids got together last night and we had a BALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Details when I return from chu'ch!

OK, well I have finally returned to give you all the 411 on my bridal brigade get together. First let me preface this by saying I had not really been out "with the girls" in 2 years. Yeah, get there. So of course I was crunk when we left the house just to go to Olive Garden. When we(me and my sister Kim) got there my best friend Stephanie was already there getting the seating arranged. The first thing we did when we sat down was ordered a pitcher of tropical sangria(keep up with the drankin in this story...it's important). Next my old co-worker Marschetta showed up and then it was just us. I was getting irritated, because I know I emailed 4 of my other bridesmaids(Rev's 2 sisters, Birdie, and Weaze) and they said they were coming. First I called Weaze, she is my Mike Jordan of all bridesmaids so I was a little surprised. She thought we were meeting at the Olive Garden in Virginia Beach, since we were going to Town Center. Uh, I swear all 50,000 of my emails said the one in Chesapeake in front of Greenbriar Mall. So she said she was going to try to get over to where we were. Then I called Birdie and she was having some husband drama so she could not come. Then I called Rev and he informed me his sister had to work and the younger one did not have a ride. So it was just the 4 of us working on our second pitcher of sangria until.....WEAZE SHOWS UP!!!! Of course by this time I'm mildly tipsy so I am all emotional that she drove across town instead of just meeting us at the Funny Bone. So then she presents me with a photo album. The album was put together and it told the story (in fairytale style) of how I picked my wedding dress. Weaze and my other Bridesmaids were there when I bought it and she was taking pictures. I never thought she would make an album. At the end of the album was this BEAUTIFUL letter written by Rev about how excited he is about our day and how much he loves me(I know, you can barf now...lol). Of course there were more tears. But alas it was time for the Brigade to move on to see John Witherspoon at the Funny Bone.

Marschetta, Kim, and Stephanie

Marschetta, Me, and Kim


Kim, Steph, Marschetta, and Weaze

So, we all hopped in our cars and went to the Funny Bone. We were the first people there. No lie. I hate lines so I wanted us to get there as soon as possible. Oh yeah, the rain met us there too.

Steph and Weaze watching the rain

We had 30 minutes to kill before the doors opened, so Weaze came up with a brilliant plan: Let's go have a drink at Bravo's downstairs! And we went.....and...drank....a lot....in 20 minutes time.

Me and Weaze started it off with a shot of Patron each
2 shots of Patron, Lemontini, Wine, Appletini, 2 shots of Southern Comfort and Lime

Look how happy we are after the dranks!

So we proceed to go the the show and we took turns standing in line while we each visited the bar. Steph and I both ordered Rubber Chickens(don't ask me what's in them I know that they are sweet like kool-aid and potent as all get out). So we get in the show, while we are waiting for it to start and for Weaze's man to show up, I start ordering myself another drink. And another, and another. By the time Weaze's man and our food got there I was drunk, drunk, drunk. But I was maintaining. Every once and a while I would say something random, but I was maintaining. Well, they played Al Green's "For the Good Times" and I lost it. I was eating a chicken finger at the time and according to my sister, I held it up and shrieked(I don't think I shrieked...she's dramatic..lol) THAT'S ME AND REV'S SONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And it is, but I don't think all those people cared. So John Witherspoon came out, and he was OK. In the words of Stewie, "He did, good". The show let out at 10pm and we were all still ready to keep the party going. He walked our drunk behinds(oh, I was not the only one drankin) over to Guadalajara's. Guadalajara's is a resturant by day but a club by night. They serve the BEST margarita's period. So we get there and Steph knows this guy, who knows the owner and he is like drinks on the house for you all. Um, two words you never say to me....Open. Bar. Not a good combo. So I ordered a rum and coke, and anything after that is a blur. Steph and I went to the bathroom, then I know I came and sat down and parked it for the night on this pretty white couch.

Me and Steph....FADED

Kim, just tipsy and happy
Trae and WeazeThe End....

So, that was my night. I had the best time every and I got home at 12am. In enough time to still be rested for church in the morning. Yes, I was hungover, because I forgot from my party days that it is a good idea to take a Motrin or Tylenol before drinking to help with headache. Drinking more water helps too. If our night out was like this I can only imagine what the bachelorette party holds......

How Sweet Love Is....

Today Rev and I celebrated our one year anniversary! Any man that can put up with Miss Page's antics, deserves a reward. In the spirit of all things Rev and Victoria, we went to the place we had our first date: Busch Gardens. Well, actually we decided to make our season passes really work for us and we went to Water Country first. Fun, Fun, Fun! I have never been a water park person since I almost drowned at Ocean Breeze 16 years ago. We rode on almost everything and just had a good time. It was like the first date again. We headed over to Busch Gardens around 3 and we ate ribs at the Smokehouse and we intended to get on the roller coasters, but we had been spoiled by the super short lines at Water Country. We got back in the car and went BACK to Water Country where we spent the rest of the day. I would like to take this time to say that I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR!!!!!! At the park I noticed a lot of ladies with conditioning caps on doing all they could to not get their hair wet. I looked at them and sighed......I remember those days. "I have to work tomorrow, and I cannot be up all night doing my hair" or "I JUST got a perm". It felt good. You know what I realized today? I do not like the way a man's nipple looks. There were just hundreds of them today and they just looked.....I have no words. I was so nervous because this is the first time I have EVER worn a bikini bottom(oh, you know there was going to be no display of the "mommy tummy" in public). I felt like I was just running around in my draws and tank top. I felt too naked. I will be investing in some boy shorts pronto.
The IT hoes at work have blocked Blogger, so I can't blog at work(I know, I shouldn't be doing it anyway...lol). I was really upset about that. I wish I knew more about Internet security because you know I would be jerry-riggin some stuff up.
At the end of this month the real grind begins.....my co-worker is transferring to another hospital and me and my other co-worker are going to have to work twice as hard and then I am starting my second job. This is going to be a true test of my strength. Be Blessed!

