Plan-less...for NYE

New Year's Eve is tomorrow and I have absolutely no plans! 

Originally, I was supposed to babysit for a friend who has a babysitting agency, but I got a text and follow up e-mail today saying the parents cancelled. 

I need Kristy to give me a great idea for some plans for NYE!!! Please and thanks, ma'am!!

I was kind of reluctant about agreeing to babysit on such a festive holiday, but my options before agreeing were: go to church or stay in and watch the ball drop on t.v. I used to go to church every year since like 1998, so that wouldn't have been a weak choice, except I'm in another city right now and am not sure which church I should go to.  Thus the plans for just staying home and watching the ball drop came into play.  My friend Portia got word that I didn't really have plans for NYE, so she hit me up and asked me if I would babysit. That's how I got there....

After getting the word this morning that the parents cancelled, I have been contemplating what to do now. I really don't feel like going out to a party, but I don't necessarily want to stay home by myself.  My sister and her husband are going to a hotel party and staying overnight. Cost for tickets were too rich for my blood and I'm sure they don't want me tagging along in their room after the clock strikes midnight. 

Yeah....I just can't be that girl!

I've got a little over 24 hours to decide, but I have a really strong feeling that I'll be at home (with Blanche, my dog) cuddle up on the couch....ringing in 2014. I guess I need to just be ok with that. I suppose I could make it fun....hell I'm going to have to make it fun!!

I'll keep you guys posted on how it goes. In the mean time, anyone have any suggestions on what I can do in the DMV area??

2013 is almost over!

This year has really flown by! I can't believe the year will be coming to a close in a little over 2 weeks! So much has gone on this year, so much growth, and so many blessings. I'm excited to see what's in store for me in 2014!! Don't worry, this is not one of those "new year, new me" posts that many people enjoy ranting about when a new year is coming. This is just a simple reflective post to acknowledge that another year is coming and I have some great expectations for the new year!

I will say I'm super excited about 2014, but I'm also very, very nervous about some of my plans for the new year. I'm trying to remain calm, and seriously rely on God to direct and order my steps, but the human in me certainly gets a little overwhelmed at times. Of course the biggest struggle is understanding what's in God's will and following that instead of choosing my own path and trying to make that work.  However, change is good and it's also a great way to exercise your faith because the unknown can be very frightening. 

I've already chosen at least one news years resolution which I think I can keep up for the year which is: under any circumstance, I will not complain. I have realized over the past couple of years just how blessed I am and how much God has done for me and complaining is such an insult to those blessings. I am reminded of this just about every day.  Complaining doesn't change the circumstance and it usually really does take a wear and tear on your own spirit. With that being said, I'm going to remember to count my blessings and pray about things more that concern me instead of verbally complaining. 

This is the last week of work until the wonderful 2 week Christmas vacay begins!! I'm really looking forward to having the time off to spend with family and friends!  My girl frans back home and I are having a little cocktail Christmas party next week that I'm really looking forward to! I'm hoping we'll be able to do this every year and start some traditions. 

So what are your plans for the holidays? Are you looking forward to the new year? If so, what kind of things are you looking forward to?

It's been a long time!

Hello everyone!!! It's been such a long time since my last post! I've had some pretty blog worthy things going on, I just haven't taken the time to sit down and blog about it. Today is a "snow" day so I'm off from work so I figured it'd be a perfect opportunity to catch up with you guys!

First things first, since the last time I blogged I have become a mom!!!! Not a mom to a human, but to a new doggie!!! I was never really a "dog person", but I had to stop by the local SPCA to drop off a donation back in November and I spotted this amazing dog that I just had to take home with me! I decided to name her Blanche! Some people love the name and some are like "why did you pick that name!?" Well I've always thought the name Blanche was rather cool, but I wouldn't name a child that, so a dog was the next best thing. Besides, Blanche means "white" in French, and well....she's a white dog so PERFECT!!! It's so fitting of her personality! She's like a little old lady!! Her middle name is Beatrice which means "bringer of joy" and both of my grandmother's were named Beatrice (maternal grandma's middle name, paternal grandma's first name).  So there you have it for the name!

She's a white Boxer mix. I'm not sure what she's mixed with, but I've heard pit bull or bull dog from several people. It doesn't really matter, she's the best dog ever!!! Having her has completely changed my life which is completely what pets do! I never knew that I could care for a pet as much as I care for her. 

I'm thankful that I found her, she's truly a blessing!

In other news, I'm ashamed to say that I have found myself slacking off on taking care of myself in the sense of working out. Since having Blanche on board, I haven't been going to the gym as much as I used to. My diet has also fallen off the wayside (sad to admit, but it's true).  The most consistent exercise I have gotten in the past month has been the 20 minute walks in the morning and afternoons that I take Blanche on.  I suppose that's better than nothing at all, but with the poor diet and lack of getting my heart rate up on a regular basis, I forsee weight gain continuing to pile on. Ain't nobody got time for FAT so I really need to get myself together and make some changes!!  Diet is truly the most important thing so I really need to get on it with cleaning that up.

On to the next topic! The holidays are coming up and I'm so not ready!!! I have only did a little bit of shopping for my goddaughter, but other than that, I got nothing. I know it's time to buckle down and at least get some stuff online because Christmas is in 2 weeks!!! EEEKKKKK!!!!! One of the biggest problems is not knowing what to get my friends/family! I need some ideas, but I want to do thoughtful gifts that are unique. Might not have time for that this year though. Either way, I better hurry!!!

Everyone have a great day and if you're experiencing the Winter Wonderland that was forecasted to hit VA, be safe out there!! 

Scandal

This weekend while visiting one of my sorority sisters, I had the opportunity to get hooked on one of the best shows on television....(yes, I'm like 3 seasons late...so!)....SCANDAL!!!

I'm sure you're wondering why the heck have I not been on this kick before this weekend!? Well in my defense, it comes on at a time when I'm usually in bed (10pm) and I'm not a huge tv watcher. I'm usually coming home from work, hitting the gym, then trying to relax a little before heading to bed no later than 9:30 on most nights. I value getting a full night's rest and not being tired and groggy in the morning. 

