Children and Relationships

, w I have been fortunate and blessed enough to be with the father of my children, however not everyone is so fortunate. At what point do you introduce your mate to your children? Do you wait a certain time limit? 2, 4, 6 months? I personally never had this situation but my personal opinion, why have your children dating your mate? If you do not plan to marry the person why should they have any interaction with your child? I understand that at some point they will meet, but how far should it go? Should they develop a personal relationship only to be left feeling abandoned when the relationship doesn't work out?

When do you introduce your child to your mate?

At what point will you allow them to spend quality time together?

They have gone tooo far! But still funny.

Tru Sista?

Am I less of a sister because I'm light?

You think because I blend in a little better

everything for me is alright?

I might not look like you

not dark enough to be black

or hood enough as a matter of fact

but "they" know I'm not one of them

So where do I stand?

You might be hated by the white man

but I'm hated by you

My sista

the one who shares my pain

I thought the field and house negro

was all in the past

After just celebrating MLK day

we are still far from free at last

Just remember, I am no less of a sista

just because I am bright

I am fighting the same struggle,

fighting the same fight

the only difference is

my skin happens to be light

But, I am STILL a SISTA!

Single Ladies!!

She got Bey faded!! Thanks Princess Katrina for the cutest video!

The Pain of Love

Have you ever been heart broken because of your love for someone or their love for you? I have experienced them both, and still do. My hubby and I had a long distance dating relationship and part of our marriage. We met while living in different states, and his former career took him out of town while we were married. I had never cried so much in my life. Missing him hurt to the core. I honestly felt pain in my chest. It was a physical hurt and emotional. Thank God that type of pain is over. We are together and happy.
Now on to the other type of pain. I am currently feeling heart broken because of how much I am loved. Sounds crazy huh? I know. I, at one point had guys to feel feelings for me that I was unable to reciprocate. I felt bad but that's not the pain I'm referring to.
My mother has a love for me that is soooo deep and sooo strong I pray that I can only be that loving to my kids, if I don't ship them off first. She drops what she's doing at the drop of a dime to be there for me and my kids. Not to my request of course. It hurts because I know how badly she needs a break. I know how she looks forward to things but she will still drop it all.
People think it's because of the MS. Yes, she has been there. Coming over late at night and early in the morning to help with the house or kids. But she has always been that way. Maybe because I'm the baby.
It's hurting now more than ever because I am near 30 and she still acts as if I am her responsibility. Its time for her to rest. But she wont. She stays on the move. My hubby says God will bless her and so will we. I owe her, feels like forever. Anyone have a love like this? Ever felt a love like this?

Born Gay?

I have heard many people say they were born gay because who in their right mind would choose it. This is a very touchy subject that many don't take lightly. I can't say weather they are born that way or chose that lifestyle, all I can say is, it is not of God.

There was a huge debate going on on V103 in ATL about a minister on Oprah saying "being gay is a gift from God". I don't know how he meant it because I didn't see it, but I don't agree with any way he formed it.

I think homosexuality is a spirit not of God. Doesn't matter if you were born into it or chose it, it is a spirit. The tongue is powerful and we often speak things into existence. The gay community always say they were gay ever since they could remember. They were gay at the age of 5 because they wanted to play with dolls and be the mommy when they played house. Well how come the girls didn't consider themselves gay just because they played football and wrestled with the boys? We call that Tom Boys. Playing with dolls as a little boy doesn't mean you will be or are attracted to them. Society says it means you are gay, so these homophobic parents and community labels that on a child who is doing things differently than the norm. What do you think? Is gay ok? Can you be born that way or choose it?

2009 started off a GREAT year!

I am so nervous. I can't believe I am finally going to do this. This has been my dream for the last 3 years. The line is getting shorter, and I'm up next. I adjust the mic while looking into the crowd of people. I begin.

