My Life in Me-Me's

The New Years' Me-Me

2007-01-03T15:37:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year Fam!

I had the most wonderful Christmas. Not because I got a rack of gifts or anything like that. I really had the chance to bond with my family and catch up with many of my friends. The "gifts" I received this year are far better than any material gift that I could ever receive.

I lifted this from 1969 - Enjoy!

1. What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before? Watch the Chairman graduate; becoming a working mother of two; become an Auntie for the first time; travel to Kansas and Texas.

2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions? I did pretty well. I focused on getting more training for my makeup gig. I took 3 classes and started work on my portfolio.

3. Did anyone you know give birth? So many people - there must be something in the water! My sister Ronique, my friends Imani, Maggie, Yinka, Vera, Kenya, DJ, Ugo, Ray-Ray, Nse, Candice

6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006? There's simply just too much to name. I want it all! I'm greedy.

7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory? July 21st when the Chairman became an ordained minister. It was a very moving ceremony.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Getting my current job. It's actually in the field I went to school for so that's good.

9. What was your biggest failure? Not being as close to my friends as I used to be. I will do better this year - I'm still learning how to balance life with 2 kids - it's tricky

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Does the flu count?

11. What was the best thing you bought? Education for my five-year old. Private school education is no joke!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Mine because I have rolled with a lot of punches in 2006. Adapting to change is hard. I feel myself becoming mature and less spoiled. Don't trip, He ain't through with me yet...

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? There was so much nonsense that went on this year. People are nuts! I refuse to let the stupidity of others derail me! LOL

14. Where did most of your money go? Living expenses and child's education. I cut back on my random shopping trips significantly - gold star for me!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? The car the Chairman bought me for my birthday; officially starting my make-up hustle (I did a wedding last September - YEAH!); the birth of my nephew; Notyourmomma's wedding; so many other things - I just been giddy all year - it don't take much to make me happy!

16. What song/album will always remind you of 2006? Mary J. Blige - The Breakthrough

17. What do you wish you'd done more of? Played soccer. I haven't played since 2004

18. What do you wish you'd done less of? Procrastinating

20. How many one night stands in this last year? None... 'cause I''s married

21. What was your favorite TV program? Grey's Anatomy

22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? No. Hateration does not look good on me. Grudges cause cancer.

23. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? A trip to the Caribbean

24. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006. Gosh there are so many.... I guess the main thing is that you don't need a lot of money in order to have a full life.

25. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year? Thankful by Mary Mary pretty much sums it up (track #1 from their very first album)

Christmas Me-Me

2006-11-30T14:12:00.000-05:00

I love Christmas! It's my favorite holiday even though folks complain about how commercial it is. I choose not to chase after Christmas sales and stress myself out. I choose not to stand in line and get agitated. I choose "peace on earth and goodwill toward men" LOL.

During the holiday season, I just get this warm feeling inside. I am at peace. I am content. I am thankful.

I lifted from BZ. Come on folks - you know I am unoriginal!

1. Hot chocolate or apple cider? Hot Chocolate with extra marshmallows

2. Turkey or Ham? Turkey - I can't stand ham

3. Do you get a Fake or Real cut it yourself Christmas tree? A nice fake one that we use every year

4. Decorations on the outside of your house? No

5. Snowball fights or sledding? I'm going to say sledding. The kids I grew up with used aim for your face in them snowball fights!

6. Do you like hanging around the fireplace because it's warm? Oh yes!

7. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping? I enjoy shopping everywhere. I am not picky. During the holidays, I shop online because I REFUSE to stand in lines.

8. Favorite Christmas song? "Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire" by Nat King Cole

10. How do you feel about Christmas movies? "A Christmas Story" is the best holiday movie ever! (The Chairman hates it though)

11. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music? Before Thanksgiving.

12. Stockings before or after presents? No preference

13. Carolers, do you or do you not listen to them? We don't really have those around my way. I live in the DC area - we don't roll like that.