Either way, I started watching this over the weekend and I am HOOKED!!! When I got back home today, I got a Netflix account and am currently catching up on all the shows so that I can be all caught up in at least another week. I'm on Season 2, epi 4 right now. 

The show is so addicting and awesomely written!!! Right now, my favorite character is duh...Olivia Pope! Mainly for the fact that she handles business, has an awesome sense of fashion, and she's a woman in charge! Her presence is impeccable and Kerry Washington is truly doing her thang in this role!!

My second fav is Harrison!! Mainly because he's so handsome and those suspenders that he wears on every episode are sexy as hell!!! He's also basically just eye candy, but I do like his role on the show as well!

I can't wait to get all caught up! I think I'll watch another episode or two tonight, then try to get a few more in tomorrow! 

Welcome to November....slooooooowing down

September and October has been two months of me being constantly on the go and my social calendar bumping and booming with all kinds of great things to get into.  Now I've finally made it to November where it all slows down....and I'm 100% perfectly fine with that!!!

I have been gone every single weekend in the month of October.  For the past 3 weeks, I've been in the DC/Maryland/Northern Virginia area.  I am literally all traveled out right about now! This weekend, I went up for the final time (for a while) to visit my sister for her birthday.  I didn't get back until this morning and went straight to work! I'm grade A...exhausted!! 

For the month of November, I have plans for two weekends, and the other two weekends, I have literally scheduled a staycation....at my own home....with absolutely no plans!!! And I'm super looking forward to it!!! If I had my own, selfish way, I would make this entire month a scheduled "no plans for the weekend" ordeal.  This weekend coming up is my first weekend in months that I haven't had any plans at all! I'm sooooo looking forward to waking up in my own bed on a Saturday morning when my body feels like getting up and not when someone else is waking me up! I haven't slept-in in forever! 

Since tomorrow is election day, I have the day off so I plan to lounge around, catch up on Scandal, go vote, and hit the gym. I do need to go grocery shopping and do some cooking so I'll also add that to the plans, but as you can see, this schedule for tomorrow is very minimal compared to what I've been up to lately!

I'm not complaining about my social calendar at all....I just really do appreciate alone time from time to time and welcome it! Even if it means I have to schedule it to ensure it'll happen! 

Black Girls Rock!

On October 26th, one of my wildest dreams came true! I attended the taping of Black Girls Rock in Newark, NJ!!! In November of 2010, I watched this phenomenal awards show that showcases and highlights black women/girls who are doing amazing things in their community and in the lives of others.  It's a star studded event, yet it doesn't just highlight women/girls who have celebrity status. It's celebrates and portrays a positive image of the black girl and it's an incredible movement! 

When I first saw the show for the first time on BET, I was memorized!!! I was completely supportive of the moment and what it stood for and I also badly wanted to one day, attend the taping of the awards show. 

Since that day, I have thought and searched, and Google'd, and wrecked my brain trying to figure out how I could get tickets to this event. Then one day, I decided I would e-mail Black Girls Rock and inquire about it. Low and behold, a month later, I got a response and it was an invitation to attend the taping!!!! 

I COULD NOT BELIEVE THIS WAS HAPPENING!!! 

I mean, somebody pinch me....this is happening!!! Ok so fast forward, I open the e-mail and I'm directed to a page where I can purchase tickets. The ticket prices range from $50-$500 with all proceeds going towards the BGR community programs. And another piece of all of this was, I didn't get this e-mail until 2 weeks before the date of the taping. Luckily, I didn't have plans for the last weekend of October, so I was available to make a spontaneous decision to go! #score

Being there to watch the taping of the show was nothing short of amazing! One of my favorite actresses, Tracee Ellis Ross was a host (ahhhhhhhhhhhh I love her) which totally made being there even more amazing!!! And just being surrounded by so much positivity and awesomeness was what made actually going an experience in my life that will go down in the books!  I'm so thankful and blessed to have had this opportunity!!! 

Special shout out and huge thank you to my Bih for coming through with those tickets!!!!

Here are a few pics from the evening.  I wasn't able to take many because we were actually strictly forbidden to take any pictures while the show was going on. I snuck a few though, but I did uphold the promise to not post them until after the show had aired on television so I wouldn't be a spoiler!!

One of the biggest highlights of the night was when the cast from Girlfriends came out!!! I looooove that show!! 

Patti LaBelle performing!! 

A few flicks of me and Bih before the show! 

Vacation....please!

My first post in a long time and the post is about needing a vacation! HA! Well I've been away for a while because I've been super slammed busy at work and have been dog tired lately! I also haven't really had too many blog worthy things happening, thus, I figured I'd spare you all from reading some random post.

Today, I decided it was time for a vacation.  Now let me clarify. I am constantly on the go especially on the weekends. I rarely spend a weekend at home which is why I really feel like it's time for a true vacation to one of my favorite locations....the beach....out of the country.

I try to get out of the country once every year, but this year, that hasn't happened. I don't see that happening at all this year either. With only 2 1/2 months left to go in 2013 (geez this year flew by), I have some trips planned, but none out of the country.

What I'd really love to do more than anything is to take a trip somewhere A-L-O-N-E!!! The only problem is that when you go somewhere alone, it's more expensive and I, Frugal Frannie would rather stretch my buck as far as it can go and traveling alone can definitely be super expensive. I feel like going on vacation alone is a must that I would like to do in my lifetime!


One day I will make this happen, it's truly on my bucket list!

Travel for 2014 is looking up already and I'm really excited about a few things that I have planned! One being a trip to Guatemala for 2 weeks for a Spanish Immersion program! That will happen at the end of June, 2014!! I haven't started paying on this trip yet, but it's offered through the county that I work for so I'm pretty excited about all of it!

Ok...I'm done ranting on and probably sound real random...I'm sleepy...still at work....and just dreaming out loud on my blog!

I'll catch up with you guys later! ;)

Closet Purge

Since the seasons are changing, it's time to make some changes around my house as well! Hi, my name is Ashley and I have inherited the habit of being a "pack rat".  Blame my mother! Then again, when I have gone to visit my dad, he might be just as guilty by the looks of his shop and all the things that have accumulated over the years.

Any way, I'm notorious for holding on to things for YEARS!!! This morning I decided to do a purge in my closet and really get rid of stuff that I haven't worn in forever and probably never will! I have been doing really good at donating things to a friend of mine who works with me, but I know I could do better. 