"First giving honor to God and pastor. You know the Lord works in mysterious ways. I was just telling my husband that I am coming here expecting something. But never in a million years would I have thought that I would be here, standing in front of all of you. For 3 years I tried to get my story out. I needed to get it out. I needed to spread the word. I wrote emails, blogs and was even told I should write a book. But none of it gave me the satisfaction of being here right now. 3 years ago on my brother's birthday March 6, 2006 I was diagnosed with MS. My fingers and toes were mute. I had no feeling. Some days I couldn't get out of bed. I couldn't make my baby's bottle. But I knew God didn't give me these 3 beautiful babies to not be able to see them or raise them. I was told that I had to take medication or I will be in a wheelchair. For 3 months I injected myself daily with my therapy medication. My spirit wouldn't let me continue it. I had dreams and I had to stop. My faith wasn't strong enough to claim my healing but I said, "the next MRI will not show that lesion" and this time last year it was gone. But you know doctors always downplay God. They told me that that's what lesions do, they come and go. But I knew better. I have been going to this church for 2 yrs and this is the first time I was able to see the pastors face clearly. For the first time I didn't get dropped off at the door, I walked across the parking lot. Pray my strength in the Lord."

The congregation stood to their feet, giving God a much deserved hand and mouth praise. I did it. I accomplished my dream of telling how God worked in my life to 100's. That night was better than any party or club the New Years' has brought before. My eyes were red, throat scratch and head pounding. I had been changed. I left that place 4 hours later meeting a few people that my story touched. I left 4 hours later not the same as I had came. God moved in that place and now the real work begins!

I hope 2009 brings you all peace, happiness, love and prosperity! I love each and every one of you!

Be Blessed,

Tia

FLOWERS FADE

Concentrate on things that are real

Things of God and not of this world

Worldly hopes and dreams will fade

Along with the flowers that wither away

The better things worth thinking of

Are the treasures found in the word of God

Things that are true, noble and right

Wholesome and pure, lovely and kind

These things have virtue and deserve our praise

They are eternal treasures that will never fade

These are the qualities we should all long for

And are the lasting treasures of the Lord

For flowers do fade and eventually die

But God's holy word remains forever alive

Humble Prayer

Heavenly father, I pray to thee,

help me to love others,

the way that you love me.

Help me Lord, in all that I do,

to always be a reflection of you.

Walk with me closely, night and day,

so I shall never go astray.

Live in my heart, and give me your light,

that someday I may become pleasing in your sight.

Make me your vessel, that others may see,

your spiritual presence dwelling within me.

Walk with me Father, till my journey is through,

then by your grace, bring me home to you.

My Chat with REPO!!!

You won't meet one like the up and coming comedian, Repo. With his edgy humor and witty spin on life's everyday loves, battles and struggles, Webster hasn't found the true definition of comedy. Come listen in as I unveil the mind behind the laughter.

1, What is your government name? Imma have to wait for my student loan folks get off my back before i answer that one.

2, Who came up with Repo? What's the story behind it? The name Repo came from one place but has three different meanings. I let this female (typical start to a story huh) borrow my car and she didn't want to answer the phone when i needed it and it started raining and i was on my bike. So i called up my folks got my spare key went over there and stole my own car. Three days later she called me up askin WHY i took my own car....so i told her from now on call me the Repoman.In the bike community folks started watching me drink and how much my small but almost sexy frame could hold so they said "Watch out he repossess all beverages at the bar"Lastly but most important...many things were takin from me in life due to my laid back nature in the forms or opportunities and even self..and now im taken all that back .....are you ready for the Repo-louition

3, How did you know this was the industry you wanted to pursue? I really didnt know. I started writing poetry round the age of 9..just to release my demons..and im actually quiet in public but the way i look at life and compare situations just so i can understand them and put into perspective, although odd ...entertains folks. One day i got a phone call from one my bois in the #1 Stunnas and he just said "Repo get your ass on stage and call me when you get off and let me know what hap pend"and once i got on stage and felt the challenge and got to say what i wanted to say and folks listened..i fell in love...even more than the love for gin.

4, Were you funny all of your life? Were you a class clown? I never saw my self as funny just different with a funny outlook, class clown....um id say more of the class idiot who accidentally blurted out things or may do stuff to shock and awe my classmates just cuz i finished my work before everybody else.

