May my next move be my best move!!!

So today is my last day at work. I'm full of excitement, like a kid ready for a birthday party I'm ready for the clock to strike 6!!! All in all there is always some good in a bad situation...One being, a lesson learned. The people that I really enjoyed working with really let me know they enjoyed me as well. The guy who sits besides me offered to make me a cup of Joe, Espresso Joe at that. I hated to decline cause I know it was as a parting/peace gift but I can't put that stuff in my body anymore!!! The women in the department over told me how she wished me the best. For some unknown reason, I felt close to her, although we really didn't know each other. I guess that's one of my psychic abilities or the unused Psychology degree in me which filters good and bad character. Is today bittersweet, I think not, just another chance to roll the dice and land on the Boardwalk, while getting helpful information along the way from the Community Chest!!!

How about they brought someone in for an interview this morning and I could hear Sanaa Lathan shouting 'Girl, don't believe the Hype'. I wish I could run in and give her the low-down on the position. The aspects I will miss from this position is the endless amount of blogging I was able to do. I know that will NEVER happen again at another job (oops I forgot I got a BBerry). I also learned the characteristics of an un-effective manager.

So to all of you who stood by me and listened to me complain about my job, be prepared to stand by me and listen to me complain about not having one,Really not really!!! I know that something will come together for sure, may not come when I want it, but it'll be there right on time!!!

In closing, if you're not doing something you love, why do it??? I know we all have responsibilities we have to take care of (cause the bills don't stop), but take a course or two on that hobby that's really a passion waiting to burst out (I'm speaking to myself as well)!!! Think about all the time we waste doing things we don't enjoy, when we have the ability to make a decision and act out of faith and not fear.

I would love to continue this post but I have to delete all of my e-mails and pack my 'Shopaholics Daily Calendar', I have less than 30 minutes here. Yes I'm blogging at work, and you know this, maaaaan!!!!

Why did my manager just ask me to do some work, I'd like to yell off my favorite saying Bi*ch Please!!! 3,2,1 1,2,3 what the heck is bothering me? This job!!! I'm bout to walk out!!!

A Few of My Favorite Things

Yesterday was one of my happiest days living in a new city/state. The New target that was being built when I moved 6 months ago has finally opened. Such joy this place brings to me, and to think, now there is one less than 5 minutes away!!! So you know I had to get my visit on. Even pulling up, there was sooo much to take in, the pure ambiance of it all. As I entered I was welcomed by the 'new' smell...you know the smell you get with new shoes or a new car. The smell was so strong and pleasing I wish they would have packaged it. Besides the store being brand new, it was pretty empty and felt like it was all mine. This Target even had new buggies which rolled correctly (you know you can't stand a wobbly buggie). It always amazes me how the set up of Target and Super Targets' differ. My Super Target had purses and accessories the left of the entrance, with the shoe section beside it. Everything was nice and neat, and a big selection of sunglasses lined the back wall. Now I've shopped in my share of Targets and have never seen shoes this close to the front. As I walked from department to department, there were friendly red-shirt staffers' to greet me and ask if I needed assistance. The only thing I can say bad about 'My Super Target' is, it was so new, there were no dollar sections or sales in clothing. Do you know what this opening means for me? I have first dibs at new designers and new releases!!!Overall a post can not explain the sheer excitement I felt on this day but I'll keep you informed on my adventures to 'my store'.

Jobs are for the jobless...right?

I am almost convinced that I've done something in a past life, which altered my ability to get and keep a job I enjoy. Each interview confirms that college is not for everyone. I know that as adults, our jobs/careers will change more than twice. To me, graduating college and entering the workforce is a catch 22!!! You study in a certain area for four or more years, only to graduate and be told you don't have enough experience. Is it not understood in the 'real working world' there's no way to be a full time student and gain work experience at the same time. 'What is it you really want to do', should be a million dollar question. If many of us were doing what we really wanted to do, our employers would have to find new employees. I guess my whole idea of the job market/job search is up in the air!!! Do I accept a job I have no interest in or remain jobless and hold out for something I'm more interested in? I think the whole job/career area is where I have my greatest issues. If I could only live in K's world I'd create the perfect job, with the perfect hours, and the perfect benefit plan!!! Who knows how this will pan out over the following two weeks, I'll be sure to keep you informed!!!

