1/31/12

Gear, Gear & Pocketbook Tears

So, if you are participating in any sport/fitness activity, I am SURE that you have encountered the shock & awe of how much it costs to be fit, train properly, eat healthy and register for races. SHOCK & AWE!!!

 

It hit me this week as Coach Lionheart (yeah, I’m already a little rebellious) was trying to get me to eat differently and to get my trainer set up and so on and so forth that this little endeavor is KICKING MY PURSE in the ASS!

 

Look at all this damn stuff…

I had to have a bike – bike_final And then you have to have stuff to go with it…Cages (for your beverage), a bento box (for sustenance, money, keys), a case under the seat for my spare tubes, repair kit & first aid, lights, helmet, bike shoes, gloves,ROAD ID, AND I have to have something to dag on wear!

IMG_1723 gear1 IMG_1711

Add to that a bike trainer for winter time training and you have just about hurt my damn feelings. BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE

 

I gotta swim, so you gotta have stuff for that…Fins, pull buoy, lap counter, kick board (forget that, I’ll borrow that ish at the pool), towels, bathing suits to train in and don’t forget when you actually do a race you might need a wet suit (I’ve never worn one – hate it – I wear rash guards). DA HELL. CHING CHING $$$$$$$$

swimgear  IMG_3468

And well, there’s the running part…shoes, sport bra’s, gear, socks, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, Tune’s on the IPod  AND a HRM! – I KNOW I’m forgetting something. It’s prolly in that damn Tribag somewhere in one of those pockets.

expo3  movingcomfort HRM

Let us not forget the race entry fee’s – KILL ME NOW – and the ever dreaded hair issue. Let me just discuss the hair issue for a minute. It just isn’t …for me. I will hairstuffsnatch it back in a quick second and slap on some H.I.B (Hair I Bought) quick like or I’ll through some Curls in it, twist and go! If I need some heat..well, I’ll blow it dry and cook me some hair with a flat iron and move out. It’s just hair.

 

Protect it. Keep it moisturized and get to steppin!

 

Then there is FOOD! Fruits, Veggies, Lean this, Vegan that, Recovery Drinks, Protein Bars. Clean, Lean, Mean…MF’n EXPENSIVE! How about a good ole’ fashioned peanut butter & jelly sammich. JEEZE.

 

…And let us NOT forget about the safety & comfort items. A MUST! Who knew that Butt Butter was an absolute HAVE TO HAVE! Aleve & Bio.Fre.eze are my bestest friends. And I don’t get on my bike without a first aid kit anymore…that has Aleve in it. Moleskin-be about it. Glide – you best recognize – who hasn’t has something chafed so bad it felt like sandpaper was rubbed all on your skin or something. 

food  safetygear

So, I scared you off, huh. I hear you. “FUG DAT SHYT! If it gonna be all like that, the hell with it.” – I know! It is pricey, but it can be done on a budget and even while swimming sideways in the TET (Tough Economic Times).

 

I did my first race on a gifted mountain bike. My current bike isn’t anything to write home about but Dominique Diva is mine and was under $500. Join Free cycle clubs in your area AND Tri/Cycling/Run Clubs – people are VERY generous. From free to cut rate prices…you can build you gear closet. I scour sales and race expo’s for deals on equipment, clothing and anything I need. Swa.ggle and other fitness deal sites should become your friend.

 

I do my own hair – Google your hair questions – attend YouTube university – ask fellow sport enthusiasts…been there, done that. I gave up some things in order to do this thing. I wear the bathing suits I had to train in OR I wear one of my bathing suit skirts with a workout top (spandex material) with a sports bra (you gonna do that in a Tri anyway, soooo…). I don’t have a wet suit. I watched Total Immersion videos on YouTube till I could afford a course. I worked off a training plans downloaded free of of the internet till I could afford a coach. It can be done.

 

Now I ain’t gonna lie…it still is a $$$ proposition, but it CAN be done.

 

Ask me your questions, I WON’T tell you any lies.

1/30/12

IM70.3 VLOG–3 Days of Workouts–188 Days to Go

 

Lord Have Mercy On My Soul. This is just 3 days of workouts…BASE BUILDING!!!! One hour on the treadmill, two hours (22 miles) on the bike and a seven mile run. Whew Chile.

