December 1, 2010: World AIDS Day

In 1996, I volunteered with a program that worked to make children and families infected and affected with HIV/AIDS smile. We took their minds off their illness and reminded them that in the midst of everything, they still had a life to live. We wanted them to live it while laughing. Before working with the program, I was pretty ignorant to the disease. I never knew anyone who was infected or understood fully how hard it was to live in a world where people shunned you simply for being HIV+.

Between now and then, I have lost many to this dreadful illness. It angers and disgusts me that this virus still exists in this world. If I could have one wish, it would be for a cure. That is all. I have seen the face of HIV and AIDS and it looks just like me. These people are not bad. They are not evil. They are beautiful. They are precious. They are battling day in and out with something that is constantly fighting against them.

The number of people dying from the disease is decreasing, but AIDS is still killing millions of people across the world and the number of new cases of HIV is still entirely too high. Not everyone has the money that Magic Johnson has to take the meds that make him "look healthy." However, there are many drugs that regular people can afford that can prolong their lives. HIV is not a death sentence like it was back in the day. You can live a long life if you begin your treatment early.

With that said, all I want for Christmas this year is for you to...

1. Know your status. Get tested today!
2. Use condoms. ALWAYS protect yourself.
3. Embrace someone infected with HIV/AIDS. They need love too.

AND...

If you are infected, do not give up hope. Live each day to the fullest because I believe in miracles...

Please visit http://www.worldaidsday.org/ for more information on how you can spread awareness and get involved in the fight for a cure.

*Sweet P*

Is this love?

There have been very few remakes that impress me. This song is one of my favorites from Bob Marley and Corinne Bailey Rae does it justice. Simply beautiful. I've been a fan of hers and I will stay a fan. I've loved her since I first heard her melodious tone. Her voice whispers sweet somethings in my ears.Today for some reason, I just can't stop listening to this song. It has me daydreaming and thinking of.....

An AH HA moment ;-)

I love quotes and have some of my favorites listed on this blog. Here is my new fav that I love, love, love, love, love....I've heard it many times, but just finally digested it. One of those AH HA moments indeed!

"The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you that YOU love, well…that's just fabulous."

~Carrie Bradshaw, "Sex and the City"

So thankful...

What a year! I'm getting ready to head out soon for some Black Friday shopping tomfoolery and it just hit me that the year is almost over. I have so much to be thankful for today. I have allowed many things on my to do list and things on my need to improve list get in the way of appreciating some of the blessings that have been placed in my life this year and some of the burdens that have been removed. This time last year I was holding onto a relationship that had taken so much from my spirit. It drained me to love this person more than they even loved themselves. We were not a couple, yet we shared a bond that had a hold over me so strong, it was suffocating.

This year when I began this journey to complete self-love, I evaluated our relationship (for the millionth time) and decided it was time to say goodbye. Not sure why it took me so long, but the moment I did it I knew it was the perfect time for me. Now I'm going into a new year FREE for a change. Free from the drama and the shame of a friendship that died a long time ago. Leaving behind lessons learned the hard way and feeling hopeful and excited about my future.

Happy Thanksgiving!! To God be the glory...

*Sweet P*

10 Things Men Don't Do Anymore

Like I said in my last post, things surely have changed in this dating game. Here are a few observations from my experiences with men that I have "dated" over the past few years (I have to admit that the sample size is very small LOL)

My Top 10 Things Men Don't Do Anymore

1. Approach women: They look at you and check you out from a distance, but don't come up to you and try to get to know you.
2. Call: Men don't call you to talk. They are more comfortable texting. I'm old school and like to communicate in sound.
3. Buy Flowers: I can't remember the last time I got flowers just because. I only get them as a make up gift. SMH!
4. Pick you up: Every man I've met recently wants to "meet up" somewhere. Come get me fool!
5. Take you out on the first date: If I hear one more time, "I want to see you. How 'bout I come by to chill?" OR "Do you want to come over and chill at my house?" I'm going to scream!
6. Greet you at your front door: Please don't text me saying that you are outside. Park. Get out. Ring my doorbell like a gentleman. WTH!
7. Pull out chairs or open doors: Many even will sit down before you do. I just don't get it.
8. Offer to buy snacks at the movies: I know that it's expensive, but plan accordingly and be prepared if she says yes. You can't just pass by and not say anything.
9. Surprise you. Men don't plan anymore. Show up with a card. Dedicate a song. Plan a spontaneous evening with dinner and music. Think beyond your PS3 or XBox!
10. Dress the part. Take more pride in your appearance. Shower and shave. Wear a nice shirt. Put on some nice cologne. Act like you are trying to impress me.

If you are interested, show me!