This morning, I went through my closet and just started pulling things out that had to go! I also went into another room of my house and gathered all the things that I planned on taking to Good Will, but they are still sitting in my house.

It's very freeing to get rid of all the clutter and I'm really trying to get better at not holding on to things. I don't want my kids to pick up this habit so I might as well break it now! :)

 

Doesn't really look like much, but there's a lot more where that came from!

How often do you purge your closet? I'm going to try to do this at least twice a year! Wish me luck! :)

Falling into Fall

Fall is here and it's actually becoming one of my favorite seasons! I'm hands down a summer kinda girl because I love the culture of summer, but fall is running a close second! I'm falling in love with the mild temperatures, boots, tights, scarves, pumpkin and apple flavored foods, the sporting events, the holidays, and the beauty of nature during this time of the year! 

About 2 years ago, I started to really marvel at all that fall had to offer. I usually just disregarded it because I was so bummed that summer was over, but now I stop and just enjoy all that comes along with this amazing season!

With new seasons comes new wardrobes! Due to weight loss, I decided to go out and get a few items because a lot of the stuff I was wearing last year around this time are now too big. Today I did some bargain shopping and snagged: a blazer, 3 shirts, a pair of skinnies, one pair of printed leggings, and a pair of boots all for about $80.00! I set a budget for myself and was way under after today's shopping extravaganza!!

I am also putting myself on a time out from buying any clothing that involves working out or going to work/church.  Let me explain! Lately, every time I go shopping, I have found myself buying more and more workout clothes and/or clothes that are  mainly appropriate for going to work or church.  When it's time for me to go out to something casual like dinner/drinks with friends, or some other social event, I'm stuck with looking like Workout Wanda or Conservative Connie.  I find it very difficult to try to find something to wear and end up having to go out and buy something.  Well I don't have to buy, but I do. 

There are a few things I want to get to set the season off, but I can definitely wait until fall is turning into winter and when stores put more items on sale! I love shopping "off season"! Deals and steals is my way to go about shopping on a budget! 

Happenings on my social calendar for October

1. VT's homecoming

2. Jaime's engagement party

3. Landy's wedding

What do you like best about fall? Is this one of your seasons as well?

Coffee please

A little late, but I'm hopping on that coffee bandwagon!

I feel like "needing" coffee is half I need the caffeine to wake up and half social.  Well maybe it's social for me....I mean I feel so cozy when I have my coffee. In fact, I feel like this.....with every cup! 

and sometimes like this....

LOL like no bull....I imagine myself in the comfy jammies or cute fall accessories enjoying my cup of Joe! 

I have attempted to limit myself to only drinking a cup on Mondays and Fridays as a treat since I love to put lots of cream in my coffee. I used to head over to Starbucks once in a while for a skinny vanilla latte and then got up on the hype of the infamous pumpkin spice latte [PSL].  Oh but the last time I went and dropped that almost $5.00 on a tall latte...I was like forget this! 

I now fill up at the local 7-11.  I'm so not a coffee snob and don't mind pouring and flavoring my own cup for $1.26 when I use my reusable cup! Schweet deal and I love it!!!

I'm hopping not to feel like I need it every day, but hey...I hear that can happen! I don't want to be one of those zombie-types who swear they can't function before having the Joe! That may be doing way too much! So are you a coffee drinker? If so, is it a "need"? 

The elimination of CAN'T

I've been highly motivated lately to rid my vocabulary of the word "can't".  After finishing my half marathon two weeks ago, I realized I most certainly can do anything I set my mind to! I know that sounds so cliche and so elementary (you can be whatever you want to be lol), but a lot of things in life is really more mental than anything at all.  

When I was in 6th grade, I signed up to run track because my older sister was on the team.  I was placed as a long distance runner.  My event was to run the mile. Every time we had a meet, I would run my mile in roughly 13 minutes, then pass out at the finish line.  Oh and did I mention, I was always LAST to finish!! Well except one time, I came in 1st to last....some girl trailed me...I totally felt her pain of losing! I had been in her shoes for every other meet, but felt some sort of victory for beating her, but I digress.  Anyway, I eventually quit the team because my doctor discovered I had asthma. Umm....I think that was more my mom and I convincing the doctor than me having a real medical problem. 

My sister once said to me "you're not dedicated enough".  She actually always said that to me when I would try something hard, and as much as I didn't want to admit it then, she was right.  I realized dedication and hard work will get you anywhere in life. You'll go far! You'll move mountains! Persistence is also a key factor that I lacked back then.  

Now that I'm older, wiser, and have seen the benefits of working hard and yielding results, I have decided that I won't say "I can't" anymore! I will strive to try everything at least once and if I fail, I will learn from the failed experience.  After I finished the half, I felt like I couldn't imagine carrying on to do another 13.1 miles if I ran a full marathon, but I refused to say "I can't" ever get up to that point. I'm setting my mind to achieve greater things in life and not limiting myself! 

A lot of times, all we have to do is try and we'd be amazed at what we could accomplish! The other day I told my best friend I was going to attempt to unclog my sink and she said "you better call a plumber before you mess something up".  I refused to believe I needed assistance before trying it myself first! I went on YouTube, watched a tutorial, and BAM, I unclogged the sink with no problems! Had I listened to her, I would have claimed defeat before trying and assumed the task was too hard for me to do alone. I realized in that moment that the are SO MANY THINGS that we assume we can't do and we haven't even tried it to know it's not possible to do. 

So that's that....I'm taking the limits off....I'm not stopping myself with insecurities and self-doubt! I'm ready for the world! I CAN DO IT! 

13.1 miles....DONE!! I did it!!!

I'm so proud to say that this past weekend was my very first time running a half marathon and I FINISHED!!! I'm still high off the weekend....whew it was amazing!!!

RECAP!!!

I drove to Leesburg on Friday to meet Bih and Jamz to pick up our race packets at the runner's expo!

After the expo, we headed over to Vapiano's for a hearty pasta meal!! Gimme them carbs!!! I must say, it was my first time eating there and it was DELICIOUS!!!

Chicken alfredo with garlic and onions! Yum!!

