Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Always the little things that mean so much


Recently after a very busy and strenuous week I decided to do something that I love to do but never have the time, * okay, uh, Make Time* for.... a bath.
You know, actually using one of those things that is in the bathroom. It's rather large and hold like 15 gallons of water. Yeah most of the time mine just sits there unused, gathering dust and holding little Nick-knacks on its edge. I have every intention of spending time with it, often dreaming of how high I could fill it up with bubbles. Imagining myself soaking away all my troubles as I inhale the aromatic oils of jasmine and rose. But then, life takes over and I have to opt for the often quick shower.

Finally, I pushed my "schedule" aside and made time for ME. I filled the tub with hot water and began to add my favorite ingredients; Honey, baking soda, avocado oil and Jasmine essential oil. Deep breath in through the nostrils.....ssslllowwwwly exhaling through the mouth. *SIGH*

As I eased my tired body into the therapeutic waters, I felt each muscle relax and all the stiffness went away to a place far, far, away. I set my Pandora stations to my favorite tunes and very soon realized why this was one of my favorite past times. I was able to take real time just for me. I was able to give my body and mind the TLC that it deserved. I realized that I was taking my own self for granted and vowed to remember how I felt at that moment. Making a mental note for an encore...

Friday, August 27, 2010

Why we gotta talk about this huh?


This is the time in my children's life that I sorta dread. It is the time in which they are very aware, and the light gets brighter and brighter on the concepts that I wanted to keep in a dark corner. Hidden under a basket. Suffocated. It is the time that seems to creep up on adults and take away the innocence from the eyes of the child.

In our home we had a recent stream of incidents that required some explaining of things in depth to the individual children.I Didn't want to, but due to the circumstance it needed to be done. My husband and I try not to make a big deal over such things, well at least not to the kids face. Inside my heart and behind our closed doors I am cringing and feeling sad because I want to keep their eyes and ears virgin like, forever. Of course, we know that option isn't really feasible, and so we press on providing details in increments as they are needed and required.

The most current situation to date involved me having to explain to my 11 yr old about a pkg. of condoms that were found in the nightstand drawer ( stop laughing & stop wondering). My initial reaction was like " well what you doing in my drawer anyway? Stay outta my bizness, chile!" *insert eye roll* But of course that was not the appropriate, responsible adult reaction. My husband was not home for me to throw this burden on his shoulders and off of mine; "hot potato!, hot potato!" The look on this child's eyes told me that I was not getting out of this no time soon. He wanted answers and he wanted them now!

So, I took a deep breath and proceeded to explain some things to him as best as I could. Adding on to the foundation of information he already knew, trying to fill in a few more gaps. I hate this...it feels weird...he looks weird as I tell it.... I would rather not! Where's his daddy?!

Fast forward a couple of days...

Well, while I was in my aesthetics class today, the other students and I began a brief discussion on sex and children and I was shocked to learn how other parents deal with the "sex talk." Actually NOT deal with it. These young women explained to me how they never had the talk with their parents. They had to learn it on their own, resulting in premature dating resulting in sex at a tender age. Having to make choices for birth control on their own. Wowwwwww, really? They encouraged me to keep talking to my children. Had they had "the talks" with their parents they would not have grown up so fast. By their own admission it is very necessary and they longed for it.

After hearing it from that perspective I decided that I just need to suck it up.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Pieces Of A Dream

I recently had a dream...my dreams are usually full of all types of unusual activities, people, places and events. Much often like a three ring circus, so much going on, you don't know were you should focus your attention. Because every ring is chock full of something exciting and your afraid you may miss out if you don't watch closely.

Often times I wake up and I don't remember the whole dream, but I'll remember that it was good or bad (based on how I feel when I awake). So this dream was no exception, It was a full three ring circus and I can't remember it all but, there was one segment that is very vivid to me. I was having a discussion with someone about taking chances and stepping out of our comforts. This was not for purpose of a career change, but for the purpose of self appreciation. In my dream I was explaining all of these pretty bizarre activities that I did in the name of love for self. None of which I do in reality, well, not to the extent in my dream. ;)

Anyway, in my dream I encouraged the young woman to see the need to take on the fight or flight attitude when it comes to self love and appreciation. Many times people (especially women) either run from loving and accepting themselves or they fight to achieve and maintain it. I had been on the flight aspect for most of my life. However, not too long ago I began my fight. And I must say just as much as it was/ is frightful it is also exhilarating. As I explained to the woman in my dreams I had to do some pretty radical things to force myself into self love and appreciation once I acknowledged that I was lacking.

