I don't know about you but towards the end of the year, after all the holiday festivities and balancing the bills, taking down the tree and eating the last Christmas goodies, I go into what I call processing mode. I'm a deep thinker anyway but like a pregnant woman that begins nestie when it's almost time to deliver, I'm processing before the New Year. I'm thinking of events of 2009 and about where I'm at and where I'd like to be. I think about loved ones lost this year and the blessings of those who's lives were healed from a physical or emotional ailment. I think of what I have and need and what I have and don't need. I think about what I can give away. I think of ways I'd like to give to others. I think of how hope was a HUGE word for me this year - 2009. Without hope, I think I would've wanted to curl up in a ball and stay there. But, I had hope that there was more to come and He's shown me that in so many ways. I've had disappoin...

I'm getting goofy silly as I just realized that Christmas is only a day away. I've really enjoyed getting ready for the holidays this year. I think it's because I refused to stress out. Shopping at thrift stores and making gifts this year has been so much fun. I can't wait to see the reactions on everyone's faces. On to the things I've learned... 1) When the phone rings at 1:45 a.m., it's definitely not good news. 2) Christmas television shows were so much more enjoyable when I was a kid. My twin and I used to watch Christmas with the King Family, like clockwork. I don't know why but what an intriguing family they were. 3) What does figgy pudding taste like? How about chestnuts roasting over an open fire? 4) My dogs need the 12 step treat program. I take full responsibility but they are addicted to dog treats. One goes out and pretends to pee and then they all bark for a treat and then the other goes out, pretends and then barks. This is an all day thing...

As much as I love the Christmas holiday, I hate, hate, hate shopping and especially a few days before Christmas. I decided to brave a couple of stores for a few last items - big mistake! Folks are grouchy and rude and surely not relaxed and friendly. In fact, this one lady was so hot about her son getting into some sort of fight (probably before she got to the store) that she was in the check out line, cursing up a storm and being so loud. The cashier told her, "Shhh, there are kids here in line." The lady looks over at the little girl and the cashier and says, "So what! I'm an adult!" She continued to curse and carry on to the lady that was with her. I left the store shaking my head. Pathetic! The lines are long and there isn't anyone singing Christmas carols, only complaining about all that they have to do still. I tried to sing a few carols to myself but I felt like my blood pressure was rising as people cut in line and snapped at one another. I walked ou...

I went to the nursing home again today since I had barely put a dent into her bills and accounts that were past due. I walked up to the front desk and before I could talk to the front desk person, I hear, "Ahhhhhh". I turned around and there she was (her name is Mary) smiling so big. She was saying hi to me. I went to her and rubbed her arm and told her that I was so happy to see her. I asked how she was doing and she started to make sounds that I could only define as her saying that she was happy to see me too and that she was doing good. I told her, "I told you I would be back and I am." It truly made my day to see her smiling. Unfortunately, I worked so efficiently that all of her bills were paid and sorted through today so there won't be a need for me to help out with her bills BUT I do intend to visit her this week and bring the cookies to her. I made a promise and I'm going to keep it. Thank you all for your sweet comments. Trust me, if I could get pai...

Today, I had the privilege of helping someone that I had never met before. She lives in an assisted living facility and has Parkinson's which has left her unable to walk, speak and really communicate much at all. She is a wealthy woman but has one sister who refuses to assist her in any way except for when she has run out of money. (The sister will be inheriting the money when she passes away). The bills have not been paid since July so as you can imagine, there are collection notices and a box stuffed with stuff that needed to be sorted through. I agreed to assist her and I think she helped me more than I helped her. I was forewarned that she was not very fond of Black people and that she may react and not want me to help her. She sat in a wheelchair and I greeted her. She looked at me curiously. I smiled and then sat down next to her. I chatted with her (she listened and I chatted) about her sweater and singing, anything to see if she would respond. She would only make sounds but...

I really wish I could show you some of the things I've been creating but since they are Christmas gifts...I can't! I promise that I will show them to you after Christmas. In the meantime, here's a peek at my Creative Christmas Saturdays of long ago.