 

GET IT, GET IT.

1/29/12

VLOG: IM70.3–Weigh-in Sob Story

 

It’s not always grins & giggles…yet the journey continues.

1/27/12

Video Blog–A TravelDiva’s Journey to Ironman 70.3

First video blog of my journey to the Ironman 70.3 National Harbor. Join me for the adventure & challenge of a lifetime.

1/25/12

Sh*t Triathletes Say

FUNNY!! “If it can be compressed, why wouldn’t you compress it?” Bwwaaahaahaa!

Meeting Madness

…The random stuff that goes through my head about the shyt that happens/is said at meetings.

job

Why do they always thank you for coming to the meeting…”I appreciate you coming. Thank You.” As if it was optional to attend. Seriously.

 

That blond, slim (almost anorexic) look for a pharma rep is still alive & well.

 

I’m not JUST a sales rep…I’m a Change Agent. *insert eye roll*

 

“Hyper Focused Strategy”…Explain to me how to be HYPER and FOCUSED at the same damn time. SIGH.

 

I can already tell from the way my District Manager is looking at me that I have not fixed my face enough to “look engaged.” Oh well. I’m a work in progress.

 

What exactly is the point of being “very” knowledgeable about the disease state and process if you are not allowed to EVER use that knowledge to compare & win (competitively sell vs. competitors)? Anybody can be taught to read a damn script and saying “I dunno” get’s real old…even to your clients. Just sayin’.

 

Us old school change agents are one sentence away from being a compliance/HR nightmare, but we are some change agent sell our azz off mofo’s though. WINNING!

 

Only a half day in on the two day meeting and I’m already losing the “give a shit” battle.

 

I love team building activities.TEAM

 

When all methods of persuasion fails…inserting fear, doubt, uncertainty into the the mix works. Really..it does (but it probably isn’t “compliant”).

 

It’s funny how you all of a sudden become like E.F. Hutton when your sales numbers are kicking the AZZ off of every body else in the district.

 

Best get your umbrella cause I’m raining KNOWLEDGE down on ya’ll. (But only the “compliant” stuff mind ya.)

 

…and just when I thought I was fakin’ the give a shyt funk, my Regional Manager sits down next to me.

 

Look engaged. Look engaged. Look engaged. Look engaged.

 

It's 5 o’clock in the PM

Meeting nuttin’ but mayhem

You said it’d be over soon

So I snuck out to the break room

And I thought I’d just wait there

Until time for the team dinner affair

I’d pretend I was interested and I was dreaming…

 

What psychedelic drug was the marketing team on when they came up with the name for our new combo product? I can’t even pronounce that mess. SMDH.

 

It’s 5 o’clock in the morning…

 

We are going to do a “DEEP DIVE” into the data. o_O …vs. a shallow one?

 

WTF is a Secret Sauce (Best Practice) Mentor. These names for shit is NOT cute.

 

TROPHYRecognition/Award Time!!!

-Biggest jump in regional rank #35 to #6 (TRx MS .3 to 3.5) post launch

- Top TRx product volume in District

- Tied for Top Overall NRx product volume

- Most strategic approach with routing & teamwork coordination

- Managed care lead

 

HOW BOUT THAT PLASTIC TROPHY! I got a hug too!

 

 

 

Nothing makes the day go by faster than to get a call for the final interview on a dream job/opportunity.

 

THANK YOU JESUS for that text from Ms.Pattey…it came just as my forehead was about to dent the table.

 

Holy Smoke! The President might stop by the resort for the DNC Meeting also being held here! WHAT! Oh, I can’t go down that hallway. Oh okay. Yeah. Those Se.c.r.et Service people are NO JOKE. They look like if you even breathed in their general direction I would have an appointment with a marble floor, gun muzzle and some latex.

 

Yep. I’m moving along. Nothing to see.

 

AST (Advanced Sales Training)…okay…good info. SOOOOOOoooo, when your trainer AND DM admit they were “poor sales people” until they went through the training (AS A TRAINER & DM) o_O, does that mean that poor performance is how you get promoted in these streets? {{{{O_O}}}} HARD DAMN STARE.

 

Seriously!? So now we are Change Management Consultants?