14. Go to someone elses house or they come to you? I cook Christmas dinner for my parents, siblings and in-laws.

15. Do you read the Christmas Story the night before Christmas? No

16. What do you do after presents and dinner? Sit around, watch TV, laugh and just bond with the family

17. What is your favorite holiday smell? Those limited edition holiday-scented candles from Bath & Body Works

18. Ice skating or walking around the mall? I can be found in the mall AFTER the holiday madness. Ice skating - not me!

19. Favorite Christmas memory? Me and my sisters opened our gifts before Christmas and tried to rewrap them. My mom was not fooled - nor was she amused. We also didn't have Christmas that year! LOL

20. Favorite Part about winter? Snow storms when we don't have to go to work

21. Ever been kissed under mistletoe? Nope

22. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? He wraps them *eye roll* Ain't no Santa!

23. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored

24. Do you hang mistletoe? No

25. When do you put your decorations up? The Chairman and my daughter put them up shortly after Thanksgiving. I do nothing. I'm lazy.

26. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? All food is good food (except ham)

27. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I think I was 5 or 6. I saw a black Santa in the mall and that pretty much ended it for me.

28. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? When we were growing up, we opened them on Christmas Eve. Now, the gifts get opened on Christmas Day.

29. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Like I said in #25, I do nothing. I just observe the finished product.

30. Snow! Love it or Dread it?I love it when it keeps me home from work. Hate it when I have to shovel it

31. Can you ice skate? Please...

32. Do you remember your favorite gift? A pair of roller skates when I was in the 4th grade and a diamond tennis bracelet from the Chairman Christmas 1999.

33. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? The true meaning of Christmas - Christ was born to save the world.

34. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Any desssert will do just fine!

35. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Having the family over for Christmas dinner (#14)

36. What tops your tree? A star.

37. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Both!

38. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Yum!

39. If you can have one GIFT this year what would it be? Anything from Tiffany & Co - woooo!

50 Question Me-Me

2006-11-21T11:27:00.000-05:00

The reason I enjoy these me-me’s so much is that it’s easy for me to tell about myself when people ask me. I’ve never really been good at just volunteering info about myself. I got this off of BZ. (Thank Chica) So here goes….

1. How tall are you barefoot?
5 feet, 7.5 inches tall

2. Have you ever flown first-class?
Not yet

3. One of your favorite books when you were a child?
The Cat in the Hat

4. A good restaurant in your city?
Kobe

5. What is your favorite small appliance?
Microwave

6. One person that never fails to make you laugh?
My kids

7. What’s your favorite Christmas song?
"Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”

8. What was the first music that you ever bought?
Gosh… I really can’t remember…

9. Do you do push-ups?
I should

10. What was one of your favorite games as a child?
Manhunt (hide and seek taken to the next level; played best in apartment complexes with about 20 other kids)

11.What is the one thing that you cook that always receives compliments?
My barbeque chicken will make you wanna jump up and snack your mama – SAY WHAT!

12. When you were twelve years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A Doctor

13. Your favorite Soup of the Day?
Hot & Sour soup from the carryout

14. What in your life are you most grateful for?
My family and my health

15. Have you ever met someone famous?
Do local politicians count?

16. Date Of Birth?
Winter of ‘75

17. Top 3 thoughts at this exact moment:
a. I feel like reading Essence
b. Can’t wait till this weekend
c. What are my kids doing?

18. Three people you're thinking about right now:
a. The Chairman (can’t wait till our getaway this weekend!)
b. My friend Tai-Tai (she just lost her aunt)
c. Prof X (My brother in law – is he going to make that pound cake for Thursday?)

19. Name five drinks you regularly drink:
a. water
b. cranberry juice
c. lemonade
d. Sprite
e. ginger ale

20. From what news source do you receive the bulk of your news?
NBC 4

21. Current hair?
A really cute wig (I’ve been lazy about myhair for a few months now. Sue me!)

22. Current worry?
Trying to get rid of this sore throat

23. Current hate?
Road kill and deers that run around my neighborhood like they pay mortgage!

24. Favorite place to be?
MAC counter, Sephora

25. Least favorite place to be?
Work

26. Do you consider yourself well organized?
Not really. I could do better

27. Do you believe in a afterlife? Yes!

28. Where do you think you will be in 10 Yrs?
I’ll be a sexy 40-something year old image consultant!

29. Do you burn or tan?
I guess I tan (?????)

30. Who was the last blogger you hung out with?
Notyourmomma

31. Are you more optimistic or pessimistic about the future?
Optimistic

32. Last time you had an alcoholic drink?
A glass of champagne at my cousin’s wedding on October 14th

33. What songs do you sing in the shower?
I don’t really sing in the shower (surprisiingly)

34. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a kid?
Monsters in my closet. I swore they were in there

35. What’s in your pockets right now?
Cough drops

36. Last thing that made you laugh?
Royce’s Daughter latest blog!

37. Best bed sheets you had as a child?
Can’t remember

38. Worst injury you’ve ever had?
I fell off my bike while going downhill when I was 10 years old. I scraped my knee up something crucial. You could see the white meat!

