Bye Bye 2008, Hello 2009

As the year wraps up, most people start thinking about what they accomplished or failed to accomplish in the course of the last year.

In 2008, I ran my first 5K. I watched both of my sons grow another year older at two fabulous parties. I wrote the GREATEST POST EVER. as we mourned one of our dear family members. Mr. 1969 and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary and we wrapped up the year with a wonderful Holiday season.

I watched my NY Football Giants surpass insurmountable odds to beat the undefeated Patriots and win the Superbowl. One of the greatest moments in sports I have ever witnessed. I watched and was a part of my beloved sorority celebrating it’s 100th Birthday, another milestone I am so proud to have witnessed. After six years, I watched my favorite singer return triumphantly to Radio City Music Hall and got to see him in concert with my Best Friend. I also watched a black man successfully win the Presidency of the United States of America and was able to share that historical event with my sons. One of the single greatest moments of my life.

As I start 2009, I will also be starting a new job. While admittedly not my dream job, I am so thankful for A JOB period. I am so thankful that I am not taking a hit in my salary. I am looking forward to making the most of this opportunity no matter what. I am certain that big things are in store for me on the work front in the upcoming year.

On a personal note, I turn 40 in 2009. I still wake up thinking I am 16 every single day so imagine my disbelief and shock that 40 is actually here.  I plan on bringing in this milestone in great health, in shape and mentally and spirituallystrong.

I have made so many lifestyle changes to get me to this year. Eating healthier, exercising….it’s all been a part of a renewed committment to myself. A promise to take care of me.  After taking care of a family and countless other people in my daily life…..I plan on doing  just that. I am about to knock that number40 on it’s azz with the best 1969 anyone has ever seen!

Reflect on 2008 and then close the door. What’s done is done. All you can do is learn, grow, celebrate and get ready for the next big thing.

2009 is on it’s way.

Be safe tonight! Cheers to new beginnings.

Under the Big Top

I am working from home this week due to the Tali’s being on Break.

Now, in the spring, you can take kids outside to play. Hit the playground and just let them run until they fall out. Not so in the Winter. There is always a hunt for stuff to do.

Today, the boys are headed to circus camp. Yes, you heard me…the circus.

There is a one day circus camp here in Philly today. They get to walk on a tightrope, balance on a big red ball and play with some animals. Should be fun.

My only worry? They may keep them….

Anyone else going nuts at home with the kids?

Bytch Please!

Hope everyone enjoyed Christmas. We celebrated with the family, played with lots of toys, ate some good food and now I am in recovery mode.

Every January, I start with a renewed vision of getting my health on track. I guess it comes with the guilt of Holiday indulging. I love to read self help and fitness books. Although I rarely find myself using most of the info, reading them does tend to motivate me for some reason.

I picked up a copy of Skinny Bytch. I have heard good things and seen the authors on various talk shows. While out shopping in Tarjhay….I swiped a sale copy.

As I read the book, I enjoyed the first chapters. These ladies offer up some tough love. ALL Soda is bad for you PERIOD. They don’t sugar coat the description of what the chemicals in soda and many of our favorite fast foods do to your body. They even trashed my beloved morning cup of coffee in favor of organic decaf tea.

However, the entire book turned a corner when it became a PROMO for all things vegetarian. For about four chapters, they went into graphic detail about how meat is farmed, the animals are tortured and killed and then you eat the dead, rotting flesh for dinner.

Now, I gave up eating beef and pork a few years ago. I know chicken is just as bad but I LIKE chicken and I am not ready to make the jump to a total veggie lifestyle.

For me, the book was a little extreme. Yes, I am sure we can all figure out that eating tofu, veggies, soy milk and lots of fiber is the best way to get skinny. Did we need to read descriptions of cattle prods, pig slaughter, chicken skinning…..etc to convince us that being a vegetarian is better for us?