 

I think I’m bleeding from my eyes.

 

Only things worth “taking away” from the meeting:

- Be interested NOT interesting.

- Stay in the moment.

- Seek First to Understand.

 

Do you ever want to drink straight from the bottle after company meetings?

1/22/12

Let the Adventure to Ironman 70.3 Begin

The goal has been set. The races have been selected. I have a Coach. Let the Adventure Begin…
ironmannationalharbor
I AM GOINGTO BE AN IRONMAN…or at least half of one!

This is a big year for me, so I wanted to celebrate the year with some big things. Here is what’s on tap:

April 15th – Clyde’s 10K
April 28th – DERBY HALF MARATHON – this is a biggie (one of my “A” Races) cause I’m going to be there when my BFF MsPattey achieves her goal of her 1st Marathon!
May 20th – Warrior Dash – for grins and giggles.
June 6th - 25th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
June 24th – Philly Triathlon
Aug  5th – IRONMAN 70.3 NATIONAL HARBOR!!!!!!!!!
Sept 27-30 – 25TH CLASS REUNION – WEST POINT'
Oct 6th – Seagull Century
Oct 21st – Army 10 Miler
IMTarusAnd to make this whole season even mo betta…I have IM Tarus Nelson, who will from now on be know at Coach Lionheart, as my Training Consultant. I know what you are thinking…how much does THAT cost. Well, Tarus just got his USAT Coach Certification and has started a non-profit youth triathlon team (Strive to Tri) – his goal this year is to send a group of youths this year to participate in 4 races with the funds raised. So, for a $600 donation to Strive to Tri (which I give half up front and only pay the remaining when I complete my goal race of the 70.3 and am satisfied with the services provided and my results). Strive to Tri is a Jr. Tri Team dedicated to exposing minority youths to the triathlon sport while promoting a healthier, fun lifestyle. All proceeds from Coach Lionhearts consultations will ensure our children have the resources their counterparts possess.


P.S. He does more than just coach triathletes. FYI.

I am already satisfied (albeit a tad hysterical and obsessive compulsive). He is/has already put a training plan together for me (whew, chile, intense but doable) as well as a nutrition plan (he is trying to get me to go all vegan…I’m a work in process) and I have emailed, texted and talked with him on the phone incessantly numerous times over the past few days.
I can’t wait to get started. I AM A TRIATHLET!!!

Do you have any big goals set for this year? What ya doing? Tell me all about it & lets keep each other accountable.

1/20/12

Another Random Test

of the raggedy blogging system. Don’t click on none, won’t be none.

UPDATE: VOTING STARTED: Wedding of a Lifetime


Starting on Friday, January 20, TOMORROW,  at 10am, people can vote once a day for their favorite finalist – KEVIN & EILEEN up until Sunday, January 22 at 3pm.  That would mean each person can vote 3 times from one log in.  In order to vote, you need to go to http://dadt.com/live/contest/hawaiiwedding/.   It appears that you can vote 3 times from each separate email address, so if you have more than one.... keep voting :)

It is a pain in the but to vote because you have to register in order to vote, but at least do it one - PRETTY PLEASE. I sincerely appreciate it.

I hope you will take a moment and vote for our friends that found a Second Chance at Love and help them have the wedding of a lifetime merging their two families together.

BUCKFLUFFY FRIDAY - Brigadier General Lewis

1/19/12

Souper You!

Allrighty…we are waaay into the New Year. How’s that resolution/goal you set for your self holding up? Not whimping out already, are you?
Well, now that the ball has dropped and the confetti has settled, it’s time to consider how you will stick to your resolution for the New Year and maintain your weight management plan, without sacrificing on variety or the taste of foods you love.

Thanks to Progresso®, you can have your soup and eat it too! Now, while I have recently started making my own soup from scratch (see…@Nineteen69 got me started with that oh so easy, yet re-DAM-diculously tasty chicken & dumplings), I do love me some Progresso Soups. Easy-peasy!

With 40 delicious soups with 100 calories or less per serving, Progresso Soup has a variety of offerings that help you beat diet boredom and satisfy your taste cravings, while helping you stick to your weight management calorie goals. Progresso soups are packed with hearty ingredients like pasta, beans, rice, meat and vegetables that suit your taste buds and make you feel good about including it in your meal choices.