39. Favorite song?
Anything by Sade or Earth Wind and Fire

40. How many TVs do you own?
Three

41. In the last calendar year, how many people have you told that you love them?
All of my family members

42. Last person that made you blush?
The Chairman. He said I was beautiful. I was in bed coughing and hacking up looking right crazy.

43. Best Compliment received?
Your make-up is flawless LOL

44. What song is in your head?
"I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Kem

45. What is your favorite book?
I have so many! Anything by Michele Andrea Bowen; Hadassah by Tommy Tenney; The Color Purple by Alice Walker

46. Last meal you cooked for the opposite sex? I made oven-fried chicken for the Chairman last week

47. What songs do you want played at your wedding?
I had every song I wanted played at my wedding

48. What song do you want played at your funeral?"Comforter” by CeCe Winans

49. What were you doing at 12 midnight last night?
Coughing and reaching for the Robitussin

50. What would you like to accomplish with the remaining years of your life?
Fulfill the destiny that God has for me (I’m still in the process of finding out what that is); raise my daughters to be beautiful, God-fearing, productive women; be the best friend I can to my homies; travel all over the world; there are just too many things to name!!!!!

Then and Now

2006-11-14T13:15:00.000-05:00

When I Was Younger…
I resented the fact that my parents were so strict and overprotective. I swear they used to say “no” to everything! Well, at least it felt like it.

Now…
I am grateful that they taught me self control, the value of hard work, manners, and just basic common sense. I realize that they were only trying to protect me. I am trying to do the same for my daughters.

When I Was Younger…
I hated being the tallest girl in the class. I felt like a tree with my long arms and my jheri curl (hey it was the 80’s and everybody had one!). It was awkward, especially standing next to boys who were shorter than me. Clothes were either too baggy or not long enough. It sucked!

Now…
I love my height! Plus I got to stroll down the runway a few times. So I really can’t complain. Nowadays, there’s not a pair of heels that I won’t wear! Can you believe my baby sister (Ronique) is taller than me??? And thank God for GAP long and lean jeans (and all the other retailers who made gear in long and extra long!).

When I Was Younger…
I was embarrassed at the fact that my family was African. Having my friends call and hear my parents’ accent was the worst! And I wouldn’t dare wear my African clothes in public! I couldn’t bare the jokes. I think I got called every name in the book (african booty scratcher, etc, etc).

(Then the 90’s came along and everybody and their mama got afrocentric. Being African wasn’t so bad anymore.)

Now…
I know who I am. I appreciate the heritage and traditions my mom and dad passed on to me. I know exactly where I’m from. I’ve been to Ghana and visited the villages and towns where my parents grew up. In Ghana, I experienced a peace I’ve never known. I still have a lot of family there. I NEED to go there again. Plus where else can you get your hair braided for $15???????? Say what!!!!

When I Was Younger…
It sucked to have to drag my little sisters (Anecy and Ronique) with me everywhere I went. My mom made me take them everywhere. I wished I was an only child so I could have my freedom.

Now…
It’s not fun going anywhere without them. It’s crazy how we’re so close now. Thanks mama – I guess you were right.

I am grateful for all the hard times, ridicule, constraints, and discomforts that I've experienced. I realized now that it all happened to shape me into who I am today - not that I've achieved everything but I am a work-in-progress.

Just Felt Like Sharing

2006-10-27T10:20:00.000-04:00

Here's a look into my life! A picture is worth more than a thousand words. Enjoy!

This is just a random pic of me in my kitchen. Notice I am wearing jewelry created by Dayum Shame. Yes, people, she blogs, she's an author, and she creates jewelry! Oh yeah, those plants in the background are dead now. I still have them because I don't want to give up on them just yet. I inherited alot of things from my momma - her green thumb was not one of them. She told me I need to talk to the plants - *blank stare* I'm not doing that.