Sometimes It Sneaks Up So Fast the Silence is Deafing....

Oh what a week it has been. On Monday Rev went to Grandy, NC, to see about getting some custody arrangements so he can see his son on a regular basis. Before this, the child's mother would get mad and then she would withhold Jayden until she needed a sitter, then she would let him see him again. After the last time she did this, Rev decided that he was getting a formal custody agreement. Well, I guess she was upset about getting a formal custody arrangement that she then decided to take him in for child support. Now, anyone who knows me, knows I am a fierce believer in hauling someone down to DCSE IF they are not helping out financially. In Rev's case, he was. She was getting 250 a month from him and any extra if she happened to come up short in the course of the month. This heffa had the nerve to ask for child support ALL the way back from the time Jayden was born. I'm going to need her to stop smoking crack rocks. First of all Jayden's first year of life, he lived with Terrance, her included. All of the second year she was getting her 250. So what is it she wanted back???? To sum it all up the mediator did order Rev to back a back amount of $2,000(to be paid in 50 dollar increments that would be added to his child support each month) and he would have to pay 300 dollars a month in regular support. So basically 50 dollars more a month than he was paying before. This has put a SERIOUS wrench in our plans to move out so, you know I am on grind mode. God is good. He is always on time. On Tuesday morning I applied for a job at Farm Fresh, Tuesday afternoon, I got at call for an interview. Yesterday I went to my interview and got hired on the spot. I will be working Mon, Wed, Fri and on Saturdays and Sundays after 2pm. I like this arrangement because I can still participated in the choir and go to chu'ch. Plus, I worked for Farm Fresh 10 years ago so I am kinda familiar with the process. Rev had an interview at Dillard's, they are going to let him know something on Monday. He has also decided to go back to playing for his home church. When God blesses...he blesses. Now Rev and I can rest easy. Lynette has done her worst. There is nothing else she can do. And I end up laughing on that one. The only other thing she could do is show up to my wedding, but I believe Rev's family wouldn't let her make to the parking lot in one piece.
Due to all this anxiety that has infiltrated my life, I have began taking Xanax. I knew this was not going to be a good look when I googled it, and 90 percent of the sites were about how to get off the stuff. I also saw it on the list of drugs on that commercial that they run during Intervention(how I love that show!) Well, it helps with the anxiety, but the side effects leave something to be desired. It makes me damn near comatose. Two days ago, I left Miss Beasley in my Mom's room to watch Rataouille (yeah the bootleg) and I just laid down in my bed to watch Law and Order next thing I know it's 8pm and my mom is trying to wake me up. I cannot take this medicine and parent at the same time. I will be giving the doctor a call on Monday. Be Blessed!

Love is a Losing Game......

Rev has decided to get a second job. Good for him, I guess. I don't know how I exactly feel about that. I am sitting here at my job bored as all get out. I went to the gym last night and I took a class called Resist-a-Ball. I have been waiting for months to take this class because it is always later in the evening and since I was getting off work earlier I was not going to stick around just for one class. I am a get-in-get-out of the gym kinda girl. Anywhoo, that class is NO JOKE! I was thinking it would be a little mamsy pamsy because it was just working with the ball, but I was dead wrong. My hips and abs are sore as all get out. That is a good thing because I don't really feel like I have worked out until I am so sore that I can't move. That let's me know I am working something. Tonight I am going to boogie down in this new Hip Hop Dance class. I can only imagine what it is going to be like. You know I am going to have a story to tell.
I talked to my sister last night. She broke up with her boyfriend....again. We will see how long this last. Honestly, I think this is the last time but, I thought it was the last time when she caught him with the girl from the Czech Republic. That's the funny thing about breaking up. How many times have we heard stories of what some man did, and responding how we would never put up with that and why is she still with him, but when the time comes and we are faced with the same situation we can't walk away that easy too? I know I always said I would NEVER stay with someone who was verbally abusive. I always thought you had to be SUPER STUPID to let yourself fall in to that trap. Well, whaddayaknow, I stayed with Ron Mexico for a year when it was clear that this brother liked to say what he wanted to me, when he wanted. But the flip side of that was I never really got in his ass for saying some of the stuff he said. I just sat there docile and timid, afraid to say anything because I was afraid of losing him and being lonely(ha!). I taught him how to treat me. So both of us shared equal blame, I should have had more of a backbone, and he shouldn't have talked to me the way he did.
A lot of Rev's friends say I am aggressive and I treat him like a child. I can be a little sassy sometimes, but I think that is just something that was built into me from the Ron Mexico era. Ron treated me so poorly that I made up my mind the next go round, I wasn't having it. I was going to run the ship and dayummit let the man swab the deck. This is my show! But I am learning that since I am getting ready to enter a marriage with this wonderful man, I have to let him be just that-- a man. I was listening to a radio ministry program last night, it was a husband and wife and the wife was talking about how she had move out of the "I" and get into the "we". Moving into the "we" was a big stress reliever for her when she was going through something, because she knew she wasn't alone. I just need to let my defenses down. I cannot live the rest of my life in a marriage where I constantly running defense. That is no way to live. I have been hanging around a lot of older married couples and I think that is ruining my perception a little bit. Most of them are angry at their husbands(for whatever reason) or they are just in a catatonic state when it comes to their marriage--just going through the motions. This rubs off on my sometimes because I find myself mad at Rev for no reason. In order for us to make it we have to stay in our own lane and run the race that God has for us. Be Blessed!

Preacher's Wives Don't Dance No Mo'....All They Do Is This....