After the expo and our carb fest, we headed to Jessica's house to meet up with her and Sasha.  We ended up finding our way back out to eat again that night. Bih and I just split an entree to keep it light.  I was uber excited so as soon as we got home, I was headed straight to bed! I laid out my race clothes and was ready to hit the sack especially since we were getting up so early in the morning (the race started at 7:30am).  

I decided on wearing a running skirt, tank, and a long sleeve top to wear in the beginning of the race since it was soooooo cold that morning! It was in like the 50s!!

We originally planned to leave the house at 6:00am because Bih wanted to get to the race site at 6:30 so we'd be there an hour before it started. We ended up not leaving until 6:30am and as soon as we got on the highway....this happened......

Oh and it continued....the...whole...way...to...the...race!!! Bumper to bumper freakin traffic!!! All I could think was..."this soooooo is not happening right now".  Oh but it most certainly did....HAPPEN!!! Turns out that over 4,000 people registered for this race and the lovely race people decided to have it a venue that only had a one way lane going in and out of the venue...thus..the delay! Ugghhh!! I prayed the whole time that we would still be able to run the race. I had worked so hard and to end up not being able to run because of this totally devastated me. 

Needless to say, we ended up making it to the race site around 8:50am!!! It took us 2 hours to get there when it should have only taken 30 minutes. Crazy bananas like ish!!! When we arrived at the site, we got out and hustled our buns to the starting line which really wasn't necessary because EVERYBODY was late due to this prior piss poor planning on behalf of the race officials. The race didn't end up starting until 9:00am (an hour and 1/2 after it was officially supposed to start).  

When we first got there, we got in line to use the bathroom (us and every other lady out there or so it seemed....lines were ridiculous).  Then I hear "last call for half marathon runners to the start line".  I was in a slight panic mode because we were behind! We were like the last people to take off and this caused me to be nervous and my mind was just all over the place. I took off running at a really fast speed thinking to myself "slow down....what are you doing!?" But I kept running at that speed and never slowed down! It's true what they say about the adrenaline rush you experience when you run these races. As we were running, I saw a lady who was about my height zip past me. I decided I would keep up with her throughout the race to stay on track. She looked like a serious athlete who would produce good results.  I kept up with her for like the first 5 or 6 miles with both of us alternating between getting in front of each other. I then spotted a woman who was clearly a senior citizen who was GETTING IT!!!! She inspired me so much!!! And due to the fact that she was running at a pace that was phenomenal, I decided to use keep up with her too (tall girl left me in her dust around mile 9...ah well...Gramz and I rolled tight). I congratulated the older lady at the end of the race and told her she was truly an inspiration! She turns 60 next month!! That's so awesome!!!

I was feeling really good and everything was going wonderfully despite the fact that the race course was really hard because there were sooooooooooooo many hills!!! And we were running on gravel at some points. We didn't reach a flat stretch until mile 7 through 10.  By mile 10...my right hip was cursing me out all kinds of terribly!! I was trying my bets to just keep running, but the pain was unbearable at some moments. 

Around mile 11, there was ANOTHER freaking hill! And not only was it a hill, it was a beast of a hill! Super steep and ridiculous! I power walked up it and just did the best I could. Also at mile 11, we were running through a neighborhood and a family was outside giving out cups of beer. I sure did help myself to a cup! I was so over this whole thing by this point in time and my hips were on fire! I grabbed a cup and chugged it down as fast as I could. I got a burst of energy after that for about a tenth of a mile, then it was back to a power walk.  

By mile 12, I was relieved to know it was almost over!!! I wanted to run the entire last mile, but I walked a little bit of it. I didn't start pushing through the pain until probably the last half mile.  I hobble to the finish line feeling like my hip was going to pop out of the socket. I was in so much pain, but I just kept going. I managed to pose for the camera so I could at least get a good race pic out of the deal! I can't wait to see what they look like.

 My friend Sasha captured this pic of me as I approached the finish line

You can see it on my face that the struggle was real! 

Waiting at the finish line were some HUNKS handing out the medals! I got my prized possession of a medal and put it on with PRIDE!!! I also then went to the fuel station and grabbed a banana and two chocolate chip cookies (dag they were good).  I was sooooo proud of myself after I finished!! It was one of the best feelings in the WORLD!!

Here I am post race! It felt soooo good to be done! I finished in 2 hours, 32 minutes, 07 seconds.  I wanted to finish in at least 2:30:00, but hey, for my first time, I'll take it! And with all those crazy hills, I definitely will take it with pride!!

Now I'm off to prepare for the "off-season".  This is just me getting stronger as I get ready for my next half  marathon that I'm going to run next year. From now until about April, I'll lift and get more power in my legs. I'll focus more on getting stronger and  just running a few times a week.  By April, it'll be time to start getting serious about training for another late summer/early fall half!!! 

Oh and I was super pressed to get this sticker and put it on my car STAT after the race!! It's official...I ran a half marathon and I'm proud!

Sunday Funday?

Today I experienced a little "fun" envy as I surfed through my social networking sites.  Still recovering from this sickness, I stayed in bed all day trying to rest up before work tomorrow.  

 

Everyone is soooooo excited about football season starting back up which further elicited several "Sunday Funday" posts! I do enjoy seeing all the fun that everyone's having, but it did make me feel a little lonely and isolated today. Uggghhhh these feelings of mine are all out of whack! It got so bad, that I started thinking about moving to another city because I felt like life here in my current location is secluded and blah. Then it dawned on me the problem is where I actually live. I truly do live away from everything and I'm seriously toying with the idea of either selling my house and moving back into the city or just renting it and moving back into the city.  Then there comes the idea of what am I going to do with all this stuff I've accumulated that fits nicely into a 3 bedroom townhouse, that wouldn't fit into a one bedroom apartment. I mean I really do like living in this area and have made some really good friends, but living almost 20 miles away from the action totally puts a damper on having a thriving social life.  

Had I not fallen ill to this dreadful cold, I originally planned to go to church this morning then head over to a friend of mine's family cookout to celebrate her and her mother's birthday.  If you know me, you know I love a good cookout with lots of food and people to fellowship with! I was totally bummed that I made the decision not to attend because I figured I needed to take full advantage of this day off to rest up and be fully healed for the upcoming week. 