This is me when I was seven months pregnant. This pic was taken with my camera phone - don't know what I'd do without it because I never remember to carry my digital camera with me. I'd like to thank Professor X for taking this photo of me.

This is a pic of me at my baby shower last year. Gosh- my belley was huge!!
I felt like a beach ball with arms and legs.
People say I do pregnancy very well but I don't don't plan on doing pregnancy anymore. Raising kids is alot harder than labor and delivery. TRUSS!

This is me and my sisters (Dr.P, Anecy, Me, Ronique). Ain't we fly??????

Well, that's all for now. I was trying to upload a few more but Blogger is on that stuff (UGH!).

Holla Back!

Two Me-Me’s for the Price of One!

2006-10-26T09:25:00.000-04:00

I was thinking about something to blog about and was feeling uninspired (I was actually going to attempt to compose something). So I stole this from T.Cas!

Two Word Tag (All answers must be in two words)
1. Explain what ended your last relationship? He sucked
2. When was the last time you shaved? I wax
3. What were you doing this morning at 8 a.m.? Checking email
4. What were you doing 15 minutes ago? Walking around
5. Are you any good at math? Not really
6. Your prom night? Was nice
7. Do you have any famous ancestors? Don’t know
8. Have you had to take a loan out for school? Unfortunately yes
9. Do you know the words to the song on your myspace profile? A little
10. Last thing received in the mail? More bills
11. How many different beverages have you had today? Only water
12. Do you ever leave messages on people's answering machines? Of course
13. Who did you lose your CONCERT virginity to? Can’t remember
14. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach? No. Why?
15. What's the most painful dental procedure you've had? None yet
16. What is out your back door? Wood deck
17. Any plans for Friday night? Not Yet
18. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair? No way
19. Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different popcorns? Yes once
20. Have you ever been to a planetarium? Field trip
21. Do you re-use towels after you shower? Doesn’t everyone?
22. Some things you are excited about? Upcoming vacations
23. What is your favorite flavor of JELLO? Red/cherry
24. Describe your keychain(s): Bonus cards
25. Where do you keep your change? Piggy bank
26. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group of people? Briefings/ Meetings 27. What kind of winter coat do you own? Black leather
28. What was the weather like on your graduation day? Kinda warm
29. Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed? It’s closed

The Incredibly Weird What If Question Meme (I did not make up these questions!)
1. You can flip a switch that will wipe any band or musical artist out of existence. Which one will it be? Lil Jon (he’s annoying)

2. You have the opportunity to sleep with the movie celebrity of your choice. We are talking no-strings-attached sex and it can only happen once. Who is the lucky celebrity of your choice? The Rock

3. You have the opportunity to sleep with the music-celebrity of your choice. Who do you pick? LL Cool J

4. Now that you’ve slept with two different people in a row, you seem to be having an excellent day because you just came across a hundred-dollar bill on the sidewalk. A hundred bucks! How are you gonna spend it? Shoes!

5. You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go? The Caribbean, Mon!

6. Upon arrival to the aforementioned location, you get off the plane and discover another hundred-dollar bill. Now that you are in the new location, what are you gonna do? Shop some more!

7. The Angel of Death has descended upon you. Fortunately, the Angel of Death is pretty cool and in a good mood, and it offers you a half-hour to do whatever you want before you bite it. Whatcha gonna do in that half-hour? Hug all my friends and family and tell them I love them

8. You accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what’s even cooler is that they endow you with the super-power of your choice! What’s it gonna be? The ability to fly

9. You can re-live any point of time in your life. The time-span can only be a half-hour, though. What half-hour of your past would you like to experience again? I don’t know. Maybe sometime during high school. This is a dumb question because 30 minutes ain't hardly enough time to really relive anything.

10. Rufus appears out of nowhere with a time-traveling phone booth. You can go anytime in the PAST. What time are you traveling to and what are you going to do when you get there? 9/11/01 to the airports where those hijackers were to warn the authorities

11. You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be? When my mom got in that car accident and ran into that tree. I am so glad she survived though.