This weekend was full of fun. I got a chance to meet Rev's family via his family reunion. They are certainly a different kind of family. They all seem very loving and welcoming. You know that just flew in the face of everything I am(introverted to people I don't know well). Of course my face lit up when I saw a DJ when we got to the banquet because I LOVE to dance. I shut it down! So the talent show(pics to follow) was over and they opened the floor to dancing. I was two stepping until........Beyonce's "Get Me Bodied" came on. That is a dayum anthem. I wasn't too crazy about it at first, but like all of her songs it kind of grew on me. So of course, I am out there tearing up the dance floor and you know the part came on about "dropping it". So of course I dropped it and on the way up, I felt my self being scurried away from the dance floor. Rev straight grabbed me off the floor and told me I could not "carry on" like that any more because he is a Minister. Wow. I didn't know it was that deep. I understand his point, but here is mine. I am still young. I am a young First Lady. None of my other friends are in the same position that I am in. On the ride home the reality of how my life was going to change slapped me in the face. I will never be able to have a drink of any kind at any place in Chesapeake. I am not talking about "get crunked up" drinking, I am talking about "have a glass of wine or a cocktail with the girls" drinking. In order to do this I have to go all the way to Virginia Beach and still watch my back that no church folks see me. It makes me sad because it feels as if my life is being dictated by other people's expectations. Rev even had a problem with my outfit of choice that night(pic to follow). I thought I looked fierce. Baby Phat Stretch jeans, cream cami, Beige short sleeve blazer, and cream peep toe espadrilles. He said I didn't look like a ministers wife. I am still young. Most First Ladies are in their late 30's and 40's. So sure, they probably don't dress like me. They shouldn't. I'm in my twenties. There are things I won't wear now, because they are clearly for the 18 and under crowd. With the exception of all that I had a good time.
Today is work out day. During the family reunion I lost my little laminated card with my perfect treadmill work out on it. I have decided to start kicking things into high gear by going for steeper inclines. And running longer. I don't think the 30 minutes is cutting it anymore. I brought my Mp3 player with me and I have a killer play list ready for action. Here is a sample:

1. Hyperballad- Bjork

I use this song to warm up. By the time she gets to the second chorus, I speed it up a little

2.Backstabbers- The O'Jays

Eddie LeVert.....nuff said

3. Freakum Dress-Beyonce

I just keep imagining my self in my old Freakum Dress

4. I'm Trouble- Amy Winehouse

Those horns and the context of the song really get me going

5.You've Got the Look-Prince

It's classic Prince, can't get any better than that!

Be Blessed!

Busy as a Bee!

Shello all! I am sorry it took me so long to post something. So much has been going on I don't know where to begin. Well, first off, I have been unable to post at work, because there were complaints that I was on the Internet too much. Can I help it that these folks at my job are constantly acting the fool and I just HAVE to write about the foolishness. When I try to write at home, Miss Beasley is acting up in the background and I just can't focus.
My wedding planning is going along GREAT! Last Saturday, Me, Rev, My mom(I, know), and my two wedding coordinators went to meet with the florist. My coordinator Miss Sylvia recommended this florist in Portsmouth. She did forewarn me that his work "area" is messy and by first look I probably won't want to use him but she assured me he did good work. Messy was not the word to use when I got there. It looked like all the flowers of the world had exploded everywhere. He led us to this tiny office filled with Coca Cola Memorabilia. I was impressed because he had a plethora of floral books with all kinds of bouquets and boutonnieres. He went from top to bottom with what type of flowers I wanted for what. I have decided to use pink, jade, and ivory roses. The bulk of my flowers will come in the form of the altar arrangements and rose petals for the aisle and my reception and cake table. The florist is supposed to call me back this week or next week with a quote. The real problem is going to be Rev. Rev is in charge of the budget and I am in charge of the decor. Yeah, get there. He could care less what it looks like, he just cares about the price. I care about price too, but I am a firm believer of you get what you pay for sometimes and in the words of one of my friends on Chocolate Brides(think The Knot for African American women), "I don't want my wedding looking like the budget emporium". I am praying these flowers come in under 1,000 dollars because that is all Rev is willing to shell out. I have a small feeling that will not be the case. I really like this guy's work and will be destroyed if my "budget department" says no.
At work, they have decided to add a whole lot of new responsibilities to my job. I am trying to look for something else, but it's just not happening for me. This really just comes down to God's will. What is for me, is for me. When it is time for me to go, the Lord will move me. Until then I just need to stay still and pray. I heard something this morning while listening to Apostle Laquinla Hunter this morning. She said that when the enemy begins to attack you have to stand on God's promise. What the enemy is trying to attack is the promise. He's trying to get you to stop believing in God's promise for your life. But we all have to keep believing and hold on. That was really encouraging to me. Be Blessed!

You Betta Learn It.....

This past week I have learned a lot. Let's share....fun times....

• I need to keep people out my business

Rev and I have been having our fair share of drama this week regarding people being all up in our pending nuptials. On some Days of our Lives shizz, my mama and my Pastor are conspiring with each other to get me to not marry Rev. My mom always imagined I would marry someone with a pile of money, but the older I get I realize that is not the most important thing(see any post I have written regarding Ron Mexico). From now, on, Rev and I are a united front. Solid as a rock baby!

• Stop the cycle of getting paid, going out to eat fifty 'leven times, and spending 200 dollars at Wally World or Tar-Jay

I have a habit y'all. I love going out to eat. Why? I am too lazy to cook. I am tired when I get home, I have a three year old. Yeah, get there. I love Wally World and Tar-Jay. If I am feeling down or I am lacking something, like every last product that neutragena has ever made, I go to there. It is just something about those places that gets my spending juices flowing. I did a budget today and Rev and I combined have a lot of money left over when we pay all of our bills. I gotta let my fetish go. I guess I will take up another habit.....like smoking...I keed, I keed....

• Exercise + Eating More does NOT equal weight loss

I know that combination sounds crazy.....I was just under the impression that I would just eat what I like and exercise more. Negative. Not a plan. First of July, I am getting a healthier lifestyle poppin'. It's not about being skinny it's about being in shape. I mean that.

• I can sing a lil sumthin sumthin(at least the piano player at church thinks so)

Anyone who knows me, knows I have two big fears. I am afraid of public speaking and I am petrified of singing solo. Well, our musician seems to think my voice has a nice "texture"(his words not mine). He even gave me a song to sing. There is life after Rev and his choir dictatorship ( I still love you babe!)

