Ok so I said I wasnt going to blog but

I have to say this. Whining ass adults get on my nerves. Damn, Man the hell up. You situation isn't worst than nobody else. Half the time no one really cares about your damn situation anyway. Sorry but I am just annoyed with people I have encountered lately with their damn juvenile whining. My mama always told me that you should be thankful for what God has given you because there is always someone out there with a story that is more heartbreaking than yours. Especially when your story isnt even worth opening your mouth about.

Have you ever met someone that every time you talk to them they have a sad ass story for you? They want you to pity them and their situation. No one has a worse time in life than them. Well today I am going to take a stand. I won't be mean (tell them to shut the shit up) but I am going to start telling people that their situation isn't the end of the world. If they keep speaking negativity to their lives then they enjoy the negative situation.

SIGHHHH!!!! I feel so much better digressing. HA!!! If you think about it this is my pity adult bitch and moan session...I mean whining.

Taking a little break

Usually I post at least once a day but I have been really busy and cant devote the time to this blog. I will be back soon. I really enjoy sharing my life with you and will be back in November.

Hey all!!

I've been really busy lately. Which is typical because I am approaching the end of a semester. My finals are next week and I am trying to get ready for my trip. Other than that I am doing well. I have a lot on my mind that I need to share with you but I really don't have the time right now.

I got the flu shot yesterday. This flu thing is shhhh is out of control. They are even offering them in the schools. This is crazy. One simple way people can control these illness is stay their asses home when they are sick. It frustrates me to no end when I see people sick and knowing they should be in the bed some where out and about. Then I watched this woman go to the bathroom and not even wash her hands. Come on people. That is nasty. Im'ma get nasty witcha. You go and touch your urine saturated vagina to wipe and you dont feel the need to wash your hands. Dont worry I wont touch you and please don't invite me to your house because I would hate to tell you that I will not accept that invitation because of your hygiene practice. I heard someone say that the soap is too harsh and breaks them out. Carry a small container in your purse of your favorite soap. Go to the store and stock up on my hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer will not do it alone people. Antibacterial soap and water. WATER YOUR DAMN HANDS!!!!

Ok, I'm done ranting. LOL!! Talk to you later. Have work to do. HA!

Sorry but watching the news and reading people are closing schools because of these illnesses are beyond me.

My vision board

This weekend I had a BALL working on my vision board. I didn't realize how much fun this was going to be. I was on the phone with my husband and next thing you know I was more than half way finished. I still didn't go get a new memory card so I attempted to take a picture with my webcam. Sad attempt might I say.

Cant really tell what everything is but it really came out cool. I need a few more magazines in order to finish but I am working on it.

Christmas Week Date Night :)

My mother and father asked us what we wanted for Christmas. I told them that I want something simple. I want them to keep a the kids ALL day to allow Michael and I go have a Date Day. I am actually really excited because I am already planning this out....Well kind of. Well I know for sure that I am going to go to the lake where he proposed 13 yrs ago. Then we will end the night with drinks and dessert. All I need is to figure out what we are going to do during the day. This will be one of my gifts to him for Christmas. He will love it. Details, I am going to surprise them with. I am going to go allll out. We haven't spent much time together this year and wont spend much time next year. I want to do something really nice for us.

Some tips I found on reaching your goals.

1. Be S.M.A.R.T.: Set S.M.A.R.T. goals. This goal setting acronym approach has been around for a long time and it still works! You increase your odds of reaching your goal if you answer yes to all of these as you set it:
   
   · Specific – have I described details rather than general ideas of the goal?
   
   · Measurable – can someone else measure and see that I reached my goal?
   
   · Attainable – is this goal actually reachable?
   
   · Realistic – even if it is reachable, is it realistic that I am willing to do what it takes to reach it.
   
   · Timeline – do I have a deadline for reaching this goal?
   
   
2. Document: If it’s not documented, it’s not going to happen. Most leaders learn quickly (often the hard way,) if it isn’t documented it didn’t happen. Goal setting is similar, it must be documented. The act of writing your goal down creates a sense of commitment and also allows you to read it. Reading your goal gives your mind more confidence that achieving it is possible. We tend to believe what we read, that is why magazines like The Globe can sell stories about aliens abducting Bigfoot. Write your goals down and look at them frequently.
   
