Have a wonderful Christmas!

Ive been tagged

Hunnie tagged me! I love theses things!

A.)Pass this on to 7 people:

Hunnie passed it to the other 2 folks i was goin gto pass it too..small world, lol...

Eb

Jenelly

Lola

Lyre

Ms. Tee (Green Eyez

B.)Answer the following questions using only one word.

where is your cell phone? purse

where is your significant other? home

your hair color? black

your mother? michigan

your father? with my mother

your favorite thing? toilet

your dream last night? many

your dream/goal? success

the room you're in? newsroom

your hobby? reading

your fear? God

where do you want to be in 6 years? L.A.

where were you last night? home

what you're not? boring

one of your wish list items? clothes

where you grew up? michigan

the last thing you did? type

what are you wearing? shirts

your tv? on

your pet? lazy

your computer? busy

your mood? eager

missing someone? no

your car? pretty

something you're not wearing? hat

favorite store? grocery

your summer? healthy

love someone? crazily

your favorite color? purple

when is the last time you laughed? today

last time you cried? october?

are you a b*tch? never

favorite position? when?

favorite past time? lounging

are you a hater or a lover? LOVER

are you genuine or fake? guess...

any vices? yup

pro life or wire hanger? do you

mccain or obama? Obama!!!

pro plastic or natural? natural

dream job? mom

Whew..

made it through the layoffs at work...15 people at my paper were left without jobs today...it was supposed to be 30 people...pure craziness...ive never been through anything like this before...and although i stil have my job..i still dont feel secure...the entire company is getting hit hard...throughout the company they are laying off more than 800 people...and right before the holidays...i really dont even have any words...but thank God i still have a job...i have bills up the butt that have to get paid...

other than that life is chill...ran outside the other day..it felt so good..until today, now im so sore..i run harder outside than i do on the treadmill..but it felt so good...the weather was perfect and i has T.I. in my ears...but im hurting right now...i gotta go bakc out tomorrow so my body can get used to the pavement...and i need to stretch better...my thighs are killin me...

i had all types of things to blog about a few days ago but now that im sitting at the computer i cant remember anything..that ever happen to you?

i realize i do some of my best thinking in the shower..the other day i was thinking about some future endeavors..and i realize i miss volunteering..i used to volunteer with the ladies at church, they held workshops for girls ages 11-15ish...every other saturday morning i would go and help with activities and get to know the girls...a mentoring program really...i didnt do as much as i now wish i did..it only takes one person to make an impact on someones life...i was thinking i would love to start a program like that one day for middle school and high school age girls...i really think that is the age you have to uplift them and teach self-esteem and answer all those questions a lot of girls that age are too afraid to really talk about...i would love to mentor and hold outings and create some kind of environment where girls feel safe and secure and learn...

i was thinking about my own past..i have stories to tell..especially about self-esteem and finding yourself and loving yourself...i would love to teach some of the lessons i had to learn...although i do realize some things you just have to go through...but if i can prevent someone from making a few of my mistakes...thats enough, thats worthwhile...so thats a goal...maybe when i move to L.A. in a couple years...if that still is even the plan by then...im not in a place now where i can really do that since i work nights...but hopefully one day...

dont worry...im still around...lol

ive been chillin lately...making lists...planning for the future...and doing a little traveling...

My guy and i have been really thinking about our future and what steps we need to take to get to where we want to be...top of our list is going back to church...we have both been slacking aand both out mamas would not like that fact that we havent been as dedicated as we need to be...i LOVED my church in indiana...and i need to find a good church home here...ill have to ask the ladies at the beauty shop what church they go to...our list actually got pretty long...i feel that we are focused and are both going in the same directiona dn have similar goals...im further along on some of them than he is and he hasme beat in a few areas...but we are ready to help each other and make it work...we have many short-term and long-term goals to reach..im really excited about life and just living each day and enjoying my friends and family...

i also made my own list of things i need to to for myself...i pulled out my old journal and just got to writing..it felt so good and when i got done i felt a lot better..like i made a path for myself...i think thats why i was so down a few weeks ago...life felt foggy...i felt like i was stuck...but now i feel more directed...

now on to my trips...





so i went to atlanta at the end of october and met up with my college girlfriends...it was soo much fun...i hadnt seen my girls in about 2 years and all 4 of us hadnt been all together in about 5 years...i love them so much..those ladies are so full of grace and style and just love life...two of my girls had some problems come up over the weekend but they handled business..didnt let the issues get them down too much...i was honord that i was there to be with them and talk with them during their brief down time...it was like we were back in the dorms...but well, we are grown now...the things we talk ab out and go through are not as petty as back in the day...

we hit up a couple parties, went to tailgate and went back on campus to see how our old home has changed...it was soo beautiful...we ran into a few of our other friends and just reminiced and enjoyed campus again....

my sweetie and i just got back from a weekend in vegas...that was soo much fun...we celebrated our two year anniversary by eating, drinking and walking the vegas strip...we really have so much fun together...we just kicked it and did whatever we wanted until it was time to go home...ill throw some photos of our trip up later...i tried to gamble but i really hate losing money so that didnt work out to well..after losing about 20 dollars on the slot machines i was done...we walked aroundt he malls and just windows shopped for the majority of the trip...but thats something we like to do together...its not about spending money but just looking at different styles and fashions and goofing off together...

now im back at work...but hey, i not mad about it..gotta make money...pay the bills...life feels so awesome right now...all i can do is give thanks for all my blessings and keep on pushin...

Blessed...

blowin in the wind

been meaning to write for awhile...but my computer at home doesnt want to act right and then my work computer caught a cold...but im here...still chugging along...which is what has been on my mind...its almost november...i feel as if the world is moving aorund me andim stuck in slow-mo..i dont know why but its just feels as if time is whizzing by me...and feeling stuck...my routine...feels too routine..make any sense? i feel like life needs to be shakin up a little bit... and its funny i write this right after commenting on my girl's (she feel like my girl anyway) lol blog about God having a plan and guiding her life...she feels rushed at the moment, and for good reason, she has a lot going on in her life, lots of change...i feel like my life is just creeping along...and its not bad, i love my life, my family, my man, my dogs, my friends...i guess life just feels real regular...i do have things to look forward too..i guess im just ready for them to get here...im excited for homecoming this weekend...me and my girls just having a great time, going out, looking cute..seeing folks i havent seen in a few years...and my trip to vegas for our two year anniversary...im letting him plan everything, so im excited about what we are going to do...i know it will be fun, we always have a good time... hopefully ill be going home at the beginning of the year...its time he met mom and dad...lol..actually, its past time, huh? but i dunno...i dont feel bored really...i just dont feel inspired...or creative..i spend so much time working and paying bills...you know, real life stuff, i dont feel that creative energy that used to have me bouncing off the walls...and i miss it...i feel slightly off center...like im neglecting pieces of myself because i have to focus on the day to day things... im sure i will figure it out...time will tell..

focus on me

So..i saw this on Eb's blog..and i knew i had to do it...enjoy me!

