Monday, September 29, 2008

Hunk a Burning Love

Hubba, hubba! How sweet it is to look at one of Hollywood's handsome men on television. Yes, I'm married but heck, I'm still human. This is Dennis Haysbert one of the main characters on CBS The Unit.

Sunday night I watched the season premiere of The Unit. I enjoy watching movies or television shows that involve government espionage, spying, the military, and of course some action. The Unit is one of those shows. You can also find Mr. Haysbert on the Allstate Insurance commercials.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Saving Money

Woo Hoo! Yesterday, I was truly elated to have something exciting come in the mail. I received coupons from one of the world's biggest manufacturer of household products, P&G (Proctor & Gamble). About a month ago I checked out their website P&G Everyday Solutions. I completed a survey online and weeks later I get coupons for money off some of my favorite products. Their website has an awful lot of information on saving plus a wealth of other information.

In our time of a weakening economy, families such as mine are finding ways to save in every facet of our lives. Before I do any shopping I always make a list and compare coupons with the sales. I get complete satisfaction by clipping coupons from the Sunday paper or printing them online.

So, head on over to P&G Everyday Solutions and check it out. I don't think you will be disappointed.







Thursday, September 25, 2008

Going for Gold

A week ago Renee at Cutie Booty Cakes wrote a follow-up post, Do Something, to her original post, Making a Difference. Her posts were about getting involved and making a difference in the lives of others. She challenged blog readers to do something, get involved or volunteer. Although I'm fashionably late, a tad bid more than a week, I felt compelled to share what I will be doing.

I mentioned briefly in a previous post that my 9 to 5 job is working for the State's social service agency within my county. I am one of 50 people who know what making a difference means. I know you've probably heard about vulnerable children & adults falling through the social service cracks but you don't hear about the success stories.

Recently, my Assistant Director came to me and asked if I would co-chair the Maryland Charity Campaign for our agency. For a minute I hesitated, thinking...hmmmm, I've never done anything like this before. My AD asking me to co-chair also came from the request of our Director. Knowing this, the circumference of my head got a little bigger. Eagerly, I replied that I would. The theme for this year's campaign is "Go for the Gold: Champions Give in a Winning Way".

Maryland's Charity Campaign allows State employees the opportunity to give to over 700 charitable non-profit organizations. The over 700 charities serve the citizens of the State. State employees have the choice of selecting which charities they would like to donate. As co-chair for my agency, I will be responsible for coordinating "special events" to raise additional monies.

After getting an overview of the campaign from our liaison, I'm really gung-ho and ready to get started. My co-chair and I will make this year's events fun and memorable. This will also be a learning experience for me to do this more often.

Cup of Tea.....

From time to time, I receive non work-related emails from co-workers. I know you're probably saying, 'no personal business on government time', right? I only get these about twice each month, no more than that. I received this email a few days ago and thought I would share. I clearly pictured my daughter doing this with her dad and got a really good chuckle out of it. ENJOY!


Cup of Tea .....

One day my mother was out and my dad was in charge of me.


I was maybe 2 1/2 years old and had just recovered from an accident.

Someone had given me a little 'tea set' as a get-well gift and it was one of my favorite toys.

Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when I brought Daddy a little cup of 'tea', which was just water. After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy tea, my Mom came home.

My Dad made her wait in the living room to watch me bring him a cup of tea, because it was 'just the cutest thing!' My Mom waited, and sure enough, here I come down the hall with a cup of tea for Daddy and she watches him drink it up.

Then she says, (as only a mother would know.. :)

'Did it ever occur to you that the only place she can reach to get water is the toilet'?


Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Wordless Wednesday

Mamma's little helper


Monday, September 22, 2008

Coupon Organizer Giveaway

Head on over to Moms Helping Mom Save Money! There's a giveaway for a pretty nifty looking coupon organizer. If you're a Mom that saves, like me, having a coupon organizer makes life a bit easier.