12. You got kicked out of the country for being a time-traveling heathen who sleeps with celebrities and has super-powers. But check out this … you can move to anywhere else in the world! What country are you going to live in now? I’m going to Italy, baby!

13. The constant absorption of magical moonbeams mixed with the radioactive vegetables you consumed earlier has given you the ability to resurrect the dead famous-person of your choice. So which celebrity will you bring back to life? Toss up between Miles Davis and Luther Vandross

14. What’s your theme song? Today it’s “Take Me As I Am” by Mary J. Blige

All About Me-Me

2006-10-19T10:24:00.000-04:00

1) Full Name: Sandra

2) Name Backwards: Ardnas

3) Were you named after anyone? Don’t think so

4) Does your name mean anything? Helper of mankind

5) Nick Name(s): Sandy, San, Babe (by the Chairman), Mommy (by my kids), Girl (by my Daddy)

6) Screen Name(s): I change them too often

7) Date Of Birth: January 30th

8) Place of Birth: Washington, DC

9) Nationality: African American (Second generation Ghanaian)

10) Current Location: Prince George’s County, Maryland

11) Sign: Aquarius

12) Religion: Christian

13) Height: 5 ' 7

14) Skin color: brown (Almondy!)

15) Shoe Size: 10

16) Hair color: Black (1B for when I get tracks or braids- LOL)

17) Eye color: Dark Brown

18) What do you look like? Please see the pic on my profile. I probably resemble my mama the most though

19) Innie or Outie? Innie

20) Right, Lefty, or Ambidextrous? Righty

21) Gay, Straight, Bi, or Other? Straight

22) Best friend(s): Markeeda, Leah O, Isata S

23) Best friend you trust the most: The Chairman

24) Best friends {your sex}: Same as #22

25) Best friends of the opposite sex: That would be the Chairman

26) Best Bud(s): Gosh I have so many! Too many

27) Boyfriend / Girlfriend: I got a husband

28) Crush: Nope

29) Parent(s): Yes!

30) Worst Enemy: I don’t really have any enemies… just a bunch of jealous haters! Just kidding

31) Favorite on-line Guy(s): SlishSlash and T. Cas

32) Favorite on-line Girl(s): Royce’s Daughter, Notyourmomma, Dayum Shame

33) Funniest friend: Isata S. and Markeeda

34) Craziest friend: Isata S.

35) Advice Friend: Depends on the situation

36) Loudest Friend: The all have loud tendencies!

37) Person you cry with: The Chairman

Do You Have...
38) Any sisters: 3

39) Any brothers: Nope

40) Any pets: No

41) A Disease: No way! I am the picture of health!

42) A Pager: I did in the 90’s but my mom made me sell it ‘cause she said it made me look like a drug dealer

43) A Personal phone line: Yes. Seems like only telemarketers call that phone though.

44) A Cell phone: My little pink Razr! Never leave home without it!

45) A Lava lamp: PLEASE! Clashes with the theme in my house

46) A Pool or hot tub: Not now

47) A Car: Yup

Describe Your...
48) Personality: Shy, loyal, opinionated, optimistic, honest, friendly and approachable

49) Driving: Fast yet defensive

50) Car or one you want: I have a Sebring now but one day I am going to get my Lexus GX470!!!! I am on a mission!

51) Room: If you mean my bedroom, I have a mahogany BR set. The room is painted a dark mauve color and crème. It has a warm romantic feel to it. It’s pretty!

52) What’s missing? Nothing I can think of

53) School: I am done with academia!

54) Bed: King

55) Relationship with your parent(s): Really good

56) Believe in yourself: Yes especially after I turned 30

57) Do you believe in love at first sight? Not really

58) Consider yourself a good listener: Yes

59) Sleep in PJs: No

60) Get Along with your parents: Yes

61) Save your e-mail conversations: I never delete the “Deleted Items” at the job. Sometimes I gotta remind these folks….”let the record show”!!!!

62) Pray: Yes

63) Believe in reincarnation: Nope

64) Like to make fun of people: No I just laugh at the people that Dayum Shame makes fun of! LOL

65) Like to talk on the phone: Yes

66) Like to eat: Sometimes. Depends on the cuisine

67) Like to drive: I prefer the Chairman to drive me around

68) Get motion sickness: No

69) Eat the stems of broccoli: Yes

70) Eat Chicken fingers with a fork: Sometimes

71) Dream in colour: Yes but like I told y’all before, I never remember my dreams

72) Type with your fingers on home row: No I think my way is quicker!