Well, that is all for now, I am sorry this is so short. So much has been happening, and I just have not been able to verbalize it all. I did want to let everybody know that I have picked out a cake(it's jammin on the ones!) and my dress came Saturday(vision of loveliness). Thanks for reading! Be Blessed!

Pre-School Graduation, Neutrogena, and Flowers.......

Hello, Winners! I am back with good news to report regarding the great acne breakout of 2007. The Neutrogena system worked well. The only downside was the excessive dryness and irritation. I read the instructions(probably something I should have done prior to using) and it said if dryness occurs cut down to every other day. But other than that my skin is starting to look 100 percent better.
Miss Beasley graduated on Friday. I will definitely post pictures yesterday. Her daddy showed up with his hood ass niece looking like she just got off the pole. Jesus Wept. In regards to pre-school graduations, I have to tell you all about the funniest thing I saw. There is a little girl in Miss Beasley's class who's mama said she was going to dress her up. I was like cool, I'm dressing mine up too. I am thinking something like you wear to church. We get to the graduation, that little girl was dressed up like she was going to the PROM! She had a little updo, complete with three spiral curls in the front, a prom dress that looks like it was made for a 4 year old, complete with shawl, pearl necklace and dangly pearl earrings. I thought I was making a big deal.
Last week at work, we got new file cabinets for the medical records office where I work. I swear some people are fascinated by little things. If I hear one more person come in my office and proclaim, "OH MY GOD!!!!! IT"S SO BIG......I DID NOT KNOW IT WAS GOING TO BE LIKE THIS........THAT'S GOING TO BE A LOT OF TURNING......" I am going to scream. Yes, people its a new file cabinet. No, I don't feel closed in. Yes, I know it's bigger than the previous one. Yes, you have to turn the handles to get to the year you want. It's a damn file cabinet not a spaceship. If that fascinates you, you need to get out, live life.
Wedding planning, is...going. I don't know what is going on. This Saturday at 2 we have an appointment for a cake tasting. I know I am going to have a story about that. Next week we are going to the florist. That is going to be the fun part. I love flowers. I am thinking about going with roses. I know they may be cliche, but I love the way pink roses look. I'll keep you posted. Be Blessed!

I Told You....I'm trouble.....

Where to start, where to start? Memorial day weekend was nice. On Friday, Rev and I just hung out and watched Intervention. Drugs are bad y'all. They will lead you down a slippery slope of destruction. One man had a successful business as a chiropractor and then he lost it all by freebasing heroin. That is crazy. On Saturday, we did not do anything really. We went to dinner at Olive Garden and gawked at all the kids going to prom. Jesus, I'm old. On Sunday (the crux of this story), we went to a cook-out being held by Rev's uncle. My complaints? It started an hour late and there were bugs everywhere. Don't get me wrong, I know we can all run behind and yes since it was outside I knew it would be some bugs. But an hour late? In the heat? With flies and 'squitos abound? He had a real nice set up so it escaped me why he did not have the foresight to get some citronella candles. Finally Rev's Aunt Eunice came on the scene with some OFF bug spray and liberated us from the 'squitos. Aunt Eunice is gonna a get VIP seat at my wedding. I got a chance to hang with my mother in law to be. Let me preface this by saying, I LOVE my mother in law. I could not have asked for anyone better. From the first day we met, we clicked. She fell up in the spot with her cooler, and let the beer flow(thank God because I needed to be a little tipsy to deal with the heat and bugs). I had a good time.
Work has been an absolute beast. We are having a new file cabinet installed in my office and it has been the bane of my existence. Yesterday the man was drilling wood and my entire office was left covered with a layer of dust. Nasty.
On the wedding front, I had my first wedding-induced nervous breakdown. I have decided to cut cost, I would print my own invites and save the dates. My sister recommended to me that I use my old printer because if I use my Mom's and anything happens, she will be talking about that until one of us goes on to Glory. I broke out my printer and I remembered that I was missing something crucial. The install disk. Let me add here that the disk was probably lost during the Great Break Up of 2004. I won't even get into that here....I digress. So, I go through all these motions trying to download drivers and all this other mess and everything was just out of wack. I ended up sitting at my computer desk crying while Miss Beasley looked on. Rev was on the speaker phone trying to talk me down from the ledge. It was just a bad night. I emailed tech support and they are supposed to get back with me. It's in God's hands now.
To round out the stress in my life, my previously smooth chocolate skin is going through this breakout phase. I mean bad. I have this bad spot of acne sprouting up on my right cheek. It looks horrible. Every time I look in the mirror at it, my self esteem plummets another notch. I took some action today. I bought the Neutrogena Acne System, On the Spot treatment, and Astringent. I am attacking this with everything I have. I will let you all know my progress. Be Blessed!

P.S. Miss Von Kutiboots, if you are reading this.....thank you for recommending Amy Winehouse. "I'm No Good" is a dayum anthem!

Kickoff!!!!

Yesterday Rev and I went to the opening of the Griffon at Busch Gardens. I know we went last weekend, but this was the real deal opening. We got to the park around 9:00am, making perfect time. As we were getting ready to get in line on the Loch Ness Monster, this guy from the park comes up and ask us do we want to be one of the first 30 people to ride on the Griffon this morning. Of course we do! I have a phobia of long lines, and our whole reason for coming on a weekday that early was so we could ride it and get it over with. So we stand with this group of 28 other people and we wait for the park management to escort us to the ride. We all load up on the ride and this time I got to ride on the very end. This is important because on the end of this ride you are straight up dangling off the track. This time around was much better. When the ride was over the park management asked us, "Do you all want to ride it again?" Hell yes!!! This was better than sex! We rode it a second time and it was even better. I misjudged this ride a little at first. I will be getting on it the next time we go provided the line is not all out of control. We had to cut our trip short because Rev got a call from his job that he needed to come back. You know my ass was pissed. I wanted to spend the day with my man at BG. But alas we went back home.
Everything at church is going good. Lately I have felt myself pulling away from some of my ministry work. I don't really know what the reason is. I have been reading my word and praying to the Lord for understanding. It is not that I don't want to, its just that I have loaded myself with so much that I can't find the time in the day. Rev told me he has been reading the book of Habbuk in the Bible and it deals with priorities. I think I may need to visit that book. I want to do all of these things in church (choir, usher board, newsletter, praise team) but I don't have the time for the other things that I need to to (homework, spending time with Miss Beasley, working out). I just pray that the Lord give me some guidance on what to do next.
Wedding planning is at a slow creep, though time is winding down(almost 9 months to go). I told y'all I was a procrastinator. I was gung ho on my favors, now them things are just sitting. I will get to it eventually. I was really excited to print up my Save the Dates. That requires ink for my printer and for whatever reason I always forget to pick some up when I go to Wally World(I am too distracted by the 50 million other things they have). I need to get on the ball in that area too. Be Blessed!