5, How did family and friends react to your interest in comedy? I know we all have the "nay" sayers, did you have anyone who did not support your dream? It was a shock not because of the fact they didnt know my potential but because i was on stage doing it. I was always in the background and still like that so when they actually saw that i was on stage they mouth dropped. They thought i was just talkin shit again. I didnt have really any "nay" sayers it was more less "bout daymn time either that or get a crazy check. Im still thinkin bout the check though...times is hard.As far as coming out to support..kinda touchy. Its hard for me because the friends and family that be around me tend to make excuses why they never seen me on stage other than videos i sent them or they ran across. i honestly must say the most support and kicks in the ass by not bein on stage came from when i started riding with the #1 Stunnas. So when i finally told them i was on stage the harassing phone calls and threats to shave my chia pet stopped.

6, What fuels your material? Is any of it real life experiences? Imma story teller with a strange twist. It all started by writtin about bike parties and the way i saw it happen and what i added. Most of my jokes are real life through my eyes. I have many stories that i was told folks still read. I gotta email from a gurl one day tellin me that she went back and printed everything i wrote ona web site just so she could have something worth reading under the dryer. Life period fuels my material and my desire to bring darkness to light.

7, Would you say your act is edggy? Is it a family friendly show? SIGH um ....sumtimes over the top..most the time. Im still young so im finding different was to tell the same jokes to a pg crowd and not loose the effect. So i guess it depends where im at8, Do you feel you need life lessons to fuel your material? Yes...you caint talk about something you dont know about. Even if its somebody elses life lesson it teaches you a lesson and when you talk bout it lesson learned on both parts.

9, Let's talk about your latest project. I hear that you are doing big things. Care to tell us about it? Well i taught my sea horse ta fetch but other than that, the idea has been tossed round by me and a very respected entertainment co in OKC bout me hosting a comedy show two times a month the idea is still on the table so im not going to go too much into it but it was an honor when i was asked.Also me and one my boys are working on a script for a commercial that we joked around about 2 years ago and up and coming director heard bout it and said "i think it will be a good look..get back to me" ..so working on that as well.

10, Where can your fans check you out? They can find me at any cockroach farm tryin ta make a livin or myspace of course http://www.myspace.com/thatdamnrepoimma put one my videos back up on there but alot stuff i have on video is extremely raw so im workin on gettin better stuff out.and if i forget ta put the videos back up...yall send me a message my mind dont work to well, damn pre mid-life crisis is killin me...man-a-pause is real

CHECK HIM OUT AT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQbEieTPRIk

Someone else Likes Me!

My new blog buddy James over at The Tubman Solutions gave me a much appreciated award. There are a lot of great bloggers out there, but if you make it to my blog roll, then you are a favorite! He has titled it The Tubman Solutions for a great reason. To me he gives great solutions on everything. How to take care of your health, yourself and your mate! He even tells guys how to love and treat us, and for the most part a lot of it is correct. Every now and then he ruffles a few feathers but that is only to be expected with such a real blogger. Check him out here also at Chillin In The Tub to view my award!!

Thanks James!

Watch the company you keep.

Not everyone you encounter is your friend. Even if someone does something nice for you, that does not mean that they have your best interest at heart. You can't teach, reach, lead everyone. There will be a few that you will just have to keep in prayer and pray that they come to the truth. In saying that, please don't entertain foolishness. Just because it's not a sin doesn't mean it's good for you. There is a thing called a weight, weights bring you down. Remember that God can use you to bless anyone and He can also use them to bless you. Like I say in my email signature, "If you walk away feeling you've learned absolutely nothing, know that you've taught someone something!" That simply means not all lessons are for you. God can give you something that is sooo small to you but mean the world to someone else. He brings people in our path for us to teach and learn from, just as He does for others. So don't think that you are to reach everyone. He reaches them, you just do your duty and spread the good news and stay away from the weights and wrong doers. Two people on opposite sides of the fence can not share the same space for long and still have opposing views. At some point one will rub off on the other. If it is meant for you to entertain foolishness, GOD will call you to do so. He must call us to do certain things otherwise we will fall into the traps of satan. Only a few can go to the clubs to find and save souls, only a few can stand and preach the gospel on the corner, only a few can do missionary work in Iraq. We cannot choose ourselves. Let Him lead you. He will tell you if you should play with dirt, otherwise it will only get into your eyes.

Still

Do you have a love like this? If not, I hope life brings you to it. Tamia is my favorite vocalist. Not only does she share my battle with MS..she seems to have a sweet spirit.

What if.........?

