Back in Brooklyn, I took two buses to school ever since the 3rd grade. In high school, I took the subway by myself. So ask me why the thought of my 5th grade son riding the bus alone is filling me with terror?

Today (after work) my plan is to ride the route with him so he can learn it. With this bus riding comes so many other thoughts…for example, does he need a phone?

This is a point of contention in our house. Mr. 1969 is anti phone and I am pro phone. I think a phone is necessary so if anything happens with his public transportation, he can call us. Mr. 1969 keeps asking me “Did you have a phone when you rode the bus in New York?” *sigh*

I say my baby needs at least a little cricket phone. When I rode the bus, we had payphones everywhere and I always had my dime (shut up, I’m old and it was a dime before it became a quarter!).  There are no payphones anymore. What if something happens?

Has anyone dealt with this issue with their child? Weigh in. Pro phone or Anti Phone for a ten year old.

Financially, my family faced a few challenges this year. It was a year for us to really stick to a budget and we did a great job. I am ending the year with minimal debt and for that, I am truly blessed.

I was able to secure a slight promotion and continued to have the opportunity to work from home. This schedule has allowed me to spend more time with my family as well as fit in my continued health goals.

I started the year making a huge time and personal commitment by training for and completing my triathlon. I can honestly say that I managed to stick to a consistent workout regime for an entire year. I even ended the year with a 3 mile run this morning.

I learned how to swim. I rode a bike after not being on one for over 20 years. I completed my race. I learned that I am not a quitter and that I can do anything through hard work and determination. I learned that 42 is not too old to learn new things. I learned that the first step is believing.

My first nephew was born this year. I also made some great new friends and lost a few dear ones. My uncle and cousin-in-law are both currently battling cancer. Praying to have them both for another year of life.

I learned that Mama 1969 is human as I watched rheumatoid arthritis limit her mobility. I plan on spending even more quality time with her in 2012.

I enjoyed watching my brother grow into a fine Uncle and have never been prouder of the man he has become.

I truly enjoyed this year of watching my children grow. I loved seeing them work hard at school, sports and get brighter and more curious about life every single day. I thank God for them. They are the most wonderful gifts I have ever been given. They make me a better human being and give me a reason to wake up in the morning.

I also learned even more about my husband. I watched him face adversity and always maintain a positive outlook. I saw him rise above setbacks and remain the head of this household. Watching him continue to be a wonderful husband and father is one of the greatest joys of my life. I am so thankful for him.

I am thankful for all of you guys for sharing the daily shenanigans that go on in my little corner of the world. Sometimes we agreed to disagree and that’s okay. I’m just happy you continue to stop in and check on me from time to time. I wish all of you a healthy and prosperous 2012 and hope you find love, peace and a lot of joy in the coming year.

As for me and my family? Big things are in store for us in 2012. I can’t wait.

Happy New Year to you and yours!

Love,

Sixty

As a New Yorker, the effects of 9/11 hit very close to home. I lost two co-workers when my hotel collapsed at Ground Zero. I lost neighbors and friends both in the towers. When I go home and see the hole in the ground where two magnificent structures once stood and I remember the devastation to innocent people caused by this man’s actions, I admit, I feel a sense of vindication for my city and the victim’s families.

I also think about the repercussions throughout the world. I worry about the safety of the world’s citizens in other countries. The backlash. I pray for safety for all of the world’s citizens from terrorists everywhere.

I am so thankful for our troops. These men and women have been at war for ten years fighting to preserve our safety and never giving up. Their bravery and valor is to be commended. I hope they get the same support when they return home to safety. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE AND CONTINUE TO DO.

Lastly, like him or hate him, the President is to be commended for this operation as Commander in Chief. He went into Pakistan and ordered a strike without letting the country know. The American forces moved in, completed a successful operation and got out safely. He didn’t wait to talk it through with Pakistani leadership. He ordered that strike. Of course, there will be backlash for that decision but he showed that America will not hesitate to move when we have a target in sight. In that move, he has restored the power that this nation once held globally. We are a force to be reckoned with and if you attack on American shores, we will not hesitate to seek justice. Kudos to you Mr. President.

He also gave a great speech last night. He let the world know that they should not hate muslims. He clarified that Osama was a murderer of muslims. Very well stated. He also said exactly what we were all waiting to hear….Justice is served.

I don’t care what a certain someone who reads this blog says….Nic.ki.Min.aj is NOT the hotness. That song Mon.ster is hands down, one of the worst things on the radio right now.

I have to turn something in to my boss at 6pm and I am procrastinating like a MUG.

Is anyone else mad that the summer of iced coffee for 99 cents is over? Say it ain’t so Dunkin.

Why did your boy Tali 2 (who starts Kindergarten next Wednesday) have a complete and utter meltdown in the schoolyard while we dropped his brother off for his first day of school. “I wanna go to school with Tali 1. I don’t wanna go to school in five more days.” He cried all the way back home. *sigh*

Speaking of crying, soccer starts up officially this Saturday. Let’s see if he has matured since last year when he cried at EVERY SINGLE GAME except the last one. *sigh*

And also related to crying…. he did his THING on this song.

I woke up to a cool 64 degrees and visions of new boots, sweaters and coats filled my head. That being said….to the lady I saw downtown in the Fur vest and boots today…it’s too early Sunshine.

I have been on an 80′s music kick for the last couple of days. Wham, Tears for Fears, Terrence Trent D’Arby, Culture Club….you name it. Who are some of your 80′s favorites?

I must thank Tom and Lorenzo for my new tagline for 2011 “Your jealousy tastes like candy bytches.” Hilarity!!!