I don’t think scare tactics work for everyone. I also feel that most people struggling with a few pounds need options that can work for them in their everyday lifestyle. Just telling them ALL MEAT IS BAD, STOP EATING IT NOW cannot and won’t work.

So, no……I can’t recommend the book for anyone looking to start the New Year off on a healthier note.

I can recommend incorporating more fiber, fruits, vegetables and water into your life. I also recommend getting off your couch and starting with at least walking for 20-30 minutes three times a week.

Anyone else working on a fitness goal for 2009?

Happy Holidays………..

It’s Christmas Eve and I am working from home today. In addition, the Talis are both at home and hyped up. *sigh*

Mama 1969 and baby brother 1976 will be here late tonight so I have to work, cook, juggle the Tali’s, run last minute errands and clean my house before 6pm.

Yes, it’s a typical 1969 Holiday.

This Christmas, I am so grateful for the love of my family and friends. The year could be ending very differently for me, but instead, it is ending with promise and opportunity.

I amwishing you all a wonderful Holiday spent with people you love. Remember what this day is really about. Celebrating the birth of Hope.

Be blessed.

Easy Breezy

While I watch the Giants game, I figured I would update everyone on my job status.

I interviewed last Friday and they called and made an offer that afternoon. On January 12th, I start a new job. Just like that, the last six years in my Hotel are history. Life is crazy isn’t it?

I wallowed in self pity last weekend and now I am looking at it as a new chapter, a new adventure. That’s really all I can do.

I am still with the same company so I am not losing my years, vacation time, benefits, etc. I also finagled the same salary. What do I lose? My title and some pride. However, two more close friends and great managers lost their jobs on Friday. They both had  three children. So far, I am the only one that has landed on my feet. Truly I am blessed beyond belief. To transition into a new role within days is a blessing. It could have been much worse.

I know that this economy is tough and we are all feeling the after effects. It’s so easy for someone to say “you have your health and family” when you can’t afford groceries or medicine for your kid. It’s a struggle for so many of us.

I just refuse to be beaten.

Tonight, I had my very first bullying conversation with Tali 1. Some boys at his aftercare facility were teasing him and he asked me about it. I tried to reassure him that if you wake up everyday and are kind to people, respectful of your parents, work hard and do good deeds that is all that God expects. Sometimes, when you do those things, people that aren’t doing the right thing want to tease you or make fun of you so you’ll stop doing what you’re supposed to.

I told him that the best thing he can do is to continue being true to himself, hold his head up high and be the great kid that he is. When people tease him, it’s probably because they secretly admire the way he carries himself. I know I do.

I asked him if he needed me to talk to the supervisor and he said :

“No, it’s cool. I just wanted to tell you about it. I knew you would tell me stuff to make me feel better.”

Sometimes, my kids force me to put things in perspective. Who cares about a title? I am still me. I will still go there and do a great job. I will make the most of this new opportunity. I will not let the bullies deter me from doing what I am supposed to be doing.

Yup, it’s cool

The Hotel Chronicles

Last night was our annual Holiday Party. Depite everything going on, I am still open to eating free food and having free cocktails. Besides, as I told you last year, the best part about the Hotel Party is seeing what everyone will wear.

Certain departments wear uniforms everyday, so when they have an opportunity to dress up? They go ALLLLLL out. Some fare better than others. *sigh*

Every single year, there are always a few standout, truly memorable ensembles. This year may have produced the best ever!

*DRUMROLL*

Last night’s top three.

Number Three: LADYBUG

It takes skill to coordinate your hair to your sweater!

NUMBER TWO: Best Dressed Couple

COORDINATE. My boy had on the matching snow white Fedora. WHAT?!?!? And his lovely lady had the zebra on lock. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t show the front of her fabulous ensemble.

Don’t hate bytches.

NUMBER ONE: To say I was speechless? UNDERSTATEMENT

Yeah. I stopped drinking when she took her coat off. Nothing says Feliz Navidad like showing your bosses your naughty bits.

Yeah, I know….your Holiday Party pales in comparison.