So, head on over for more information on how to enter. Have fun and good luck!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

What's In My Purse

My friend Petula tagged me with this and I couldn't resist. I have to say that I'm not embarrassed to reveal the contents of my purse. I know there are a lot of other women like me who tend to "throw" things in their purse. I consider my purse to be a catch all or basket for...whatever.Here are the rules: Find a safe quiet place free of significant others, nosey meme makers, priests, nuns, all things religious and men in general. (If you're a guy just reverse this process to male and tell us about your wallet, tool box, briefcase or metro sexual accessory.)

1. Dump the contents of your handbag in a pile.
2. Take a photo of your handbag and the contents.
3. Be brave and 'splain to your fellow bloggers what lurks inside the handbag.
4. Tag others who might want to embarrass themselves
5. Answer the questions below.

Describe the contents of your handbag.

When first looking at my bag, you would think it belonged to a hobo. It's out of shape and a bit flimsy. Believe me when I say, it was a stiffer shape than what you see above. I haven't changed purses in months 'cause this one seems to carry everything I need...even the kitchen sink. In my purse I have my monstrous sized wallet, keys for home & work, work ID badge, PDA, spare pair of socks for the Princess, frequent gambler club card, many many papers, items for dental care on the go and many other items (too many to name here :D).

What's the most important thing in your handbag?

The most important thing in my purse are the keys and wallet. Without each of them I'm totally lost.

What's the most embarrassing thing in your handbag?

There's nothing in my purse that I would consider to be embarrassing.

What's the smallest thing in your handbag?

Besides coins, tiny lint balls. Don't ask me how they got there 'cause I have no idea.

Is there anything illegal in your handbag?

No.



Saturday, September 20, 2008

Cable/Satellite TV or Not

Netflix, Inc.

With the new digital requirement coming in February 2009, many households are being forced to either obtain the converter box or subscribe to cable or satellite service. My household currently uses cable service but over the last few months I've been trying to find ways to reduce my bill by removing some of my TV services. Now, I do have my phone & internet service with the same company but the TV service is the biggest part of the bill.

I made the decision to reduce the TV service to a value package. We still have our local channels, cartoons, etc--just not all the perks. To supplement our movie watching, I signed us up for Netflix. We had this service a year ago and loved it to smooches! I can't recall why I stopped using it.

Netflix has many plans that cater to all types of styles and the monthly plan fees are extremely competitive. Running to the brick & mortar video store can become a hassle and time consuming. The movies from Netflix come in your mailbox. There are no late fees, you can keep a movie as long as you like (within reason, of course) and never any postage to send the movies back.

How 'bout we try Netflix together? Click on the above link to get started...It'll be fun!


3's About Me

I received this meme from a relative of mine. It's short and sweet, thought you might enjoy doing it. I'm tagging a couple of my friends, Petula and Renee.

Three jobs I've had in my life: account manager, fast food worker, enforcement specialist


Three places I have lived: Maryland, Florida, South Carolina


Three shows that I watch: Bones, House, Sex and the City
Three places I have been: Canada, Georgia, Florida
Three places I have been this week: work, Easton, Annapolis
Three people who e-mail me regularly: my sisters, zita, shanta
Three of my favorite foods: chicken, flounder, baked potatoe with the works
Three places I'd rather be right now: tropical island, in bed with no distrations, traveling

Three things I am looking forward to this year: a vacation, making more money, lose some weight

Now, here's what you're supposed to do...(and please do not spoil the
fun). The theory is that you will learn a lot of little known facts about the person. HAVE FUN!


Thursday, September 18, 2008

Moving Right Along

Here's Kyle coming home from work tonight. I'm sure he's hating me right now and to know I've posted it here. I just wanted to report that things are going well for Kyle at his "new job". He's been there for nearly three weeks and seems to be enjoying it.

When he got his first paycheck, we both knew right away what he was going to do with it---open his very own bank account. He got his first check last Thursday and I took him to the PNC Bank the next day. Since he's now 18 he doesn't need me to be on the account with him. It's time that he takes care of business himself, however, I will be there when he needs me. It was a joyous occasion to see my baby open his own checking account. 'Checking account' you say? Yes, but without the checks. He wanted to be able to utilize the debit card feature and this can only be done with a checking account.