I explained how necessary it was to do whatever you have to do to put yourself on the right path for this to take place. It can mean your very life and your purposeful existence. Once you accept the fact that you are lovable, worthy and beautiful your mind body and spirit begins to blossom in ways unimaginable. As I spoke, the woman's eyes grew wide, but I also saw the determination in them. I felt proud to have learned this lesson and share it with her. After saying my piece and feeling satisfied by it, I arose from my spot and in a most confidant way I left the room going through the door as regal as a black butterfly.

When I woke up I felt BEAUTIFUL and LOVED....

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Oh No She Didn't Tuesday!: We got trust issues

Last week my daughter and I were discussing the back to school items that she needed to begin 4Th grade. I don't know about you, but school sorta snuck up on me this year and I was totally NOT ready for the first day.

As we were talking about book bags, pens and paper I remembered that in the absence of school prep in my mind I had not booked a hair appointment for her. I figured well it's too late now, I'll just do her dreadloc maintenance myself. Shouldn't be too difficult...wash, condition, moisturize and twist the new growth of each 'loc.

I begin to explain my plans to this 9 year old little girl, who BTW has been going to the salon regularly since she five. Her face showed it all, the fear and distrust of ME a non-professional stylist doing her hair. You would think that should have been enough, but nooooo! This young girl proceeds to say " I don't think that is a good idea! I'm sorry to say this but I do not trust you doing my hair. I will just wait until you schedule my appointment with Shaina (our stylist), you might mess it up!"

"OH NO SHE DIDN'T! Clearly she got me all twisted....

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Terrific Tuesday Tasty Recipe: Eggs & Toast, Toast & Eggs

I enjoy a wonderful breakfast, in fact it is often my favorite type of food to eat. I especially like to eat a breakfast that is simple yet quick and goes well with my morning coffee or tea.

Here is a recipe that only has two ingredients, maybe three, that I think you will like. Some call it eggs in a basket but I just simply call it eggs in toast. Wanna try it? Check this out -

1 slice of whole wheat bread (or bread of choice) 1 egg 2 pats of butter 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese using a 3 inch circular cookie cutter or the shape of your choice, make a hole in the center of the bread. Place the butter in the pan to melt ( med heat), place the bread in the pan. Crack open the egg careful to keep it in the hole. Cook on each side about a minute and flip it over to the other side. Once done, slide on a plate, add cheese, salt and pepper to taste. Perfection!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Tapping into my creative side: a new kitchen back splash

Last week I stated that I was going to show you some pictures of my kitchen project. Well, I decided to do you one betta. I made another video. I'm still learning how to do this, so my voice and video is still a little off. Please bear with it and enjoy anyway.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Oh No He Didn't Tuesday! : What really is "normal?"

Recently I gave my eleven year old a list of chores to do. On this particular day that I delegated these chores I also did not allow any video game or television watching until it was all done. Mind you, my children are no strangers to chores. It is a common practice in our home. However, you know how it is, you give a kid an inch of slack from working and they just take a whole yard...or two.

Well anyway, my son was assigned the chore of washing dishes. HAND WASHING the dishes, not loading up the dishwasher, but absolute old skool filling up the sink with a few drops of liquid dish soap and a splash of bleach. I leave the area for a little bit and returned to see giant crocodile tears and a pleading look in my sons eyes. I ask him why and he responded with a flow of tears like a raging river.

He said....with so much sincerity "I just want to be a NORMAL KID WITH A NORMAL CHILDHOOD". Okay, so I had to blink a few times because of the shock. I had to look around me to be sure he was talking to ME. Last time I checked , this kid had a pretty good life. He continues to explain..."I don't like having to do these chores! All I wanna do is play like the rest of my friends. No one else has to work like I do! It is so unfair the way I have to clean every day. I think you make me do chores because of how you were raised and now your trying to do the same thing to me!"

BLANK STARE... Say it with me "OH NO HE DIDN'T !"

Welcome to “OH NO HE DIDN’T” TUESDAY, a super awesome blog carnival created by Kristi at Live and Love…Out Loud. Click on over to her blog to find out what made her and everyone else stop and say “OH NO HE DIDN’T!”