   
3. Why Me!?: Why is the goal important to you? Think about what benefits the goal offers you. What rewards are associated with reaching this goal? Do you want those rewards? If not, you are not going to stay committed to reaching the goal. The bigger the why, the greater chance of success. If your why is big enough, you will usually figure out the how. It is up to you to discover a why that makes you want to achieve the goal.
   
   
4. No Magic: Resist magically turning excuses into reasons. I have witnessed people magically turn what appeared to be an excuse into a perfectly justifiable reason for not achieving a goal. This powerful magic trick can only be reversed by the magician who performed it. We are all amateur magicians in that sense. We are all guilty of accepting situations as final and giving up on goals. If we want to reach goals (especially those worthwhile difficult goals) we must fight the urge to perform and leave the magic to Penn & Teller.
   
   
5. Habit Forming: Make goal setting a regular part of your life. Much like a successful diet, goal setting works best when it becomes part of the fabric of your life. Yo-yo dieting is a huge issue in the United States. People get motivated to lose weight, so they start the latest fad diet. After a few weeks (or even hours in some cases) we find ourselves on the downward spin of the yo-yo. The people that have had the most success with losing weight long-term are the ones who have made a healthy diet permanent part of their life - not a temporary prison sentence they are waiting to get paroled from. The same can be seen with goal setting. The more a part of your life it is, the easier it becomes and the greater your success.
   
   
6. Get Help: Have a coach help you through the process. If you are pursuing a large or long-term goal, you may benefit from the support of a coach. Depending on the importance of the goal, this can be a professional coach or even a trusted co-worker or friend. A good coach will support you, while at the same time holding you accountable to do your best. In most cases, it is wise to not share your goal with everyone. Many people love to pick goals apart and you may find yourself using your energy to defend your ability to reach your goal instead of using it to achieve your goal. A safe, trusted advisor may be just what you need to reach your goal, but choose wisely.
   
   
7. Impress Yourself: Set goals that impress you. When we start to walk as small children, every step is applauded. This constant positive reinforcement is used to encourage our desire and persistence to walk. Eventually, they stop clapping. This is because you have moved beyond walking and onto more difficult physical challenges. As a leader, you have likely achieved a level of success at work. In order to stay sharp and continue to grow, your goals must progress beyond your current status. It is more important that your goals impress you, than impress others. Michael Jordan did not become the “Michael Jordan” by limiting himself to what impressed others.

Source: http://Top7Business.com/?expert=Kevin-Kearns

Vision Board

I have my materials now I just have to sit down and work. I cant take a picture because I lost my memory Card. I have to go by Walmart to see how much a new one cost. Have a great day.

Remember to focus on your goals. Do something today towards your goals. One step closer....remember that!!! Also, dont forget to have a talk with God for your strength to stay focused and steadfast.

“Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day”

A question I read today...what do YOU think??

Does a person's past factor in to your decision to move forward with a relationship?.
I have to say no. People have to go through something sometimes to learn where they are going. If they are willing to grow from their past why should I not move forward. As long as you live life learning and growing. I don't think that their past would hinder me from moving forward with them. Just like everything else, there are always exceptions to the rule. But you have to be a strong person to really decide if you are ready to deal with a shaky past. A situation doesn't make a person. The person has to make him/herself grow from situations.

Can't just stop at wanting...expand your vision..

Now that you know what your goals. How are you going to obtain them? What's the sense in making a plan when you don't know how to start and work on that plan. Which making mini-goals are very valuable. Determine which goals are long-term and which can be obtained in a shorter amount of time. Write out how you are going to obtain these goals. Keep a journal on the progress.

I honestly have to say that I have not read anything in a book. I was motivated to get back in my my grind by looking at others working hard towards their goals. I tend to start things but not complete them because I just get bored or not focused. Well that is over. I am doing this with the guidance of God. I know that I will do this this time.

1. Buying a house

I want to buy a home but I have to wait and see where my husband career is going to take us within the next year or two. Which means that I can start saving and exploring my credit. I am in the preparation stage for purchasing a home.