Funerals

Last weekend I went to a funeral. The deceased was Nevada's daddy. She is in the hospital and asked for us(the choir) to sing at his funeral. After attending this funeral I have made an executive decision: I do not want those funeral arrangements with the ribbon and flowers designed in various shapes(cross, bible, etc). From where I was sitting in the choir stand, they did not look good. Please just use a simple flower spray for the top of the casket. That will be all.
After the funeral Rev and I went to Busch Gardens to ride The Griffon. I must applaud BG on their line control, as this is a new ride. We waited in line maybe 30 minutes at the most. That is good considering I waited almost 2 hours to get into Outer Limits Flight of Fear and Kings Dominion. Ultimately, the ride was a big letdown. I was not impressed. It was just like Apollos Chariot except you have a harness. The drop was steep but it could have been a little longer. The best part of the ride is right before the first big drop. You kind of just dangle there for a second then you drop. It gives the element of surprise. We are going back on Friday, we'll see how I feel about it when I ride it again.
My mom is going out of town this weekend.....fun times. Rev and I are just going to watch movies and I may even cook (gasp!). My little fro is growing. I finally have enough to use a little headband. I call it my little Pff....it's not big enough to call a puff. It's getting there. Be Blessed!

Work, Work, Work (update with pics)

"Look at me I'm drivin'!"

Miss Beasley working on her Miss America wave

Gabby and Jay-Jay on the Balloon Ride

Me and Rev

The Parrots...made me want some rum!

I look pregnant(but I'm not!)

Gabby and Jayden on the horses

I have not been blogging like I want to because my job has been working me like a Hebrew slave. I know one thing, I am off next Friday and I am going to enjoy it. Last weekend Rev and I took the children to Busch Gardens(pic to follow). Mind you it was our first time taking them to BG. A good time was had by the children, but I needed a drank when we got back. It is crazy stressful taking two three year olds to an amusement park. We had a double stroller and let me tell you that not every place in BG is stroller friendly. The children had a good time and that was what was important.
On the wedding front, things are moving ahead. Its funny how time is flying. Its almost June and I have to get my save the dates printed and put together. I am still waiting on a hotel to call me back so I can block some rooms off for the out of towners. I may start printing them this weekend. I am a busy lady....paging the Bridal Brigade...you're needed on save the date duty.....STAT!
Rev and I are going to start our little church world tour next Sunday starting with my cousins church in Greensboro. This should be interesting. Christina has been a preacher since she was about 15 years old. You know I am going to have a story to tell. Be Blessed!

Folks Have Some Nerve

I am sitting here at work and I am going to give you all an example of how selfish people can be. Every morning, the TV is set at channel 3. Personally I like Channel 3 and I like the Early Show. This broad(a patient's wife) comes up to the desk and ask if I can change the TV to Channel 10. Fine. This bitch(yes, I said it) then picks up the newspaper and says she going to read it. WHAT!?!?!?! Your ass just asked me to turn to a channel you aren't even watching. I want to slap her ass. I have mind to just change it. WOOOOOSSSSSAAAAAAHHHH.......
This weekend was nice. On Saturday I did not know what to do with myself. Miss Beasley was with her daddy and Rev had to work. I ended up loafing around at Barnes and Noble and eating a peaceful meal at Boston Market. I went to see Rev at his job and we decided to go to Busch Gardens (we are going to get some use out of those season passes!). For about two hours we were waffling on what we wanted to do because it looked as if it was going to rain. After an hour of debate, we decided to get on the road and go. For some reason we always end up there when there is some kind of high school competition. Since we were there kinda late (7pm) most of them were leaving. We weren't there for all of 20 minutes and it started to lightly sprinkle. We ate, walked and talked and all the while the rain was picking up little by little. At this point I was thanking God for my napptural hair since that was a worry far from my mind. After about a hour of rain, we decided to leave, but first I needed to ride some coasters. Here's a tip when going to Busch Gardens in the rain: Don't sit in the front row of the Alpengiest. The rain was pelting me and Rev like tiny BB's. I couldn't even enjoy myself because my face hurt. The second time we rode in the middle row. Much better.
Sunday Miss Beasley came back home. I think she realizes the grass is not always greener. When she came back she looked all sad and depressed. I knew she would get home sick. There's nobody like mama.
Weezy came over and she helped me plan my wedding. She is the most helpful bridesmaid ever. She even had a binder with dividers and a bridesmaid handbook. We got started on the design of the reception hall and she collected my bridal shower invite list. I thank God for her. My mom is zero help. Not to say she doesn't have ideas, she will give you ideas but she wants you to use all of them. This week Rev and I start counseling. I can't wait. This is where we get to the nitty gritty. Pray for us. Be Blessed!