73) Sleep with a stuffed animal: I used to. It was my stuffed Curious George. I had him since I was an infant. I still have him!

What Is…
74) Right next to you: A Grande Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks!

75) On the walls of your room: Pictures of me, the Chairman, and the girls

76) On your mouse pad: Nothing. It’s just blue.

77) Your dream car: Lexus GX470 fully loaded with OnStar, Lojack, TV and DVD player and all those other bells and whistles!

78) Your dream date: I’m gonna hush on this one

79) Your dream honeymoon spot: I already been on my honeymoon so do I still have to answer this?

80) Your dream husband/wife: the Chairman! He’s my soul mate!

81) Your bedtime: Sometime around 11pm

82) Under your bed: Nothing finally! We recently cleaned under there. I am so relieved

83) The single most important question: Am I going to heaven when I die?

84) Your bad time of the day: After lunch when I am sleepy

85) Your worst fear(s): Losing the Chairman or any of my family members

86) The weather you like: Anything over 60 degrees

87) The time? 9:55pm

88) The date? October 19, 2006

89) The best trick you ever played on someone: I can’t even remember. I’ve been told my memory is selective so I got nothing for ya.

90) The weirdest food or drink that you like: Scrambled eggs with syrup on ‘em. YUMMY!

91) Theme Song: Depends on my mood

92) The hardest thing about growing up: Being so self-conscious

93) Your funniest experience: Too many to name

94) Your scariest moment: Gotta think on this one

95) The silliest thing you've done: I plead the 5th in order to protect the names of the innocent!

96) The funniest or most desperate thing you've done to get the attention of the opposite sex? I don’t roll like that, SON!

97) The scariest thing that's ever happened while with your friend(s): Nothing I can think of…

98) The best feeling in the world: Being accepted and loved despite my faults and shortcomings

99) The worst feeling in the world: Betrayal

100) 3 people you tag: None. I don’t feel like it!

My To Do List

2006-10-18T11:59:00.000-04:00

This is a list of stuff I’ve been needing to do for the longest. In an effort to stop these procrastination tendencies, I decided to write this stuff down. Maybe you all can keep me accountable! (Please note that this is not an exhaustive list as I know I am forgetting some items.)

- Transfer all of my retirement accounts and 401K’s from all my previous jobs into a single account.

- Create a website and a portfolio for my make-up gig

- Set up one of those college savings plans for my kids’ college education

- Clean out my closet and donate stuff to charity. (I don’t even allow my kids to come in my closet. It’s a jungle in there and since they’re little, they could get lost in there. Yes it’s that bad.)
- Write a will

- Learn how to make Ghanaian food the way my mother makes it. She tried to teach me before but I wasn’t paying attention. Even though it’s only her, my dad and one sister in the house now, she still cooks like we’re all still living at home. She always has so much extra. So she just calls me to come get some

- Take the Chairman and the girls to have a family picture taken. I got my coupons ready and everything!

- Renew my memberships to these professional orgs I belong to (Why? I don’t know. I never go to the meetings or read the mail they send me. Figured it looks good on my resume….)

- Call all those friends I’ve been meaning to call in the last two weeks

- Take an art class

- Have the batteries in my watches replaced. I am down to my last watch now. I need to do something… quick

- Take my kids to Ghana

- Learn photography

- Clean out my car and have my windshield fixed. There’s a crack in it.

- See an orthodontist about getting braces

- Find a new doctor – not an OBGYN but a regular primary care doc. Anybody got any recommendations?

- Decide what color I am going to paint my bathroom. I have samples taped to the wall. They’ve been there for a while. I just need to make a decision. Just pick, Sandybaby!!!!!!

- Take that big bag of clothes to the drycleaners. I need to stop faking. I’m running outta stuff to wear.

- Paint my living room and pick out some living room furniture. Need to save just a little more cash though…

- Learn how to use all the features on my cell phone and digital camera. Gotta get my money’s worth!

- Plan a vacation to the Caribbean with the Chairman. We’ve been putting this off for too long. So if you know of any good spots, hit me up.