My cousin and I use to play "what if?" when we were little. It's just like "hypothetically speaking" that some MIA blogger posts periodically. I have a short "what if" that I would like your opinion on. This is for the guys and girls.

What if you were happy and in love. For the first time you have contemplated kids and marriage! For the first time your lover is actually your best friend!

Tragedy strikes when you find out that your man is sick and in need of a kidney transplant and only have months to live. Dialysis is not working and he is still taking a turn for the worse. The only option is a transplant. All hope seems to be gone when you find out that the donor list is a yr long until you decided to get tested.

The doctor comes in to your man's hospital room and tells you that he has the results of the test. You and your guy are anticipating the results. The doctor sits beside your fiance' and says that you are a match. You drop to the floor in tears. Finally, you all can be a happy family!

The doctor doesn't seem to be sharing in your joy. He looks up at you and tells you you are 6weeks pregnant and you can not be a donor.

What do you do? You are ready to save the life of your future husband but he wants you to keep the baby.

Ladies would you term your pregnancy for your one true love? Fellas would you want your life to be spared or the life of your child's?

Bad Parenting

Comment | Copy This

What would you say?

Comment | Copy This

They like me, They really like me!!

Blinders Off who shares my walk in MS has given me the award "Gratitude with Attitude", by way of Brass and Ivory. She is soooo inspiring to me! I love ya Blinders Off!

"Lisa at Brass and Ivory is an MS crusader in the blogosphere and she selected me as one of her dirty dozens to give the gratitude with an attitude award. I want to pass that on to you."

Here are the rules:

* Put the logo on your blog or post.

* Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!

* Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

* Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

* Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

I don't know anyone with MS other than Blinders Off to give the "Attitude with Gratitude" award. So I will hand it to those who not only have great blog reads, but are very inspirational! My award goes to:


Let Me Explain- She has been my BFF and inspiration from the womb. There's no one like her!

Don- He reintroduced the love of writing to me..he is a great poet as well.

Potent Praise- A group of God fearing people who love Jesus and are my friends! Thanks for adding me as an author!

Natarsha- Teaching children in Korea while still running her Photography Co.

Christoph J- Teaching children in Korea and still using his inspirational poetry to touch all.

Tamara Angela Grant - Inspiring all to read and write. And helping those who want to be authors!

Raw Dawg - Philosophical posts that keep my brain workin!

MyBrownBaby- Great author who's writings are inspiring to me.

1. - Her writing is witty and edgy!

Free Spirit Butterfly - her trails and testimonies are inspirational to many.

Pick your Battles

Over the last year I have had 7 close family and friends embark upon marriage. 2 of which will jump the broom this Nov! So I dedicate this to all of you!!

The bible speaks of having a quiet spirit. Maybe I'm wrong, but to me that goes hand in hand with picking your battles.
Not everything has to be addressed or confronted. We have to learn what to speak on and what to let go.
This is good advice for relationships with children and adults. I had a friend that told me she was tired of fighting with her then 6 yr old daughter about getting up and ready for their Saturday errands, so she let her daughter dress herself. She was wrinkled and not matching at times but it worked and they made it out of the house in a timely fashion. Also, it stopped a lot of the whining and bickering. Now that idea might not work for every parent but it made Saturdays a lot easier for my friend. She picked her battles.
I have learned that even as a married adult, I have to pick battles with my husband. I know his pet peeves and I try to not aggravate them. But at the same time he must realize I will be me, and there will always be something I might do/do not do that he doesn't like so accept certain things. Remember we are consider "help mates" to each other in the bible. Rest assured, fighting every battle is not a help to either partner.
So how do I know what battle to fight?
First lets not consider everything a battle. Look at it as simply expression of feelings or just information. Looking at in as a battle all the time can result in a war!!

Ask yourself: Is this issue worth addressing (could mental, physical or financial harm result if not addressed?) Is it merely a pet peeve? Who would benefit from this battle if addressed?

Moral of the story speak on the necessary and let foolishness go. Not only will it help ease the possibility of war, it will help us learn what's really important and what's not.

Anything you would like to add on this topic or any others? Visit www.tias-mind.blogspot.com

State of Confusion

Have you ever got to a point in your life where you are totally confused on your next move? Some things come so easily, sometimes without a thought. Others leaving you baffled.

