Thankful Thursdays [10 of 50]

Twenty of the 1000 Things I'm Thankful I've Experienced in My Lifetime:

181) Renewal! I had no blatant* refined sugar for _4_ days this week. I am renewing my vows to MYSELF, My DREAMS & MY GOALS! (*sugar is slipped into the ingredients of so many things I don't know if I can eliminate it completely - but I read labels now & avoid the obvious: pastries, putting sugar into drinks or onto anything, etc.). I feel the unwanted pounds slippin' off already;-). LOL!

182) Determination! I can make it to the fourth flight (of 6:-) at work before feeling winded!

183) The location for the NYC Bloggers' Delight, vol. 1 celebration is confirmed for Oct. 11th! That's a huge relief;-). I'm really looking forward to it. See details in the right side bar;-).

184) This is future - but I'm still hyped & glad to experience Anticipation for it: Going to a FLY V.I.P. party tonight being hosted by one of my former class-mates who I haven't seen in AGES! It's SOOO exclusive the invite says no cameras allowed;-). I'm really looking forward to the REUNION in this setting!

185) More Anticipation: I'm excited that I'm going to return to the ATL for 2nd time this summer on Friday after work for the NBCC! My first time at the NBCC;-).

186) I am loving the first month at my new j.o.b.! My new boss is so humane!

187) I know I've only been off sugar for less than a week - but I do declare I have more energy! I still need a good eight hours of sleep, but I am wondering if getting up in the early mornings will be easier for me after more time without sugar. Hmmmm, stay tuned (I recall the obvious weight loss the last time I did this - now, I'll pay attention to my sleep pattern;-).

188) I'm thankful that I am motivated to be involved in alumni activities for my alma mater where I attended grade school & high school. My involvement is my way of giving back. It is my hope to increase the involvement of more alum of Color. Attended an alumni meeting to begin planning gatherings for those of us who've moved to NYC this week: I was the only person of Color AND the only female: GOOOOOO ME! ;-)

189) I had some fantastic teachers at that school - they were so passionate about what they taught! I don't think I had college professors who were as dedicated.

190) I have great memories of my High School classes & teachers. Even those I couldn't stand were excellent at their subject (well, most of 'em were;-). One of my faves was this quirky li'l English teacher: thanx to him I LOVE Faulkner's Sound & The Fury.

191) This was one of my funniest HS teacher memories: We had a young science teacher who couldn't have been much older than us - she must've been fresh outta college. Back story: our class was infamous - either teachers loved us or hated us as a whole. Generally, we were a class full of smart-alecks who had a good time ribbing teachers. If teachers were cool they'd love us - if teachers were stringent - they tended to hate us. So, this day we filed into science class & the young teacher's patience was low. She blasted us as soon as our chatty azzes settled in: "NOBODY say another WORD! IF ANYone says another word U're all getting put out!" Whoa! We look around at each other like, "Dayummm, she must not have gotten any last night..." Generally, that teacher was cool with us, so we were surprised. We were pin-drop quiet. Then FD raised his hand. The teacher looked at him, "YES, FD...what is it?" "Ummm, what time do u have?" She went OFF: "GET OUT! ALL OF U! GET! OUTTTT!" At first we were shocked, could she be serious - was she really dismissing the entire class? When we realized that she was serious: SWEEEEET! Free period! On the way outta class several of the guys gave FD dap! LOLOLOL!

I wonder what happened to that teacher? And where's FD - he was one of my hanging partners, too!

192) I still have several of my pieces that I wrote for HS English. When I re-read them I still think they are quite entertaining & well written. My favorite comment was written on an exam that I got an A on: "She's proven she can [compete] with the best of them!" [I think he wrote compete, something to that effect ... have to dig it out & look again;-)]

193) I love when I get a good bargain & am not easily fooled! Went shopping for a new carry-on with wheels. Found a great deal on the internet, printed it out & went to one Macy's near my job. Sales dude tried to tell me it was an Internet only special. I side-eyed him & said, "That's not specified here on the print out." "Well, you'd have to pay shipping charges that you don't have to pay in stores." "Uh, thanx!" U know I left that spot with the quickness - shady jokah! I checked out the Macy's near my home and not only was the luggage the same price as my print out, but as I perused the selection I found an even BETTER deal that wasn't on the Internet! YAAYYYY!