Pastors don't Care About People With Natural Hair

I was wondering when this was going to happen. I was wondering when someone was going to have the nerve to insult my new choice of hairstyle. As you all may or may not know, I did the Big Chop on 4/19. I am now sporting a TWA(the way it's growing I don't think it will be that way but for a couple more months). Yesterday I was talking to one of Rev's pastor-friends and he asked me why I cut my hair. *sigh* I explained to him I was tired of getting relaxers and since I had no patience when it came to my transition, I just cut the relaxed part off. All he seemed to be able to focus on is the fact I cut all of my hair off. He asked me if I had a haircut like a dyke. WTF!?!?!?! What does going natural have to do with sexual preference? That gets my vote for the most ig'nant statement I have heard. Then, the final insult...."If I was Rev I wouldn't have let you cut your hair like that." Again, I say WTF???? Rev is not my daddy. If I want to shave myself Britney Spears bald everyday, I will. I am not going to suppress my right to wear my natural hair that God gave me to fit some prototype of what a First Lady should be. I was more in shock by this man's comments because I considered him to be an alright person. He too is a pastor(I am holding sensitivity training for Pastors, I'll call it PFS--Pastors For Sensitivity). I am coming to the conclusion that Rev surrounds himself with people who are rude as hell. I don't go up to women with relaxed hair and start questioning why they straighten their hair. That is none of my business.
My mom is getting on my nerves. One of these days I am going to sneak and Prozac in her food. When it comes to my wedding she feels like she is the holder of all ideas that are great and I should take no one's advice but hers. Yesterday Miss T called me to tell me about some invitation wording she saw in regards to having a child-free reception(note: this is no longer an issue because Rev and I are gonna let people bring their kids, as we have children too) and she got a business card from a lady who does floral work. Cool. I love how the people I thought would be helpful(My mom) aren't and the people I least expected are(i.e. Weezy and Miss T). While Miss T and I are discussing the invitation wording, Mama is in the background repeating the. same. information. Didn't she see I was on the phone? Uh, Mama sit down. Miss T beat you to the punch. Deal with it. When I told her about Miss Dee getting the number for the florist, I could feel the jealously pouring out of her. I don't have time for all of that drama. If you are not helping don't get mad when someone else jumps in. As far as wedding planning goes, the next thing on my list is to get with the cake bakers(3) and the florist. I will start in June. It's going to be a busy month for me because I have to also help coordinate the Choir Anniversary. So I will have plenty to do. Be Blessed!

Not Drinking the Kool-Aid

I hate when my higher-ups at work think I am not doing my job. I may appear to not be doing any work, but I am doing my work. Anyway, I am having a good hair day. My curls are doing what I needed them to do. I took it back to basics and used the mango butter and Castor oil. I promise pictures are coming. I need to stop being so lazy when I get home.
I started doing the Crunch Pilates tape. Let me just say that I thought pilates was a lot of stretching, you know, lightweight stuff. I am sore as all get out. That DVD is no joke. That's going to be a good look for toning up my body(Lord knows it needs it!)
Rev and I had the best weekend ever. On Friday, we drove to Williamsburg. When we got there, there was nothing for us to do but either eat and go to bed(lol) or go to Busch Gardens. We chose the latter. It was nice because it was half capacity and we were able to ride what we wanted. When we got back the room we got ready to go out to eat. My plan was for us to go to Olive Garden(one of his favorite restaurants). On our way there, we saw this place and we just had to stop and eat there. The food was good. The ribs could have been wetter and the beans did not need to have those jalapenos in them. On Saturday we went to Busch Gardens again and there was a cheerleading competition going on. Since I am a former cheerleader, I was all up in there. I have decided Miss Beasley is joining a competitive team. She needs something to do in the summer besides watching "Cars" and being grown.
On Sunday Rev and I went with my church to Union Chapel Baptist Church in Butner, NC where our pastor was the guest preacher. It was a long but pleasurable drive. Rev and I did not ride the bus because we have a "No Church Bus" policy. We like to be able to leave when we want to. After a OK service(see my previous post about my pastor's preaching style), we left and went to Cracker Barrel. That is my favorite place to eat. The drive back home seemed to go much faster and when I got home I fell slam out. You can say I spent my weekend in a car.
My momma is still trying to hijack my wedding. She wants some lady at her job to sing at my wedding. Hell no. I don't even know this woman. I want my choir director to sing. I had to break bad with her and let her know that this is my day and she and daddy can have a vow renewal service and that lady can sing till the walls come tumbling down, but at Vicky Page's wedding that lady will not sing.
I have been having some drama with my reception site selection. At first the plan was to have the reception at the Coast Guard Base Hangar 7. That is were just about everybody has their reception. I wanted it because I could use my own caterer and I would be able to cut a step without the church mamas throwing holy water on me. Well, after much struggle, I finally get in contact with the lady at the base and she informs me they no longer allow you to use your own caterer at that facility but you can at "35"(wherever that is). Well, I got the scoop about "35". In order to get to it there seems to be a mountain of stairs to climb. Sorry, not trying to do that in my dress. So at this point I want to scream because that means I am going to have to go back to having my fellowship hall reception where we all just sit and look at each other. I thought all was lost, but I was speaking with my caterer/choir director/soloist and she suggested a place called Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. It is next to the golf course(who knew that EC had a golf course?). Rev and I are going to take a look at it next Tuesday and see what the deal is. If it is what we want we are going to book that sucker and call it a night. I hope this is it because I totally want to get this part of the wedding out of the way. Be Blessed!

I usually dont do this.....