What am I suppose to do next? What do I do next?

If life could only give a manual. A book of directions to follow. Well there is. The bible!

But not all things need such heavy pondering. Step out on faith and do what you feel is best.

God won't always answer when you think He should. He wants to know where you stand.

So Stand Up!!!

Stop worrying about the trivial things all the time. Make a sound choice and ask God to lead you in the right direction in that choice that you made. He does tell us to leave our cares and burdens upon Him, but there are things that He would like for us to do on our own. He doesn't care what car you drive or if you rent or own. He does give us the desires of our heart.

Make up your own mind and do what you know you should do. I heard a pastor say the only time we are confused is when one of our options is the wrong one. Are we ever confused between right and right? No, there is always an option that is less than correct that we are always struggling with. So at the end of the day do the right thing and you will never go wrong!

Don't make life any harder on you than it has to be. Don't think everything is God and everything is the devil.

My life has me at a state of confusion right about now. Not knowing exactly what I should be doing. Hubby and I are thinking about moving back to Chicago. Will I work, or go to school, how long will I have to live in an apartment before we get established in that expensive city.

So many decisions but I know that if I do what's best for me and my family and keep Him first, all others will fall nicely into place.

Are you in a state of confusion?

Do Over

f you had the ability to do one thing over, what would it be? Would you change anything about you, your life or situation?
I'm sure we all know that even the worst parts of our lives are important in the molding of who we are. But there are still those moments where we are like "dag, I wish...."
Is there a lover that you feel you might have been better off if you'd never met them? Or a job that caused more stress than money made? A family member that you wish didn't share your blood line?
We all have those little regrets. A one night stand that you wouldn't dare share with even your closest friend?

Just for fun, what is your lil regret?

My biggest regret is not going away to school and majoring in my true love, Child Psychology.

What would you like to do over?

How to Keep a Black Woman...(in my opinion)

She can be emotional- Accept it, we can't be as hard as we seem. We have high hormone levels and the pressures of being a woman on our shoulders.

Love Yourself- One for sure way to love us is to love you! Be confident, flaunt what you are good at..work on what you are not.

Tell her- Yes you must show it, but it is also important to say it. Look into our eyes when you do.

appearance- You all aren't the only ones who care about it. Keep yourself up. Get your hair cut, buy some new kicks. Take pride in your swagger!

No show offs- don't put everything on display. We don't need to hear how loud your stereo can get or how many chains you can get from your local flee Market.

Educated- Its nothing like talking with a well spoken educated man. It's attractive if you know about today's events and a lil history. 2pac and Biggie don't count in either of the choices.

Take care of home- in every way you could imagine. Bills, and the overall happiness of your woman and your home.

Head of the house- this is a big one to me..being the head doesn't mean you dictate and bark orders...head of the house also means giving a role/duty to someone who might do it better than you. Just cause you are a man doesn't mean you can do it all. If you suck at house hold repairs, it's ok..HIRE SOMEONE!

honesty- be truthful about your feelings. Don't tell us what you think we want to hear. (unless we ask, "does this dress make me look fat") let us know how you feel. It takes a real man to express how he feels. It's ok to use words like hurt, sad and "I'm sorry"! You will be a happier man if you do.

There are sooooooooooo many more but here are a few. At the end of the day treat her as your best friend. If you are married to her, she comes before your friends and right after Jesus!

Feel free to leave word on how you would love a black woman or how you want to be loved.

If You Were Never Born

How has your presence effected your inner circle? Do you feel that if you were never here things would be different? Of course it would be. Not saying that everything would be so terrible without your presence but you have made an impact.

How different would your friends be if they didn't have you? Who would be parenting your kids? Everything around you is how it is because of the people. That mean teacher is being a little more fair because of you. That racist boss will keep his comments to himself in the privacy of his own thoughts because of you. Your mother is more trusting of teens because of you. But realize you also could be a hell raiser and it could be the other way around.

That woman wouldn't have that black eye if it weren't for you. That child would still be alive if you would've said "no" to that beer at the club. Not all people are positive but we all play a part in this world. What side do you play.

Would people wish you were never born?

What is Your Most Embarrassing Moment?