2. Creating my business plan and move forward

Creating my business plan this isn't a long term project but I want to start on this when I finish my classes in two weeks. I want to be able to concentrate on this without the distractions of my school work. I will be spending a lot of time in Starbucks with my journal and jotting down my ideas in order to create my business plan.

3. Finish my degree-Obtaining my Masters

I will be putting my application in for school in the next few weeks. I want to finish my classes first. I am applying for the Spring semester. I have already decided what school I am going to so all I have to do is my application and get accepted.

4. Stronger connection with my faith

I have been going to the chapel here on post but it really does suck. I will be exploring more with churches looking until I find a nice fit. I can start this as soon as Sunday. Right??

5. New Car

The new year is when I can going to go out and look for my car. Well my husband is going out to look for my car. I rather have him here to help. He loves cars and anything to do with cars.

6. Vacation tradition-

Already started planning for this. Our next vacation will be around Christmas. Now all I have to so is plan for 2010's vacation.

7. Less Computer time.

I love the computer. I am not a TV person so my outlet is the computer. I go to school on the computer. I find myself on the computer during most my free time. No more. I have limited myself on the computer. I know that I have to do my school work but all other stuff will not be a priority.

8. Grow as a mother

This one is going to be hard for me because I have to find where I am slacking and improve. I think I will get my kids feedback. HA!!! 3 and 6 yr old feedback. But I can always find what more can mommy do to make our time together special.

9. Grow as a wife

When he is home, we don't have date night anymore. I think that is one way to improve on our relationship. Time alone is very hard for us but its needed. Shoot, that is what I asked my mom for for Christmas...at least 4 hours of babysitting.

10. Weed out people that isn't headed in the same direction as me. Develop productive and healthy friendships.

I am actively doing this now. If they are not looking to better themselves then I really don't need that friendship. One thing I have learned over the years is that you do not want to be the smartest person in your group. Why? Because what do you have to grow towards. Your friends should want you to do better. If you are the smartest in the group, you have nothing to work towards. Sometimes you are dumming yourself up to get on their level. Offensive maybe but why would you want to surround yourself with people not wanting to do more, be more, see more.

11. Bonus: Work on my fear of failure.

My business plan and moving forward will help with this. I cant be afraid that I will fail. Failure is not finding out if I am capable in the first place.

12. Personal Mental and Physical Health

This sort of branches off of the "me" time. I need to be able to have some "me" time at least one day per week for at least an hour. Adding more time when I can. I need time to reflect and nourish myself. I have started that and actively working on "me" time.

Being physically healthy hasn't been one of my priorities lately. I have been trying to work on that. I have gone back to making detailed menus for my family; breakfast, lunch, dinner, 2 snacks and a dessert. This can be hard for some people but it can really save you on time, waist line and money.

I will be updating these things on my blog as I grow. I can not become my potential if I don't progressively work on it.

Wish me luck!!

My vision board ideas- the top ten

In no particular order 2010-2011

1. Buying a house

2. Creating my business plan and move forward

3. Finish my degree-Obtaining my Masters

4. Stronger connection with my faith-I want to find a church that I feel like its an extension of my home

5. New Car-I want one of those and I am going big. I deserve it. I have been modest for years.

6. Vacation tradition-Need these on a regular

7. Less Computer time. More mind exploring not sitting at a desk

8. Grow as a mother-Can only get better

9. Grow as a wife-Can only get better

10. Weed out people that isn't headed in the same direction as me. Develop productive and healthy friendships. 

11. Bonus: Work on my fear of failure. 

So Not Cute!!!!

Black Baby Doll named "lil monkey"When I lived in North Carolina, I was a Costco shopper. This store will be added to the stores that I will not shop at anymore.


I was a Big Barnes and Noble shopper as well...No more.


I know that the world is filled with racism and bigotry but I will not knowingly give my money to companies that clearly disrespect my heritage.

Update on my Vision Board

I am off to a show start with my Vision Board Challenge.I need the magazines. I am on a search for magazines. Soon as I get those, I will start. I am actually getting my children to participate. They are going to create a board of their family things, what they are proud of, and etc. This should be fun. Anything with glue is fun for my children.

“If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.”