I am not: transparent
I hear: my thoughts
I regret: not listening to myself when i was younger
I care: about my inner circle
I long to: make an impact
I feel alone: less and less
I hide: most of my thoughts
I drive: with lil wayne in my cd player
I sing: because im happy?
I dance: around my apartment
I write: because i know no other way
I breathe: because im blessed
I play: spades when i get the chance
I miss: hearing my daddy play the piano in the middle of the night
I search: then i stop myself and pray for guidance
I say: what i need to say, when i need to say it
I feel: loved
I succeed(ed): by growing
I fail(ed): when i stifle my dreams
I dream: of having it all
I sleep: peacefully
I wonder: whats next
I want: joy and wisdom
I worry: that i want too much
I have: to stay on the treadmill until homecoming
I give: all i can offer
I fight: to be understood
I am: my mother's daughter
I can’t: believe vitamin water has 125 calories
I stay: relaxed
I will: keep it pushin
I can: be too blunt
I would: like to travel all over the world
I might: try some more recipes i saw on the food network
I like: sitting in the jacuzzi with a glass of champagne
I love: the smell of his cologne
I smile: when my dog humps her stuffed bear
I frown: when im underestimated
I read: too much news
I work: to play

the randomness

i was having some random conversation the other week and i was asked whats my favorite food...i like so many things i couldnt even come up with anything at that moment...too bad starch isnt a food group...it hit me a few days later...

i LOVE potatoes...i can eat potatoes every day...i dont, but i could...french fried, baked, mashed, twice baked, chips, red, yellow, new, garlic...yeah, see where im going with this?

i love potatoes...give me a baked potato topped with veggies, cheese, butter and Lawry's and i good to go....of course i take all the health out of a potato when i put all that on it...so i dont let myself eat them like that as often as i really want to...

ok, so that was my ode to the potato...real random...i think im hungry actually...

its still in the low hundreds during the day out here, hot but not humid, so not too bad...at night its soo nice though...its perfect jacuzzi weather....its great to get off work and head for the jacuzzi with a nice glass of wine...the sky is pretty clear out here so sitting back and just looking in the sky and relaxing is soo...perfect...nights like that there are no worries, just good times...

im still trying to get my fitness on so i can look hot for homecoming...im doing OK, the knees are hurting a little from the high incline i set the treadmill on so i find myself taking more days off than id like...but i have to take care of my knees so that i can exercise properly without injuring myself...im still fly so if i dont make my goal ill be good...im a good size anyway...i really dont need to go down anymore sizes...so who knows...time will tell...

not much going on over here in the desert, just watching the foodnetwork and waiting for football season to be over...anything, new, interesting or exciting around your way?

Tagged!

I've been tagged by the miss Sevens!
Here are the rules to follow:

1.) When you receive the prize you must write a post showing it, together with the name of who has given it to you, and link them back
2.) Choose a minimum of 7 blogs (or even more) that you find brilliant in their content or design.
3.) Show their names and links and leave them a comment informing they were prized with ‘Honest Weblog’
4.) Show a picture of those who awarded you and those you give the prize (optional).
5.) And then we pass it on!


ALLLRIGGGHHHT here is go!

1. I am going to homecoming in atlanta at the end of the month and i have to look GOOD! i am pushing my workouts to 5-6 days out the week for 45 min to 1 1/2 hours...and i put myself on a stricter eating schedule...at least until i get to atlanta...then im hitting up every single one of my fav resturants with my girls...i havent seen my best friend in 3 years..thats crazy...so we are about to tear atlanta down...i have to buy some new boots, jeans, a dress and sweaters...i know this is going to be a good time...

2. i miss my family...as much as i love california i miss being able to go hang out with my mama (sitting on the couch, eating tuna helper and watching tyler perry plays, lol) whenever i feel like it...but i never want to live in michigan again...i just dont see it happening...

3. i like FIJI water just because the bottle is cute...the water taste like every other bottle water but those bottles arent as cute...i like to put my crystal light packets in my FIJI bottle...it looks so pretty...

4. be fearless

5. my swagger has been so off lately...i need to get back on it...i am slackin...im soo comfy in my relationship i dont do the things i used to do...you know, shave regularly, put on makeup, wear something other than a t-shirt, jeans and sandals...yes, he thinks im cute no matter what but i feel like i need to get back into going the extra mile for him...more than twice a month...so im working on that this month...i plan on throwing on some mascara or earrings or something everyday...jay-z, kanye, t.i. and lil wayne have inspired me with their song swagger..and ne-yo had inspired me with his song miss independent..im lovin the remix to that song by the way...i mean clearly ne-yo, jamie foxx and fa-bo-lo-us are talking about me in their song...so i gotta step it back up and embrace my inner diva...

6. i dont daydream like i used to..and i miss it...i used to zone out and have the best trips in my mind...i guess im letting everyday life cloud my creativity...thats not good...especially for an english major, lol...i miss reading i havent opened a new book in a while, too long..ive been doing way to many other things...and yet, i dont feel like i do much at all...i used to take pride in my book shelves and now i dont even have all my books out...a lot are chillin in a closet..but thats also because ive been too lazy to buy a new book shelf..the ones i do have are full..and i can probably fill up one more...