Ok, maybe it's good I didn't continue my singing/dancing/entertaining career, because I have found myself running in shame from some of my horror moments.

My city, the city I love more than any other..Chicago! Yes, my city had me trying to escape..lol.

Remember that cousin I spoke of? Well, we decided to take our singing to the next level.

We started taking vocal lessons, well I took 3. 70.00 per week, I couldn't afford at that time. So I started practicing what I was taught from my vocal coach and my high school friend Tamyra Gray.

Anyhoo, my cousin and I sang everywhere! Did nigh clubs (another embarrassing story), radio jingles and even was approached by managers and other groups that were interested in us!



We were on our way!!



So I thought.



We got the opportunity to sing live on a cable access channel. Yeah you know em, every city has that crazy cable channel that is low budget and usually are some kind of dance or talent show.

We were one of the groups who were to be featured on this show.

My other cousin was our manager (since she had the degree in Advertising/Marketing). We had one family member as our stylist for our hair and wardrobe..we were doing big thangs!

Tease was our name...not in a sexual manner but because we were Tia and Tanesha and to spell it T's was lame.

We practice our song by Faith Evans for weeks and had it down packed.



We arrive at the studio and we are greeted by a man like Jerome from Martin.

Yes, he was looking at us like we were a juicy steak!

He showed us around the studio and told us where we would be singing.

We asked him if we could use the restroom so we could practice and freshen up. He showed us the restroom and told us we were next.



"We're first?" "You're the only." "what?!?" "No one else showed up, so you girls have the entire 1 hr show."



Total fear and panic at this point. An hour show! Are you kidding. We shoulda known this would happen, after all this man was also the 1 of the 2 camera men, the sound guy and probably the janitor too for all we knew.



We are ready to sing. We look for the "3..2..1.." countdown. And we are on! Only thing is the sound guy screwed up our tape and it started in the middle of our intro!!! As we stand there looking aimlessly into the camera, I desperately try to play catch up.



That song wasn't the worst, well it wasn't for me. My cousin has a different opinion. My screw up came on a later song.



Now we are told we would have an interview. Oh lord. We sit with the man who is the sound man, camera man and now the host/interviewer. It didn't go well. Every time I spoke I got a lecture like a child and everything my cousin said she could never elaborate when more was asked. This interview was such a bust we were determined to take the spotlight off of us by telling him our manger/cousin also had a great voice. He licks his lips (she was also a juicy steak) and calls her on to the stage. Of course she gestured she was going to beat us up after the show. She never came on the set. Mind you the audience was filled with 13 people...9 of whom were with us!

Time for our second song. "His Eye is on the Sparrow", which we hadn't sung in months! A song I was just learning months earlier. The song was going fine until I thought it was over and put the mic down, only to hear my cousin ad-libbing more to the song. So I play it off the best way possible..pick up the mic and keep going. Now we are finally done. So I thought, she is still singing the song that should have been over by now. So here I am looking silly again by putting my mic down as if we are done.



Once it was finally over..the audience was to come and shake our hand while the credits rolled. Our family was not prepared to be on tv..as my other cousin slides and scoots sheepishly past one camera..another one was getting her every move! So we were all embarrassed that day.



Months later co-workers noticed me from that show. The show that we hoped no one would see being that it was aired on a hot summer July evening at 7pm. Why was anyone home anyway??



My cousin has successfully lost the tape and it will never be shown again!! Lord knows I hope!



I just revealed my embarrassing moment, and my cousin's...what's yours?

Where Has Life Taken You?

Are you where you always thought and dreamed you would be? Are you living your childhood dream now? Many of us aren't. I know I am not.

Since 3yrs old, like a lot of kids, I wanted to be an entertainer. My cousin and I sang, put on plays(wrote our own songs and plays) and danced wherever there was a group of 3 or more. We did shows for family functions, bday parties and all. But at the same time, I was the "lil old lady". Giving advice and always in grown folk business. Analyzing and singing is what I always did. I continued that love into junior high. I danced with a dance group in Cali and was on the schools Peer Mediation board. Still entertaining and analyzing. Once I got to high school I joined the chorus. Still singing. Even took some college courses on Music Mngmnt.

but having my son young and getting married young changed everything. I realized singing was a hobby and going to school for psychology wasn't in the plans at that moment. So I took some coding classes and continued on with life. I continued my love for writing since that was the only thing left of my childhood dream I had.