Some of you have asked about the fire and whether anyone was hurt. Unfortunately, the family dog was killed. But, there was no one home at the time. The fire started as a result of a cigarette in the garage. With three adults and 4 kids living there, the community has come to the rescue providing clothes, food, shelter and Christmas gifts and even a new dog. On to the things I've learned... 1) Never let a 2 year old lick the beaters of a Red Velvet cake two hours before bedtime. She refused to go to sleep for two hours and even then, it was a battle. 2) Christmas isn't Christmas without watching a Charlie Brown Christmas. 3) When a two year old comes running to you and says, "Look Momo!" and then sticks her hands down her pants and says, "Look poop!" and has it all over her hands, I'm learning to stay calm and breathe deeply. 4) I learned that not getting a job offer is very disappointing. I learned though, that finding something to make me smile makes t...

I have to give a little background history on this one... Yesterday, I drove by a fire that had just broken out in my neighborhood. I had Baby Boo with me so I couldn't leave her in the car so I rushed home, dropped her off with Boo and prepared to head back. He yelled: "What are you going to do?" Me: "I'm going to help whoever needs help. I'll be back!" En route, I called TV Boo who is an editor at the local newstation here. She asked me to get pictures since all of the reporters and photogs (tv speak for photographers) were on other assignments. I rushed to the fire and by then, there were 10 firetrucks and police cars. I smiled to the first officer blocking everyone from getting close. "So, what's the possibility of me getting close to the fire so that I can get some good shots for KESQ?" Officer: No possibility. This is the safest spot and don't you move! (I guess he must've sensed that I could "sneak" if I really want...

.... .... .... .... Peeling An Orange With a Screwdriver Here is the winning entry... Dear Younger Self, Ok, first off, I wanted to tell you that it gets better. Really it does. French kissing is not supposed to make you want to throw up. I think it had something to do with the food in his mouth. If it makes you feel any better, you never kiss him again and believe it or not, in a few years, you will find yourself in a constant lip lock with one particular member of the opposite sex (no, you don’t know him yet) and you will like it. A lot. No worries there. (So yes, you do like men. But let's try to not like them quite so much, ok?) About the move...I know that right now, you feel like it’s the most terrible thing mom and dad can do to you. But trust me, it will be a very good thing. I promise. You will meet a lot of amazing new people; people that will change your life forever. (And anyway, in several years “social networking” will be all the rage. Someone will invent a thing call...

The winner for the Wii Fit Plus giveaway will be announced tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 15th, so keep an eye out! In the meantime, Baby Boo and Boo and I went to see the Princess and the Frog movie. I was so excited that finally, there was an African American princess for Baby Boo to look at and emulate! We loved the movie but being that she is almost three, there were some parts that she said were scary. She actually jumped a few times as well. We couldn't explain much about voodoo or spirits from beyond because that's just not something I'd want to dig into with her. That's one part that I wish had been left out. But, she did get the basic message....someday, your prince will come. She told me how beautiful Princess Tiana is. Even as we walked out of the theater, she was smiling and saying, "I saw Princess and the Frog". Here's the little princess!!

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT....The giveaway for the Wii Fit Plus will officially close on Monday, Dec. 14, at 8:00 pm Pacific time. The winner of the giveaway will be notified and announced on Tuesday, December 15, 2009. So, get those entries in! I'm excited to celebrate the Christmas holiday by giving away a brand new Nintendo Wii Fit Plus . I have the Wii Fit and trust me, the Wii Fit Plus has way more to offer! Note: This is ONLY the Wii Fit Plus with the balance board and not the Wii Console. You must purchase the Wii Gaming Console to use Wii Fit Plus. If you'd like to enter for a chance to win, please go here for the rules and the opportunity to enter. _____________________________________________ Shame on you all for thinking that I was thinking about something that wasn't purely innocent. I'm going to tell you the story of a little boy named Malik who was bad as molasses but stole my heart completely! When I was the principal's secretary at an elementary school, I met...

Audrey is giving away a $300.00 Target gift card. Please take the time to visit her blog and enter. Here are the rules of entering: You must have a blog to enter. No ifs, ands or buts about it! Gotta have one. Write a post about what brings you joy in your life. I don't care if it's warm puppy dog noses, pink kitten paws, snuggles in the morning with your kids, or enjoying a hot cup of coffee in the still, small, quiet of the breaking dawn. If it brings you any measure of joy, write about it and share that joy with us. Once your post is up, link back here in the MckLinky area so that we can all click over (linky love...tis the season!), and read about it. At the end of your post make sure you link back here to this post. Also, display the button below in your post too! Oh and don't forget to leave me a comment...I love comments! That gets you an initial entry into the giveaway. (See her blog for further chances to enter.) BIG REMINDER...You have two days t...