7. im blessed!


i tag:
unrestricted
green eyes
lola
lyre
dappa

love, marriage and vegas...

hey beautiful people!
so here i am sitting at work snackin on some twizzlers....waiting for the night to end so i can wrap up and go home...i think CNN is on every tv right now...we are focused on the convention...im editing and designing the weeklies so i am knee deep in local/community news...tuesday's are probably my most relaxing days at work...my editor leaves at 8 p.m. so i am usually done by 8:15...but my shift is not up until 11...so i usually help other copy editors out and skim the news and gossip sites...

random: dont know why i like that t-pain and lil wayne song...i just do...plus i just love lil wayne's swagger...very sexy...

my sweetie and i are planning a trip to vegas to celebrate 2 years of putting up with each other...i mean two years of love and companionship...lol...im really excited...i live about 4 hours from vegas and have not taken time to go and visit..im not a gambler so i never really thought there would be anything for me to do in vegas...but he has been a few times with his boys...he has been researching hotels and want us to get spa treatments and im thinking he wasnt to go see a show...thought im not sure what...i wanna be surprised so im not asking...i told him since he was paying for all that id rent a nice car for the trip...

i told my co-worker that we were planning to go to vegas and he said "uh oh, yall gonna get married." ummm no...lol...i love the thought of marrying him..but it def wont happen that way... we talk about the future a lot...but we havent brought up marriage..and im cool with that..at a time when i have friends getting married and having babies i know we are not at the place just yet...i dont think about my biological clock or anything like the magazines say i should...i remember my best friends and i had it all planned at 22 that we would be married by 26 and pop out a kid by 30....well im 27 and in love...and thats just fine with me...would i love to be engaged? well the concept sounds real good, and im pretty sure a diamond would looke wonderful on my finger..if anything, its would be an excuse to get regular manicures...but a ring isnt that important at the moment...he is trying to start his career and im trying to figure out my next move...but long as we are both moving in the same direction i know that it will happen eventually...its all in God's hands, so if thats his plan, i wont argue, lol...

i think this is the first guy i ever really, truly thought about spending the rest of my life with...we just have so much fun..and half the time we are finishing each others thoughts and we both want the same things out of life...he compliments me and i do the same for him...we make each other better...its been almost two years and i can still talk about him all day and just thinking about him makes me smile...i look at him sometimes and think "damn he is gorgeous" lol...so i know this is some real love and im just enjoying it...i know i can tell him anything...ok, im done...lol...i told you i can talk about him all day....

so...who has been to vegas? where are some good places to eat, walk around, site see, etc? what are some good anniversary gifts for a guy? i have a couple ideas but could always use more...

my cup runneth over

so i was watching some movie over the weekend...jlo and richard gere...shall we dance? i think thats what its called..but anyway...i began thinking sometime during the movie how one desicion can change your life...one choice you make...even something as simple as whether to turn left or right can alter your future...i also started thinking about how some people live their lives as not to shake up their routine...gere took the same train home everyday and lived his life, harboring pieces of him that begged for more out of life, so that he would not potentially hurt his wife's feelings...he loved his wife and did not want her to feel as if she didnt make him happy enough...he wanted her to feel comforted in the knowledge that she was all he needed..but in reality he was holding himself back from himself...of course in the end it all comes together and they end up more in love than before....

that movie (as corny as it was) reminded me to keep living life, happily...to not put pieces of myself on the backburner for anyone and to take risks because i might find something new or i might have a powerful experience that will help me grow...and to trust in God's plan for my life...

"pieces of me shattered, jagged...broken...i picked my soul off the floor...piece by piece...slowly...carefully...scared to cut myself...with myself...i already had enough self-inflicted scars...i saw a part of myself...in each piece...a reflection of who...what...and where...i have been...i wanted to cry...but had no tears...i attempted to smile...but the life...wouldnt ...couldnt...reach my eyes...i was tired...of giving myself away...to the highest bidder...i no longer had the heart to keep reaching out...and grasping nothing...my shoulders were sore...from carrying everyones baggage...worried...needing to find me again...i cradled me in my hands...and closed my eyes...praying God would hear my voice...i remembered me...and i was whole again"

i found this e-mail i had sent to myself i guess more than a year ago...i send myself a lot of emails, just little phrases that float through my mind...i finally decided to clean out my inbox and this is what i found...and im actually amazed, im trying to figure out what was going on in my life at the time but its so far removed from where i am now that i cant even dwell on it too much...it makes me sad... anyway...i went home a couple weeks ago to visit the fam..ill write on that later..still trying to sort a few things out in my mind...plus i wanna post a couple pics so ill do that too...take care

27 and better than ever!

my bday was friday..i turned 27...and it was a cool birthday...not what i expected...not sure how i feel about that...but you gotta roll with the punches right? i was expecting a quiet birthday...just real chill...but of course when you have all your info on various networking sites...well, you dont get quiet...basically my coworkers threw a surprise bday party for me...well, it was supposed to be a surpsrise, i ended up finding out the day of when i came into work...but its the thought that counts...i work with some of the sweetest people...i had planned on going home after work and chillin...but ended up at the bar and then an afterparty at my place....i had 4 drinks..i felt so bad..i went and worked out the next morning...after popping some excedrin and getting a little grease in my system...my tummy was kinda queasy after the alcohol...

my girl maries hooked me up on sunday with brunch...she really did that damn things too..stuffed french toast, canadian bacon, sausage, eggs, fruit and mimosas! i ate to much...and to exercise that meal off too..lol...

funny, i was just reading earlier in the week about all the sugar in alcohol, lol...i know im a little crazy right now about counting calories and watching how much i eat...but im really beginning to be happy again with my body and im an extreme kinda person at times..im sure ill settle down in a while, once healthy eating and exercise really becomes a way of life for me...i had taken to wearing loose shirts cause i didnt want anyone to notice i had to unbutton my jeans halfway through my shift at work..and now...well those jeans are loose and i feel a lot more comfy wearing shirts that show my curves...im feeling like i felt in college...except a grown version...lol...i want to lose a little bit more then it will be all about toning and maintaining..i dont want to get skinny...i love my booty and my breats...i just want to be toned and curvy...im getting there...everyday it gets easier...

my ex called me over the weekend..i didnt even tell him it was my birthday weekend..i mean really, why? funny how i remember his...but back then i was all into him and he was into himself, so i dont expect him to remember something i told him back then, its not one of the things he remembers about me, HA!...yeah...but we had a good convo...i think we can truly be friends...and not just say it...there is no anger or sadness in my heart anymore thats long gone, i grew up, i healed and i found a wonderful love for myself and i found someone who loves me for me...but really as much angst as he put me through..if i unveiled all the extra shyt i was doing while dealing with him...i dont think he could handle it, even now...so i sit, lol..after our convo over the weekend we are cool...i think he understands where i am at in my life and i understand him...and those are the kind of convos i appreciate..i like to be understood...

on my way to work today one of my tires decided today was the day to get a hole...so ill be up early dealing with that...but thats just part of life, right?

i think the best thing about my birthday was that i got to talk to all my girls..i love them...they always bring laughter and good times...i am so thankful i have beautiful women in my life...emerson, i called you!!!

Happy Fourth!

i have been telling myself for the last couple weeks to get up on here and write something, lol...i have been slackin on my posting...

Happy Fourth of July!