My Theta Thursday

So I officially participated in Theta Thursday I didn't do anything special but the free time was very nice. I took a hot bath with a relaxing relaxing background. I filled my tub up and read my book. It was nice to just sit down and not be on the move. I dont get "Me" time since my husband has been gone but it feels good to actually set time aside for me. I have to figure out what I will do this week. Maybe Cheesecake, coffee, and my book. Love that!!!

Since my regular week wont start until tomorrow because of the 4 day weekend. I think my nerves wont be fried by the time Thursday get here. 

So I was tripping

On Wednesday, I was complaining that my son's first grade teacher sends home too much homework. She gave a monthly calendar of homework with spelling words, Math, and more reading words. Plus the kids have to read every night for 20 minutes. I do it all. I just felt like the homework was consuming a 6 yr old. Then I went to his parent teacher conference for first quarter report card. I have to say that humbled me. She told me that Matthew is on a excellent path. His reading is just about on a 2 grade level. She coould tell that I work with him at home. Which I do. I add more work on to what the teacher gives him because I think there are some things that a 6 yr old should know; like tell time, count change, adding and subtracting and phonics. Things that I feel that he is not getting enough of in school.  To be honest, schools are not teaching the basics anymore. They are teaching children what they need to know for testing. Which is fine but my children are going to learn the basics as well.

I am learning to make homework fun. So that doesnt seem like its too much. Its actually working. Matthew has done some sort of homework this whole 4 day weekend. He hasnt realized that it is actually homework. YAY me!!

I have to remember that I am a black mother of a black man. I don't care what anyone say but we have to work harder to get ahead in this world. We have to ensure that our children are ready to compete for everything in this world. Just because we have a black president doesn't make our struggle any easier. We actually have to work harder. Racism is always going to exist because of ignorance and fear. Shoot, I had to check someone the other day because of a statement she made. She then proceeded to tell me that it was ok for her to say what she said pretty much because we had "our" black president. Chile, it took all I had not to step out of character.

People tend to assume that because my husband is in the Army that he is uneducated. I will brag that my husband is very educated and went to a HBCU. Soon as he gets home he will finish up his last few classes for his Masters. Then will proceed to get his PH.D.. So when someone assume that we are nothing and the military was out way out, yes I do get offended and I will get indignant with 'cha. 

With that being said, I know that my responsible of a mother can be a challenging one but my daily pay-off is a blessing. I wont stop working hard for my children education. My children will not depend on getting a scholarship in sports. Its a option but they are going to get this education thing academically as well. 


Sorry I just had to vent a little....

I challenge you!!! PART I

I challenge you. Go out and challenge others....

This challenge is very simple. I want you to go and make a Vision Board. Take a picture and post it in your blog.

What is a Vision Board?

A vision board is a poster board on which you paste or collage images that you’ve torn out from various magazines. Very simple right. The images that I want you to put on this board are images that represent what you want out of life, where you want to live, vacations ideas, changes you want to make, and things you are most proud of. Get it??

Example: If you want to own your own home. Find pictures or ideas that represent that goal and incorporate it in your board. You can add as much as you want. Just make sure that it represents you.

Be Creative!!!!

I am on the search for old magazine and I will be starting mind soon.

Get this done by October 31, 2009. Dont forget to post it on your blog.

Ideas by Christine Kane

Three Types of Vision Boards:

1 - The “I Know Exactly What I Want” Vision Board

Do this vision board if:

- You’re very clear about your desires.
- You want to change your environment or surroundings.
- There is a specific thing you want to manifest in your life. (i.e. a new home, or starting a business.)

How to create this vision board:

With your clear desire in mind, set out looking for the exact pictures which portray your vision. If you want a house by the water, then get out the Dwell magazine and start there. If you want to start your own business, find images that capture that idea for you. If you want to learn guitar, then find that picture. I remember at the last retreat, one woman yelled out, “If anyone finds a picture of a little girl with red hair who looks happy, give it to me!” And someone else yelled out, “I’m looking for a Cadillac!” Pretty soon, a lively trading session began. Following the five steps above, create your vision board out of these images.

2 – The “Opening and Allowing” Vision Board

Do this vision board if:

- You’re not sure what exactly you want
- You’ve been in a period of depression or grief
- You have a vision of what you want, but are uncertain about it in some way.
- You know you want change but don’t know how it’s possible.