194) I've experienced some great views! Last week, I stated how blessed I am with sight. As I think back on all of my homes I've enjoyed the views from them all. This NYC home has a wonderful sky view. My DC home overlooked downtown DC. The image above is out one of the windows of the home my great grandfather had built in "the country" during the days of The Great Depression. A nice view is pretty important to me when selecting a place to live.

195) I have appreciation for simple things.

196) I am "low maintenance", but "high brow" which I think confuses men who are interested in me. I like it about myself - but understand that it's difficult to "get". Typical gifts that gain the approval of other women is not what I need or want. I like that it will require a man to really pay attention to get to know me;-). See the video below [specifically counts 05:06-06:25] to see what I mean!

197) I am loving living this new "writer's" life - most of my travels now are writer focused!

198) I LOVE the school calendar & schedule (except for the early mornings;-)! When I got my new teacher packet in the mail today I was as excited as a kid! Still love that fresh start to the new school year after all these years!

199) I'm thankful to be a primarily optimistic person!

200) I'm SO blessed that I have TWO HUNDRED EXPERIENCES to LIST;-). Here's to 800 more! And so far, I haven't repeated any (i don't think;-)! Wooo Hooooo!

The First Thankful Thursday [1-20].
Second Thankful Thursday [21-40].
Third Thankful Thursday [41-60].
Fourth Thankful Thursday [61-80].
Fifth Thankful Thursday [81-100].
Sixth Thankful Thursday [101-120]
Seventh Thankful Thursday [121- 140].
Eighth Thankful Thursday [141-160].
Ninth Thankful Thursday [161-180].

W-healthBound Wednesdays

My goal is to live Sugar Free! I'll be weaning myself during the remainder of this summer by writing down the days from here on that I'm able to go withOUT refined sugar. Why? Check out my latest as I face a fear over at Steps Toward W-health.

Click image for source.

SAVE the DATE!!!! Bloggers' Delight TAKES NYC

U all asked for it & Y(our) prayers have been answered! Bloggers' Delight, vol 1 will be completing its premiere tour in the BIG APPLE at an exclusive Harlem location (to be revealed along with the rest of the details very soon;-). Please - Save the DATE & make no other plans for: Saturday, October 11th, 2008 (probably early evening: 6-9pm - but the details are being worked out)!

Yes, it's Columbus Day weekend. Yes, I know most New Yorkers blast out of the city at the mention of a long weekend. But, the other authors in the collection with me want to tour The Big Apple along with the rest of the tourists;-)!

So, c'mon - stayCation with us, for this once in a life-time chance! Besides - NYC can't let the ATL beat 'em on numbers of bloggers who came thru & showed luv! At least 15 bloggers came through the ATL signing. I KNOW more than 15 bloggers live in or near enough to Harlem to come through;-). Will it help entice U if the event includes an assortment of food, beverages & it's FREE (though we may need to take up a good-will offering;-)? Where else can u get all this on a holiday weekend?

All those folx who said U wanted us to come through NYC ... U coming through? We're giving U an early heads up, so u can't say U didn't know). C U there (again - details will follow very soon;-)!!

CAP's Car Talk

My blog-fam knows I LOVE TO DRIVE! Now, that I've left the BMW fleet & no longer motor a MINI I'll need to provide my own oil changes while I'm CoROLLin'. Living in NYC's chop-shop capital I am a bit concerned about how to find a reputable service station that won't charge me an arm, leg & my first born!

I heard about this online service: RepairPal. This website seems to help demystify the repair prices for cars. It's in beta (test) mode, so I wasn't surprised that 2008 wasn't included in the car model years. It seems to be a pretty cool site, though. In addition to locating car repair shops, there is advice about cars (if u wanna know problems that are specific to certain models) and a place for users to track & store their own car maintenance.

When I requested information about oil change prices it gave me a large range of $22-$40. I guess that's honest, but U know I'll be seeking the less expensive shops;-).