Lately I have been reading a lot of different blogs and there were two that really caught my eye and have been good reading. This one and this one. The Southern Lovin blog is written by a young lady named Peach aka Tiffany. I found her blog via Crunk and Disorderly(I love that blog!) and on the particular day I was reading I caught myself missing Ron Mexico a little bit. Not one to give the devil any glory(I was not going back to my previously depressed state), I tried to focus my attention on something else. The first thing I saw on her page was The Detroit Chronicles. The name alone intrigued me. I began reading and I hung on to every word wondering if she would ever get away and what ever happened with the colorful cast of characters that floated in and out of the story. I had to remind myself I was reading a part of someones real life. I could identify with her because Ron Mexico was the king of all things verbally abusive. If he sensed for one second I was getting "ahead of myself" he would have the right words to cut me down. Reading her story reminded me there was nothing good about him and my life is SOOOOO much better now than it was when I was with him. I say all of this because, the author of that blog needs help finding her son's father. Anyone who knows me, knows I am a fierce advocate for all the Baby Mama's out there. I don't think it's fair that men get to shirk their responsibilities and we get stuck trying to parent a child we created with someone else. Not fair. She created a blog with his info so she can get in contact with him. Spread it 'round people.
All has been quiet on the western front. The place where I am having my reception is being rude as hell. I see the bridezilla hat needs to donned. I will be calling her back next week when I am off. This weekend Rev and I are going to spend a romatical(lol) weekend in Williamsburg. I can't say all we are going to do here because it's supposed to be a surprise for his birthday. I will be bringing the camera and I will have some pictures! I have so much to do tonight. I need to wash clothes. I am so lazy in that department. I think the problem is I have a lot of clothes so I can let that basket just overflow because I am not in need for clean clothes. I found a site for black brides. Yippee! I love The Knot and all, but I needed a more "ethnic"(as they would say on The Knot) approach to wedding planning.
Next weekend will be my baby's first overnight trip with her dad. Why did I agree? God told me to. Usually, I make up some kind of excuse, but I am just tired. I put all of my fears in God's hands. God won't let anything bad happen to her. Before she goes I am going to pray over her and have her step daddy to be anoint her. I ain't playing. Then I will need someone to pray over me all night because I will be missing my baby. I told Rev Saturday I will just sit in the house and cry all day. Sunday I'm trying to go to church all day until she comes home. Revival anyone? Just keep me in your prayers. Be Blessed!

Short n' Sexy.....

Today I rocked the TWA at work. I won't even front, I was nervous as hell. Not everyone is progressive when it comes to natural hair or short hair. I was not so nervous about the short part (I had a short cut from 95 to 00) but more so the natural part. You know everyone was going to have a million and one questions. Anyone who knows me knows I don't like answering a bunch of questions. I must say.....I look fly as hell today. I am wearing my khaki and pink suit, tortoise shell glasses and cream colored espadrilles. Fly indeed. My hair routine this morning was outta control. It took me all of two minutes, if that. I sprayed my hair with Elasta QP H Two and followed up with Care Free Curl Gold. It defined my curl pattern pretty good. The easy maintainace is enough to keep my hair natural.
Not much went down this weekend. On Friday night Rev and I packed up the kids and we went to Wally World to work on our wedding registry. I had to give Rev some lessons in quality bath towels. I hate to sound bougie but, I don't want to use them rough 2 dollar bath towels. He could not seems to understand why I was in love with the 5 dollar bath towel. Duh, because it was much softer. I told him to make sure to use his 2 dollar towels when we get married. On Saturday I returned to The Look and got my new TWA trimmed up. Keep in mind I did my own hair cut the first time, and I ended looking like......mmmm.....you know when a crackhead has not been taking care of themselves and their hair just kinda grows willy nilly? That is what I had going on. It just looked bad all the way around. That is why I did not post any BC pictures right away. No mam you all won't call my new look a hot mess. The weather was heavenly on Saturday. I felt totally liberated when I left the salon. Saddiqa hooked me up lovely. She also charged me like 35 dollars to do it since she washed it to....um no...I was not feeling that part. My work day is almost over and for that I am happy. I hate to sound golddiggerish, but I hope my ch-sup comes tomorrow...I have some things I need to take care of. Shouts out to all my Secretaries! This is our week......Be Blessed!!

The Big Chop!!!

After careful consideration and months of anticipation...............

I DID THE BIG CHOP!!!!!!

For those not familiar with hair terminology, the Big Chop is when you are growing out your relaxer and you cut everything off except the new growth so you can start fresh. I originally wanted to transition to natural hair with out cutting anything off. Yesterday, I sat in my office and asked myself why I was holding on to hair that would have to be chopped off anyway. I thought of my hair as a security blanket. I have had short hair before and every time I grow it out, the new long hair has a history to it. I won't get into the history of this hair, but it has had some special moments. This is the hair that was with me when my thyroid was acting up, the hair that blew in the wind when I was standing in front of the Barnes and Nobles in Va Beach, waiting on a chronically late Ron Mexico. This is the hair that I went on my first date with Rev in. All of the good and bad times of the last 2 years were in my hair. I sang a song last Sunday about walking into a new season in your life, and this is the beginning of a new season for me. Things in my life are changing and why shouldn't my hair? I felt liberation from a lot of the bad memories in my life as I took those scissors to my head. This wasn't just about getting down to my natural hair, this was about getting down to the natural me. When I was finished, I looked in the mirror, and I saw this new woman. My face looked brighter, happier. I felt like I was really looking at myself for the first time. I slapped on some of my fieriest hoop earrings and rocked that look like nobodies business. I am glad I did it. I am going to get my lil TWA shaped up so I can give up my half wig(some things are hard to let go of....lol).

Last night Rev came over(I am not sure how he feel about my new look.....he likes long hair) and we watched the atrocity which is called "I Love New York". That show is the reason we will never get ahead. My IQ dropped 100 points by watching that. That whole show is a collective evil side eye and eye roll. I will not go through the shenanigans here, but let's just say it is one of the most ignorant things on TV. I wish VH1 would stop running it. Shoot, stop running re-runs. That embarrassment of a show is over and for that my soul is happy. Be Blessed !