Hey! Are you ready for a new look this New Year? Progresso® is excited to announce the return of their Souper You® Contest giving you the chance to win an incredible makeover! By telling Progresso why you deserve a makeover and what you love about their soup, you could have the chance to win an ultimate makeover experience in Hollywood this Spring! Check this out...

This year, the Souper You® Contest will provide three lucky winners with an ultimate makeover experience in Hollywood; this includes a trip for 2 to Los Angeles, California where the winner will receive a head-to-toe makeover including hair and makeup, guided shopping spree with a $1,000 fashion retailer gift card, $1,000 spending money and 2 tickets to this season’s live finale of NBC’s The Biggest Loser.

Progresso is asking fans to visit www.SouperYou.com and submit their photo with a brief essay about why they love Progresso soups and why they deserve a makeover, by no later than February 22nd
Fans can check back on March 12th for the announcement of the top ten finalists, and to vote for their favorite finalist until March 25th.

In addition, visit http://bit.ly/ProgressoCoup to download a printable coupon for $1.25 off the purchase of four (4) cans of Progresso Soup today. Also, tune into The Biggest Loser on NBC Tuesdays at 8/7c

Don't want to do all of that? Well, how about entering to win a SouperYou prize pack from the TravelDiva...see rafflecopter entry form below and what you will win.
Disclosure: The Progresso® Souper You® prize pack, information, coupon, and giveaway have been provided by Progresso through MyBlogSpark.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

1/16/12

A Wedding of a Lifetime

Bellew-Houston-sm1Our friend of 29 years and USMA Classmate, Kevin Houston and his fiancée, Eileen Bellew entered into the Live with Kelly Hawaiian Dream Wedding Giveaway and made it to the final 5.

 

All this week the #LiveWithKelly Show will present each couple's story and then America decides who deserves this tropical honor.

 

Ron & I believe that Kevin & Eileen deserve this honor. We have been with Kevin since Beast Barracks at WP. Ron & Kevin played Army Basketball together and were Co-Captains of the team 86-87. Kevin stood as groomsman in our Wedding and we were there when Kevin married his childhood sweetheart, Liz. We supported and loved on Kevin & Liz, as she endured the ravages of Scleroderma and we Gripped Hands at her passing. I remember spending a weekend with Kevin & Liz during her illness and I stood with her for 2 hours at her son’s basketball game (for she could not sit in the bleachers and she didn’t want to start relying on a wheelchair yet). During that time, she shared with me her concern for Kevin’s happiness after her passing – she wanted his friends (and Kevin) to know that it was okay for him to let go and move on. Her strength and beauty moved me beyond words. And… Ron and I were there as Kevin moved forward with his life with his 3 kids…and we were never more excited to see Kevin with a sparkle in his eye – again – with the possibility of new love.

 

Kevin & Eileen deserve this honor.

 

Their story will be featured TOMORROW - Tuesday, January 17 on #LiveWithKelly (@LiveKelly).  Now, the important part: Starting on Friday, January 20, at 10am, people can vote once a day for their favorite finalist up until Sunday, January 22 at 3pm.  That would mean each person can vote 3 times from one log in.  In order to vote, you need to go to www.livewithkelly.tv.   It appears that you can vote 3 times from each separate email address, so if you have more than one.... keep voting :) VOTE EARLY! VOTE OFTEN!

 

Forgive me for how long this post is, but enclosed below is the letter Kevin wrote that got them to the finals. Please read and vote for my friends. I sincerely – they sincerely appreciate it.

 

To fall in love once and marry your best friend is an amazing feeling, a dream come true. Falling in love a second time, after all of your dreams are tragically shattered, and marrying the love of your life is even more amazing. That is the story of us, Eileen Bellew and Kevin Houston.