If u have another way to determine a good shop, please share!! Thanx!

Thankful Thursdays [9 of 50]

Twenty of the 1000 Things I'm Thankful I've Experienced in My Lifetime:

161) Watching my parents cross the threshold into their 70's. A blessing neither of them had with their own parents. God willing, we will celebrate well into their 90's in this earthly realm together.

162) My true friendships are maturing right along with me!

163) The skill set to drive as well as I do. High compliment last weekend: A new to me sistah-friend who drove us to the Harlem Book Fair observed me as I gave her directions to the spot (I was sitting behind her) and said, "You look like you can drive. When we stop next time you take the wheel." LOL!

164) I'm able to walk 6 flights of stairs at work (112 steps;-), 4 flights of stairs at home (57 steps) & walk across the Brooklyn Bridge (1.13 miles one way;-) & then some all in the same day!

165) The Eye Candy along my commute makes going to work a treat! Each time the train doors open is like opening a box of chocolates: What Flavors will be inside today?

166) The stories I make up in my head about the folk I see on the train - makes the commute entertaining, as well!

167) Living & commuting in NYC: it is a people watching paradise!

168) The iPod. When I wanna tune out the noise of the city I turn on my own grooves in a lightweight li'l gadget.

169) Brothers who boost my ego when I'm feeling less than "on top of my game". Thanx, I needed that!

170) The joyous childhood memories of chasing fireflies in summer evenings.

171) Childhood joy of staying out after the street lights came on playing tag, etc. - a summer time ONLY treat!

172) The hilarity of growing up, returning to alumni gatherings & sharing a drink with my teachers then BEING the teacher sharing drinks with former students at reunions (especially since I returned to teach at my alma mater)!

173) That I was one of the teachers who kids thought were fun since I would play tag & capture the flag with my students. Kids get the biggest kick out of that & I get a fun work out;-)!

174) I did visit the observation deck at the World Trade Center in NYC prior to moving here (I do wish we had taken photos).

175) I love holding hands with a love interest. Men's hands fascinate me & I continue to be thrilled by the hands of a man who holds my interest. Hands are very sensual to me. During my early days of "courting" hand holding was supreme fore-play. I hope young lovers today enjoy it - they don't know what they're missing if they don't!

All Five Senses:

176) Sight: I'm SOO thankful that I am blessed to enjoy the lovely visuals of this earth: beautiful men (of course;-), Sunrises & Sunsets, flowers & plants, so many things to SEE!

177) Hearing: I'm thankful that I'm blessed with the ability to hear: myriad styles of music created, birds singing, sweetness being whispered into my ear, ****sigh****

178) Taste: U all know I LOVE the taste of great culinary arts!! And we won't even discuss the sweet kisses I've been blessed with;-)!!

179) Smell: The ability to smell flowers, delicious meals in preparation, cleanliness layered with the cologne of a cutie!!

180) Touch: I am thankful that I can ENJOY the sense of Touch!! (I dated a man once who did not like to be touched and I felt sorry for him. He helped me to understand what a blessing it is to have the ability AND to RELISH in the PLEASURE of it).

The First Thankful Thursday [1-20].
Second Thankful Thursday [21-40].
Third Thankful Thursday [41-60].
Fourth Thankful Thursday [61-80].
Fifth Thankful Thursday [81-100].
Sixth Thankful Thursday [101-120].
Seventh Thankful Thursday [121- 140].
Eighth Thankful Thursday [141-160].

Testing, Testing .... (& a bit of W-healthBound Wednesday;-)

**Quick announcement: NYers check out Eb the Celeb's Happy Hour tonight***

Back to my regularly schedule Musings:

... Who's gonna be next up on the stage of CapLife? Who can handle all this woman that I am & all that I continue to grow into ... open to growing with me, not wallowing in complacency?

I've heard many relationship wisdoms:

• If u love someone let them go - if they return it was meant to be....
• Don't look for love - love will find u...
• Women control the outcome of relationships...
• Men who want to be mated will find a fitting woman when he's ready...
• If u can't be with the one u love, love the one u with (THAT has GOT to be the COLDEST, most F'ed UP lyric/advice of all time)...
  