Good news is that I discovered last night that the recommended dose of Mucinex D is two tablets instead of one, so I took that last night before bed along with two Advil's for the sinus pressure pain I was experiencing.  Last night was an amazing sleep and I woke up feeling good! The cough is still here (but it doesn't hurt) and the sinus pressure is still hanging around (but not too painful). I'm thankful that I truly am feeling better.  

My hair looks like "who shot John? And why?", yet my leopard print night gown is making me feel a tad bit fabulous. Hey, sometimes it's the little things that can make you feel sexy even when you really look like hell! 

On a lighter, less depressed note....I've started brewing up some ideas for my 30th birthday!!! It's in about 5 months and I really want to travel somewhere! I'm thinking of Phoenix!! I called my sister today to see if she'd be game to go with, but she has to figure some things out first before she can truly commit.  Hopefully things will work in my favor and I'll be hopping on a plane to a fun destination to ring in the next decade of my life! 

How was your Sunday? Have a great week! :)

One week until the 1/2

......and I'm sick!!!!!

Freaking GREAT!!! I so planned to do a long run today after a babysitting gig and the weather was absolutely perfect for it all!

This all started on Friday morning.  I woke up and wasn't feeling right, but figured I'd just shake it off. As the day went on, I progressively got worse! Today, I feel like a ton of bricks have hit me in the face....sinus pressure, running nose, cough, etc.

I'm taking some meds and the advice of many to get plenty of rest and to drink plenty of fluids. The only problem with the rest and the fluids is the frequent visits to the bathroom....BLAH! Kinda makes it hard to get some uninterrupted rest when you're up and down to the potty.

I'm hoping and praying for a full recovery by mid week. I'm taking it easy this weekend and just made a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup.  We'll see how this goes.

Hopefully I'll be able to be well enough to get another run in before the half, but I'm not going to push it. Things happen, and I've trained hard. I'm going to give it my all next weekend and hope for the best!

What I've learned about failure thus far

My trip to the library the other day consisted of picking up 4 new books that I was eager to read. One was a pre-planned selection, one was a book that I had decided I wanted to read earlier this summer, but never got around to it, and the last two were totally selected at random.

I chose the last two for the sole purposes of inspiring myself. I'm all into being inspired and after last week's horrible funk, I was still recovering from shaking it all off.  Things were getting better in my life and the bad times were slowly, but surely turning into better days. One of the books I picked up is The Best Advice I Ever Got: Lessons from Extraordinary Lives by Katie Couric.  I usually read the inside flap to determine if I want to read the book or not, and I was instantly sold to check it out. The introduction was also well written and drew me in as Katie explained what life for her has been like and some of the challenges she faced. She also talked about how she landed her job with ABC news when she was only 22 years old.

Basically, it started with her sending her resume and getting no response. Then it went on to her going up to the station, dressed to impress, and boldly requesting to talk to a man who could hire her. She was turned away by the receptionist. Desperate times called for desperate measures and she finagled her way in by calling someone who knew someone who knew the man she wanted to speak to and BAM...she was in there like swimwear for a chat with the head guy!

On Instagram the other night, Jordin Sparks posted a photo of herself back when she auditioned for American Idol and talked about how she was turned down at the LA audition, but was determined to try again regardless. She then went to audition in Arizona, won, got sent to Seattle for a second audition and made it. Her words of encouragement are: "I wouldn't be where I am today had I walked out that LA stadium with a quitters attitude."

Then there are the failure stories of Michael Jordan who didn't make the high school basketball team, Bill Cosby who performed in a big time night club for the first time and was told "YOU STINK", Dr. Seuss who was turned down time after time by publisher after publisher refusing to give his books a chance, and the list goes on!

It seems as if everyone I know or know of who is successful, has failed time and time again while trying to get to success. This basically tells me one thing about failure: it happens!

Things don't always work out the way we want them to.  We don't always get it right on the first try. If you quit, you'll never know.

Unfortunately, failure sometimes causes us to lose hope.  Sometimes we get down on ourselves and feel like we'll never get a break or things won't ever let up.  I have learned that it's ok to wallow in your disappointment, but when you get down, don't stay down! You've got to get back up and try again.

Failure is an inevitable part of success. With every success story, there is many stories of failure to accompany it. And the best part of it all, is that when you finally succeed, the victory is that much sweeter!

2 weeks until race day

I am officially in the last stretch of my half marathon training! Last weekend, I ran 13.12 miles for the very first time in my life!!! My training scheduled advised that I run 13.5 miles, but that 13.1 is all that it will take for the actual half so there you have it! I did it! The whole time I was running, I chanted a mantra in my head that goes like this "If you say you can't, you won't. If you say you can, you will".  And guess what...I DID!!

I am so proud of myself because I remember the day I nervously registered for this half marathon. Yes, I considered myself to be out of my mind and was taking a huge RISK! I had never ran more than 6 miles in one setting in my life and I never considered myself to be a "runner".  My sister along with my friend Bih on the other hand were true runners. They expressed a passion for it and had ran several races before.

I have developed a deeper appreciation for the sport mainly because I am so proud of what I'm doing. So many people put limitations on what they can do when they say "oh I can't even run around the block".  But you'd be surprised what you can do when you truly set your mind to it.

I'm looking forward to running and completing this race because it signifies that when you set a goal in your life and truly work hard, it can be achieved. I'll keep you all posted on how it goes after it's all said and done!

Wish me luck!!! :)

How do you get through....when you're going through?

Over the past couple of days, I've been in a constant struggle to choose to have a positive attitude.  I will admit, some days it has come naturally, but other days it has truly been a fight. Or so it has seemed that I'm waging an internal war with myself.  

I believe that having a good attitude despite what's going on in your life, is truly a choice. We are able to "trick" our minds into thinking everything is gonna be alright if we constantly focus on that saying instead of resorting to an easier way of thinking "this sucks and life is falling apart for me"...or as some eloquently express it "FML = f*ck my life".

Over the past couple of months, I feel like I've had this calling over my life to bring hope to others as well as to inspire them. Let my positive vibes rub off on them and perhaps make their lives just a little bit better. To inspire them when they are going through a hard time with something I may post on my Facebook or Instagram account.  