I'm at work, missing my girl's party...she even told me she set up a slip and slide that goes right into the pool...not that i would get on it and slide into the pool, lol..i just got my hair done...

my boyfriend decided to get a puppy...meet marcus!



he is a 2 month old pit terrier...cute aint he!

see my man's hand...isnt it nice and strong looking, lol

clearly, im in a silly mood...but i suppose thats good...hardly anyone is at work today so we are chillin, just talking and having a good time while we work and collect our holiday pay...

working out had been going so well...i havent been to forever 21 in a long time...usually whenever i go in there i just get pissed because i can never fit anything...my "girls" cant breathe in those tiny shirts...i swear the tag on the clothing says large, i would go try it on and it would fit me like a small...well i went in there last weekend and saw a cute dress...i got brave and tried on a medium....IT FIT PERFECTLY!!! so now i have to go back and try on more stuff..it was so motivating...every time i dont want to work out i think about how i felt when i slid that dress down on me and it hugged all the right spots...and i get my butt on the treadmill...

now i have to find somewhere to wear the dress...im also on a misssion to find the perfect pair of jeans...and then buy 5 pair on them, lol

my bday is next week...im hoping the boyfriend took my victoria secret hints, lol...i keep getting on the web site and showing him stuff....

im getting ready to take a small vacation at the end of the month...im going home to see the fam...i havent seen my parents in almost a year and the last time i saw my big bro was in november when he came to visit..isnt that crazy? living so far away definitely has its downside...i talk to them about every other day so i dont feel as disconnected as i could..but i do miss them a lot...i need to make more money so i can go home more often...all i plan on doing when i get home is eating, shopping and hanging out with my fam...i will be metting my bro's new girlfriend...should be interesting...im pretty protective over him...my mom likes her so i hope i do...

i had a little incident when i was on the treadmill the other day....ill have to share that next time....

have a happy fourth...eat some bbq for me!

getting sexy for the summer!

i wish i could say i have been off having some wild adventure that kept me from posting...but...ive just been working and relaxing...how is everyone?

i did manage to bring a little summer sassiness to my blog..i love the bright colors, makes me wanna go relax by a pool and sip a margarita, lol...i should have my links to all yall wonderful bloggers back up soon...

yes, i did go see the sex and the city movie and.....I LOVED IT! i had to call one of my best friends after i left the theater to tell her how much i love her...im so glad i went by myself...i went to a afternoon show and there were a only few older couples a couple gay couples in the theater..its was soo nice...everyone really got into the movie and it wasnt crowded...i was good i didnt buy any popcorn, candy or pop...i really am trying to turn this diet/exercise routine into a lifestyle...i really just sat back and enjoyed myself...i even shed a few tears...

life is good around here...i feel so positive!

my boyfriends birthday is coming up next week so i am getting set for that..gotta make a hair appointment, lol...and my eyebrows are OUT OF CONTROL! and lets just say im a couple weeks overdue for a peticure, lol...ive been getting so chill on the grooming, time to get it together ....oh and ummmm i dont think i can keep up the natural look...i really want to but with my workout schedule and my work schedule i am not finding a great deal of time to do my hair everyday..ive been combing it back and throwing a headband on...and im not a headband kinda lady...but i dont have time to get my flatiron out and go at it...plus i dont want to start putting a lot of heat on my hair..its already hot out here in the desert i dont need to add extra...so while my heart says, "Yay, natural hair," my mirror says, "Girl, go get a touch up!" and so does my reality...maybe one day...im not giving up forever!

i am going home at the end of july to see the fam...thats going to be fun...i want to look so fly! another reason to stick to the 5-6 day a week workout plan...fam hasnt seen me in a year and i want them to be wowed..yeah, i know seeing each other will be good enough but i wanna be fierce! or should i say, more fierce than i already am, lol...plus i want to hit up all my fav restuarants that arent out here...

i have been re-reading "Some Things I Never Thought I'd Do" by Pearl Cleage...i love that book..and i love that im getting back into reading...one of my first loves...i dont know why i neglected my books...that used to be my fuel...i actually learned a lot about life and myself in books...or should i say still learning...i always find something new when i open a book even if i read it a few times already....books give me a peace, i guess because im going back to one of my comfort zones...like this blog is a comfort to me...i went back and read some posts from back in the day...and i just see myself growing...

anyway...here are some questions for everyone, some things i have also been asking myself: It's six months into 2008, half the year is up. have you completed any of the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the year? if so, what are they? if not, why? have you made any new goals? what have you learned about yourself? are you happy with your life or just content on getting by? what's on tap for the next six months?

you knew it was coming...

so sex and the city is coming out tomorrow...a group of ladies from my office are going to see it together...ive skimmed a couple articles about making it a girls night, complete with dinner and cosmos...

i think...im going to go see it by myself on sunday or monday...im sure there is some kind of b-ball game to entertain my sweetie while i dip out for awhile...

i love the sex and the city series...ive seen every episode numerous times...my ex roomie had the whole collection of seasons...and we used to spend weekends eating, drinking and watching the ladies go through there ups and downs...and talking about our own issues...it was a great bonding experience...those days are over...but i still love the series...

there are so many quizzes out there helping ladies figure out which character from the series they are most like personalitywise, stylewise, etc...but in my mind..i think every women is a combination of each lady...i know there are certain times/situations in my life where i think back and can identify with each lady...

but anyway...for some reason i kinda wanna have the sex and the city experience by myself...the whole series/movie just makes me feel like being independent and trendy...makes me wanna treat myself...makes me feel like my other self...when i was living in indiana and all i had was myself to depend on from day to day...and when i first moved to california a couple years ago...making my own way, handling business and having a great time...the show makes me take time out to think about me, the things i have been through and how i am a better person now because of my experiences..good, bad and ugly...

i think the show is all about finding out who you are for youself and appreciating yourself flaws and all..oh, and its about shoes, sex, love and fashion...and being a woman...as ntozake shange says..."bein alive & bein a woman & bein colored is a metaphysical dilemma/ i havent conquered yet"...but im making strides...

time to change it up

so i went and got my hair done last thursday...its now tuesday and my roots are already sweated out from exercising...but im not mad cause im starting to see some nice changes in my body...so imma keep up the exercising...i want to buy the victoria secret swimsuit i have been staring at for 4 weeks and then head to the beach...im thinking san diego..its only 2 hours away...im giving myself 3 more weeks to get bikini ready...

anyway..thats not what this post is about...so on to my hair...