• etc., etc., etc.

Who knows what the "secret" to a good, loving, sound relationship is? From what I've observed VERY few folk live the loving, spiritual, ideal connectedness that I pray for in a soul mate. I've had women suggest that I write a letter & a specific list of my desired mate and tuck it away into my Bible. I did it because I figured it can't hurt. So, in that 'vein' - of it can't hurt - I'm putting it out here, too. By this time next year I would love to be happily married (at least engaged) to my soul mate. Can U really put out a call for a soul-mate online? Isn't The Creator supposed to be preparing my soul mate for me? Yea, I know He don't always come when U call & He's always on time, but I'm ensuring that He'll know I'm still interested in this soul mate who's being prepared. They also say Ask & it shall be given unto U. Yes, I'll continue going about my daily ... living a fulfilling life - but, I've still got my eye-peeled with interest for a good Brother who fits me;-). Yes, I need a Brother who can stimulate my intellect, as well as, all those other earthly, God-given areas of my womanliness. At this point in life, I think he needs to have a few kids (possibly a widower - NO baby mama Drama, please Lord & only ONE woman [ideally, wife] birthed his child [ren]). If I am blessed to bear another of his children he'll be elated - if I am unable to bear children he'll continue to love me to no end (maybe all that goes without saying since He's my soul mate - but I'm stating it for clarity;-)! Don't worry Brother Lance - just cuz I'm puttin' it out here in Blog Land doesn't mean I'm easy prey. Trust me, a Brother's got to be sharp & PATIENT to really work with me;-). All Shysters will be found out sooner than they know cuz I'll test the patience of The Lawd himSE'F! No matter how long it's been between potential mates -- desperate I've nevah been;-). As Brother 12Kyle says: "Belee DAT!" So, the next Brother who steps up on to my life stage has to be able to handle the loving & the heckling;-).


Now - for my W-healthy Wednesday Link! I continue to work toward my ideal physical being while The Creator prepares my Soul-Mate.

Here's wishing us all Love, W-health & Happiness;-).

Please Don't Say it's our last Dayz 2 Enjoy Outdoor ... furniture. LOL!

It's after July 15th. Is it just ME or does that seem to be the Half-way point of Summer: Warm/Hot dayz, breezes, AC blasting so hard at work u gotta keep a jacket handy, outdoor cafes after work with a nice glass of something to help warm ya up & mellow U out? Yea, that half-way point! Please don't throw tomatoes at me for reminding U ( instead, put them on your garden salad while you're at that outdoor cafe;-).

I don't mean to harp on the dwindling dayz of this beautiful summer. I'm just thinking of the remaining possibilities! When I go to visit friends with yards, balconies &/or patios (yes, Babz - this means U;-) - I love the newer, fancier varieties of outdoor furniture available. I know ... U would think my focus would be what's on the grill or filling my cup;-). LOL! But, how many of u can recall the outdoor furniture options that our parents had? I am so glad the days are done of sitting on ... or rather balancing on & hoping u don't fall THRU the mesh woven lounge chaises (similar to the one pictured, but with mesh weaving instead of full coverage)! My favorite was the hammocks or swinging chairs, but somehow those were never anchored correctly & someone always took a spin/spill before the night was thru!

Okay, I have to share this with U. Sistah Miz is such a sweet woman & gracious host that she dared not reveal to U my outdoor furniture faux pax. When I was in the ATL in June I didn't want to put the sistah out of her way: I was already drinking all of her wine & bugging her for rides everywhere. So, I figured there was no need for her to dig through her storage for a few "pillows". See? I wasn't used to real patio furniture - I was used to sitting on "slats". LOL! Our first night on her lovely new patio set we sat there without the pillows & I was fine - cuz I "byop";-). The next night Miz insisted that we enjoy her set fully & it made a WORLD of a difference! I could've slept on that patio set with it's lush pillows! That was a lesson to me "boys & girls" - invest in a good set of pillows with your patio furniture (it's not what our parents used to sit on;-)! All of our parents outdoor furniture just seemed disposable, when U look back on it. Bless their hearts for giving us the best years of their income! LOL! Considering this economy I really and truly appreciate the sacrifices my parents made for us, now!