Then I thought, but what about me? Who's inspiring me? Is every day really this happy? What happens when I face a hard time?

 Let's be real here....

Well in the past couple of days...well actually the past couple of weeks, I've had to find answers to these questions.  The truth is, every day really isn't always a good one for me. I can recount a few times in the past week that I've experienced some symptoms of depression.  I wouldn't go so far to say I'm depressed, but I do feel like there has been a significant change in my mood for the worst. Maybe it's hormonal on top of some unfavorable events that have taken place....idk.  I just find myself seriously working to elevate my mood and keep it that way. Like this is a true job to be happy or something. 

I have done a lot of reflecting over these past couple of days and have decided that although I feel like I'm struggling right now, I have recognized that I still have a choice. Often times we don't want to choose to be positive despite what's going on because it's just so much easier to sleep all day, shut everyone else out of our lives for a few days as we shut down, drown our sorrows in a bottle of wine, or just simply feel sorry for ourselves. Oh and to jump on the opportunity to star in the latest episode of Woe is Me.  

But how do you get through when you're "going through"? Here's a start, think back to the last time you had something unfavorable happen in your life. You know that time when your life was crumbling and crashing all around you and you didn't know when the bull was going to be over with? Yeah, and then you remember back to the day of breakthrough. The day you finally made it to the other side of normal again and could smile without it being forced. Woohoo!! That was a great day!! It'll come again....as you choose to get there. Slowly and steadily better days are on the horizon. 

Embrace all those cliches that we kind of shy away from because no one wants to hear some worn out cliche when your life seems to be going in a direction that you had no intention of it to go. In conclusion, I had to tell myself something that I find to be so helpful when I'm "going through". 1. What is this experience teaching me? What can I learn from this that will make me better? 2.) Life is all about seasons, and seasons change whether you want them to or not. Every day is not going to be like summer.  Whether we like it or not, winter has a purpose too.  Look for the blessing in every lesson. Hope for a brighter day because we all know that it's eventually coming. 

...thanks for reading.... :)  

Gym moaners

One type of person I usually roll my eyes at while turning up the volume of my iPod at the gym is the token "gym moaner". Now you might not be familiar with who a "gym moaner" is, so I'll tell you. It's those women (sometimes men) who are lifting a set amount of weight and then they start moaning/groaning/panting or making some other form of weird noise as they lift. My opinion of these people is that they clearly just want some attention!

Hey everyone!!! 

  

Look at me lift this weight and just to be sure you're watching, I'm going to give you an audible show along with it!!! Typical Mrs. Parker type! LOL

But there's this thing where you really don't understand someone until you're faced with that same situation. I was at the gym the other day doing some pull ups. I was doing descending reps with only a 10 second rest in between basically doing a muscle failure exercise and it happened....

I did it....

I became a "gym moaner"!!!!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

How did this happen!!??

I totally didn't intend to let out a loud, I can hear myself over my iPod, MOAN!!!! 

I was definitely not looking for any attention (there was like 1 or 2 other people in the whole gym at the time), but I was definitely struggling to get through that last set and it just...HAPPENED!!!

After that experience, I vowed to never judge another "gym moaner" cause it definitely happened to me again! I became one of those people that usually get on my nerves at the gym. LOL le sigh! 

Do you have any pet peeves at the gym? 

When life doesn't go according to plan

For the past couple of days, I've been a tad restless and not really feeling at peace.  Last night I decided to pray about how I have been feeling and really lay it out there with God. I also read one of my devotionals by Joyce Meyer to try to shake the feeling. I was a tad bit behind in some of my devotionals from the month of July, so I went back in the archives to read one that I had missed.  The topic for the devotional was called "When Life Doesn't Go According to Plan".

There's a saying that goes "if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans".  There are many scriptures that instruct us that God already has our lives planned out and all we must do is trust Him that the way things are going have already been laid out and that everything will work out in the end. 

I can't even begin to count how many times I have felt like I needed to "help God" along with speeding up things that I wanted to happen in my life. I also can't even begin to tell you how many times those things I felt like I needed to get involved in blew up in my face and turned out to be not as pleasant or wonderful as I had hoped they would be. 

Last night while reading the devotional, I decided to share a passage on Instagram and add a caption under the passage (my own two cents).  As I created the post and added my caption, I felt like what I had to say would really help someone, but I must admit, I struggled to accept and really believe wholeheartedly these things for myself and my own situations. Here is the post:

Ok let me clarify a few things. I do believe what I have written here, bu as I was hoping to help someone else, my words were ministering to me.  I believe God wants the best for me and I believe He won't withhold any good thing that He has already declared is meant for me! I do struggle with waiting patiently while I'm trusting His timing. I try very hard to be patient, but I'm oftentimes extremely anxious and want things when I want them. I guess that's human nature for a lot of us. 

I am, however, working on all of this. I try to find an opportunity to exercise my patience in any situation that I can. I was also listening to Joyce Meyer on YouTube one day and she did a sermon on patience and trusting God (right on time for me!).  In that sermon, she said "patience is not the ability to wait. It's how you act while you wait. Patience is a fruit of the spirit and it only grows and develops under trail." Whew!! Ain't that the truth!!! 

When I woke up this morning, I felt an increased sense of peace. I felt so ready to seize the day and I felt amazing! I then went on to do today's mediation with Oprah and Deepak followed by an amazing, yet strenuous workout at the local high school track! 

I think it's normal to get a little antsy with life sometimes, but it's always comforting to just stop, relax, breathe, and spend some time in fellowship with God. I feel like I'm back on track now and ready to just trust in His timing because I know deep down in my soul, I won't be disappointed!

How do you deal when life is not going the way you planned? 

Mantra Monday

I'm going to give it a try to go back to a themed day on my blog. Workout and Worship Wednesday is taking a bit of a break, but I hope to bring it back soon!

Right now, I'm motivated to do Mantra Monday because I just signed up to do the 21 day meditation challenge with Oprah Winfrey and Deepak Chopra!  If you would like to still sign up, it's not too late.  Here's the link.  