Happy Anniversary Blog!!!! (Belated)

Yesterday, I planned to REALLY slack off at work and devote a mass amount of time to my blog 1 year anniversary. But as the saying goes, "If you want to make God laugh, make plans." I had a little inclination on Monday morning that something was not right with Miss Beasley. She woke up at 5am(the time I normally wake up) and she seemed extra whiny(something I hate). She said she didn't feel well, but I know my child.....she is dramatic......like her mama! I just kept on getting her ready and strangely, she was knocked out asleep before we hit the end of the street. I got a call later on that day at work. It was Miss Silla, telling me to come pick Gabby up from the daycare, she has a fever of 102.00. That was all I needed to hear. I got my ass in gear. But let me sidebar here and let you all know that I learned an important lesson about procrastination. I waited ALL day to do my billing as it only takes me 30 minutes and it was going to cut into my morning "chill time". Do you know I had to finish that before I could pick my baby up because I knew I would not be there the next day and I did not want some HUGE uproar about how I am not doing my work. Hell, they already think I am lazy. So I entered in the billing all willy nilly(forgetting the nursing department) and got the heck out of Dodge. As I drove I felt guilty as hell that I didn't listen to her that morning. You never realize how much you love your kids until they get really sick. When I got to the daycare, Miss Beasley was shivering and they had her in blankets. I picked her up and held her in my arms. Her spirit did not even feel like it's self. Her crazy ass daddy was there(Lord, help me) tomabout, "They don't have my updated information" Negro, please. It is not my responsibility to update your information anymore. A parent would make sure that the daycare had their numbers if they change cell phones, or jobs, or say...move to Atlanta. I digress, we took Miss Beasley to the doctors office(thank God for after-hours appointments). After some poking and prodding and testing of my baby we find out she has strep throat. Gross. I know who the culprit was. My sister, bringing all them GA germs up here. She was sucking back Theraflu while she was here. Uh huh.... I am happy to report Miss Beasley is feeling 100 percent better. Yesterday we did nothing by sit at home and chill. Rev came by that night and we watched Charlotte's Web (for the fifty eleventh time) and later on, Jungle Fever(you know a sister had to buy that one for the collection!). I redid Miss Beasley's two strand twist, and I must say they were looking fly. I cannot wait until I grow the rest of this Chemical Fire Cream(CFC) out of my hair. I think that will be my signature style.
One year ago, I started this blog as an extension of my ramblings on MySpace. I have a passion for writing. If I could make it a productive career, I totally would, but I need to know where my next paycheck is coming from. When I look back from the beginning to now, I see a couple of things: 1)How far I have progressed in my Christianity 2)How scantily I used to post. Since getting back on the blog bandwagon, I this blog has served as a release. It is hard being the fiancee of a Minister, and one of the things I wanted to accomplish on this blog was to break the stereotype of the "First Lady". I am not a Stepford Wife to my Fiance. I am coming to realize that I may never be like those other wives. I still like to bump my slow jams in my car as I speed down the highway. I think 300 dollars is outrageous for a suit. I recently dropped out of the "If I am not there when he preaches, the world will come to an end" club. I am finally finding my way in "this life". Keep reading....the best is yet to come! Be Blessed!

The Reason We Can't Get Ahead.....

On Saturday, I was that reason. I went to Dillard's with Miss Beasley before we headed off to my friend Birdie's baby shower. I was using the gift card I bought a long time ago for some ungrateful individual(too long a trifling to even get into) and I decided as the final nail in my coffin of memory of this person, I spent that sucker! My Clinique exfoliating lotion ran out and my skin was starting to look the fool. So, I enter the store on the phone with Boogie and carrying Miss Beasley on my hip and talking loud as hell. I was going on, and on about me and Rev's meeting with the wedding photographer (more on that) and how Rev as acting stank(more on that too!). Mind you, I did not realize that until I got home that night and I was washing my face with my new Clinique. I believe I probably set black folks back about 5 years. I had the nerve to wonder why the Clinique lady was looking at me crazy when she rung me up. *sigh*
Rev and I went to visit our wedding photographer on Saturday morning. When I first spoke to the man about meeting with him he informed us he was working out of his home. My first thought was, "Oh no....not another bootleg operation". But it was anything but. He was extremely profession and his office was a haven of all the latest equipment and beautiful wedding photos. I was really impressed with the DVD presentation and his no deposit policy(we don't have 650 dollars at this moment) and his overall professionalism. So this whole time I am visibly excited and Rev is sitting over there looking darn near retarded. So we get in the car and this fool is like, "I'll think about it". I could have slapped the tar out of him right then and there. Before I say what I need to say, Rev is cheap as hell. That has at times proven to be a good thing in our relationship because I spend money like it's water. To me higher prices=better product. Not always true, but it's a philosophy that works for me. You get what you pay for. When we first started looking for photographers, true I was a lil bougie and started picking these 2,000 and 3,000 dollar photographers. Rev had to put me in check and I went on the stalk looking for something acceptable. I soon realized that the prices I envisioned were too much and I had not considered the videography. So I happened to be loafing off at work as I do, and I found Visions Photography. 900 dollars for 8 hours of photography, my bridal shoot included and for an extra 400 dollars he will videotape the ceremony and reception and it will be on DVD. Total 1,300 dollars. Can't beat that with a bat. Rev is looking at me like the figure is too high. So, I had to put my Bridezilla hat on and give him the business in the car. After 3 hours I called him back and all was well. Mens is like chiren....you gotta let them know who has the upper hand. LOL! I'm playing, but he did come around to my way of thinking after giving him some figures. Anyone who is afraid we will go over budget need not be afraid. Rev is not going to let that happen at all.
Sunday I sang Seasons.....and the Lord really used me. Satan tried to stop me from singing my song all morning long. But I just prayed and asked Him for His will to be done. Just let the song come out the way He wanted it to. It went well. I am happy I did not give the devil any glory and back out of singing it.
I think my time at Sentara may be drawing to a close. I am going to have to have some serious private time with the Lord tonight and let Him speak to me about it. I am applying for three different positions with the city of Norfolk. I need higher pay. I may not have a degree but I have lots of knowledge and I think I have focused on the mediocre positions because I felt like that is all I can get. But my Pastor preached a sermon yesterday "Who do you Depend On?" I depend on God to get things done for me. If there is something that the Lord wants me to do, there is nothing anyone can do to stop it from happening. So if one of those jobs is for me then it's going to go down. I take my typing test tomorrow, wish me luck. Be Blessed!