i was chatting with my stylist (ive been going to her for about 2-3 months now) and i asked her is it time for a touch up...she looked at me and said "you have a perm?!" *shock*..."how long has it been since your last one?!" i told her about 6 months...she looked at me with her eyes all bugged out and said "you dont need to relax your hair"

so..i think im just going to ride the wave and go natural...once she got done pressing out me hair she told me to feel how soft my new growth (at least half of my hair has grown out) and compare it to the part that still has relaxer...wow...the texture was soo much softer...i keep rubbing the top of my head now, lol

so i am going to make an appointment tommorrow to have my hair cut into a cute bob...that way i get rid of some larger portions that still have relaxer...im a little nervous though...ive been getting my hair relaxed since i was 16...but im also ready for a change...especially if it means healthier hair...

i have pretty soft hair anyway...when i was litle my mama would just put a little water on the brush and brush my hair up and i was good to go...it gets wavy but i have never had any problems detangling it or anything...so im pretty confident i can make this transition...it will be a nice change of pace...

i am a little worried because i live in the desert and it gets HOT...the sun is crazy out here and i dont want my hair to start breaking off or anything...that happened the first summer i was here...but i also didnt have a stylist at the time and this girl keeps me trimmed up and conditioned...

so now im trying to find a photo of how i want her to cut my hair...i have one of me from 2003 when i had the best bob in the world so i am hoping she can do something like that...but im also searching the internet for ideas...

wish me luck! maybe ill post a pic of the new do once i get it...

get me bodied!

i need a massage and a margarita!

three weeks ago my body was soo sore...its much better now but i could still go for a nice spa day and a large margarita on the rocks...

my sweetie decided he wants to become a personal trainer...i told him thats what he needed to get into months ago but i just let him think it was his idea (like my mama said just let them think they are in charge, lol)...but he found out what classes he needs to take and what certifications he needs and he is on his way...i find the ambition soo sexy, lol

and being the supportive girlfriend i am...i said id be his guinea pig...so week one we began waking up at 10 a.m. and we would walk/jog around the neighborhood six days out the week...he also had me doing all kind of crunches and sit ups with him and we decided to go on this extremely over the top diet...basically lots of water, fish, veggies, oatmeal and barely any carbs and well...we like to eat....i dont think its possible for someone to go from wing-dings, french fries, and enchiladas to no salt, no sugar and a tablespoon of creamer (Yes, i said a tablespoon, i measure it out) ...so after laying in bed one night snatching imaginary fried chicken and chocolate cake out of each others hands...yeah, we were REAL hungry, we realized hunger had made us crazy and we needed to revise the diet...lol...

we are much happier now...because we are eating...we are still eating fish, fruit and veggies and watching portions but we are adding real food (CARBS!!), protein shakes, wednesday and sunday cheat days...and a little wine

its been fun, we are on week 3 and i can already tell a difference in some of my clothing...and when i suck in and stretch i can see what my tummy will look like what i hit my target...my friend marie joined us and couple days and i think she likes it. you like it marie? you better say yes! lol...

i think he is going to make a very good trainer, he pushes you but he also takes time to make sure your form is correct and shows you what muscles are supposed to be being worked, he makes sure you stretch...and he does the workout with you...i havent done so many suicides and lunges since high school track practice...im at the point now where i actually dont want to miss a workout...anyone have work out tips or nutrition advice?

Duck, Duck...GOOSE!

that beautiful lady Lyre tagged me so here it goes....

Da Rulez!
Link the person who tagged you.
Mention the rules in your blog.
Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them.
Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger's blogs letting them know they've been tagged.

1. I love crushed up waffle cones in my ice cream...i blame Cold Stone Creamery for gettting me hooked!

2. I have a habit of reading the fiber, sugar and sodium content on anything i pick up at the grocery store...

3. I am a reality TV junky..shameful, i know...

4. I am obsessive about keeping the kitchen clean. I cant stand for dishes to be piled up and crumbs on the counter. I think I clean the kitchen at least once a day.

5. I dream of one day having a warehouse loft in midtown or downtown Atlanta one day...i swear ive seen my dream loft on craigslist one night...i think it was around $1,350 a month...

6. I love shopping for make up and new beauty products and going to beauty blogs...but i hardly ever wear makeup...MAYBE once a week ill do myself up...

I TAG:
Hunnie
UnrestrictedGenius
NahLaterz
Dappa
Eb the Celeb

pass the message along

i left for college in 2003...well, i shouldnt say left...my parents and big bro drove me down to spelman and helped me unload my stuff...it was fun..my and my bro were in his car trailing behind our parents all the way from michigan to atlanta...my bro had already been down there at morehouse for two years so he knew the drive well...my bro and i really bonded that trip..i think he was beginning to see that i was growing up...but he was still big bro and couldnt resist torturing me for a little while longer...my bro was BIG into Wu-Tang at the time...so while he was driving that was a lot of what we listened too...here's the catch...as we were driving my bro taught me all the members of Wu-Tang and as each song played would point out who was rapping each part on whatever song....then he had me do it...but every time i forgot a member or couldnt pick them out in each song he slugged me in the shoulder...i was sore by the time we got to campus...lol...why did i let slug me? and why did i entertain this "game?" to this day i really have no clue...i was just a little sister hanging on to each and every word of her big brother...even if it was only about wu-tang...he would never try that now...i punch back...

but anyway, we got to school, found my dorm, started cleaning and getting the room pretty, met my roomie and her family...and then it was time for my parents to leave for their hotel and drive back to michigan...they were both teachers and school started for them soon after they got back..so they had no time to really hang out with me...my bro was there to show me the ropes...but even he made his way back to his apartment...so i was on my own...after some freshman O stuff my roomie and i eventually started talking and realized we had more in common that we origianlly thought...and to this day she is one of my best friends, in a way we grew up together and i know i can go to her for anything...

all that said...before my mama left she gave me a hug and said "dont let nobody give you no wooden nickels." that little piece of advice carried me through college...and although i got duped a couple times...it kinda became a little mantra in my head...sometimes i think thats my mama's way of speaking to me from michigan...her voice popping up in my head like that...kinda like the little angel on my shoulder...what was some of the best advice you have received?

saying goodbye to a good month

its been a sweet month...my daddy turned 63 a couple weeks ago...my bro fell truly, madly, deeply in love with some woman he is calling "the one" who i have yet to meet and size up...my mama is still making sure everyone in her family is staying healthy and happy...and i have spent the month working and being a home body...i did manage to go see a few movies (semi-pro = funny...shutter = should have waited for the dvd), hit up olive garden and my fav sushi spot, put together an impromptu bbq complete with margaritas and a very vocal, and slightly heated game of Cranium and drink numerous bottle of champagne....