This post is actually inspired by two things I came across today.  One is from today's meditation.  Before the meditation begins, Oprah describes what we can all expect from this journey.  In that, she said "be the love you want to experience".  That statement was very powerful to me because I feel like it's so true.  You get what you put out (in some cases).  Which leads me to my next point.  I got an e-mail from a blog I follow called Marc and Angel Hack Life and they had a recent post called 6 Reasons Your Relationship is Suffering.  Here's the link to the post.  

The first point made is to let go of expectations of how someone "should be".  This got me thinking about how we should give and love without expectations.  What I mean by this is when we give, don't expect to get something back.  Give as much as you can and to a certain comfort level where you feel like you've done your part by giving, yet not to the point that you feel like you've been taken advantage of. Give and love freely regardless of what the other person is going to do.  I find that giving and loving like this is good for your own soul.  

Now I don't recommend giving and giving and giving of yourself and you feel depleted because someone or something is always making withdrawls and never making deposits. I say you have to really feel this out, but it is really rewarding to just give (time, money, etc.) freely without always expecting to receive in return. The old adage is true "it's better to give than to receive".  I never really understood or agreed with this as a child (ha...children and their egocentric ways).  But as I have matured and grown, I do enjoy and get pleasure from giving to others regardless of what I may receive in return.  Lending a helping hand, giving money to someone in need or to a worthy cause, spending time with someone who needs a pick-me-up, etc. 

I think the same goes with love. If we give the love we want to experience, yet love without expectations, then I think that could be a really awesome gift back to ourselves.  I'm up for embracing these mantras, how about you? Any thoughts?

...love is friendship set on fire...

Being Mary Jane

Last night, I got an opportunity to watch a new sitcom that BET is launching called Being Mary Jane featuring Gabrielle Union as Mary Jane Paul.  I don't have cable so when the premiere came on earlier this month, I was not able to partake in watching the show with the rest of the world (or whoever chose to watch).  My social media accounts buzzed with commentary regarding the show and discussed how they liked it or disliked it.  I saw more good commentary than bad, so I totally wanted to check this out for myself. Finally, I found a site online that had a link to watch the entire show. 

After watching, my opinion is that I liked it! I really like Gabrielle Union so that could be my first bias.  Either way, overall, I thought it was a good show and after watching some clips from what to expect when the series airs in January 2014, I was hooked! I felt like it looked like it was going to be a really good show! I am also a comments junkie who will sometimes sit and read the majority of the comments people post on these sites.  Again, the majority of the comments were positive! People expressed how much they liked the show and how they couldn't wait until it comes on again. 

Of course we all know nothing is going to get ALL stellar reviews.  There was this one review which left me basically speechless.  As much as I tried, there was no argument I could say against the comment.  Here it is below:

To All (No one in particular)

I have to disagree with this show being great. I think this show is an example of why there are so many single black women in this world. Some black women have a false hope that they deserve a baller or an elite man and have no skill, discipline, or self-respect to keep a baller. This woman is sleeping around, she makes it ok for men to show up to her home unannounced and sleep with her AND people are like oh but she has a great career. Honey!!her soul is dead and she is miserable.  Mary Jane allowed herself to be subjected to midnight dinner invites – nothing public. This woman is craving real love Her career can’t lover her, grow with her, keep her legacy alive (produce children). Mary Jane is drowning. And her own black sisters think this is great or a cute show and are looking forward to sitting back to watch this trash.

I know many of you may say “it’s just a show”, but I tell you crap like this is so relatable, because many of you woman posting – live this same life. A master’s degree or career success should not give Mary Jane a pass to be ratchet. Many don’t look down at Mary Jane, because she doesn’t have kids running around or work at the local hair store, but she is doing the same thing as Shay (Love & Hip Hop) or other girls that we turn our noses up at. But it’s ok because she is successful. Huh?

There was not 1 positive image of a black man on the show.

Lover #1 – married playing games

Lover #2 – not looking for a serious relationship. (Ex lover bouncing in and out of her life)

Father – not taking control of the family/household

Older brother – living at home with his parents, raising his kids at his parents’ house

Younger brother – no car, Mary Jane (good ole black woman has to save the day) 

Neighbor – homosexual (can’t procreate and continue black life)

No disrespect to anyone, but if you are offended than you are a part of this problem. My intentions were to make you aware “In love” – Have a great day/evening. Watch these messages people. You are being insulted right in front of you own faces and you think it’s cute.

Signed a Black Woman wanting to see her people do better.

Well damn! I mean what can you say to that!? Well actually, after reading it again, there were a few things that I felt like I could interject about, but for the most part, she has a point here.  One interjection is that I didn't get that Mary Jane feels like she deserves a "baller" or "elite" man.  I think she's just looking for love in all the wrong places.  According to a background description of the show on another site, the character Mary Jane is 40 years old. In empathizing with her, but not excusing poor decisions, I'm sure to be 40 and have yet to find love or be able to have children could make some woman feel some type of way. In fact, I'm quite sure it makes them feel some type of way. Now I'm not saying this for all women who are 40 and still single without children, I said some women.  

I do agree with the part about how women can relate to this show. You may not be able to relate to all that's going on, but there are some aspects of Mary Jane's life that you probably saw or see in your own life. Perhaps that's why it's drawing such a crowd of followers.  Like it or not Miss. Commenter, but if it's relatable, it's relatable. Should we be doing better? Heck yeah! Have we been in Mary Jane's shoes at one time or another (or some of us may still be in her shoes)...probably so! You may have been there when you were  in your 20s or 30s instead of at 40, but my take is that it's not out of the norm tor over-dramatized  Again, I'm not excusing this behavior or giving it a pass, I'm just saying it is what it is. 

After reading this comment and reflecting on my own thoughts of the show, my hope is that Mary Jane will evolve over time. I'm hoping for a "started from the bottom now we here" type of thing.  You can't go through life carrying on like you've never made a mistake! You can also learn what not to do, by watching the mistakes of others.  Maybe this commenter felt like it was making black women look bad, thus her feelings of discord for the story line. She then went on to say some pretty unnecessary things about how Gabrielle Union is basically living out her own life through this character (re: her relationship with D. Wade).  That did not strengthen her argument in my opinion.  