Now I look back and realize all my time is rapidly leaving. I could have completed two dreams by now. My cousin kept dancing in Cali and made it to some really good videos backing some hiphop and rap groups. My Chicago cuz/BFF kept singing for a while and has also put on Chicago land talent shows with her own production co.. See a pattern here?

Me? Still finding my way. lol...Feeling too old for some things, too young for others. I still plan on making my way to my Masters in Child Psychology and minor in journalism or at least a writing class. Pray for me! ...lol

Are you doing what you've always dreamed?

Are you saving the Environment?

I will be the first to admit, I was not considered eco friendly at all. In fact, I just became aware of the term in my early 20's. It wasn't a huge issue to me or my family 7-8 years ago. Now everything is eco friendly. I saw on t.v how a couple saves energy by blending their smoothie drinks on their exercise bike! Or on the news they suggest pouring a bottle of water into the tank of your toilet to save on water. If I'm not mistaken it saves an average of 10 flushes. I also heard to save energy you should wash all of your clothes early in the day, one load after the other.
Now I'm a mom of 3. I can not hop on my exercise bike when I need to blend my 8 months old food. Nor can I wash all of my load of laundry early in the day, one after the other. My baby sleeps during that time so it's more feasible for me to wash at midnight. I also can not afford to buy water to flush down the toilet.
One thing I can say that is achievable for me and my lifestyle is eco friendly Canon Digital Cameras. I am sooo not with technology but I am a mother who is always taking pics. After my hubby's constant advise to get with the "times", I looked up eco friendly technology and found the SuperWarehouse and that Canon has minimized product packaging and the industry's longest-running toner recycling program! I never thought of toner recycling as energy saving. I have always done it for money saving! I even found HP Laptops that are light weight and thin for as little as 400.00! My laptop is not light weight to me, unfortunately, but who would've thought lightweight and thin helps the environment. I also found a few other laptops that won medals for environmental eco friendliness. Even though I have a pretty good scanner, epson scanners are also good on energy if anyone's interested.
Ok let's be mindful that environmental friendly products are also friendly on the pockets. With the gas shortage frenzy here in Ga, saving money is a huge deal! I am a faith believer and I know that we won’t be here forever, but since we are here now, let’s do our part and make our gadgets and trinkets eco friendly. Especially if it’s things you are already using. So if anyone is interested in saving the planet or your pockets check out superwarehouse. Everything on it is eco friendly!

Living outside your means?

Going site seeing in Chicago was always fun to me. We would see Jordan's house, R. Kelly's and other Chicago stars. Funny how Chicago rich and Ga.'s rich are soooo different. Here in Ga there is no rich area really. A 200k home can sit next to a 799k home all on the same city street or dirt road. In the Chi you would have to travel to see the nice, rich big homes (i.e. Olympia Fields)Before my husband and I decided to move to Ga we were looking for homes in Chicago. We always knew where the black folks lived. Not because of the yard up keep, or price of the house, but because of the car in the drive way. For some reason my sistas and brutha(black folks) judge their worth by their cars. Every home occupied by blacks drove Benz, BMW's and Range Rovers. While homes occupied by white people drove Toyota's, Mazda's and Jeep Cherokees. Now I'm not saying all blacks but a majority of the young ones put worth into things that are not investments.
Why do you have a 70-90k automobile but live at home or in an apartment? Why is your credit bad and you can't get cable in your name but you have on more bling than Marc Jacobs has in stock?
I saw a show on lives of Millionaires and they all shopped on clearance racks, drove modest cars and used coupons. You can't stay rich when you spend lavishly.