Here's wishing EVERYone a FABULOUS remainder to their summer!

Thankful Thursday (condensed version)

I've said it many times since I signed my contract this past May:

I am THANKFUL for my new full time employment. That being said: I am re-learning this balance of life OFF & ONLINE. Please blame my lack of time & not my heart for my inability to respond to all your heart-felt comments to my blog-posts! I read them all & smile BIG TIME as I think to myself : "I'm going to reply soon." Then another day rolls around & I still haven't replied! Sistah Babz called to check on me & reminded me: "You can't be up at the crack of dawn prepared for work, if u blog deep into the night." She is sooooo right!!!

How do u full time working folk with families DO THIS?

I am thankful for my COMFY Bed which I look forward to pouncing on after posting this (getting into bed before 10:30pm = YAY! ;-). I'm "scheduling" this post to appear on Thursday, July 17th. Don't U love that feature of Blogger? This weekend I'll complete & schedule next week's full list of twenty things I'm thankful for;-). Last weekend I was too busy having so much fun! Although, this coming weekend promises to be a full FunTabulous weekend, too -- with The Harlem Book Fair & several sistahs visiting NYC from BevLand!! Lord, Give me strength to balance all these blessings of abundance!

click image for source.

W-healthBound Wednesdays

Ok, Many of u know I've been struggling with this for a minute. I've asked for prayers - now it's time for me to get off my knees & hustle (as my Daddy says u must DO if u want those prayers answered;-). Sistah Sharon bravely shared herself with the world, now I'm doing similar! Each Wednesday I'll link to my W-health blog to remind u to peek in & see how I'm doing over there.

This week I bared myself as I refocus on Gettin' Physical!! God, Help MEEE!

Why did the song just pop into my head: "Like a Bridge over Troubled Waters...."


I'll c u tomorrow on Thankful Thursdays;-).

HELP!! Which 2 Get?

CrackBerry? Palm? Treo? LG? WHAT 2 DO??

Soon, I'll be upgrading my phone & it's "bells & whistles". I want to be able to check email, maybe look over documents, a great GPS system & a qwerty keyboard. What do U suggest & WHY? I love what I've seen of the CrackBerry - but I won't be able to check work email (which MAY be a good thing = keep work & play separate...). But, still - i want as much unbiased info. as I can get (meaning: u don't get paid for any of the companies - do u? if u do, can u get me a hook up? LOL!). Also, it MUST work with Verizon - i'm NOT ever switching provider companies again - they're the best I've been with even if they are a bit pricier...

Thanx in advance for your input!

click on image for source.

Blog Meet NYC

Let my lay-out F'up serve as a lesson to you boys & girls: Do NOT go blogging after a full night of fun - especially if it includes beverages of the intoxicating kind;-). I saw Rich's new three column layout & tried it on my own & ... welllll...

ANYwho! On Saturday I met up with Organized Noise, Amn.eris & Will. I, CAPCITaaaY was ONNN TIME (well, I was actually in the area EARLY - but now that I drive a bigger-than-MINI car it took me a bit longer to find parking;-)! LOL! Maybe O.N. is a good influence on me. I'm early to my new job most days AND now to a social event - what next? ;-)

Enjoy these images while I figure out how to get my fly header & other such features back.

Brief description of the following images:

Brooklyn Bridge with the water fall installation in the first two images. The third image is me at the South Street Seaport (to give you an idea of how far we were from The Bridge). The fourth & fifth images are of a "fab" wedding party O.N. & I watched have their wedding photo shoot as we stood on the third level deck waiting for the rest of our Blogging party. I was sooooo tempted to run down to get closer shots, but was not trying to get cut (& I hope none of them or their family members blog-crawl cuz i really am not trying to upset anyone - but it was SOO fabo with the groom in white Nike sneakers w/ red trim, red jeans, white tee & black sweater vest. The groomsmen wore shell tip Adidas, white tees, black jeans & Cardinals baseball caps .... ). Our party arrives & we venture into Cabana where we are seated almost immediately (God knows I love hanging with NYers with "hook ups". LOL!;-). O.N. & Amn.eris are smiling brightly since our white sangria has arrived! Two lovely glasses of the "nectar". Will & I are happy after a couple sips of the sangria (I know I was excited to be there;-). The appetizers went too quickly for me to get a shot (& didn't wanna get sauce all over the camera;-) -- the image of the Salmon Creole does it NO justice!! I will tell ya this: O.N., Amn.eris & I all ordered it & enjoyed it thoroughly!