- Go to Nordstrom and get one of those bra fitting specialist to hook me up. I saw them on Oprah’s bra show. I need to be down. I’ve been fitted at Victoria’s Secret but I want a second opinion.

So what have you been putting off? Holla at your girl.

Total Recall

2006-10-16T08:43:00.000-04:00

Hey Fam!
I wrote this a while ago. I was debating whether or not to share this but decided to throw caution to the wind. (You know I love my me-me's!) I dedicate this post to the Chairman. Baby, this love is UNBREAKABLE!

I was excited beyond that day. I recall standing next to my father in the church lobby after exiting the white limousine. I linked my arm in his, and the church doors were opened. My bridesmaids and flower girls had gone before me walking into ‘Love Lifted Me” by Angella Christie. (Now that woman can play a sax!) As my hostesses stood opening the double doors, I was shocked to see a fully packed sanctuary – the familiar faces of friends, family, and church members. “Oh my God, Daddy. Look at all these people” I whispered to my father. A paralyzing nervousness over took me; I couldn’t move. I felt as though my dad was holding me up during that moment because I could not feel my feet. I clutched my bouquet in my left hand and held on to Daddy with my right hand as if I was holding on for dear life. Tears fell from eyes as we slowly took steps down the aisle that was lined with the white runner that I purchased not many days ago.

The smiling faces of the congregation morphed into a blur through my tears. “I am so nervous, Daddy”, I whispered to my ever-sympathetic father. “Take your time, girl”, he said with that reassuring tone that I had grown up with for the past 25 years. I felt as though we were floating as we moved to the processional music – a tune by Allen & Allen specifically chosen by myself and my beloved fiancé.

They say “you only get one trip down the aisle”, this was finally my turn! Someone actually loved me in spite of all my faults and idiosyncrasies, I was about to become someone’s wife. The days of my independent, free-wheeling singlehood were now over. The moment was bittersweet. See, I had been a bridesmaid in at least a half a dozen weddings wondering when my turn would come. At those weddings, I recall being genuinely happy for the couple and at the same time, so sad for myself. I rejoiced because those brides before me had found the loves of their life. Yet I was sad within myself because I had not found that special person. When was I going a ring? When was I going to wear a white gown and approach a handsome groom? Although I was content being single for the most part, these questions would plague me. I grew restless of men who were either too immature or unwilling to commit to me in a real way. When was it going to be my turn? Today, August 26th was my day - finally! This realization was too overwhelming for me and I experienced a strange mix of anticipation and anxiety.

I began to calm down as I spotted my fiancé smiling with his best man and groomsmen in cue. The joy on his face and cool confidence then extinguished my eruption of emotions. As I took his hand, calmness washed over my soul like cooling water. I was finally with the man I had waited for my entire life. My dear Daddy kissed my cheek and sat next to my beaming mother as the ceremony began. “Dearly beloved…..”

My 100 Things

2006-10-12T10:30:00.000-04:00

I stole this from Royce’s Daughter and Dayum Shame. It seemed like a fun challenge so I couldn’t resist. Bear with me y’all.