i thought of a few things to write about...my sister circle of bloggers...i just want to reach out and hug all yall...reading your thoughts and experiences keeps me motivated to place my hopes and dreams out there...

i noticed i havent been reading as much as i used to...im thinking its because i have been watching more movies...books used to be my escape and maybe movies are becoming that too...still there is nothing better than cracking open a new book..so i may have to make some time to get back to reading...something i have loved to do since i was little...i get off work early tonight and my sweetie is going to go hang out with his boys so maybe i will get a new book started since i have the place to myself...i have a couple books on the shelves i have been meaning to get to for quite a while...

life is quiet right now...flowing...i was just talking to my girl andrea about not letting life get to stale...we agreed that we should never be afraid to reinvent ourselves..or step out and try something new...be it career, fashion or relationship...i belive any facet of your life can be freshened up, or changed...why let yourself get stuck in a rut? i feel like that sometimes...i feel like my life is so planned out...im feeling rather vanilla...and i cant wait for somthing to happen..i have to make it happen..i pray a lot about life too..ask for direction...i do dream big...and i love that part of me...but i also must be realistic...and i know that God will keep me in line...lol...i want a lot for myself...and i cant be lazy about life...see, what happens when you have good conversation with friends? life just seems so much easier...and you tend to smile more...

broken hearted...

so ive been telling myself that i have been mourning a lost friendship....but this cant be true...ive went through all kinds of emotions...mainly anger, sadness and disappointment...i dont even like reminising sometimes on the good times...i guess because i dont want myself to care about her anymore...i do think about her from time to time...we became fast friends..and she was like a sister to me...i had her back, she had mine...most of the time i pretend its the money that came between us...and a lot of it is the money...when she left i told her please dont let the rent come between our friendship....and it has...im pretty sure ill never see my money....i used to text her every couple weeks and remind her...then i stopped...i thought about taking her to court to get the money...but thats soo much drama...i also think that was a grown ass woman part of living life is handling your business without having someone breathing down your back..a lot of times i see it is a learning experience...but im pretty sure that i knew all along i would never see a dime...in fact id be surprised if i saw any of it...the money really affected me...but i also realize before it came down to money there was already a wedge growing...i honestly wish her well..im not a pissed off as i used to be..and i like having the apartment to myself...my sweetie is more comfortable too...he was always so stiff aorund her...he never trusted her...he is a good judge of character too....

i know this woman..i know her like the back of my hand...i allowed myself to reveal my whole self to her...and i feel like she didnt respect me or appreciate me...but then i think a little harder and remind myself she couldnt love me as i loved her, as a sister....because she hadnt yet learned to love herself, forgive herself...she always had good intentions...but you know that saying...

so i had been telling myself to feel the emotions because i was mourning a friendship...but thats not being fair to her...i have to look at myself too...and be honest...in the months she left i think i called her twice...and most of the time when i texted or e-mailed it wasnt to see how she was doing but wondering if she had any of the money she owed...i didnt behave as a good friend...i didnt fight for the relationship...i just let it dwindle....i felt us growing apart when we were roomies and i didnt try to stop it...so some of that anger i feel is directed at myself too...sometimes i think wonder how our relationship would be if i had tried more...

we used to have a lot of fun...and i hate thinkings about all the good times...cause then i start missing the person she used to be...

yall have to bear with me...or not...im thinking all this through as i type so i may be going in circles...

i think i would still be where i am now, even if i tried to keep the relationship going..because it takes two in a friendship..and neither of us tried...the one time she called me was because i sent her a text saying i would not try and text her again since she never returned them...and i think the only reason she called is because she still had stuff in the apartment and didnt want to sever ties until she got it....


i feel like i am writing about her so harshly..i really do hope she is living a good life...i want her to be happy because i am happy...at the same time that friendship took a lot out of me...and left me with some bittterness...in the end i felt like i couldnt trust her, she never gave me the whole truth...she would give me the bits she thought i wanted to hear...like i was going to leave..and in the end..that way of covering things up, and being sneaky did make me back away...i didnt feel like i could leave my secrets, hopes, desires or experiences with her anymore...i felt like she had abused my love for her...i guess thats what hurt the most..

life is good!

my huny is back so im real happy about that...he refused to tell me exactly what day he was flying in because he wanted it to be a surprise...he promised to be back before valentines day...it was cute at first but around the 12th i started to get a little antsy...for some reason his phone wasnt working and i couldnt reach him for a few days...on top of that the last time i had talked to him he told mme he had to change his flight and wasnt coming in until the 20th...of course refused to belived that..my sweetie cannot lie well at all...but was the 14th got closer i was feeling sad, and slightly mad that i couldnt get in touch with him and maybe he wasnt going to make it for valentines day..i had taken the day off already so i was gearing up for sitting at the house alone...

on the 13th i was REAL pissy...i told a few folks at work that my baby hadnt checked in with me and i was starting to believe i wouldnt see him until the 20th...my girl and i planned to meet at my house after work and have some champagne and veg out...

she beat me to my apartment and went up the front walk while i parked around back...she has a key so she could let herself in..as i was coming up to the door she was cming out of the apartment and closing the door...she just said "ill talk to you tomorrow"...i walked in to candles lit everywhere...and my dog jumping on my leg, lol i run to the bedroom but no sweetie, as i turned around he appeared in the doorway...*sigh* he was home!

on valentines day i made a big dinner and then we went to the movies...it been great since he has been back..we got right back in the groove of things...2 months away from each other really made us see how much we appreciate each other...

so life is good...he surprised me with the why did i get married dvd and i surprised him with the american gangster 3-disc set...

family is good, friends are good, work is good...so i am so happy...my girl marie brought me these red grapefruit that grow on trees in her yard....tasty! i love southern california if only cause i can go to someones yard and pick fruit off trees...

im ready for the warm weather to come and stay...its in the 70s during the day now but iffy some days...i cant wait until its steadily 80-85..i will be so happy..i love heat and sun...

sharing is caring

I was half watching Celebrity Rehab on VH1 and half messing around on my computer this morning...i remember back in the day i used to link stuff i was talking about but...well...if you dont know about the show celebrity rehab w/ dr. drew pinsky...google it...

so like i said i wasnt giving the show my 100% attention because i was recording it so i knew id probably watch it again later....that was until pinsky said something i had never heard before...but it grabbed me for a minute...i had to get a pen and write it down...im sure others have heard this before but it was new to me...

he said, "you are only as sick as your secrets."

that really just got me...i just thought id share...

memes for the older me...

taken from myspace:
Tired of all of those surveys made up by high school kids?
'Have you ever kissed someone?'
'Missed someone?'
'Told someone you loved them?'
'Drank alcohol?'...