Will had a meeting to attend soon after our meal, so he jetted, while the rest of us enjoyed the evening breeze & the amazing view from the South Street Seaport before we called it a night at around 9:30 or so. I was so delighted to get this beautiful shot of the Brooklyn Bridge with the waterfall lit beneath it!


This was just one night of my fantabulous weekend! There's not a lot more that's interesting to tell - but I was outdoors much of the weekend soaking up the delicious breezes AND I was productive. NOW, I'm going to get in bed at a decent hour so I can get to work early tomorrow. What more can one ask for? ;-) Hoping all of U had wonderful weekends also!

Click any image to enlarge & enjoy. If u dare try to pawn one off as your own - heck - there are a gazillion images of the Brooklyn Bridge online - so, thanx for the compliment that "stealing" is - cuz it means U really like MINE;-). LOL!

WAHHHH! I MESSED up my Blog Set UP!!!

I need to get out & get some air! Will deal with this laterz! Hope u're all having a fantastic Saturday! Gotta get ready for O.N.'s NYC BlogMEET anyway! This was prolly a sign that I need to step awayyyyy from the computer! LOL!

click on image for source.

NYC BLOG-MEET: Sat. July 12th!!

Organized Noise is bringing us together again!! :-) If u missed any others BE THERE:
Saturday night, July 12th: We are going to Cabana's, meeting in the South Street Seaport at 6:30pm. U know O.N. is prompt!! Hope to meetcha there;-). U've seen our flix - so, come up & introduce yourself! O.N. stands out in a crowd with all that Tall Chocolateness;-). Me? I'll be the one running late, no doubt, so save me a drank;-). LOL!



Click image for source.

Thankful Thursdays [8 of 50]

Twenty of the 1000 Things I'm Thankful I've Experienced in My Lifetime:

141) I'm INVITED TO SHARE my Writing at a MUSEUM!!

I am SO excited that I've been invited to read from & sign Bloggers' Delight at The Bronx Museum's First Wednesday Book signing series on August 6th, 5:30 to 7:30 PM with fellow Bronx-ite author: Darryl Moore (sharing his amazing book: Everything I Ms. At Home). In addition to discussing & reading from our works we will discuss the experience of self-publishing and promoting one's dream-works!

The Bronx Museum is a beautiful facility and an easy place to find: 1040 Grand Concourse on the corner of 165th street. Parking may be a challenge, but there is plenty of public transportation nearby AND The Bronx Council on the Arts is sponsoring a Bronx Culture Trolley ride from Hostos - leaving there at 5:30pm.

For further directions & information:
http://www.bronxmuseum.org
http://www.bronxarts.org/culture_trolley.asp

142) Breathing freely on my own!

143) Able to feed, clothe & take care of my daily personal needs autonomously.

144) That I recently made peace with the last man with whom I shared so much of myself.

145) Fireworks displays! They make me feel like a kid! Have always loved fireworks - even though I picked up a sparkler on the wrong end with my bare hand when I was a li'l girl - I still love 'em!

146) I continue to love learning & teaching!

147) Bloggers' Delight, vol. 1 - which features my premiere fiction piece - was chosen as one of The Conversations Book Club's Top 20 Summer Reads of 2008! Click on the link then scroll just below the video to read all about it;-).

Bloggers' Delight, Vol 1 is still available direct at http://www.i-lit.com/ (copy will be signed by one or more authors) or on Amazon. You can also ask your local library or neighborhood bookstore to order a copy or three;-).