Follow your Heart - CareerBuilder.com - Super Bowl Ad

Was the Runway ripped or not???

So tonight was Rip The Runway, I personally don't think it was better than last year. Although, some good came out of the event...Diddy had his whole crew working for there keep. Lauren London is a beautiful woman, but tonight something was off. I don't know if it was the extra unnecessary movement or the too dark, over the top makeup. Nelly on the other hand looked GREAT, I have always been a fan and admirer of him, tonight definitely put him back in the limelight.

On a fashion tip, Rich and Infamous looked like the feature line for Rainbow. What was up with all of the tights??? However, I absolutely loved the dress above from the Zac Posen line.

Back to Nelly...Did he have the best line or what, so much energy...Apple Bottom jeans, boots with the fur. Oh how I love Nelly. Now I'm really into urban fashion, but I would definitely buy a few of his pieces.

Was my hour the only hour that was wasted? Last years showcase of fashion was just a lot better!!!

P.S- Who'll be buying Day 26 after their performance, and what kind of name is Day 26?

Help Me Believe

Today I sent a devotional by e-mail to my friends and one actually responded. His response became a back and forth conversation which was quite thought provoking. So below is the devotional followed by our responses.

The EX Daily Word for February 27, 2008"A Time to Sow"Gal. 6:7

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.There is a law built into the earth. Doesn't matter what race, religion, or background you are from....you will grow what you plant. God built that into the very earth so that seed produces fruit in the earth. When you sow it or plant it, you reap it. And you always reap more than you sow. So when people do you wrong and hurt you, let the law of reaping and sowing handle them. You don't have to say a word many times. Just let it work itself out. But there is one very important thing we usually miss about this law of reaping and sowing. We forget that there is dirt involved!When you sow or plant a seed, you surround it with dirt. And even though it's covered with dirt, the fruit will grow out of it. That's the way God wants us. He allows us to be surrounded by dirt at times so we can grow out of it! The dirt that is going on around you, the dirt that has been shoveled on top of you, and the dirt that your past may have put into you will only grow you up and out! Do you know what fertilizer is? It's the waste that passes out of the body of an animal. It's basically, as Paul called it, "DUNG"! And to us, that is the most detestable thing, but it is much needed for growing a seed. Any farmer would tell you that you grow better fruit when you use fertilizer. And that's how we are. We grow stronger and are made better when our lives have come through the dung. And once we pass through the mess, we are blessed! When you are in the mess, with the mess, and surrounded by the mess, that's the best time to sow a seed. You are in a fertile situation when you are covered with dirt and sprinkled with fertilizer! You are in the best possible position to grow and bring forth good fruit! So, when you are in the ground, covered with dirt, sow a seed of righteousness by reading the word. Sow a seed of hope by praying for those that are taking you through. Sow a financial seed into a good ministry so that ministry can continue to preach the gospel. Don't look at the dirt as always being a bad thing. God uses that dirt around you to grow you into what he wants you to be.

Suggested Reading: 1Pet. 1:23, 1Pet. 4:12, James 1:3, Gal. 6:9,Col.1:6

www.exministries.com©2008 G. Craige Works All Rights Reserved

Him: Someway, somehow...I knew with this being an "inspriational" message...money had to be mentioned. I like the message, but this delivery about dirt, dung, mess, and fertilizer is sooooo predictable. How in the world would a God that is all-loving, caring, and knowing allow its creation to be subject to such redicule and "torture"...this is a very decieving message. But if it works for some...DO YOU!!!

Me: What exactly is your religion, does your statement imply that God shouldn't allow us to go through hardships?

Him: When I was growing up, my grandad was a baptist preacher. So I attended alot of baptist churches. My grandmother "fell" out of the baptist format and joined the Church of Christ. At the age of 10, I started going to her church. I attended up until the age of 29...I also called myself a Christian during those times. I did it all while I was in the church...teaching, involved in the worship, church trips, devotions...you name it, I did it...I even led all of the prayers at our family functions (Thanksgiving, B-day parties, and Sunday dinners). My mind was closed to everything outside of my beliefs...While I was at Darton, my Western Philosophy teacher exposed me to some other ideas. So I read the bible, for the 5th time, but this time I read it with a critical eye instead of a study method. I found alot of contradictions & inconsistencies. I started reading other books...and don't let me talk about Psychology (it didn't help my church beliefs either, LOL!!!)