In January 2005, Eileen’s world was turned upside down in an instant. Her husband of 10 years, John Bellew, one of New York City’s Bravest, lost his life in a catastrophic fire, which became known as Black Sunday. Married in July 1995, Eileen and John had a life full of love, and four beautiful children who were 6, 3, 2, and 5 months at the time of John’s death. She was on maternity leave from the job she dearly loved as a science teacher in Pearl River, NY. Eileen not only raised her own children as a working mom, but she inspired and encouraged children throughout the community as a teacher, and the positive impact she left on many students is still evident today, even though she has been unable to return to the classroom. Eileen was at home on January 23, 2005, a freezing cold, snowy winter day, when her attention was drawn to a special report on TV broadcasting news of a horrific fire in the Bronx, NY, and serious injuries to firemen who responded to the blaze. She was chilled by what she was hearing, but was unable to get further information on John’s status, who she knew was at the fire. Fearing her worst nightmare, Eileen was soon on her way to St. Barnabas hospital, pictures of her four young children in hand. When she arrived, the terror and uncertainty she feared gripped and shook her to her core. A short time later, John succumbed to his injuries, and their life’s plans and dreams were immediately and irrevocably shattered. In an instant the wonderful world she had known just hours before was thrown into complete chaos. She returned home, devastated and heartbroken, but still had to face another unimaginable hurdle - telling her children that their daddy would not be coming home again. One by one she delivered the message to each of them and began to prepare for the seemingly impossible future that awaited her in that instant. Inspired by her four young children, her little angels, Eileen kept her family moving forward despite the difficulty, sadness, and emptiness that surrounded her on a daily basis. Over the last six years, she has watched her two daughters and her two sons grow and mature into wonderful, well adjusted children, all the while reminding them of John’s courage and bravery, as well as the many great traits he displayed as a father.

In January 2009, Kevin’s world was also toppled. Immediately following his graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1987, Kevin married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth. Kevin and Liz were married for 21 years, when Liz succumbed to a long term illness, a rare autoimmune disease called Scleroderma that eroded her quality of life over a five year period. Kevin and Liz also lived a charmed life, full of love and happiness, with three fantastic children who were 20, 16, and 13, when their world crumbled. Over the course of five years, prior to her death, Kevin was Liz’s primary care giver as she steadily lost her independence and her ability to do the everyday tasks we all take for granted. He was beside her throughout and offering encouragement even when various medical options failed. But he was not alone; his children were also excellent caregivers. The sacrifices each of them made over that five year period contributed to Liz maintaining a positive attitude and happy disposition despite the limitations Scleroderma placed on her and her family. Liz, too, was also a teacher and worked with children at summer camps for many years, but her illness made it impossible for her to continue doing what she loved, being around children. On January 3, 2009, the physical toll that Scleroderma took on Liz proved too much. Kevin’s worst fears had arrived. He gathered his children at the hospital, and sat on the floor before them – the task – telling them that all medical options were exhausted and the miracle they had wished for all week was not going to be realized. Their mother was dying. A short time later they gathered at her bedside to be with her as she peacefully passed away. Kevin, too, drew inspiration from his children, and collectively they have moved forward in the midst of the same difficulty, sadness, and emptiness that the Bellew family endured. In that time Kevin’s oldest daughter completed college and her master’s degree, while his son earned an athletic scholarship to college, and his youngest daughter is near finishing high school. There are everyday reminders everywhere of Liz’s courage and the great attributes she embodied as a mother.

Although Eileen and Kevin grew up in the same small town, and were only five years apart, they had not previously met. Both knew full well the tragedies each other and their children endured as a result of losing a spouse and a parent. In late 2009, Eileen and Kevin subsequently met and enjoyed each other’s company over a casual dinner, unaware something very special was happening. They soon thereafter fell in love. They have had the overwhelmingly awesome experience of finding in each other, the person they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with, despite the enormous losses each had endured. In each other they found soul mates with whom to build new dreams with, and to spend Happily Ever After with. They also found in each other that the future was once again something to embrace and look forward to with happiness and excitement, instead of something to fear. Their’s is the ultimate love story and they sealed their commitment to each other this past May when they got engaged.

Eileen and Kevin, and their families, frequently look to the skies for mindful and loving signs from John, who sends Rainbows, and Liz, who sends soaring Hawks. Those are the loving signs telling them that John and Liz are always nearby, looking out for all of them, and reminding them of happy times, past – present – and future. They often remind each other, sometimes through tears, how lucky they were to have had John and Liz in their lives, even if it was for too short a time.