Why do we put our money into materialistic things when our kids don't even have college funds?
Are you an spending outside your means? Know anyone who is? Put em on blast! lol

Carousel Checks

Hey, has anyone heard of Carousel Checks? I came across their website and thought that it was pretty cool and pretty cheap. Well, I think 3.89 for a box of checks is cheap. Does anyone still use checks and if so would you use them?
I know we are in a paperless society. Everything is being converted to computers and plastic, at least that's what I thought. Not even a year ago something I was applying for asked for a voided check! Are you serious? lol. I was really taken back because I was told in order to be approved I needed one old check. Even the ones I had were from another very old account. It had been years since I had used a check. Ever since that happened I started considering getting checks again for "just in case" basis. I have checks now with my bank but I've never seen the variety that Carousel Checks have or maybe I‘m just out of the loop.
I've always liked photo checks but people are too crazy nowadays to have your face plastered across the front of your checks along with your personal info. But I have really been considering putting my hubby's business logo on it for his business checks instead of using personal checks.
I wrote my first check at 22 or 23. I was never a check person or credit card person. I always used cash until I realized how important credit was. I just started to build credit at 26 and I'm glad I waited because I would've had terrible credit if I had done it sooner.
Even when paying my car note they want the check number. So since society is obviously still using them, I might as well too. Only this time get the ones I like and not the old plain ones hubby gets. I seen some for sports lovers and even religious beliefs.
If you guys could check out the site and tell me if you would get them. I personally think it's a good deal and they are cute but again I'm no check writer so I don't want to waste my money. If you do order checks let me know how you like them cause I think I will. I would love your input and feed back on this.
Question:

Does anyone still use checks?
Would you be leery if a company took check only?
How much do you pay or what is reasonable?
Would you consider Carousel Checks?

LaShawntanique Alize' Jekins

Ok I have revealed my urban name to a blogger, which is what inspired this post. When my mom had me, she probably wasn't concerned with racial stereo-types or racial profiling. However, I am very conscious of it and feel the need to give my kids a foot in the door and let their skills and personality speak for them.
Don't get me wrong, I named my kids Tyler, Justin and Morgan because I love the simplicity of the name...as well as the name period. I have nothing against a Snatinique or Shanique but does society embrace it? Do we care about what society thinks. I do to a point. I have to live in this society, survive in this society so I do need societies approval if I want a hassel free life. Now mind you, some things I can careless about what society says because my Father owns the society so I'm good!
Still, I dont want to fill anyones quota when I apply for a job or enroll in school.
I want my name to be over looked. I want my skills, accomplishments and training to speak for me.

Question:

Are you a LaShawntanique Alize' ?

Do you embrace the urban name culture?

Do you stereotype based on names? Do you agree with it?

Who are You

I thought I knew you but I don't

Who are you?

You are not what you perceive to be

Nice and gentle

that may be

but that doesn't mean anything

Who are you inside?

What will your eulogy read?

Who are you?

Not the one you use to be

Sometimes I'm not sure if you even know

Look in the mirror

Who do you see?

I don't know....



the reflection is me.......

Office SuperMarket in the UK!

Ok, I knew the UK was popular for Paris (the city of love and shopping!) and London, well to me it is because those are my favorite cities, even though I've never been there. They are a lot like us over here. Except I have noticed that their prices might not be as good, but better. With the economy in the US going bizzurk the prices in the UK aren't looking so bad. I don't know about the retail clothing industry but the UK has a Office SuperMarket UK and the prices made me SMH!(shake my head for the new bloggers;))
Maybe I'm a retard but I didn't know they were soooo much like us. They don't have all of this weird high fashion that the reality shows say. I know with me moving soon I would love to have their products.

I got the scoop on Korea from my friend Natarsha, but I want someone to check out the UK for the retail, and when you go, please pick me up this computer desk. lol. I wonder do they deliver? lol. They say 48 hours but does that apply to Lithonia Ga.?
In case you didn't know, my hubby has his own business and I would really like to get some home office furniture but because I'm not working, (due to excessive blogging just kidding) I can't afford new office furniture at the moment.

I know ya'll think I'm wacky for ranting and raving about a store in the UK, but when you have been looking for something specific (like that boardroom table) and finally find it for the price you are willing to pay to only find out it's in the UK, that hurts. lol. My other pieces match that boardroom table to a tee! Oh well, maybe oneday I'll be able to fly there in a day like so many others do. Well none of my friends (wink). I'll just dream about flying over to the city of love and shopping. Until then, I will just sign up for their newsletter and browse the site until I make it to the fab cities in the UK, unfortunately that is the closest I will get to it.

Let me stop before you guys think I'm crazy but seriously, check it out. In person if you're blessed like that, or online and become a dreamer like me...lol
Till later, or until I find a job.
smooches..