How to create this vision board:

Go through each magazine. Tear out images that delight you. Don’t ask why. Just keep going through the magazines. If it’s a picture of a teddy bear that makes you smile, then pull it out. If it’s a cottage in a misty countryside, then rip it out. Just have fun and be open to whatever calls to you. Then, as you go through Step 2 above, hold that same openness, but ask yourself what this picture might mean. What is it telling you about you? Does it mean you need to take more naps? Does it mean you want to get a dog, or stop hanging out with a particular person who drains you? Most likely you’ll know the answer. If you don’t, but you still love the image, then put it on your vision board anyway. It will have an answer for you soon enough. Some women at my retreats had NO idea what their board was about, and it wasn’t until two months later that they understood. The Opening and Allowing Vision Board can be a powerful guide for you. I like it better than the first model because sometimes our egos think they know what we want, and lots of times those desires aren’t in alignment with who we really are. This goes deeper than just getting what you want. It can speak to you and teach you a little bit about yourself and your passion.

3 – The “Theme” Vision Board

Do this vision board if:

- It’s your birthday or New Years Eve or some significant event that starts a new cycle.
- If you are working with one particular area of your life. For instance, Work & Career.

How to create this vision board:

The only difference between this vision board and the others is that this one has clear parameters and intent. Before you begin the vision board, take a moment to hold the intent and the theme in mind. When you choose pictures, they will be in alignment with the theme. You can do the Theme Vision Board on smaller pages, like a page in your journal.

Some things to remember about vision boards:

- You can use a combination of all three types of vision boards as you create. Sometimes you might start out doing one kind, and then your intuition takes over and shifts into a whole different mode. That’s called creativity. Just roll with it.

- Your vision board might change as you are making it. I was just talking with a friend of mine who said that she had been making a vision board for the new year. The theme was all about what she wanted in this year. Then, as she pulled pictures and began to lay them out, the theme changed into a simpler one about her everyday life and the moments in each day. It surprised and delighted her to experience that evolution. You might find that you have little epiphanies from making a vision board.

How to Create a Vision Board
Uploaded by nixm3j.

My birthday reflections

I have made it to see 32 years on this earth. What a ride!!! Through my journey thus far, I have learned so much. Surprising!!! When you think of it, 32 years isn't long at all when it comes to life lessons. I have grown physically and mentally. I remember when I was so carefree without a care in the world. Now, my greatest fears are surrounding my beautiful children...My family. One of the greatest lesson I have learned is to walk with and lean on God. He will never fail me. I am learning myself. I have also recognized that in my life I did things for the shear pleasure of the thrill. I have also found myself in search of approval. I am growing to know that everyone wont like me and being so carefree isn't always that fun.

Everyone wont approve of what I say or do. I have to be happy from within and remember that what others reactions turn out to be are at the hands of my acceptance. I can only let people affect my life and my actions if I allow them to. I still work to please some. I will always. My Mom and Dad are two people that I strive to make proud. I appreciate the life they gifted to me with Gods guidance. It feels so good to hear my parents say how proud they are of me. Even though, I believe my parents love is so strong that I dont have to do much for them to be proud. And I tell you, I made my parents work growing up. I was a difficult child to say the least. My children and my husband, my actions are always with them in mind. Like my parents, my husband pride shines when it comes to me. I think that is one of the reasons I love that man so much. If I take the trash out. He will brag that HIS wife is amazing because she can lift that heavy bag of trash. LOL!!! Now, whats not to love. I have children that reflect the innocence in life. They are so smart. So willing to explore and learn. I know that my actions will reflect in them throughout their lives. I try hard to do good by them.

I don't dread my birthday. I actually get excited. Why? Because when I woke up this morning (and all previous years) and reflected on my life, I realized that everything I am and do is because of the graces of my God. I pray that God allows me to see another day. In the meantime, I better live it to the fullest. Working on my goals and making moves towards what God intended for me. I am also working on my foul mouth. :)

Is it just me---I'm excited!!!

Am I the only woman above 30 that is excited that my birthday is tomorrow. I mean I have a lot to be happy about. I am truly bless. I have a wonderful family. Not to mention look damn good for being 32 tomorrow. Party with me. I am partying without my husband but its still exciting . God has allowed me to celebrate my life for 31 years and 364 days.