So I don't call myself a Christian, but I do believe in God. I don't believe that God made us dependent. I think he gave us all the mindset to make our own decisions. Our life is about choices, not God doing this or that. I don't knock anybody's beliefs cause that is their own choice. I don't put my ideas on my daughter either...she can believe the floor is God, I don't really care. As long as what she believes makes her a better person and teaches her to love herself, love others, and serve others..i'm cool with it...but on the other hand, if it teaches her to demean people, have the "i'm right, you're wrong" mentality, and be arrogant...then i'll have a problem.

I understand the Christian theology VERY well. I think that is why my belief in it is not really that strong. But I do believe in God, and I praise him and l believe that he has given me all the tools I need to be a GREAT person in my lifetime.

Me: I love e-mailing you (name removed), you always respond for one and your opinions are always out of the box of the 'norm'. I rarely get into conversations about religion or politics because it’s an individual choice. I ignorantly assume/stereotype blacks as Christians although I know otherwise. Living here is totally diverse than being in the Southern Baptist Bible Belt. I've met so many people with different religions and really applauded them; because it was their belief. It is so important for people to believe in something and stand strongly behind it. You mentioned God allows its creation to be subject to ridicule and "torture" and also say he gave us a mindset to make our own decisions. So are we actually subjected by God to ridicule/torture or are we making decisions to be in the mist of ridicule/torture. I too, like you, like to be the devils advocate in certain conversations. I stand by my belief to be a Christian. However I don't mind being exposed to other ideas or beliefs, one will still reign to me, over the other. The classic hot or cold question, there's no lukewarm or in between. I always wonder what people mean when they say they believe in God, does this mean God the Father and not the Son? Or does believing in God mean you believe in Him until you find inconsistencies which doubt that belief? Or, do you believe in God but not the teachings of certain denominations? I guess my whole understanding is, if you believe, you believe. There may be inconsistencies in the bible, are there not inconsistencies in miracles, or other things that have an explanation but are unexplainable? I find the metaphor between dirt and trials to be a great description. If you believe in God and know the trials and tribulations he faced, what makes us superior and not have to face them, is it because we are his creation? People have gone back and forth on the inconsistencies of God. One thing is certain...we were not there to bear witness to any of them, all we have is the belief! The same way I believe the car will start as soon as I crank it , is the same belief that I have in God to carry me through ridicule/torture, even if I made a decision to be in the midst of it. The act of believing and the art of belief is all we have, no matter what it is we believe in.

You make me want to turn this into a blog topic!!! Thanks for the convo, I sure needed it!!!

Feel free to comment on the devotional or our conversation in general. Mainly whatever it is that you believe in (in any aspect), put it out there. I just really feel that you should believe in something.

I personally believe in God, I believe Jesus was born from a virgin (although this has never happened again), and I believe he died for our sins. I also believe I will one day have a job I love and move to a loft in N.Y with my baby Lyric. This whole post has me thinking of one of my favorite new Kirk Franklin songs titled Help Me Believe. The lyrics have really helped my unbelief during hard times. My favorite line is: If I never hear I'm sorry I can let it go, gotta let you go....powerful statement. If you don't have the cd I encourage you to invest in it, another classic (will do a post on the album later)!!!

To my friend thanks so much for letting me post our conversation, you're the best (and you know this...maaaannnn)!!!

To Veg or not to Veg...that is the sermon

So I'm finding out my vegetarian experience is becoming easier the more I learn. Lately, I've been stepping up my cooking game. I find it easier to plan my meals ahead, that way I'll be less likely to eat out. It also helps me narrow down a grocery list and stick to it. So you may ask...where did all of this veggie talk come from? Well becoming a vegetarian is something I decided to do last year, as a resolution for the new year. No I'm not a member of PETA, or think that Katie the cow is part of the family, I'm wasn't thinking of eating right either. For me, its more of a mind over matter type of thing. So I started a 12 step program with each month moving me a step closer to being a full grown VEGETARIAN. This month (Feb.) is step two, since this is the beginning I'm leaving room just in case of any setbacks. So right now I'm considered a Pesca-vegetarian, meaning I eat plant foods plus eggs, dairy products, fish and shellfish. When I tell people I'm on my vegetarian quest, they ask if I'm vegan as well. I never gave the idea of being vegan a second thought, now I tell a totally different story. I can see how cutting out dairy products would be easy, most of the meat substitutes taste terrible with cheese. Maybe this is all in my mind but I rarely use cheese or eggs, now milk...that's a different subject. I need my milk for my Saturday cereal, and not just morning. On this quest I plan to try all different types of vegetarian meals, without nuts of course (that's another story). I plan on becoming 100% vegetarian by step twelve (Dec.). I even found a Soul Food Vegan restaurant (in D.C) that I will be visiting this Saturday. So I extend the invitation to you, as I did my family members...won't you give me your hand and God your heart, and let's start this vegetarian walk...together.