50 questions for the people who are a little older....


1. What bill do you hate paying the most?
WHAT BILL DO I NOT HATE PAYING IS A BETTER QUESTION.

2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?
UMMMM....YEAH I HOPE HE READS THIS..J/K...THIS NICE ITALIAN RESTUARANT DOWNTOWN..WE SAT UT ON THE PATIO


3. Do you regret losing your virginity to who you lost it to?
HA! WELL...UMMM...YES AND NO...YES BECAUSE HE WAS A SPECIAL GUY IN MY LIFE..NO BECAUSE I WAS DATING ANOTHER GUY AT THE TIME...

4. If you could go back and change one thing what would it be ?
I WOULNDT HAVE DYED MY HAIR WHEN I WAS 19...THE STYLIST NAME WAS "WISHBONE" I SHOULDA KNOWN BETTER...

5. Name of your second grade teacher?
I FORGOT..SOME YT LADY...

6. What do you really want to be doing right now?
SITTING ON THE COUCH EATING CARBS AND DRINKING CHAMPAGNE

7. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
FIRST A TEACHER, THEN A BOOKSTORE/COFFEE SHOP OWNER, THEN A PSYCHOLOGIST...

8. How many colleges did you attend?
WELL I ATTENDED THE WONDERFUL SPELMAN COLLEGE FOR MY BACKELORS...I DID A FELLOWHIP PROGRAM AT VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY AND I ATTENDED ANOTHER FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM AT UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO

9. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now?
IT WAS CLEAN

11. If you could move anywhere and take someone with you where would it be?
SOMEWHERE TROPICAL, WITH LOTS OF BEACHES AND A ECLECTIC NIGHTLIFE..

I2. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
I DONT HAVE TO SET AN ALARM..EVER!

13. Last thought before going to sleep last night?
UMMM...NO CLUE...

14.What do you miss about being a child?
NO RESPONSIBILITIES...

16. What errand/chore do you despise?
DUSTING AND CLEANING THE SHOWER

17. If you didn't have to work, would you volunteer?
YEAH I WOULD...ID LOVE TO BE A KIDS TRACK COACH

18. Get up early or sleep in?
SLEEP IN..

19. What is your favorite cartoon character?
I LIKE MICKEY MOUSE, I GUESS...

20. Favorite thing to do at night with a girl/guy?
WITH THE GIRLS: GET DRESSED UP, GO OUT TO DINNER, DRINKS AFTER A DAY OF SHOPPING..
WITH MY GUY: SEX...THEN GET DRESSED UP AND GO OUT TO DINNER, DRINKS, FOLLOWED BY MORE SEX...

21. Have you found real love yet
A COUPLE TIMES

22. When did you start feeling old?
IT AINT HAPPENED YET!..

24. Fave lunch meat?
HONEY TURKEY...

25. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart?
MAKE UP, FOOD, CANDLE HOLDERS...

26. Beach or lake?
BEACH

27. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?
NAW, I THINK ITS A GREAT THING WHEN A COUPLE IS READY....

28. Do you own property?
SOON...I HOPE...WELL...ONE DAY ANYWAY...

29. Favorite Guilty pleasure?
MAKING COOKIE DOUGH AND EATING IT WHILE SITTING ON THE COUCH WATCHING MOVIES..

30. Favorite movie you wouldn't want anyone to find out
THAT MANDY MOORE MOVIE WHERE SHE DIES..A WALK TO REMEMBER...

31. What's your drink?
CHAMPAGNE W/ POMEGRANTE JUICE...

32. Cowboys or Indians?
DA HELL?

33. Cops or Robbers?
THATS KINKY...

34. Who from high school would you like to run in to?
MY OLDER BROTHER..HA! I WISH HE COULD COME OUT HERE AND KICK IT WITH ME AGAIN, WE HAD SO MUCH FUN...

35. What radio station is your car radio tuned to right now?
XM CHANNEL SUITE 62!

36. Norm or Cliff?
WHO?

37. Grey's Anatomy or 'The Office?
-PASS-

38. Worst relationship mistake that you wish you could take back?
NOT THINKING I WAS WORTHY OF HIS LOVE AND ATTENTION..

39. Do you like the person that sits directly across from you at work?
YEAH, THATS MY GIRL...

40. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
JANET JACKSON AND/OR NIA LONG

41. Indoors or Outdoors?
DEPENDS ON THE ACTIVITY...

42. Have you ever crashed your vehicle?
OOH YEAH, TOTALED MY FIRST CAR..MY 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO NAMED MALCOLM..

43. Have you ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?
NOPE

44. Last book you read?
ITS BEEN AWHILE..WHICH IS NOT MY STYLE..UMM..VERONICA DECIDES TO DIE BY PAULO COELO

45. Do you have a teddy bear?
I HAVE MORE THAN ONE..

46. Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth?
BAND CAMP?

47. Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go?
SAN DIEGO

48. Do you go to church?
I HAVENT BEEN IN A WHILE..I MISS MY CHURCH IN INDIANA..

49. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship?
A NEW CAREER...ID LOVE TO TRY SOMETHING NEW...

50. How long have you been out of school?
HIGH SCHOOL: 9 YEARS IN JUNE
COLLEGE: 5 YEARS IN MAY

all smiles..and thoughts...

so someone left me a comment about regret and it got me to thinking...

well first i took it personal...especially they way they signed off on the comment...i was perplexed...because i didnt know who this was...and i was disappointed that they didnt leave a name..cause i would like to recall memories of the person i allowed myself to open up to...there are not many who i have let in tht way...

and then i started thinking...maybe its not real tears i have let this person see...i place a lot of my tears on paper...and in this blog....

and then i thought about the regrets part...honestly i think i skimmed it the first couple times i read it...i actually had to make myself read it word for word...and id like to say i didnt do too much reflecting on it but i did...

here is what i came up with: i dont believe i harbor much regret, i refuse to say no regrets because im sure there is something, somewhere inside me...but i like to think that everything i have been through..all my experiences...my obersvations...is me growing...and how can you regret growing? i have so much appreciation for the changes in my life...spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally....i have had pain, and happiness...and everything in between and on either side...and i am blessed...because i am still here, living my life out loud...