I love Miss Willow Smith and her new little song. Growing up with parents that are both entertainers, clearly they have the bug to perform. Kudos to Jaden for a great job in Karate Kid and now to Willow for her cute and catchy (and YES, age appropriate) song. I wish her much success and I too will be “Whipping My Hair”.

I am back in full time Wonder Woman mode. Back to school, back to soccer, back to all of the kids other activities……….I dread this time of year. *Dusts off cape*

and finally….who remembers THIS?

We started our Saturday with the Tali’s headed to swimming lessons. Tali 1 started taking lessons last year but it was the first time out for your boy Tali 2.

He started with a warmup stretch…see?

*sigh* No speedos. LMAO!

He started to get a little anxious when he realized that he wasn’t going in with his big brother but he was a trooper. I think he’ll be swimming in no time.

After swimming, we headed out to help our community. The boys joined me for a service project with my sorors. We played BINGO with some *cough* seasoned citizens in Germantown.

The best part? You know the seniors take their bingo seriously right? Well, we made a little kids table for the kids on the side. After the first round when one lady didn’t win, she exclaimed extra loud “Hmph. I’m gonna need those kids to be quiet. I can’t hear my numbers!” LMAO! Once she won a round, she was nice as pie to those kids. Pure hilarity.

After that? Mama was T-I-R-E-D so we hit one of our favorite neighborhood spots for dinner. Hell, Mr. 1969 was out of town and you know, we lounge when he’s gone

Yeah…that’s how they acted at the restaurant. LOL

On Sunday, we decided to cook for Mr. 1969′s return home. What do you know about my curry shrimp?

Yup. That was good stuff!

All in all, my typical crazy, exhausting type of weekend. The best part was crashing on my couch after the kids were asleep watching history be made as America voted for Healthcare Reform. I am so proud of Mr. Obama for not giving up this fight and for introducing this legislature. We need this for all of our citizens and it’s a step in the right direction.

Hope you guys had a great weekend too. Happy Monday.

Jo.hn L.e.gen.d annoys the hell out of me sometimes but his music is perfect background music for my home office. Very soothing and non-confrontational. Kind of like…John. Hmm.

I think my husband likes me working from home too. He showed up in the middle of the day and brought me lunch yesterday. LOL

I am trying to make sure I workout at least four days a week now that I have a more flexible day. So far so good. You will be happy to know that somehow, I continue to use my “old man magnetism” at the gym. I swear, if you are over 60 and breathe? You too will feel the need to talk to me at random about your life while I am wheezing on the treadmill. Beware.

Ever do laundry and realize that your entire pile of clothes is all tshirts, fleece tops and yoga/workout bottoms and socks? I swear that must be all I wear in the winter…Damn.

My eyebrows look like this right now:

I called to place Tali 2 on the open house invite list for Kindergarten yesterday. You know I am going to be a mess when he goes to his first day of school in September right? No more babies in our house. Just men.

Why am I picturing his little arrogant self in his new school uniform on the first day? You know he’s gonna walk around like he’s the ish right? LOL

Guns at work? Never a good look. For anyone. It makes bosses nervous for some reason.

They passed the law in Philadelphia that forces chain restaurants to publish the caloric content for all of their foods. Starbucks would be eye opening for some of you. One slice of lemon pound cake is about 480 calories. A Venti anything is well over 600 calories. Why is this news? Cause the average person should consume about 2,000-2,500 calories a day. Less if you are trying to lose weight or maintain a weight. What if you drink two of those beverages a day? I will stick to my iced coffee with splenda and a splash of cream. Only about 80 calories. If you are having the occassional macchiato…..make sure it’s a day you are working out hard! Nothing wrong with a treat. I love coffee as much as anyone else but damn….I’d rather eat those calories than waste them with a drink. Think about it. Be informed and make better choices. I am loving this law.

I guess I should be introspective but instead, I will be celebrating. I grew up and became an adult in my 30′s. I met and married my husband. I gave birth to two children. I moved to Philadelphia and established some major ties here. I purchased my first home. I reconnected with my father, lived through a major health scare with my mom and my hubby.  I ran in my first 5K. I watched my sons go from baby to toddler to soccer games and first days of school.

The 30′s weren’t so bad. I lived my life. It wasn’t all perfect but it got me to this point. Ready to turn 40 tomorrow.

I just thank God that I made it this far and that I have absorbed some of the lessons He is trying to teach me (although I still have a long way to go).

I will admit, I started feeling very wistful about kissing this decade behind. I started thinking about being 40. Being older. I spoke to a few good friends and they shook me right out of my little vain slump. So I am ready to embrace tomorrow and my long weekend and the next decade

Forty is not the new anything….it’s 40. I have earned the right to say my age with pride, hold my head up high and be proud of all that I have accomplished to get me here.

It’s a celebration Bytches!

I do know some basic things though.

I know that women need to stop making excuses for their men and their behavior. He’s grown and he knows exactly what he is doing. If he is not doing what you think he should be doing then it is UP TO YOU to react and handle it in a way that will make YOU happy.

If you allow him to slide and continue to accept excuse after excuse……then the problem is not him, it’s you.

So act accordingly ladies….do what needs to be done to make yourself HAPPY. The good men are out there however, if you keep dealing with bad ones and making it easy for them to treat you poorly……you will lose your ability to recognize a good man. You will lose your self worth and eventually, you will still be alone.

Thanks for listenening and have a great weekend.

I sailed through orientation, had lunch with my boss and am now trying to kill the rest of my day since he had a meeting and they have nothing scheduled for me until next week.

Change might be a good thing. I’ll reserve the right to refrain from making an early judgement until I start doing the job but they have gone out of their way to make me feel very comfortable and welcome.

2009 could be the beginning of good things. I have no complaints so far.