*Public Service Announcement*

I appreciate any vegetarian brands of food, recipes, and restaurants you have to offer!!!

Fear or Faith?

So I've been at a job I hated since day one, all because of FEAR. Fear of being out of work and not knowing how to pay my bills, FEAR. I let money and the opinions of others be the branches of my troubles while fear was the root. I was letting fear dictate my decisions, so over the weekend I made a decision not to be bound by FEAR. I'm learning that in order to get some places you have to give up some things, no matter if its a career, relationships, or friendships. So today if there's anything you'd like to do...take a chance and act out of FAITH and not FEAR. FAITH is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1). Know FEAR, no FAITH...Know FAITH, no FEAR. There is no room for both be willing to make your own decisions!!!

ITS THE WEEKEND BAAAABY

So its the weekend and I am soooo HAPPY!!! Its the only time where I can just sleep and really chill out with no worries. My weekend got a jump start Friday morning because I called out and was on cloud nine. With all the extra time, I even cooked up a veggie meal, I made sloppie joe, believe it or not it was great. This whole vegetarian quest is really teaching me discipline although the media hypness of the beef industry makes it easier. While eating out proves to be a difficult mission. The family and I went to Friday's and I longed for Katie the cow drizzled in Jack Daniels sauce!!! With discipline I chose a portabella mushroom sandwich, next time I'll be sure to add the Jack sauce.

I was able to catch up on my favorite project family today...The Evans Family. TV One ran a marathon all day featuring Michael Evans, Esquire. This is my all time favorite throwback show!!! Those of you that know me, know if I could go back in time, the 70s would be my era. I could see myself being a part of the black movement and shooting the breeze with a couple of jive turkeys. Good Times was one of the first TV shows which displayed the black family in a positive limelight, and covered a range black issues which led the way for The Cosby show, Family Matters, and House of Payne. Ester Rolle even fought with the network to have a father in the home, we have definitely come a long way.

F.Y.I two of my favorite stores are having sale/clearances. Payless are having BOGO and they have some very cute selections (I'll write a post on it later when I figure out how to post multiple pictures). Also Hot Topics had major items on clearance today, check it out!!!

Is Obama too Hip for his own good?

I saw this question on AOL while doing my morning read. It always amazes me when an African Americans make it and other races use certain terminology to discredit their achievement. In this context, it seems like ‘Hip’ was meant to be attached to its cousin ‘Hop’, seeking a negative connotation. Are writers discussing or casting polls on Hillary or McCain being too ‘Hip’ for their own good?

I guess this topic really touched me. Last night I had a dream about Obama visiting my neighborhood (not here on Wisteria Lane., but in Ga. , you can actually take neighbor out of the word because it’s really the hood). In this dream Obama was far from ‘Hip’, referring to their negative connotation. He was poised, articulate, and well dressed. What impressed me most in my dream was that he was tangible. An educated- working class- average Joe…with a dream. A dream often discredited by the lack of experience. A dream so big that other ‘average Joe’s’ support and fund the cost. A dream, which embraces the famous speech of Dr. Martin Luther the King.

But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


People are actually taking a stand for what they believe in, Obama mamas, others Baracking the vote. This is far from a movement John Dickerson, its a revolution. Does this make Obama too ‘Hip’ for his own good? No, it makes him too 'Hip' for their own good!!! 'Hip' being defined as- familiar with or informed about the latest ideas, styles, and developments. Considered aware of or attuned to what is expected. ‘Hip’ meaning- for the people by the people…now put a beat with that!!!