so i was thinking if i take all that this anonymous person left literally and to my core as someone who i once knew...i have determined...they dont know me...or at least they dont know this 26 year old woman who is typing this...they may have gotten close to a younger version of shauna...the one who was scared and frontin...skeptical...the one who didnt understand love for self...or at least hadnt gotten her mind wrapped all the way around the concept, lol...

whew...i cant wait until i hit 30...imma be so much more a woman...and when 40 hits...shyt, no one will be able to say anything to me...ill be so grown...watch out!

isnt it great that each day you wake up you are older...you are wiser...life is more fulfilling...well thats my opinion anyway...

you know writing this made me feel...encouraged...before i posted i went and read a bunch of quotes from alice walker, ntozake shanges, nikki giovanni and pearl cleage...those women uplift me everytime i search for them...everytime i seek them out i see something i havent read before...i get so inspired..ill have to make a post one day of just quotes...

my mind's telling me no!

im going to see katt williams tomorrow...so excited...still dont know what im wearing...you know i have to look good just in case katt sees me from the stage and my beauty gets him excited and he tells one of his people to come get me and take me back stage so then i can tell him that i am flattered that he saw me and wanted to holler and i think he is a talented man and i would love the number to his hair stylist but i am faithful to my man and no glitz and glam can take me away from him but thanks for wanting to meet me..also i am not that kind of girl and i am slightly offended at your proposal...
yeah ok so that can only happen in my overactive imagination..but just in case i need to look cute and coordinated...im thinking skinny jeans, red shoes...and thats all i got so far...

my sweetie is still keeping mum on when he is coming back...all i know is he will be back before valentines day...and im actually not upset at the fact that i am being kept in the dark...i kinda like the surprise factor...the house apartment is clean...my only issue is...well...shaving...im lazy...im really not trying to shave anything until i know its going to be seen...ya feel me? so thats going to be a little tricky...he is either gonna get "fresh and clean," "slightly stubbly" or "da hell is that!?" depending on when he decides to show up...

ive been on gossip site overload...and im doing it to myself...after i get done with my work i start going from site to site to site reading about the "lives" of celebs...guess im more of a pop culture junky then i thought...not only that...my dvr is set to record way too much mtv, vh1 and bet...with all these shows starting new seasons im kinda in couch potato heaven...i already know making the band:battle of the sexes is going to be an interestingly sloppy mess...then the gautlett 3 started this week bringing more drama to my television set...i think im set to record like 8 or 9 more shows...but thats the way i like my drama..on my televsion only...i like MY reality peaceful...

silent tears...

if you know me, you know i proabably will never let you see me cry...my mama has seen my cry cause, well, she is my mama...one of my best friends andrea saw me cry oooh about 8 years ago..and that lasted for less than 5 minutes...

i guess i dont like to let folks see me get that vulnerable...as open as i am crying is too personal to me...crying takes me to a place i dont feel i can really share with anyone...i have no problem telling someone i cried, after the fact...its definitely something i feel i sould work on, letting my guard down...maybe one day...i told my boyfriend today he made me cry...well he made me tear up for a quick minute but i told him i cried so he would learn a lesson...and he did...i think i scared him when i told him that...

i do cry though...i wonder if i cry enough...is there a quota on tears? i dont like crying..i get a headache afterwards...

a really good book can make me cry or a really good movie...but i usually keep to myself during those moments...

i had a really good cry a couple days ago...tears tend to appear when im having a really deep talk with God...

i was feeling a little lost, helpless, lonely and overwhelmed the other day...pondering my purpose, wondering what my next step is supposed to be, asking Him for guidance...cause sometimes i just dont know which way to turn...asking Him for forgiveness, for mercy, for wisdom, for a sign, an answer...i reached out to God and pleaded for strength and the tears came down...

maybe i should cry more because as much as it hurt, it felt soo good

no headache this time

A year of possiblities

Happy New Year!

i started my new year on the dance floor...in my sweater dress and stilettos with a glass of champagne and friends on all sides...a great way to ring in a new year...

we ended up starting a small soul train line! you have to LOVE that, LOL

because i had been sick, i told my folks i would drive because i didnt plan on doing too much drinking...i had a cosmo to bring 2007 to a close and the glass of champagne to usher in the new year...followed by some water for balance, lol

and i was happy...i did miss my man as the countdown came to a close...for some reason we always end up celebrating the big holidays apart...we have never spent our birthdays, christmas or new years together, lol...and we are really bad at buying presents for each other too at those times of the year...we are good at presenting each other with little gifts through out the year though..the just because kind og gifts...i think we both would rather surprise each other...dunno...

anyway..watching my coupled up friends kiss at midnight did make me a little jealous...but im sure we will make up for it once he gets back...

in Chinses astrology 2008 is the year of the rat...i went to go look into the meaning and am intrigued..and even more ready to begin this year..here is what i found at chinese.astrology.com:

"The Rat is the first sign of the Chinese zodiac and signifies new beginnings. That makes this year an appropriate time to start new ventures and break new ground. This includes new ideas, directions and ways of doing things. It is a time to experiment and put plans into action, as there will be plenty of opportunities to achieve success. Remember that things began during this year are likely to have long term consequences, so choose your actions wisely to enrich your life.

This year is also an equally good time for thinking and all manner of intellectual endeavors. Planning, scholarship and research, for example, are favorable activities. It is also an auspicious time for the arts; although, under Earth's influence, applied arts such as design and graphics may do best.

Earth favors those who are tied to the land, do a lot of routine work, deal with practical matters or perform work of a spiritual nature. Based on the characteristics of both Earth and Rat, it could be a very good year for those with careers in business, construction, engineering, academia, planning and the clergy.

There is likely to be a focus on career and self-improvement this year, to the detriment of family. Therefore, you need to be attentive and creative so that the family area of your does not suffer. It is, however, a relatively good time to begin a new romance. Those in a relationship may want to consider raising it to the next level, including marriage."

isnt that exciting? possibly because it is the beginning of the new year, full of new possiblities...a time to change for the better...

i told folks on new years eve my resolution would to be more high maintenance on a shoe-string budget, lol...i want to make the effort to take more time to pamper myself instead of rushing around. from home, to work, to wherever...i want to take more time to enjoy getting ready, applying makeup, doing my hair, the little things that are fun for me...that i blow off on a regular day...

on my message board i said my resolution was to keep growing, meaning mentally, emotionally and spiritually and to keep the peace in my house...no drama...just joy...

this is going to be a good year...im claiming it...for myself, for friends, for family...everyone...enjoy the possiblities...