Enjoy the weekend!

Counting my Blessings….

Posting will be sporadic this week. We have gone through layoffs at my hotel. I also found out my job is up for elimination here at work due to budget constraints. Fortunately for me, I have been approached by another one of my Hotels about a position.

I am in the process of posting for the position and will have more news in the next week or two. This has been a stressful last couple of days but it seems like I will make it through the ordeal okay.

I have been so stressed worrying about Mr. 1969′s job in the financial industry that I never thought to worry about mine. *sigh*

I have to feel good because God is taking care of me as He always does. Of all the folks up for job elimination, I am the only one that was sought after and kept. That makes me feel good despite my pride being hurt.

In case you were wondering, The Red-Suited wonder was let go. PERIOD.

No matter how ineffective she was, I hate for anyone to lose their job in this economy.

I hope you will all say a prayer for me as I go through the process. Hoping the economy is not kicking your behind’s too hard.

Ooooohhhhmmmmm….

Best wishes for a relaxing week!

Lumps of Coal

A current popular topic in blogland is gift giving during the holidays. We’re not talking about what to buy for mommy and grandpop. No, we’re discussing those awkward situations.

Do I HAVE to buy a gift for someone that I’m only….uh…..bumping uglies with?

Both men and women are struggling with this topic. So much so that folks are arguing and debating it almost everywhere I go.

Now I know, you all consider me an old married lady but who better to get your dating advice from than a woman that has successfully kept a man through almost ten years of marriage and two children? Isn’t it better to get advice from someone in a successful relationship than to call your single friend with no man/woman and take their sage advice? ‘Nuff said.

Anywho, here’s my take on this topic.

If you are over 25 and dating someone for more than two months, yes, you should get them a gift. PERIOD. It’s about respect and courtesy. HOME TRAINING.

I don’t care if you have only seen each other under cover of darkness, after a 3am call on the 2nd Friday of every month. I don’t care if he is only one of five guys you are dating. I don’t care if you haven’t declared her your official girl. If for two or more months, you have been seeing each other pretty regularly, BUY A GIFT.

Now….do you buy them Tiffany engraved cufflinks? HELL NO.

Do you get her those Gucci shoes she asked for? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

You get them a small gift. A nice gesture.

You were together that one time and he mentioned he liked Tupac? Pick up that Tupac autobiography for him or make him a Tupac playlist or CD.

She said she can’t see you because her family is coming for the holidays and she is hosting dinner? A day before they arrive, stop by and drop off some nice flowers for her dinner table and then leave.

Funds are low? Show up with some mistletoe and a can of whipped cream and play decorate the elf. (Just kidding….okay, maybe not.) A small thoughtful gesture goes a long way.

Now none of this counts if the two of you have implicitly stated to each other that neither of you means anything more than body parts. If you have had that conversation then NO, do not play yourselves and get gifts for each other. If one of you veers from this and buys a gift…..don’t get your panties or boxers in a bunch when the recipient says “Thanks” and then has nothing for you. YOU PLAYED YOURSELF HOMIE.

Let me know if you have any questions and Happy Festivus.

Tis the season to be foolish….

This has been an interesting holiday season. If folks weren’t shooting themselves in the leg, they were putting their feet in their mouths.

The Governor of Illinois? WHAT THE FUDGE?

Have you heard the tape? It goes like this…

“Eff those muthaeffers. I’ll buy that ish. Eff em all”

We all know that most politicians are corrupt and in it for self. Now we have some more proof. What’s sad is this nutjob was not only elected, but re-elected. He’s also the 2nd governor from Illinois to be indicted in the last 5 years.

The current economic climate is showing us what eight years of mismanagement can lead to. The selfish actions of a small group of individuals has led to hard times for all Americans.

There is no room for elected officials who do not have their citizens best interests at heart. From Kilpatrick to Spitzer to the Governor of Illinois to Cheney. We are learning what selfishness and greed will eventually lead to.

Throw the book at that mothereffer!