Kyle was happier than a pig in slop (how you like the analogy). He did it all by himself and within days received his Visa debit card. I have "schooled" him along the entire process on how to handle his newfound wealth to thwart off identity theft or just plain out THEFT. He is a good student when it comes to matters of money and credit. I wish him all the luck in the world, now that he's a part of the "working class".

Please enjoy this song about money from the O'Jays. Just a bit of ol' skool that I like!






Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Miss Sassy Pants

Sassy


I know I'm not delusional but The Princess has really been sassy lately. Since she started "Big School" (pre-k), her mouth seems to run a mile a minute. She was always a talker but the content of the conversations are just a bit more advanced. When I was growing up my mother would say I was "showing-off" or "being smart".

For instance, today, we were taking Kyle to work and on the way back we stopped to the grocery story to pick up a few items. We get back in the car and before I move the vehicle I tell the Princess to make sure she's buckled in her booster seat. Well, this evening she let me know that 'I know what I'm doing, mother, don't I know what I'm doing daddy'. Hubby and I just looked at each other. He, of course, thought it was funny. I did too but I didn't let her know it.

There have been many other instances where the Princess has absolutely caught us off guard. She learned what I call "playground lingo"--those words or phrases that elementary school children use with each other. However, there's nothing bad or harmful about them. I do make sure I understand what she has said. If I don't agree with it, I will let her know and ask that she not say it again.

I talked to my sister today and told her how the Princess had changed since going to "big school". Her words of encouragement were.....

BETTER YOU THAN ME

Please share your child's growing vocabulary or use of words/phrases they picked up at school.


Missing Link

For those of you who had not read last week's posts (here, here and here), we lost a member of our family on September 6 in a tragic accident. As a family, our faith is strong and we will get through this horrible tragedy. I titled this post "Missing Link" because I feel a link is missing from the family chain. We are a close and tight family and when one grieves, we all grieve.

My sister has lost her only son; my mother has lost her first grandchild. Please continue to keep my family in your thoughts.



My Family

I was checking out my friend Petula's blog today, as usual, and found a cute characterization of her family. I had seen this before but never tried it. It's really fun! Click on the link under my picture and it will send you to the site to make your own. I would love to see how you create your family--please share when you're finished.


Pyzam Family Sticker Toy
Create your own family sticker graphic at pYzam.com

Thursday, September 11, 2008

In Remembrance

Today I received a comment from another new blogging friend Soulsearcher (sorry, don't know the real name) expressing condolences for my family's loss. I just wanted to say thank you!

Anytime I receive a comment from a "friend" I hadn't heard of before, I tend to click on their link to visit their blog or website. In doing so, I reached one of three blogs that "Soulsearcher" created. The first one I clicked on brought me to today's post about remembering those that died or were injured on September 11, 2001. This made me stop and think how significant this day is for everyone--this day will never be forgotten.

Although this is a day of remembrance for those lost on 9/11, it's also a day of remembrance for my family. I've included a video of the towers prior to 9/11.






Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Poem "A Friend"

I haven't mentioned in my previous posts that I have 3 sisters--Jeannie, Carolyn & Arlene. I mention this to give you an idea who I'm referring when I just mention their names. I don't want you to be confused as to who they are.

Ten years plus when my father passed away, Arlene expressed herself through a poem, "A Friend", she wrote in his honor. Because this poem means a lot to her, she legally owns the copyright to the poem. Arlene has decided to pull out the poem, after 10 plus years, and dedicated it to Carolyn and her daughter Charlese to be read at Vaughn's funeral. I have obtained Arlene's permission to share her poem here for your reading pleasure.


Photobucket Image Hosting
To my sister "Annie"

I sat down today
With heavy thoughts on my mind
I couldn't seem to focus
But had to make the time

Sometimes we must play
That dreadful had we are dealt
I knew that if I told Him
He would know just how I felt

A friend can sometimes see
Just what you have to bare
He can even solve the problem
Without being there

So when that cloud arises
And you think there's no way out
Just call the one who knows all
And He will help you...without a doubt

With much love to you and Charlese,

Your sister Arlene

Photobucket Image Hosting

Many Thanks

I would like to take the opportunity to say many, many thanks to my new blogging friends for your comments: Petula, Renee, Ann, Heather and Tisha (sorry, I didn't add links to your names, in a bit of a hurry ;D). I'm sure I will be adding more friends in the coming months. And thanks for expressing your condolences.