Me and the kids are doing it big. Birthday cake and all. I am cooking my favorite dinner. I am opening birthday gifts. Yep, Birthday gifts.

All I can say is Thank you Lord for continuing to bless me.

Big UP to my libras!!!!

Ice is doing the trick

So, I am one of THOSE people that dont drink liquids enough. I get so caught up with everyday situations that I honestly can go all day with drinking maybe 16 ozs. Well I know thats not good some I came up with a little solution and it works like a charm.

Sonic ice and I have a love affair going on. I LOVE there ice. So I decided to go buy a bag. Sonic Ice is in my freezer...ummmm Sexy!!! I actually found myself all day with a drink in my hand just to have some more of that ice. It may be a weird love affair but it works.

My hair isnt that as itchy. The new shampoo is helping also. Plus its growing. I think like a month ago I trimmed my bangs brown length. They are back to my chin. Protective styles are really a winning. After I co-wash today I think I am going to do a braid out. I havent done one is years. The Hair Regi is still the same.

I am finally able to get a shoe on my right foot so I am going to try and work out today. I been breaking dates with Billy for a week. Billy Blanks, Jr. that is.

Back on track and on a mission.

Fall Fashion.

I think I am going to like the fashion for the fall and upcoming winter season. I love the winter and fall for all the fashion that I can explore with. I don't like the bitter cold but love the hats, boots, coats, sweaters, etc. I love it. It seems that the 80's and 50's are combining and trending this season.

Colors for the upcoming season:

• Black
• Grey: from earthy-grey tints to light grey tones sparkly metallic
• Cream
• Brown: tan, beige
• Red: Crimson red to burgundy---I am loving it. I LOVE red
  
• Orange: Burnt Sienna, deep orange----My sisters of color, explore this palette. We look great in these.
• Blue: electric blue, mint blue, dark navy blue, teal blue

Accessories are seeming to be very feminine and big this season. Explore with your Accessories. Work a fashion and make it your own. Remember you don't want to look like the next person. Put your own spin on the trending fashions.

Prints/details are also on the come back; animal prints, ruffles, lace, plaid, brocade, ethnic patterns, floral, zippers, chain, studs, chunky statement necklaces, Art Deco style jewelry, drapes, striped leggings and tights, bold colored opaque tights, sequins, gray knits, ruchings. Blazers, cardigans, gloves, capes, and belted coats are some of the safe trend must haves. Cant forget the leggings. I am also looking into a military coat. I have always loved them and they are back in season. I also love the Faux fur stoles. They remind me of time that my grandmother and great-grandmother were getting all fancied up. LOVE it. I think I am leaning more towards the vintage looks this season. I love the 50's look. That is just gorgeous to me.

Boots Boots Boots...Huge. Whether they are knee high to booties. This trend can be pricey. Be selective and make sure that its something that will fade by the following season. Invest in something that will last longer than 3 to 4 months. Cant forget anything peep toe.

Get inspired by the 80's seem like it coming back with force. Now, please remember all fashion isnt for everyone. Consider your age, weight, and frame. Stick with signature pieces and add a few trendy ideas. No need to spend all your money on something that will not last past the season.

My favs:

The feminine Jewelry/accessories
Boots
Cardigans/big sweaters
The Colors
Belts
leggings.

Have fun with the fashion. Remember you make the fashion. It doesn't make you.

What a morning!!!

I am off to a great morning. I was beginning to stress about my drama filled days while my husband being gone. My husband will not be home full-time for the next tw0 years and the thought of all the mess that I could go through was scaring me. I had to really pray, meditate, and reflect this weekend. I think all of that worked because after going to bed at 2am and getting up at 6:45, I feel like a brand new person.

I know the devil is going to test me but guess what Trouble dont last always.

My birthday is Wednesday. I am so thankful that I am approaching another birthday. Despite where I been, I am going forward with great thrive.

Get your man or woman (no judging) to feel a boob

My mom and grandmother found lumps. There were not cancerous but if they didnt give themselves self-exams who knows where they would be right not.

Make sure you give yourself a monthly exam just remember that you should do it after your cycle. We tend to be lumpy during our menstrual cycle.