148) I am never bored - may not want to do all that I have to or what's available at the moment, but bored? NEVAH!

149) I'm a pretty quick learner - especially if the subject interests me!

150) I took motorcycle lessons years ago with one of my best friends. We got the biggest kick outta the instructor's reaction when we proved to be two of the top students when it came to actually riding the bikes - despite our silliness during his lectures! LOL!

151) This internet has helped me reconnect with several folk I thought I'd "lost forever".

152) I'm adaptable and embrace newness.

153) I've learned the patience necessary to allow myself transition time when adapting to newness.

154) The understanding that EVERY thing happens AS The Creator intends -- even the scary & undesirable life-stuff!

155) Even if life doesn't play out as I plan or hope - I am willing and able to learn from my experiences and move forward to another desirable point because I truly believe #154;-).

156) I've watched and continue to be encouraged because my parents have both changed for the better!

157) My relationship with both of my parents is genuine and priceless!

158) Going "hacking" with my dad in his taxi! He'd have a hearty snack for me when he picked me up from school. My faves: an egg salad sandwich on grainy bread or minestrone soup with black bread - I was never a candy kid;-). We'd "hack" our way back home! Folk used to think it was sooo cute & they'd give ME tips! LOL!

159) Going to work with my mom when she worked in a nursing home. I actually enjoyed helping her take water and snacks to the elders. I remember enjoying one of her blind patients a great deal. I used to stop in and visit her often. Makes me think maybe I should volunteer to go read or do something with elders again ...

160) Thankful that so many wonderful doors are opening for me! Got me feeling pretty "smart" ;-):



The First Thankful Thursday [1-20].
Second Thankful Thursday [21-40].
Third Thankful Thursday [41-60].
Fourth Thankful Thursday [61-80].
Fifth Thankful Thursday [81-100].
Sixth Thankful Thursday [101-120].
Seventh Thankful Thursday [121-140].

*Click on image for info. & source.

Asking for your prayers...

Often, I wait to ask for prayers in the event of some tragic incident or crisis. Well, this time I've decided to ask for your prayers while all is going well! Please click this link to understand what I mean.

Thank you in advance for your prayers!


Click image for source.

Word!

Borrowed this from Eb's Renaissance Spot:

One word answers...

Where is your cell phone? here

Your significant other? in-training

Your hair? curly

Your skin? healing

Your mother? growing

*Your father? best-friend

Your favorite thing? breathing

Your dream last night? fantastic

Your favorite drink? satisfies

Your dream/goal? w-health

The room you're in? living

Your ex? hmmmm

Your fear? fear

Where do you want to be in 6 years? w-healthy

Where were you last night? home

What you're not? trippin'

Muffins? nope

One of your wish list items? publish!!

Where you grew up? DC!!

The last thing you did? blogged

What are you wearing? sweats

Your TV? off

Your pets? none

Your computer? macbook

Your life? FaBuLOUS

Your mood? chill

Missing someone? several

Your car? CoROLLIN'

Something you're not wearing? jewelry

Favorite Store? dunno

Your summer? GREAT

Like someone? yep

Your favorite color? Black

When is the last time you laughed? yesterday

Last time you cried? awhile;-)

*Note: I added Father - cuz I can't leave out my main apple scrapple;-).

Click image for source.

Thankful Thursdays [7 of 50]

Twenty of the 1000 Things I'm Thankful I've Experienced in My Lifetime:

121) I've enjoyed the first week at my newest gig! Fitness bonuses built in: my office/classroom is on the 6th floor - I've taken the stairs most of the week - plan to keep it up. At the end of each work day I walk across the Brooklyn Bridge - and plan to each day I don't have appointments or terrible weather to prevent me from doing so!

122) My independence! Able to take good care of myself! Have been blessed to live in my own home without the need for room-mates since I graduated from college.

123) My INTER-dependence! I am aware of and thankful for all of the assistance & support of others in my life!

124) Faith - it may flicker & waver -- but it keeps me going!

125) Delicious chocolates - not really sure if I've eaten any rare or truly expensive chocolate, but the delightful taste deemed it's price tag or status unimportant;-).