Also, I wanted to say thanks to my family & friends that have visited this blog and expressed their thoughts and memories of Vaughn. I felt using my blog as a wonderful avenue to reach out during our time of grief. For the rest of the week, I will be posting thoughts, memories and just general stuff about Vaughn. Keep the comments coming, I love reading them and pass the link to my blog along to others.

Life is a Crazy Ride


Monday, September 8, 2008

Kick Ass Blogger Award

I'm pleased to announce that I have received the "Kick Ass Blogger" award from my friend Petula. I have to admit that I'm ecstatic because it's my first award. This couldn't have come at a better time.



Here are the rules for the Kiss Ass Blogger award:
* Choose 5 bloggers that you feel are "Kick Ass Bloggers"
* Let them know in your post, email or blog comments that they've received an award.
* Share the love and link back to both the person who awarded you and back to Mammadawg.
* Hop on back to the Kick Ass Blogger Club HQ to sign Mr. Linky then pass it on!

I am passing these on to...
1. Petula
2. Renee
3. Ann
4. Heather
5. Tisha

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Dedication

I dedicate this post to my nephew, Vaughn Harris. My family found out late last night that Vaughn was killed in an auto accident. Right now, I'm not totally clear on exactly what happened. Vaughn was the 29 year-old son of my sister Carolyn. He was married only six months ago to Jennifer Hobbs. Vaughn leaves behind not only his wife but two children, Jordan age 9, Jasmine age 8 months and three step-children, Brittany, Zachary and Anthony.

Here are the details of how events transpired...

Kyle entered my room around 1:45 AM today and woke me because my oldest sister Jeannie was on the phone. Here's how our conversation went...


Jeannie: "Vaughn is dead". (she didn't say hello, how are you, nothing)

Me: "Vaughn who"

Jeannie: "What Vaughn do you think?"

Me: "What happened"

Jeannie: "We don't know all the details but I think you need to be here".

Me: "I'll be there as soon as I can. I'll meet you at Carolyn's house".


My understanding is that by the time Jeannie was able to get a hold of me, Vaughn's body had been removed from the vehicle and taken to the medical examiners office. During my conversation with her, my husband had awoke and Kyle was still standing by my bed. Kyle knew something had to be wrong because of the time of the call and the fact that Jeannie wouldn't tell him anything until she talked to me.

Apparently, my mother and sisters had been trying to call me for nearly 3 hours. When I checked the caller ID's on the home & cell phones, I could have kicked myself that I had missed a total of about 18 calls.
After I hung up the phone I told Pete and Kyle and that we all needed to get dressed. We didn't go to the accident site--we just made a beeline to Carolyn's house. This will be a tough week for all of us. Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers.


Saturday, September 6, 2008

Being Green

I don't know about you but for quite sometime there has been much buzz, and still is, about "going green". What I mean by this is finding ways to be more eco-friendly, saving the environment, saving energy---you catch my drift?

For a number of months I have been making a good faith effort to join the cause. I have had conversations with my family to get them involved as well. First, I did some 'net research on the various wattages on the florescent light bulbs then I started my search to find the ones that would work best for my home. I was able to purchase about 12-15 bulbs for one price. WHAT A DEAL, considering these bulbs are a bit pricey. Rather than immediately change all of my light bulbs, I waited until my regular bulbs blew out then replaced them with the florescent ones.

The county where I live is a part of the Midshore Regional Recycling Program in MD. I went to my local Public Works office and scooped up a couple of recycling bins. The county picks up your recycling at your curb FREE OF CHARGE. The service will pick up anything that's recyclable. Since we have been doing this for a few months, it has become a way of life. I've even gotten The Princess involved!

You know...we have never been a society to whole heartedly concentrate on saving energy or our environment. But times have changed and we all must start changing the way we do things. I know it will take my family a long time before we can say 100% that we are an eco-friendly family.

Please share your stories of being eco-friendly or how you are trying to save energy or the environment.


The ABC's of Me

On a dreary and rainy Saturday afternoon here in Maryland (we're getting remnants from Hurricane Hanna), SmileyCentral.com


I've been doing some extensive web surfing. But while doing my daily blog readings, I found a meme from Cutie Booty Cakes. All you have to do is copy the responses from A-Z, then change the responses to apply to YOU. HAVE FUN!

A. Attached or single? Attached, married.

B. Best friend? My husband, one of my sisters and couple of girlfriends for high school.

C. Cake or pie? Both.

D. Day of choice? Friday – last work day of the week.

E. Essential item? The computer.

F. Favorite color? Blue

G. Gummy bears or worms? bears

H. Hometown? Centreville, Maryland (smallville)

I. Indulgence? chocolate

J. January or July? July

K. Kids? Cory, Kyle & Nyah

L. Life isn’t complete without? Caring family and friends

M. Marriage date? October 2000

N. Number of brothers & sisters? 1 brother, 3 sisters

O. Oranges or apples? Both

P. Phobias? Afraid of heights

Q. Quotes? "Phenomenal woman, that’s me"

R. Reasons to smile? Kids & hubby

S. Season of choice? Late spring – not too cool and not too hot, just right

T. Tag seven peeps! If you want to do this meme consider yourself tagged.

U. Unknown fact about me? Don’t know of any.

V. Vegetable? Broccoli

W. Worst habits? Nodding off at work, after lunch of course

X. X-ray or ultrasound? Ultrasound.

Y. Your favorite food? Anything I usually eat.

Z. Zodiac sign? Aries.

Friday, September 5, 2008

New Blog Design

I'm sure you can now tell that my blog design has been changed. I have been spending weeks and a lot of internet time searching for the right scheme that I like. I found this design at LEELOU CUSTOM BLOG DESIGN. Leelou has some really cute and whimsical blog designs that are free of charge.

I'm not finished tweeking and adding and more tweeking, by any means. In my searches on the 'net, I've seen some really fabulously looking blogs. I'm not sure if I'll get to that point but there's more that needs to be done here.

If anyone knows of any sites I can visit for embellishments, some really cool headers--please be my guest and leave me some feedback. As always...I'd love to hear from you.


Here's Leelou's Button...
Leelou Blogs


Thursday, September 4, 2008

Amongst the Working Class

Sorry it's taken me a couple of days to provide an update on the outcome of Kyle's job search. I'm extremely pleased to announce that Kyle was offered a job on Tuesday of this week. He was offered a part-time position but I'm sure he won't stop there. I believe he's still searching for something that has full-time hours.

You know...it doesn't matter what or where he works (except being on the streets). It matters that he's able to make some money for himself. He's an 18 year old man and needs money for stuff he wants and needs. Most importantly, an able bodied adult should be active, learning about life and being productive.

CONGRATS KYLE! I knew you could do it. I'M PROUD OF YOU.



Who's Your Daddy?

Webfetti.com

Previously, I mentioned that I work as a Child Support Agent in my state and I briefly described the type of work we do. Today, I received a "chain" email from my supervisor about the types of responses that were given on forms by custodians requesting child support services.

Please don't misunderstand me...child support is a very serious matter. But you will find that these responses are really funny. Parts of this post that are in italics are copied directly from the email verbatim--even misspelled words. ENJOY!

The following are all replies that Detroit women have written on Child Support Agency Forms in the section for listing "father's details"; or putting it another way.... Who's yo Daddy? These are genuine excerpts from the forms.

1. Regarding the identity of the father of my twins, Makeeshia was fathered by Maclearndon McKinley I am unsure as to the identity of the father of Marlinda, but I believe that she was conceived on the same night.

2. I am unsure, as to the identity of the father of my child as I was being sick out of a window when taken unexpectedly from behind. I can provide you with a list of names of men that I think were at the party if this helps.

3. I do not know the name of the father of my little girl. She was conceived at a party at 3600 East Grand Boulevard where I had sex with a man I met that night. I do remember that the sex was so good that I fainted. If you do manage to track down the father, can you please send me his phone number? Thanks.

4. I don't know the identity of the father of my daughter. He drives a BMW that now has a hole made by my stiletto in one of the door panels. Perhaps you can contact BMW service stations in this area and see if he's had it replaced.

5. I have never had sex with a man. I am still a Virginian. I am awaiting a letter from the Pope confirming that my son's conception was ejaculate and that he is the Saver risen again.

6. I cannot tell you the name of Alleshia dad as he informs me that to do so would blow his cover and that would have cat aclysmic implications for the economy. I am torn between doing right by you and right by the country. Please advise.

7. I do not know who the father of my child was as they all look the same to me.

8. Tyrone Hairston is the father of child A, If you do catch up with him, can you ask him what he did with my AC/DC CDs? Child B who was also borned at the same time.... well, I don't have clue.

9. From the dates it seems that my daughter was conceived at Disney World; maybe it really is the Magic Kingdom .

10. So much about that night is a blur. The only thing that I remember for sure is Delia Smith did a program about eggs earlier in the evening. If I had stayed in and watched more TV rather than going to the party at 8956 Miller Ave., mine might have remained unfertilized.

11. I am unsure as to the identity of the father of my baby, after all, like when you eat a can of beans you can't be sure which one made you fart.




Tuesday, September 2, 2008

The Crying Baby

I have to say that I'm lucky and blessed my job is only a couple of blocks from the school that the Princess attends. On my big shopping day, this weekend, I purchased the rest of her school supplies. Since there were a couple of big items that I had to purchase, there was no way I was going to send the Princess on the bus with these items. I made the smart decision of taking them to the school myself--I could make the time and the distance, of course, was ideal.


Around 11 this morning, I trekked to the school with supplies in tow hoping to just drop them off at the office. Well...I just couldn't resist and boy was it a big mistake. I made a bad decision to check on the Princess to see what she was doing. I should have just dropped her stuff off and jetted. But noooo, I had to check in. At the time, she was eating lunch just a couple of doors from the office. As soon as I entered the cafeteria, she spotted me right away. She then did the unthinkable--she balled her eyes out! SmileyCentral.com I couldn't believe it! I thought she would welcome me with a big smile, throw her arms around me, kiss me and then bid me farewell. I'm sure you can imagine, this didn't happen like I had planned.


Before returning to work I figured I had a few extra minutes to spend with her. I accompanied her to her class where she started crying again. Her teacher was extremely instrumental in saving the day by acknowledging that it was ok for her to be upset. She even got the class involved and asked how they could make her feel better--I thought that was cute. Wouldn't you say so? Her attention was then focused elsewhere and I was able to quietly slip out the door. That was truly a brow wiper--I didn't think I would get out without taking her with me.


What has your child done unexpectedly today?





Monday, September 1, 2008

A Day of Rest

Pyzam Glitter Text Maker





My Mystery Man

Since I started blogging, just a few weeks ago, I mentioned that I’m married. Or, I refer to my better half as “my husband” in previous blog postings. But I’ve never gotten into too much detail about my husband, The Man. So, this posting is about the one I love, Pete.

Pete and I have been married nearly eight years—October 7 is our anniversary date. We were together five years prior to our marriage. He is seventeen years my senior---yes seventeen! I say this proudly because our age gap doesn’t get in the way of our relationship. As a matter of fact, we often make jokes about it. Jokingly, I tell him about him being an AARP member and jokes about me being young enough to be his daughter. Now that’s something to think about. Wouldn’t you say? Pete is sensitive to my needs but I may not be so with his. I can definitely count on him 24/7—to pick up where I leave off. He has a wonderful sense of humor and loves to meet other people and socialize. Overall he’s a good husband and father—a real genuine guy.


I mention in my profile that between us we have 3 wonderful and beautiful children. Cory is 27 and Pete’s son from his first marriage. Child #2 is Kyle who is 18—the job seeker. He is my son from a previous relationship. Last but not least is Child #3, Nyah is 4--she is the product of our union.


Many hugs and kisses to my sweetheart! I love you.

Please share your stories of love for your spouse or significant other. I'd love to hear from you.


Hugs And Kisses