Eileen and Kevin are most deserving of a Dream Wedding in Hawaii. Despite the horrible tragedies that befell them and their families, and sent them into emotional free falls, they have rallied, collected themselves, stayed positive, and risen up to dream again. Smile on them and send them soaring in the Rainbow state, Hawaii, for the Wedding of a Lifetime.

1/14/12

Dream Catchers

dreamcatcher

My girl, Nineteen69, wrote a great post the other day regarding the Invasion of the Goal Snatchers. No such truer words. I have dealt with my share of Goal/Dream Snatchers (or just plain Negative Nelly’s)…from the “Why in the world are you doing all this crazy ish?” to the (make me want to slap the snot out of you) “You don’t LOOK like a triathlete.” or my all time favorite “You do all that working out stuff and you don’t look any different.”

 

To those comments I say, yeah, well this chick that doesn’t LOOK the way you think I should look could beat the fugg out of your narrow, sit on the couch, occasionally doing some Pilates/yoga/stretching – whatever doesn’t cause you to sweat or muss your hair – AZZ with one arm tied behind my back in stiletto heels. WTF EVER.

 

I learned long ago to not let those fools ruin this here show. I do what I want, when I want, how I want. I do it with flair, sparkle and red lipstick at every chance. What I have done, in order to pop a cap in the nugget of a Goal Snatcher Zombie, is surround myself with a cadre of Dream Catchers – people that embrace your goals with you, keep you accountable, workout with you, send you training plans, cheer, nag, push, love & believe even when you don’t.

 

People like Nineteen69 – who is my shero and gave me a refresher course in commitment, perseverance & giving it all.

 

MsPattey – who is a living example to me of what happens when you set a goal & execute that plan. I live vicariously through her adventures. It is going to be an absolute honor to be there at the finish line of her 2012 goal of 26.2.

 

BK – Fit & Fabulous! Waaaay more fit than me but calls me Team Captain. She makes me feel invincible.

 

Becca – intense & focused. ALWAYS has the grin and sparkle in her eye that gets you to set new and seemingly impossible goals. This heffa right here…Whew!

 

There are my new friends at TriUnify, MidMarylandTri, Baltimore Metro Wheelers Cycling Club (AND the OC’s) & BlackGirlsRun. Of course, there isn’t (at least I haven’t found) a negative nelly in the bunch. Special shout out to Maddy – that girl right there…BEASTLY!!! She saved my life on the SeaGull Century.

 

GBaby, Robin, IGator, IMTaurus, BigNuts, Ryan, Juanita…I could go on. GET IT! My peeps

 

Then there are my professional spectators – they take race spectating to a whole new level – my daughter, Princess Erin, being the epitome of spectating – maps, routes, pictures, video, signs – take a lesson from her. SissySays with the daily hugs and “what did you do today – don’t you need to work me out.” accountability. The FireMarshall – he carry’s my gear, set’s things up, makes sure I want for nothing and makes it possible to put in odd & long training hours. Without him, I couldn’t get it in. The Queen Mother – who thinks (and knows) I’m crazier than a bed bug, but shows up with camera, telephoto lens & fold up seat and is my personal paparazzi.

 

I’m prolly missing some crucial people. My apologies. Ya’ll know who you are. Suffice it to say that my Dream Catcher Squad ROCKS and way overshadows the Zombies from the Invasion of the Goal Snatchers. If you have those Zombie Goal Snatchers around you, POP a cap off in their melon and roll out. DO YOU! FUGG THEM!

Goal Snatchers throw salt on your dreams because people changing their lives make their own lives seem stagnant or insignificant. To quote the sage philosopher, Kanye “I know you rather see me die than to see me fly.” - Nineteen69

Surround yourself with Dream Catchers and watch yourself soar!

1/9/12

Rafflecopter- A New Way of Running Blog Giveaways

Have you ever ran a giveaway on your blog and just use some kind of basic commenting & then random number generator to select the winner? Well, if you want to check out a whole new awesome way of running a giveaway - you need to check out Rafflecopter.


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1/5/12

Thursday Thoughts: Gleanings from TET 2011

ToughEconomicTimes2-642x366

It was very interesting to see how many people hoped & prayed for better times in the 1-2. More interesting were the people surprised by the fact that so many people had a TET (tough economic times) in 2011.