126) Belting out a good song & welling up with JOY in it! All of these recent music blog posts have reminded me how much I love to sing - especially in the car with the speakers turned up HIGH!

127) My mother's cooking! Especially her soups, greens and mac & cheese!! I can't eat the mac & cheese as much as I used to - but I relish in it when I do;-). I have happily eaten a full pot of her greens all by myself! LOL!

128) My fore parents' genes! We're a good lookin' family of folk who all look younger than our "official" ages. Our ancestors left us "all this" & intelligence, too! ;-)

129) The fact that I attract younger men has lead to several funny encounters. My fave funny younger man story (I may have "told it" here before but it's funny enough to repeat on MY Blog;-): Jokingly told my date the last movie I'd seen was "Cooley High". He squinted to look at me closely and asked, "You saw that in the THEATER?" I chuckle e'ry TIME I recall that experience! LOL!

130) I came of age at a time when there were many loving movies of Proud Black folk in Theaters (walk in or at the drive in;-) and I can PROUDLY say I saw them IN the THEATER: Cooley High, Claudine, Bingo Long & the Traveling All Stars, Piece of the Action, Let's Do it Again, UpTown Saturday Night, Cotton Comes to Harlem, Come Back Charleston Blue, Greased Lightening, and MY GIRL: Cleopatra Jones along with others.

131) My Movie Heros & Sheros looked like shades of me: Cleopatra Jones (Tamara Dobson! The ORIGINAL TOP MODEL;-), Bernie Casey (I STILL have a crush on that man!;-), Calvin Lockhart (dayummmm that Brother was fine may he Rest in Peace), etc.

132) Despite my employment setback of the past two years I've been able to maintain a good credit rating!

133) The two women in my family who I DID get to watch closely as they made their transitions to "the otherside" did so with determination & grace. They were the embodiment of "Living a good life & Dying a good death."

134) Those two women pooled and managed their finances so well that they often paid cash for larget ticket items like cars. They inspired me - especially since they came of age during The Great Depression.

135) Thanx to the legacy & tenacity of my fore parents I have little concern about this "gas crisis". I come from a line of creative people who weather stormy times. I'm glad that I experienced some time with those elders!

136) May have stated this one before but it's worth repeating - especially as I am proudly published: I have met many great authors & have books signed by them: Nikki Giovanni, Angela Davis, Haki Madabuti, Cornel West, Beverly Jenkins, among others...

137) My prayers have been granted to attend this year's National Book Club Conference where I look forward to meeting more authors, as well as partying in da ATL again;-)!

138) I have met such AMAZING people simply by blogging! Thanx to blogging I've become a published author and my first piece is part of the collection with one of the Featured Authors of the NBCC! Go 'head on, MIZ!! ;-)

139) I've been invited to read & sign books at The Bronx Museum of Arts in August as part of their First Wednesday's series of local Bronx authors! U know I'll be posting details of THAT!

140) Blogging saved my life during these two years of partial employment when I had so much time on my hands. I look forward to connecting with Bloggers in The REAL world now that I won't be able to blog as much as I have been.

The First Thankful Thursday [1-20].
Second Thankful Thursday [21-40].
Third Thankful Thursday [41-60].
Fourth Thankful Thursday [61-80].
Fifth Thankful Thursday [81-100].
Sixth Thankful Thursday [101-120].

I've been Awarded & Tagged by Blog-Land's Sweetest;-)

I am doubly blessed! First, Dear, Sweet Mel Avila honored me with the 24 Carat Gold Most Outstanding Blogger Award. I am thankful that he & his family did not suffer any damages in the typhoon that hit the Philippines.

Then, Brother G-Sweet tagged me & y'all know I have a weakness for his "type". LOL! His tag is pretty easy, too:

"List seven songs that you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they're not any good, but they must be songs you're really enjoying now, shaping your spring/summer. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they're listening to."

You all know that no matter how cute a cutie is I can't follow rules exactly, so here's my spin:
My songs are in this play list for u to enjoy at your leisure. If u like this one feel free to self-tag & let me know, so I can come by and check your tunes out;-).

Enjoy!


*click image for source.