How to examine your breasts

• Lie down and place your right arm behind your head. The exam is done while lying down, not standing up. This is because when lying down the breast tissue spreads evenly over the chest wall and is as thin as possible, making it much easier to feel all the breast tissue.

• Use the finger pads of the 3 middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast. Use overlapping dime-sized circular motions of the finger pads to feel the breast tissue.

• Use 3 different levels of pressure to feel all the breast tissue. Light pressure is needed to feel the tissue closest to the skin; medium pressure to feel a little deeper; and firm pressure to feel the tissue closest to the chest and ribs. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal. If you're not sure how hard to press, talk with your doctor or nurse. Use each pressure level to feel the breast tissue before moving on to the next spot.

• Move around the breast in an up and down pattern starting at an imaginary line drawn straight down your side from the underarm and moving across the breast to the middle of the chest bone (sternum or breastbone). Be sure to check the entire breast area going down until you feel only ribs and up to the neck or collar bone (clavicle).

• There is some evidence to suggest that the up-and-down pattern (sometimes called the vertical pattern) is the most effective pattern for covering the entire breast, without missing any breast tissue.

• Repeat the exam on your left breast, using the finger pads of the right hand.

• While standing in front of a mirror with your hands pressing firmly down on your hips, look at your breasts for any changes of size, shape, contour, or dimpling, or redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin. (The pressing down on the hips position contracts the chest wall muscles and enhances any breast changes.)

• Examine each underarm while sitting up or standing and with your arm only slightly raised so you can easily feel in this area. Raising your arm straight up tightens the tissue in this area and makes it harder to examine.

This procedure for doing breast self exam is different than in previous recommendations. These changes represent an extensive review of the medical literature and input from an expert advisory group. There is evidence that this position (lying down), area felt, pattern of coverage of the breast, and use of different amounts of pressure increase a woman's ability to find abnormal areas.

Cleaning tip of the day #2

I hate to have to clean everyday. I have 3 children so I keep up after them everyday all day. One thing that helps me from closing them in their rooms and locking their doors forever is a daily schedule.

Daily Cleaning Chores

Daily cleaning chores are the absolute minimum that must be done on a daily basis to keep a home clean.

Weekly Cleaning Chores

These are the chores that doesn't need daily maintenance. I could wash clothes daily but since it's my most dreaded chore I only do it weekly.
This will include my bathroom scrub down, mopping all rooms, washing my clothes, and porch maintenance.

Monthly Cleaning Chores

This would include baseboard cleaning, windows, and refrigerator scrub down and eliminating. I usually clean my fridge weekly as a quick wipe down but the major stuff is done monthly. I take everything out and scrub

Seasonal Cleaning Chores

My seasonal cleaning also includes decorating. Wash or change your curtains. Air out your rugs and etc. Since I have really bad allergies and I am allergic to dust mites I have to some of the stuff most people do seasonally weekly.



Hope this helps you a little. I really have to maintain a schedule especially when my dh is away because he is a big helper when it comes to my chores. I can get overwhelmed and if that happens everybody stuff is outside in the trash. At that point I am no longer cleaning I am mad and throwing stuff out.

Am I meant to be fat...DAMMMNNN!!!

I worked out all summer. I did wonderful. Then when my husband left, so did my motivation. Well not really my motivation but my time. I mean as soon as I get my motivation back. I have my spider drama. At one point, in order to walk I was dragging my leg to get around. Now, its all getting back to normal. Its a ugly scar. It still a little swollen but I can put a shoe on again. Its really tight but at one point I couldnt even do that. The doctor gave me a diuretic. So I guess the 2 lbs that I gained after this drama will be gone soon.

I have a month and 2 weeks to get my weight off. I am not giving up but a Sistah is getting a little aggravated. My boyfriend Billy Blanks Jr. got to be missing me jumping my big behind around that tv cussing him out for making me work so hard.

Dammit the beauties of being greedy!

Theshespace.com

I love her makeup!!! I am no guru on makeup but I do love to enhance my beauty and I do that with About Face Cosmetics®. Her product is reasonable priced. Well at least to me because I will not buy MAC Cosmetics. She even offers samples....5o cents. The sample depending on how much you wear makeup is good for 1 to 5 applications. Go check her out. I love to support that little man (woman). she is worth the shot.