I'm excited to celebrate the Christmas holiday by giving away a brand new Nintendo Wii Fit Plus . I have the Wii Fit and trust me, the Wii Fit Plus has way more to offer! Note: This is ONLY the Wii Fit Plus with the balance board and not the Wii Console. You must purchase the Wii Gaming Console to use Wii Fit Plus. If you'd like to enter for a chance to win, please go here for the rules and the opportunity to enter. _____________________________________________ There's also a gorgeous vintage jewelry set that Menopausal New Mommy is giving away. The giveaway ends tomorrow and trust me, it's worth entering! Go here to enter. ****************************************** Today was spent using thrifty creativity. I found a few gift items for my family from the thrift store. That may sound bad to some but not to us. We all share the belief that it's not the package that the gift comes in that makes it special but it's the giver that gives it that makes it special. I ...

I'm excited to celebrate the Christmas holiday by giving away a brand new Nintendo Wii Fit Plus . I have the Wii Fit and trust me, the Wii Fit Plus has way more to offer! Note: This is ONLY the Wii Fit Plus with the balance board and not the Wii Console. You must purchase the Wii Gaming Console to use Wii Fit Plus. If you'd like to enter for a chance to win, please go here for the rules and the opportunity to enter. _____________________________________________ Me: Don't make me act ugly. Me: One more time and you're outside in the cold for a time out. Me: Leave him alone. Me: You need to share. Be nice and share. Me: Don't give me that puppy dog look, I'm still mad at you. Me: Don't talk back. Me: You already had a treat. Who do you think I am? A sucker? Me: Can I eat my food without you bugging me? Me: It's night night time. No. Don't even try to pout. Go to bed! Me: You have gas issues. Say excuse me! No, I'm not talking to Boo or to a child,...

I'm excited to celebrate the Christmas holiday by giving away a brand new Nintendo Wii Fit Plus . I have the Wii Fit and trust me, the Wii Fit Plus has way more to offer! Note: This is ONLY the Wii Fit Plus with the balance board and not the Wii Console. You must purchase the Wii Gaming Console to use Wii Fit Plus. If you'd like to enter for a chance to win, please go here for the rules and the opportunity to enter. _____________________________________________ Now, on with the things I've learned..... 1) Pork belly is a gourmet. Are you serious??? Based on the chef from Top Chef finale, it is. To me, it is a slab of high blood pressure on a plate. 2) The greatest job would be to play Santa for a day. My brother in law played Santa for inner city kids in the city of Compton. He gave his heart and time to kids that needed to feel the magic of Christmas. 3) Some desserts taste better during the holidays...fudge, German Chocolate Cake, ginger cookies and cherry cream cheese p...

I'm excited to celebrate the Christmas holiday by giving away a brand new Nintendo Wii Fit Plus . I have the Wii Fit and trust me, the Wii Fit Plus has way more to offer! Note: This is ONLY the Wii Fit Plus with the balance board and not the Wii Console. You must purchase the Wii Gaming Console to use Wii Fit Plus. If you'd like to enter for a chance to win, please go here for the rules and the opportunity to enter. _____________________________________________ When my daughter was training in gymnastics, whenever one of the gymnasts got a new skill, they'd ring the bell located in the center of the gym floor. All of the gymnasts would stop and yell, "What did you do?" The gymnast would answer, "I got my round off, back handspring, tuck." Then the whole gym would scream out in applause. The bell is here and I'm asking you, "What did you do?" What have you done today or any day this week that has made you proud or want to share? ...

Big Giveaway Reminder..... I'm excited to celebrate the Christmas holiday by giving away a brand new Nintendo Wii Fit Plus . Note: This is ONLY the Wii Fit Plus with the balance board and not the Wii Console. You must purchase the Wii Gaming Console to use Wii Fit Plus. So far, I only have ONE official entry. I definitely need more to make it a giveaway. If you'd like to enter for a chance to win, please go here for the rules and the opportunity to enter. ________________________________ Here's my letter to my younger self: Dear Younger Self, Girl, you better brace yourself! Life will have many surprising twists and turns along the way. For one, do not, I repeat, do not hang upside any bar pretending to be a gymnast. Trust me, your four front teeth will thank you. Don't be so hard on yourself when you become a teenager. Popularity means nothing in high school, although the kids around you want to make you think it does. Even the fashions that you are dying to wear wil...