I do think that the commenter's hope is that we will start showing a better depiction of black people, women, families, men, etc. on television! There are so many shows out right now that basically have black people looking a ratchet mess! Where are the positive images? Shows that I grew up on like The Cosby Show, Family Matters, Fresh Prince of BelAir, Sister, Sister, Hanging with Mr. Cooper, Good Times, etc. all depicted a growing, prospering, and positive image of a black family.  We don't have many of those shows out anymore and if they have had a chance at being aired, they didn't last long (Reed Between the Lines was a good show that I liked, but it didn't last long).  I've heard these shows don't last because it's not enough "drama" in them to keep viewers attention.  

If you have seen the show, what are you thoughts on it? 

The Mrs. Carter Tour aka the highlight of my summer!!!!

Summer vacation is rapidly dwindling down for me! I have 2 weeks from today before I go back to work for the 2013-2014 school year. I must admit, I have had a phenomenal summer!

Before summer began, I was asked by coworkers "what are you doing this summer? Are you traveling anywhere?" My response was "ehh I've got a few things planned, but I'm not doing any serious traveling." I wasn't too confident that I was going to have an amazing summer, even though the events I knew I was going to attend were exciting to me. I suppose not having a vacation in another country planned kept me from fully feeling like this was going to be a summer for the proverbial "books".  

This past Saturday, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel down to Charlotte, North Carolina with my best friend Jaime to see Beyonce in concert!! Jaime convinced me back in February when the tickets went on sale that we should go. With a limited mind, I reluctantly agreed to seek out getting tickets because I was convinced that the tickets would be way too expensive, or damn near impossible to obtain.  Jaime excitedly assured me that we could get tickets and that we should totally go because this is BEYONCE!! 

At the time, I liked Beyonce and respected her as an artist, but she wasn't someone I would classify as my all time "favorite".  Now don't get me wrong, I love her music! I have always liked a plethora of her songs and she can dance her tail off!! I give her credit for that! I just was thinking, umm...I don't really care to spend a lot of money on a concert.  With enough convincing, Jaime and I purchased tickets and patiently waited until July 27th.  

After watching Beyonce's documentary on HBO Life is but a dream, I gained a higher level of respect and admiration for her.  I was even more excited now about seeing her in concert! It also helped get me revved up as other friends of mine had gone to a concert in different parts of the country during this tour and they shared their excitement and stamp of approval of a job well done! 

Jaime and I arrived in Charlotte and met my sister, Ange and her husband, Chika.  We went out to lunch when we arrived and hit the mall to get some final additions to our outfits for the show. We then headed back to the hotel to get dressed. By this time, I was bursting with excitement and couldn't wait to get to the arena! We got there a little late, so we missed the opening act, but that was alright with me. We got there just in time to find out seats and relax before Bey took the stage! 

As soon as she got on, THE CROWD WENT WILD!!!! Of course we did!!! And she put on a hell of a show!!!! She looked amazing and boy can she MOVE!!! It's a true talent to be able to sing AND dance in HIGH HEELS without sounding like you're going to pass out! In between costume changes and set changes, the audience was entertained with video clips and graphic effects. It was definitely an explosive show and I can confidently say it was the best concert I've ever been to!!! 

One of the most inspiring aspects of the concert was a video clip that was played.  I was lucky enough to find it on YouTube to share with all of you! I hope it inspires you too!! 

 

Hats off Mrs. Carter!! You did your thang girl!!!! I hope to see her again in concert!! It was definitely worth every penny!!!!!! 

Proverbs 4:23

                                                             

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it" -- Proverbs 4:23 [NIV]

This scripture has been surfacing in my life for the past couple of months. It's become one of my favorite scriptures and also one that I have spent great time meditating on and using as a reference in prayer.  Last night, the scripture appeared on an Instagram post that I reposted from another user, then it happened to be in a book that I was reading before bed. I figured it was confirmation that God wanted my attention and focus on it even more so I decided to blog about it.

Although it's become a favorite, I must admit I haven't always been 100% sure what it really meant. Like what does it really mean to guard your heart? And who/what are you guarding it from!? When I think of guard, naturally, I think of this....

meet the token "guard dog" LOL

And then I've considered that maybe a guarded heart looks a little bit like this...

But then I thought about where this scripture is coming from and it's from God. None of these images reflect God in my opinion. Being calloused and vicious or keeping your heart protected by something so that it's almost impossible to let anything or anyone in can't be what this is all about. 

The last piece of the scripture says "...for everything you do flows from it".  How true is this!? The heart is such a tender yet amazing organ. Without it, we clearly are dead from an anatomical point of view. But from a emotional side, how we feel, what we do, our motives, etc. all come from our heart as well. 

A friend of mine shared this blog post that another blogger wrote on the topic. After reading her point of view, I gained a different perspective.  I had never thought about it like this. She basically relates guarding your heart from Satan.  To keep him from getting into your heart by using people, emotions, and situations to gain access. I like this perspective that we must guard ourselves from tricky Satan.  

I admit that ever since the first time I saw this scripture, I thought about guarding your heart in a romantic relationship (there goes the lover in me).  Then as I continued to see the scripture used in different contexts, I realized that it's not just in romantic relationships, but with any relationship with others. We must take hold of our emotions, gain control, and be very careful yet prayerful especially when emotions are high.  

Be open, but be smart when you're dealing with others. Mainly, I took it to mean that I should stay connected to God and look to Him to guide and lead me in every situation. Ask Him for His help before you take matters into your own hands and act out of emotion or impulsively.  I think we've all acted out of emotion and later regretted our emotional decision once we had a chance to calm down or get back to a neutral state of mind.  

And speaking of your mind, these other translations of the verse translate directly to pertaining to the mind. The Common English Bible (CEB) translation says "more than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it" . And finally The Good News Translation (GNT) says "be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts".  Sometimes our thoughts can run wild and it almost feels as if we can't control the things that come into our mind. I know I have struggled with my thoughts and had to quickly try to turn negative thoughts into more positive ones.

Be careful what you're putting into your mind.  Fill your mind with things that encourage you instead of discourage you. Be careful who you take advice from and who you share things with. It's so natural for us to turn to friends, family, coworkers, acquaintances, etc. when we're going through things especially if we think they will understand what we're going through because they have once been there.  Turning to God is really all we need! His advice is what's best for our lives!  With Him, we can't go wrong! 

What does this scripture mean to you?