From the website... "There has been a long-standing myth that in order for something to be deemed high-quality, it has to come with a high price tag, so my goal was to create a truly affordable product line where a client can pay $4.00 for an eye shadow instead of laying out $12.00 for a jar that is essentially the same size."

If you happen to check her out. Let me know.

Hello, My name is Dana and I am of a dying breed

I will be 32 next month. I have been with my husband since I was the ripe age of 18. All my adult life. I hold traditional values of a marriage. 2 becomes 1. I didn't get married with divorce in the back of my head. I don't have his or hers of anything once we got married because to me two becomes one. Well maybe clothing.Then again if you ask him I love to steal his t-shirts. I really don't understand today's logic. I am not saying that the logic is wrong or bad but listening to some wo/men I am WAAAAAYYYY off base.

Example: I don't have (even when I was working full time) his or her bills. It's our bills. Looking at Happily ever after not being forever, they are our bills legally anyway. I didn't know it was so unheard of that a couple doest share checking accounts. See I am telling you I am of a dying breed. Paychecks go in the main account. Both paychecks go towards bills. We do have a lil spending money that is personal and not involved with the main money but if my husband needs more than his weekly spending money and we have the extra he knows he can have it and vice versa.

We do have 3 checking accounts but its just because he is gone a lot and its easier to just put money in an account and not have to go back and forth about what's spent for balancing our accounts purposes. Both names are still on the accounts.

I have been known to be naive on subjects but I couldn't believe wo/men going into marriage not thinking about for better or worse. Thinking about divorce before their marriage takes off. How can you give your marriage a chance if you are worrying about him/her doing you wrong. You speak negative in your life. Negative will come. What happened to marrying a wo/man that you trust, one that you don't have to sneak and put money away just in case s/he might leave you. Don't get me wrong everyone needs rainy day money but my money isn't for a quick escape. If God is willing I will be married to this man until its time to change each other diapers.

Could this be the reason that the divorce rate is so high? People are preparing for divorce before they even get married. People expecting for their spouse to hurt them before they get a change to prove that they are wonderful people. In reality, the person you love the most will let you down one or twice. Not because they want to but because they are human.

Is it crazy for me to be believe until death do us part? I don't have a perfect marriage. I have had issues before and there are some things that both of us need to continue to work with. Though we have to remember life is nothing but mini lessons. We learn something new everyday. That even goes for relationships. You just have to recognize the lessons.

Or is it that people are looking for a husband or wife? Why are you looking? There is a wo/man out there for you but you going on a bloodhound hunt for that person is leading to disaster. Think about it, you are in search for a perfect marriage not the perfect mate because your sole purpose is marriage. Just some thoughts...

Another one that really threw me though a loop. I was talking to someone and started talking about best friends. I said my very best friend that I can anything to, exclude the sugar coating, the most I can count on second to God is my husband. Chile, she looked at me like I was scary. I have best friends. I have some of the most valuable friends every. I love them to death but I truly married my best friend. We can laugh, play, be serious, be lovers, and still committed to each other. I think that you should marry someone that you can open up to. Some women say some things are just not for men to be included on because they dont know what its like to be a woman. No they don't but they know how to be a man. Sometimes a woman needs that male perspective even on girly situations. Shoot, sometimes their perspective is just a hoot. When looks fade, weight is gained, what do you have left??? I have a wonderful friend! A friend that I am not afraid to say "hey bay, I think we should try this way and see what will happen." Use your imagination!!!!

Just some thoughts....

Aint this bouta.....

Ok, I go to the doctor yesterday because the swelling in my leg and foot was off the chain. I couldn't even wear certain flip flops. Well, the doctor told me bed rest. I am risking a lot of tissue damage if I dont. Mind you have have 3 small kids and do this single mother thing for a minute. I got a shot of an antibiotic in the butt and I have to get my prescription for a diuretic. Of course all of this happens when my husband is gone. I got the man so damn nervous. I elevated my leg above the heart all night. Let me tell you what uncomfortable sleep that was but the swelling went down a lot. I guess I will be hammering out my blog topics for the rest of the week..

LOL, any request???

As always much love