Just a reminder...I don't have a single entry yet to win the Wii Fit Plus....here's the reminder... Big Giveaway Reminder..... I'm excited to celebrate the Christmas holiday by giving away a brand new Nintendo Wii Fit Plus. Note: This is ONLY the Wii Fit Plus with the balance board and not the Wii Console. You must purchase the Wii Gaming Console to use Wii Fit Plus. If you'd like to enter for a chance to win, please go here for the rules and the opportunity to enter. ________________________________ (That's water on the floor...Humble slops water out of his mouth when he drinks.) I'm a softie and I admit it...especially when it comes to animals. I treat them just like they are humans. So, my BIG baby, Humble gets treated like he's a lap dog or like my other two shih tzus. In the meantime, this has caused him to be breed identity confusion. Because he was never left outside but always inside, he now believes that his place in here in the house ...

Big Giveaway Reminder..... I'm excited to celebrate the Christmas holiday by giving away a brand new Nintendo Wii Fit Plus . Note: This is ONLY the Wii Fit Plus with the balance board and not the Wii Console. You must purchase the Wii Gaming Console to use Wii Fit Plus. If you'd like to enter for a chance to win, please go here for the rules and the opportunity to enter. I was creative but in a cleaning sort of way. I have a tendency to hate clutter in the garage and when it gets to a point where I'm ready to scream, I head out with my ipod and start tossing stuff out. I actually collected some stuff to donate as well but all in all, I was very pleased with the results. I am working on my portfolio for wall murals so I've been busy sketching Snow White, The Princess and the Frog, Sponge Bob, Dora...you name it, I've been sketching. I'm hoping to have another huge giveaway for all of my blog followers in January, so please keep any eye out for it. I'm also t...

Big Giveaway Reminder..... I'm excited to celebrate the Christmas holiday by giving away a brand new Nintendo Wii Fit Plus . Note: This is ONLY the Wii Fit Plus with the balance board and not the Wii Console. You must purchase the Wii Gaming Console to use Wii Fit Plus. If you'd like to enter for a chance to win, please go here for the rules and the opportunity to enter. *************************************************** Now for the Things I've Learned.... 1) When making caramel apples, I had a glob of caramel drop on the back of my hand. Of course, the caramel was boiling point hot, so I did what came naturally, and tried to lick it quickly off of my hand. I burned my lips and tongue in the process and then ran to put my hand in hot dishwater that was in the sink. Wrong move on my part. The caramel continued to cook while I scrambled to turn on the cold water. I ran my hand under cold water, willing myself not to boo hoo over the pain. For three hours, I kept my hand in ...

First before I unveil my really big giveaway, you've got to check out Menopausal New Mom's giveaway . She is giving away a set of vintage diamond and amethyst earrings and they are GORGEOUS!!!! So head over to her blog to enter . ********************************************************** Now for the BIG giveaway! I'm excited to celebrate the Christmas holiday by giving away a brand new Nintendo Wii Fit Plus . Note: This is ONLY the Wii Fit Plus with the balance board and not the Wii Console. You must purchase the Wii Gaming Console to use Wii Fit Plus. Nintendo has added some great new features to Wii Fit Plus that sets it apart from even Wii Fit. For one, now your pet can play along. But it also has dual capabilities which means that you and someone else can work out either together or support one another in your quest for staying in shape. It is just like being at the gym but better because you can sweat and smell and head straight to your bathroom shower! There's als...

Yesterday was "officially" our Thanksgiving since that day, everyone was able to either have the day off or come on by. It was the very first time that Boo and I had all of our kids here. It was spent cooking, laughing, playing Balderdash and eating to a point of being way too stuffed! Everyone had a hand in the feast. Boo put the turkey in the oven for me (after I seasoned it). It was way too heavy for me to maneuver. Baby Boo helped with the Sweet Potato Casserole. Married Boo tried her hand at tossing the bread dough for the rolls to create the ambience of a real authentic baker. Thank goodness it didn't land on the floor. TV Boo came armed with her traditional macaroni and cheese that is a killer!! And also, she made one of my favorites for the holiday, a Cherry Cream Cheese pie. We gathered together to give thanks for the feast and of course, being able to spend time together. Boo, D-Boo, (my soon to be stepson) and Baby Boo walked the trails to prepare for the enorm...