 

Yep. Had them. I felt no need to wallow in it and share the TET with the whole world. My family and Top Mafia have been bedrocks of support & encouragement and we are making it through.

 

Been there, done that, got a t-shirt for it.

 

What I will share are some of what I have learned and/or thought about along the way for this episode of Thursday Thoughts:

 

- That high horse I was riding; kept warm by a blanket of quick judgment, threw me off for a nice tumble.

 

- The fall was jolt and eye opener.

 

- The use LOTS of prayer with a large dose of exercise (how bout those 10 races in 2011) works wonders to alleviate stress, quell panic attacks & crying jags.

 

- Also…there is way better living through pharmaceutical intervention. Besides adult beverage intervention results in a VERY large ass, soooo…I highly recommend the pill form of intervention.

 

- Cleaning supplies from the Dollar Store clean just as well as those name brand ones in the grocery store – trust! You ought to try it…once you get over your snobbery, you’ll find some great deals on regular azz stuff. Compare & Win!

 

- You learn REAL quick like the difference between a NEED  & WANT; frivolous expense & basic necessity. QUICK.

 

- Those hard choices are hard & SUCK big time – at first – and then it gets easier – and then you realize you wasted a whole lot of money on shit stuff that just wasn’t necessary.

 

- I can go without a whole lot of stuff so that my kids can have whatever they need. Education & Learning Experiences are priority one. Nails, hairs, new stuff – can wait.

 

- GMa’s are THE BOMB! Pride is folly.

 

- Not everybody can help you financially, but they can help. Homework, Transportation, Babysitting, Cleaning, Cooking, an Airline Ticket (you know who you are)…and much more. Bartering WORKS. Get familiar.

 

- Just because you are temporarily broke doesn’t mean you need to look temporarily broke down. Shop that closet, use shit up, squeeze that tube till it screams, get creative, use YouTube university (I learned how to braid extensions into Cara’s hair – ALL BY MYSELF), DIY. I may be in the TET but I will LOOK GOOD while it it. HUMPH.

 

- I find it a gosh dang disgrace that when a person could use or NEEDS a tad bit of assistance they can’t/don’t qualify. See…those last 2 years of tax returns say you are “rich”. But right now…not so much. Too bad, so sad. That’s the group of people who are now losing their homes, filing bankruptcy – just losing EVERYTHING. SIGH. It takes 2 years of abject destitution and sitting on the waiting list to get “assistance”.

 

- Too little, too late.

 

- BTW…not everyone on unemployment & getting assistance is a lazy, shiftless, take advantage of the system, trifling ass, not good for nothing.

 

- Just Saying.

 

- A tip to those of you still out there looking for work – It’s easier to find a job when you have a job. GET ONE…any one…even if you are woefully underpaid. Do good at it and keep searching till the opportunity opens for you again. Seriously. It sucks big time out there. NETWORK!

 

- And YOU – the employer, scoffing and refusing to hiring someone that is/has been unemployed and will only hire someone who has a job – YOUR DUMB & AN AZZ.

 

- Being the wife (and business partner) of an ambitious, visionary entrepreneur will test the limits of any woman’s love & endurance. Especially when your husband starts a company during the worst economy since the Great Depression. I found out that I’m one of those women that has what it takes. I’m in it to win it. Instead of driving a wedge between us, it drove us closer and I became an asset instead of a hindrance & dream stealer. WE ROCK!

 

2012 is our year. The 2011 TET is over. I’m speaking it, and so it is.  The lessons I’ve learned along the way (and I’m sure there are more)…I’m keeping, for through adversity, we grow.

 

Do you have a lesson from TET that you care so share? Come one! Do Tell!

1/4/12

Not So Wordless Wednesday: Hostess With The Mostest

All I have to say is my girl, Ila…she can throw a dag on party! And my mixology skills…unparalleled. Just Sayin’!

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Party rock is The Tease Sisters are in the house tonight
Everybody just have a good time
And we gonna make you lose your mind
Everybody just have a good time

1/1/12

A New Year Prayer

happy-new-year-2012

May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;
Not by making your path easy,
But by making you sturdy to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking fear from your heart;
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;
Not by making your life always pleasant,
But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious to be there to help.
God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead.