Hello, Blog...allow me to reintroduce myself. I haven't written in so long, I can't believe I remember the log in. I plan on making this my last Tastemaker blog because I'm starting a new one...it'll still focus on my love for the culinary arts, but also other ideas and things that fill my mind.
I'm looking forward to a busy and fun filled weekend, but have to admit that I am guilty of forgetting the true reason why we are allowed to enjoy the next three days. Memorial Day weekend has become a time for BBQ's, parties, Reggae Fests and the beginning of white clothing. It's the bench mark weekend of the upcoming summer season. Today I realized how far removed I and others are from the true meaning when a colleague asked if it's Labor Day or Memorial Day and then decided it didn't matter since we have the day off. Wow. It matters. The brave soldiers that lost their life so we can enjoy this country and its possibilities matters.
3:00 pm local time on Monday is when we should stop and remember the fallen soldiers. That is the National time for remembrance. In your own way...remember those who died for our rights. They are the true American Idols.
Enjoy the weekends festivities and the BBQ's!! I love grillin and chillin and that is definitely in the plans :) Tuesday I will return to work tan and ready to begin my "get fit" regime!
Peace
Friday, May 28, 2010
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Oh The Places You'll Go
I haven't been in the mood to write lately. When I logged on to start this blog, I couldn't remember the password! At any rate, there are so many things filling my head right now I feel like I'm going to explode.
One of my favorite books of all time is by Dr. Suess, "Oh The Places You'll Go". Wow, does it sum up life and all the different stages you come across on your journey. I feel like that main character walking along my path and reaching all of these crazy places in life. I'm at an age where I have so much to look forward to, but at the same time, so much to look back on and learn from. The question is am I really learning from them?
I believe I've endured my fair share of heartache in this life. Have I learned from my past relationships or has it just hardened me? Furthermore, is that the lesson?
Just recently I had a talk with Keona and tried to get her to see the good in all situations. It's so easy to tell someone to do the right thing, but so very hard to practice it.
I think this is also why I haven't been in the mood to blog. I like telling stories and laughing about them, but lately, this isn't a "story"...it's my life and it's real.
I posted on FB the other day that I'm following the yellow brick road and I don't want any man lacking courage, brains or a heart to come with me. Right now, that is about the only thing I know. I know what I don't want, but I don't know what I do want?! I'm my own puzzle and the thing that is driving me the most crazy is I can't figure myself out. Given some time I have figured out and understood the most complex of things, but I've come across something that has me stuck and it's none other than me, myself and I.
There is a big divide in what I feel I need and what I feel I want. I cannot forget that I'm not only making decisions for me, but also for Keona. Sometimes, her needs and my wants are like oil and water. Together they possibly can enhance the flavor of life, but they really don't mix.
I'm a 37 year old single Mom that struggles every day just to get by. I've been hurt and scarred by every man that has ever touched my heart. I used to walk taller than my 5'3" frame and have an unbreakable spirit and confidence. Right now that spirit and confidence is playing hide and go seek with me and I'm finding it easier to just not play at all.
"And when you’re in a Slump, you’re not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done. You will come to a place where the streets are not marked. Some windows are lighted. But mostly they’re darked. A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin! Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in? How much can you lose? How much can you win? And if you go in, should you turn left or right…or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite? Or go around back and sneak in from behind? Simple it’s not, I’m afraid you will find, for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind."
One of my favorite books of all time is by Dr. Suess, "Oh The Places You'll Go". Wow, does it sum up life and all the different stages you come across on your journey. I feel like that main character walking along my path and reaching all of these crazy places in life. I'm at an age where I have so much to look forward to, but at the same time, so much to look back on and learn from. The question is am I really learning from them?
I believe I've endured my fair share of heartache in this life. Have I learned from my past relationships or has it just hardened me? Furthermore, is that the lesson?
Just recently I had a talk with Keona and tried to get her to see the good in all situations. It's so easy to tell someone to do the right thing, but so very hard to practice it.
I think this is also why I haven't been in the mood to blog. I like telling stories and laughing about them, but lately, this isn't a "story"...it's my life and it's real.
I posted on FB the other day that I'm following the yellow brick road and I don't want any man lacking courage, brains or a heart to come with me. Right now, that is about the only thing I know. I know what I don't want, but I don't know what I do want?! I'm my own puzzle and the thing that is driving me the most crazy is I can't figure myself out. Given some time I have figured out and understood the most complex of things, but I've come across something that has me stuck and it's none other than me, myself and I.
There is a big divide in what I feel I need and what I feel I want. I cannot forget that I'm not only making decisions for me, but also for Keona. Sometimes, her needs and my wants are like oil and water. Together they possibly can enhance the flavor of life, but they really don't mix.
I'm a 37 year old single Mom that struggles every day just to get by. I've been hurt and scarred by every man that has ever touched my heart. I used to walk taller than my 5'3" frame and have an unbreakable spirit and confidence. Right now that spirit and confidence is playing hide and go seek with me and I'm finding it easier to just not play at all.
"And when you’re in a Slump, you’re not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done. You will come to a place where the streets are not marked. Some windows are lighted. But mostly they’re darked. A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin! Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in? How much can you lose? How much can you win? And if you go in, should you turn left or right…or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite? Or go around back and sneak in from behind? Simple it’s not, I’m afraid you will find, for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind."
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Mind Gumbo
I'm one of the last people left at work today. Usually we leave early before a holiday or 3 day weekend, but I'm left behind waiting to send out an important email. I can't send it out until another email gets sent out...so I'm just waiting.
When I have time on my hands, all sorts of thoughts and daydreams enter my mind. So, since I'm playing the waiting game I'm going to let it all out now! Lucky you! Ha!
The other day I meant to blog about the salad bar. I was making a salad at lunch and truly get mesmerized at what other people like. For instance, the gentleman ahead of me had a salad that looked similar to mine...baby greens, beets, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, carrots and then he went there...he covered the entire top of his large salad with bacon. I mean, a serious layer of bacon. The woman in front of him had a small container (you wouldn't believe how much you can stuff in there). One side she filled with croutons. The other side was filled with peaches, cottage cheese, sunflower seeds, raisins, cucumbers,red onion, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes. Then, she quickly closed the container so it wouldn't fall out. I wanted to throw up right then and there. Oh yeah, she also got ranch dressing. Blah!
So, earlier I'm sitting at my desk while my TV was on. All of a sudden I hear a familiar tune but a little different. "I like square butts and I cannot lie". WTF? It was a Burger King commercial. Burger King himself was rapping about square butts. They were promoting the new Sponge Bob toys in the kids' meals. At the end they show Luke and he says, "A booty's a booty". I wish this whole thing was a joke, but it's not. I forgot that I was going to look for the Burger King web site to complain about that inappropriate foolishness. LUKE songs, square butts and women dancing with boxes in their booties shouldn't be used to entice kids to go to Burger King for their meals with Sponge Bob. I can't even imagine the Sponge Bob folks being okay with that?! Ugh!
The other night I had the funniest conversation with a girlfriend. She's cold as ice. I have to love women that tell it like it is. She was dating a guy that was just a tad on the soft side...indecisive and insecure. She politely told him, "I'm bringing all the pussy this relationship can handle." Hahahahaha! I LOVE THAT. No shit, though. I've been accused of always liking the "bad boy", whatever that is, but I don't care if it's true. Bring it, take it, and own it. There is a line, though. Don't be crass or too arrogant. I can't stand that either. Many have called, but the chosen are few. Those few had that good balance. Cocky, but only enough to make you wonder, confident, but not arrogant and strong but knows I can melt him with my smile. Yeaaah!
I just stretched and realized I'm still sore from playing dodge ball on Tuesday. That is just awful. At some point in my life, I'll get back into a regular workout routine, but right now, there's more of me to love!
Lately, my mind has been on far away places. I'm so tired of living in Los Angeles. My mind, body and spirit are itching to let loose and be free. I can't stand it out here. Yes, we have beautiful weather and people, but it's such a shallow existence. If I'm going to struggle to "just get by" then why not do it on an island somewhere? I want to experience life and live...not run in a rat race. In the meantime, I'm sitting in my office with no windows, waiting to send out an important company wide email that nobody will get since they are gone, while my two cell phones are charging and my TV is turned to Tyra. I'm just going to keep my mind focused on my upcoming trip to Cabo...awwwww...can't wait!
When I have time on my hands, all sorts of thoughts and daydreams enter my mind. So, since I'm playing the waiting game I'm going to let it all out now! Lucky you! Ha!
The other day I meant to blog about the salad bar. I was making a salad at lunch and truly get mesmerized at what other people like. For instance, the gentleman ahead of me had a salad that looked similar to mine...baby greens, beets, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, carrots and then he went there...he covered the entire top of his large salad with bacon. I mean, a serious layer of bacon. The woman in front of him had a small container (you wouldn't believe how much you can stuff in there). One side she filled with croutons. The other side was filled with peaches, cottage cheese, sunflower seeds, raisins, cucumbers,red onion, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes. Then, she quickly closed the container so it wouldn't fall out. I wanted to throw up right then and there. Oh yeah, she also got ranch dressing. Blah!
So, earlier I'm sitting at my desk while my TV was on. All of a sudden I hear a familiar tune but a little different. "I like square butts and I cannot lie". WTF? It was a Burger King commercial. Burger King himself was rapping about square butts. They were promoting the new Sponge Bob toys in the kids' meals. At the end they show Luke and he says, "A booty's a booty". I wish this whole thing was a joke, but it's not. I forgot that I was going to look for the Burger King web site to complain about that inappropriate foolishness. LUKE songs, square butts and women dancing with boxes in their booties shouldn't be used to entice kids to go to Burger King for their meals with Sponge Bob. I can't even imagine the Sponge Bob folks being okay with that?! Ugh!
The other night I had the funniest conversation with a girlfriend. She's cold as ice. I have to love women that tell it like it is. She was dating a guy that was just a tad on the soft side...indecisive and insecure. She politely told him, "I'm bringing all the pussy this relationship can handle." Hahahahaha! I LOVE THAT. No shit, though. I've been accused of always liking the "bad boy", whatever that is, but I don't care if it's true. Bring it, take it, and own it. There is a line, though. Don't be crass or too arrogant. I can't stand that either. Many have called, but the chosen are few. Those few had that good balance. Cocky, but only enough to make you wonder, confident, but not arrogant and strong but knows I can melt him with my smile. Yeaaah!
I just stretched and realized I'm still sore from playing dodge ball on Tuesday. That is just awful. At some point in my life, I'll get back into a regular workout routine, but right now, there's more of me to love!
Lately, my mind has been on far away places. I'm so tired of living in Los Angeles. My mind, body and spirit are itching to let loose and be free. I can't stand it out here. Yes, we have beautiful weather and people, but it's such a shallow existence. If I'm going to struggle to "just get by" then why not do it on an island somewhere? I want to experience life and live...not run in a rat race. In the meantime, I'm sitting in my office with no windows, waiting to send out an important company wide email that nobody will get since they are gone, while my two cell phones are charging and my TV is turned to Tyra. I'm just going to keep my mind focused on my upcoming trip to Cabo...awwwww...can't wait!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Over The Edge
I just read a story about a 37 year old woman who handcuffed herself to her husband so she can have a conversation with him without him leaving. She changed the locks on the house and handcuffed herself to him while he slept on Monday night. She also bit him on the torso and the arms. He awoke and had to use a cell phone to call the police. When they arrived they heard his screams from inside.
Relationships are tough, especially when they end or when you feel the end is near. It's funny that I can feel that woman's pain. I've been desperate before. If that woman's husband is anything like Keona's Dad, then I can totally understand the need for the handcuffs! Sometimes there is no other way to get someone to STOP and LISTEN! I know better, though. I wouldn't handcuff myself to someone who is crazier than me!
I've taken the past year to get over my last relationship. That doesn't mean I was longing for the relationship to continue for the past year. I've just taken the past year to reevaluate my life and what I want out of a partner or future husband. The relationship with my ex really took it's toll on me, my heart, my feelings and my self esteem. Even though I knew the relationship needed to end, I wasn't the one to call it quits. He has since moved on and I can't help but to feel a bit of pistivity over it. I don't miss him. I don't reminisce over our relationship. I don't want him back. This is the confusing part to me. I'm still so incredibly bitter towards him. I usually think love and hate are two sides of the same coin, but in all honesty this is not the case. I guess I'm more or less upset that I didn't end the relationship on my terms. I spent so much time, energy AND money on him. When I noticed his relationship status change on Facebook (gotta love it) and the comment from his new "boo" I was angrier than I wanted to be. I felt slighted. I felt like he could use a swift kick in the fucken ass or hot knives to his eyes or at the very least spit in the face. Whoa. I don't even have these bitter feelings about Keona's father...why him? Why do I feel this way?
I guess I just can't stand feeling used...and that is what I feel...used. When he broke up with me, I felt like a good friend just turned his back on me...the ultimate betrayal. I was there for him like no other and he broke my heart. I feel his intentions were ill. I was even told his intentions were calculated. I guess I just answered my own question on why I feel this way.
I guess the old saying is true, though. Better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. I have grown and learned so much since then and I know I will never be used again.
No handcuffs!
Relationships are tough, especially when they end or when you feel the end is near. It's funny that I can feel that woman's pain. I've been desperate before. If that woman's husband is anything like Keona's Dad, then I can totally understand the need for the handcuffs! Sometimes there is no other way to get someone to STOP and LISTEN! I know better, though. I wouldn't handcuff myself to someone who is crazier than me!
I've taken the past year to get over my last relationship. That doesn't mean I was longing for the relationship to continue for the past year. I've just taken the past year to reevaluate my life and what I want out of a partner or future husband. The relationship with my ex really took it's toll on me, my heart, my feelings and my self esteem. Even though I knew the relationship needed to end, I wasn't the one to call it quits. He has since moved on and I can't help but to feel a bit of pistivity over it. I don't miss him. I don't reminisce over our relationship. I don't want him back. This is the confusing part to me. I'm still so incredibly bitter towards him. I usually think love and hate are two sides of the same coin, but in all honesty this is not the case. I guess I'm more or less upset that I didn't end the relationship on my terms. I spent so much time, energy AND money on him. When I noticed his relationship status change on Facebook (gotta love it) and the comment from his new "boo" I was angrier than I wanted to be. I felt slighted. I felt like he could use a swift kick in the fucken ass or hot knives to his eyes or at the very least spit in the face. Whoa. I don't even have these bitter feelings about Keona's father...why him? Why do I feel this way?
I guess I just can't stand feeling used...and that is what I feel...used. When he broke up with me, I felt like a good friend just turned his back on me...the ultimate betrayal. I was there for him like no other and he broke my heart. I feel his intentions were ill. I was even told his intentions were calculated. I guess I just answered my own question on why I feel this way.
I guess the old saying is true, though. Better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. I have grown and learned so much since then and I know I will never be used again.
No handcuffs!
Monday, March 2, 2009
What a weekend
I have never in my life felt so tired and worn out from cooking than I did on Friday. The soreness in my arms woke me up out of my sleep Saturday morning. I had to take 4 Advil the second I woke up. Friggen cooking workout! With each job, I learn something new. Next time I have to remember to line my car with plastic in case of spills. I also didn't bring trash bags to the venue and they were needed.
Then, Saturday night I got deeeerunk and stayed up until 5:00 am. Miraculously, I didn't have a hang over on Sunday...just tired.
The best part of the weekend was spending time with baby Jacob yesterday. I'm in love with him. He's a little angel! Life is just truly amazing.
I did not count one single point this weekend, so it's back to the drawing board. I also haven't been in any writing mood...still working on my Lifetime To Do list!
Then, Saturday night I got deeeerunk and stayed up until 5:00 am. Miraculously, I didn't have a hang over on Sunday...just tired.
The best part of the weekend was spending time with baby Jacob yesterday. I'm in love with him. He's a little angel! Life is just truly amazing.
I did not count one single point this weekend, so it's back to the drawing board. I also haven't been in any writing mood...still working on my Lifetime To Do list!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
So Little Time
I'm always clear about all the things I want to be in my next lifetime. I have so many interests and not enough time to explore them all. However, am I spending the time I do have wisely? What about this lifetime?? I know when I was younger I did not intend to be a single mother, HR associate who sometimes cooks and writes. Hmm...
Anyway, in my next lifetimes I want to be the following: a dolphin trainer, a scientist, a tennis pro, a rock star, a movie producer and/or director, a race car driver, an architect, a clothing designer, an art dealer, an avertising exec, a Mother of 6 in a house with 10 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms, a BMX pro, a surf pro, Miss Fitness, a socialite, a Vegas hotel/casino owner, a comedian, a NBA or NFL team owner, an American Idol, a man, and the President of the United States.
Phewwww! An old friend wrote on Facebook that she has accomplished the majority of the things she put on her list of things she'd like to do in her life. Why haven't I made such a list?! I can list all of the things I would like to be the next time around, but what about now?!
So, today is the day. I'm going to make a list of all the things I would like to do, see and experience. Some of them have already been acoomplished. Look out for the next post!
Anyway, in my next lifetimes I want to be the following: a dolphin trainer, a scientist, a tennis pro, a rock star, a movie producer and/or director, a race car driver, an architect, a clothing designer, an art dealer, an avertising exec, a Mother of 6 in a house with 10 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms, a BMX pro, a surf pro, Miss Fitness, a socialite, a Vegas hotel/casino owner, a comedian, a NBA or NFL team owner, an American Idol, a man, and the President of the United States.
Phewwww! An old friend wrote on Facebook that she has accomplished the majority of the things she put on her list of things she'd like to do in her life. Why haven't I made such a list?! I can list all of the things I would like to be the next time around, but what about now?!
So, today is the day. I'm going to make a list of all the things I would like to do, see and experience. Some of them have already been acoomplished. Look out for the next post!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Babies
Babies are on my brain today. I have very good, close friends that are currently pregnant, but also I can't seem to escape this story about the woman who had 8 babies. I first learned of this woman because my good friend, Belkis, had her daughter at the same hospital. Bel's daughter was born prematurely and spent time in the nicu at the Bellflower Kaiser. She told me a little while ago there was a woman expecting 7 babies. The 8th ended up being a surprise.
I'm pms'ing (I know, TMI) so my mood is awful, but at the same time, this woman's story is pissing me off. This woman already has 6 kids at home ranging in ages from 8 on down. One of those kids is autistic. She is a SINGLE, 32 year old woman that lives in a 2 bedroom house with her parents. She apparently had the invitro done with money she received from a work-place accident. She has NO income and she spent the settlement money to make 8 more babies? Her Mother was quoted as saying her daughter has "always been obsessed with having children."
Today the public learned that she has enlisted a PR firm to represent her. The publicist claims this woman is college educated, articulate and very smart. Yeah, right. I believe that. The woman wants to become a "Parent Specialist" of some sort.
She is a selfish Bitch as far as I'm concerned. Why would she do this to those babies?! How can she possibly adequately care for 14 children without a Father and without an income?? If something happened to her, she will orphan 14 kids. It's a terribe thought, I know, but even I think about what would happen to Keona if I died?!
So, here it is...she is looking for a 2 million dollar deal for her story. Oprah and other media have contacted her to appear on their shows, but she wants to be paid. Now, I'm really pissed off. OF COURSE she wants to be paid...she has to. Is this why she did this dumb shit?!
A woman with 6 kids, no husband and no income can go over seas and get 8 embryos inplanted with money she was given due to an injury and what happens...she gets assistance, story deals and millions?! Insane!
There are millions of hard working, single mothers out here who don't get any notority, assistance or even a thank you. Nobody wants our story. Damn shame!
On another note, but still in baby thoughts...
I have to love Eryka Badu. Yesterday she gave birth to her 3rd child, a baby girl she named Twitty Milk. Twitty's Father is Jay Electronica...an up and coming rapper/writer/producer off of her label. Eryka's first son, Seven Sirius, is fathered by Andre 3000. Her second born daughter, Puma Sabti, is fathered by the D.O.C. Jeeeez! I thought I had a little somehting something for the rappers. This woman is the birth mother of Hip Hop! Gotta love her!
I'm pms'ing (I know, TMI) so my mood is awful, but at the same time, this woman's story is pissing me off. This woman already has 6 kids at home ranging in ages from 8 on down. One of those kids is autistic. She is a SINGLE, 32 year old woman that lives in a 2 bedroom house with her parents. She apparently had the invitro done with money she received from a work-place accident. She has NO income and she spent the settlement money to make 8 more babies? Her Mother was quoted as saying her daughter has "always been obsessed with having children."
Today the public learned that she has enlisted a PR firm to represent her. The publicist claims this woman is college educated, articulate and very smart. Yeah, right. I believe that. The woman wants to become a "Parent Specialist" of some sort.
She is a selfish Bitch as far as I'm concerned. Why would she do this to those babies?! How can she possibly adequately care for 14 children without a Father and without an income?? If something happened to her, she will orphan 14 kids. It's a terribe thought, I know, but even I think about what would happen to Keona if I died?!
So, here it is...she is looking for a 2 million dollar deal for her story. Oprah and other media have contacted her to appear on their shows, but she wants to be paid. Now, I'm really pissed off. OF COURSE she wants to be paid...she has to. Is this why she did this dumb shit?!
A woman with 6 kids, no husband and no income can go over seas and get 8 embryos inplanted with money she was given due to an injury and what happens...she gets assistance, story deals and millions?! Insane!
There are millions of hard working, single mothers out here who don't get any notority, assistance or even a thank you. Nobody wants our story. Damn shame!
On another note, but still in baby thoughts...
I have to love Eryka Badu. Yesterday she gave birth to her 3rd child, a baby girl she named Twitty Milk. Twitty's Father is Jay Electronica...an up and coming rapper/writer/producer off of her label. Eryka's first son, Seven Sirius, is fathered by Andre 3000. Her second born daughter, Puma Sabti, is fathered by the D.O.C. Jeeeez! I thought I had a little somehting something for the rappers. This woman is the birth mother of Hip Hop! Gotta love her!
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