1. I LOVE Grey’s Anatomy! Don’t call me, email me, text me, or speak to me Thursdays at 9pm eastern time. Seriously!
2. I love shoes. I could stare at them for hours.
3. I love TD Jakes and Joel Osteen.
4. I miss the Saturday morning cartoons that used to come on in the 80’s. The ones that are out now are corny
5. I was driving a golf cart at my daughter’s school’s golf tournament and ran into a tree. I’m okay though. Weird stuff like that always happens to me.
6. I am terrified of car accidents
7. Really big houses freak me out.
8. I can’t sleep without my husband (the Chairman).
9. I love hair – all hairstyles, all textures, all lengths, all types.
10. I am obsessed with makeup
11. I want to do makeup and image consulting for a living.
12. Sometimes at work, I just stare at my computer.
13. I want a breast reduction. The Chairman refuses to let me have one.
14. Sometimes I completely zone out in the middle of conversations and meetings at work.
15. I am shy but like meeting new people.
16. I have had the same best friend since I was 11 years old.
17. If I got outta bed 15 minutes earlier, I could actually make it to work on time.
18. I hope Deelishus wins on Flava of Love
19. I wanna go on Celebrity Fit Club
20. My husband has longer eyelashes than me. I’m jealous.
21. Every time I hear “Imagine Me” by Kirk Franklin, tears come to my eyes.
22. I love Earth Wind & Fire
23. I love morning radio shows! They are the funniest.
24. But I listen to the Steve Harvey Morning Show religiously
25. Sometimes, I wish I would’ve pledged in college but I am not a joiner. I’ve never been good at sticking with clubs/groups.
26. I have never been drunk or high… a little tipsy but never completely gone.
27. I wish I had grandparents. They all died before I was born.
28. I hate to cook but eating is alright with me!
29. Doing laundry is my favorite chore
30. When I was in high school, I wanted to be a newscaster. But I hate talking in front of people.
31. I want to learn sign language. Which one of y’all tryna teach me?
32. I can’t stand people with no manners
33. I should pray more
34. I should drink more water
35. I think my daughter is becoming bougee. The other day she asked if she could get her nails and toes done. She is only five.
36. I don’t want to have anymore kids.
37. I am content with my 2 daughters.
38. I wish people would stop asking me “Don’t you want a boy?” I have a nephew and he’s all I need. (I LOVE HIM!)
39. I like to sleep
40. I am a people-watcher
41. I want to join a book club but like I said in #25, I have issues committing to groups.
42. I am obsessed with plastic surgery shows
43. I will only eat hamburgers if they are grilled at a barbeque. And they gotta be burnt.
44. I may settle for a restaurant burger (only if it’s well done)... maybe
45. I don’t like seafood
46. I don’t think Whitney is gonna go through with the divorce from Bobby.
47. I own just about every Fred Hammond CD. I LOVE his music.
48. In college, me and my roommate fell asleep to the Lion King soundtrack or Fred Hammond’s Spirit of David CD every night
49. I love hearing country accents and British accents!
50. I am vain
51. I am spoiled
52. I am self-centered
53. I am a girly girl
54. I am a Daddy’s girl
55. But I am a really good listener and a really good friend
56. I don’t ride roller coasters anymore
57. I prefer gold over silver and platinum
58. I love taking showers. Bathing and hygiene is fun to me.
59. I wish I was smart enough to go on Jeopardy
60. When I was in kindergarten, I had a boyfriend named Phillip. I wonder what ever happened to him.
61. I read every issue of Essence magazine in its entirety
62. I like going to church
63. I think church people are funny but they get on my nerves
64. I am not your stereotypical church girl – never was
65. I was in the choir in elementary, middle and high school and college. And church.
66. I miss singing but I don’t miss rehearsal
67. I get bored easily
68. I think I have adult ADD
69. I have never been at a job for more than 3 years
70. I feel bad when I watch bootleg movies
71. I am going to take bellydancing and soccer up again
72. I am a germaphobe
73. I was my hands a lot – maybe too much
74. I want to go to Australia
75. I want to live in Italy
76. I want to live in the Caribbean
77. I think white people are funny
78. I hate my teeth
79. I am considering getting braces… seriously
80. I am terrible at lying
81. I am a very strong conscience. I feel guilty really easily.
82. I love bed-in-a-bag sets
83. I love doing me-me’s
84. I should’ve pursued modeling
85. I should’ve tried out for cheerleading or poms (again that club commitment thing…)
86. I love my sisters. We are so alike but different in so many ways. It's scary yet amazing.
87. I wanna go back to Ghana
88. I had a stalker before. He got on my last nerve and he was such a bamma!
89. I hate being cold
90. I don’t want my parents to die
91. I could watch Martin, What’s Happening, and Different World reruns all day long.
92. I want a Lexus GX470
93. I want a classic convertible – a red one!
94. I don’t like politicians, political parties or any of that stuff. It’s all garbage.
95. I think the government lies to us
96. I want to win the lottery but don’t want to spend the rest of my life buying tickets (I know... you can't win if you don't play...)
97. I cry at weddings (Notyourmomma, I also messed up my makeup at yours. I was gonna fight you!)
98. I love Frankie Beverly & Maze
99. I never remember my dreams after I wake up
100. I’ve learned a lot being married to the Chairman. The hardest part is loving someone unselfishly. The best part is that someone loves you unselfishly.