Once upon a time when I was top dog on my dating game, I never questioned whether a man was interested in me or not. Not only did he show me with his actions, but he told me with his words. Now what he was interested in may not have been what I wanted, but at least there was no question mark where he name was. Fast forward to today and I'm finding that I'm meeting men that are jigsaw puzzles and the pieces just don't fit. I have conversations with girlfriends and we can't figure men out. He seems to be into me, but why doesn't he call when he says he will? He asked for my number, but all he does is text? We have long conversations on the phone, but we have yet to go out on a real date? What's the deal?

Here are a couple of case studies that will help me illustrate my confusion:

1. The Texter: A couple weeks ago he "texted" me again asking if he could call me. I found this ha-larious. Why not just call? Better yet, why do you still even have my number when we met almost a year ago and went out on one date and have talked maybe once since? Anyway, for my sister's entertainment I texted back, "Sure!" He then calls and asks me if I still have his number in my phone and remember him. Just laughable. It took me a minute to remember his real name, for he will forever be "Texter" in my mind. He then goes on to tell me that he missed me and wanted to hook up that evening. Missed me? You don't know me! And if you were interested in getting to know me, why have you only texted me over the course of the year? Anyway, so I play along and say where does he want to meet up. (I have no intention of meeting up with this man, wrong I know, but who cares). He said that he was at a bar way out in VA and wanted me to meet him there. I'm laughing now just thinking of how ridiculous this sounds. I told him I would be there in a couple hours....I guess he's still waiting for me. LOL! He texted me last week asking why I "stood him up." I decided to treat him like the telemarketers and Opt-Out of this communication so that I can "avoid receiving unsolicited product or service information in the future." LOL!

2. The Weirdo: Now this is a friend of a friend. I have not had the pleasure of dating him, but I am very familiar with this peculiar case. So they met at a gathering over a year ago. Nice guy. I was thinking that this was a great match. They have had great conversations on the phone and went out on a couple cool dates. Okay well fast forward to today and NOTHING! If she suggests that they hang out, he goes, but he has not taken initiative to do anything with her or made any clear advances towards her. My observation would be that he is not interested, but then he sends the occasional text or they have conversations that suggests otherwise. At this point, she is tired and done, which is unfortunate. Like I said he is a really nice guy, but who has time to wait on you to make a move.

So many unanswered questions. Like in the case of The Texter, I deleted your number and did not respond to your texts, but you want to know why. Why not? Why would I communicate with someone who does not want to get to know me? From past experiences and advice from my "good guy" friends, I have determined that if a man is interested in a woman and vice versa, there is no question. There is no wondering. There is no trying to figure him/her out. You just know. They show you and they tell you. Don't waste any more time on that man or woman that you are currently "hanging out" with if you are unsure of where the relationship/friendship is headed. I would hate for you to be wondering and get your answer when you get an invitation to their wedding in the mail :-/

*Sweet P*

Please send congratulations, not condolences

So yesterday I announced the wondrous engagement of my sister...

Steph and Brolaw got congratulations. Mom got congratulations. Even Dad, who...well....He got congratulations. I on the other hand had several calls from family wanting to "see how I was doing." WTF!!! How am I doing? What do you mean? She's my sister and I am happy for her. Excited that she found such an amazing man to spend the rest of her life with. But no, my family wants to waste my time babbling on and on about how "my time is coming."

Now this is what I was afraid of. At my cousins wedding a couple weeks ago, if one more person said to me when are you getting married or when is your big day, I was going to take my 3-inch heel and stab them in the eye. Why is it that someone else's life puts the spotlight on what I DON'T have in my life. Can we focus on the MPH after my name and not the MRS that's missing before it? Don't get me wrong, I am human and yes all these engagements and weddings increase my desire to be in a relationship and to be loved by one man. However, it also increases my desire to hold out for the real thing. I have seen love and I refuse to settle for anything less.

There is a line from the last "Twilight" saga where the wolfboy tells the stupid vamp groupie, "It would be as easy as breathing with me." That has stuck with me ever since. I have dated men that make me have asthma attacks. Currently, there is no one around and I breathe deep. The man who comes into my life that God has kept for me will make sure I never have to use my inhaler again.

Being single is HARD!!! I wish people would be more sensitive and understanding. Yesterday was supposed to be a happy day and it did start out that way, but I did have moments of wishing I was in a bubble far far away, unable to communicate with ANYONE. I only had 2 calls today. I wish I had a way to screen my calls with a vmail that said, "If you are calling to rejoice with me in my sister's happiness, hang up, call back and I'll answer. However, if you are calling to check on me because she's younger than me and getting married before me and I am 30+ and still single and with no kids, hang up, go to the nearest bridge and jump off please. Thanks!"

Woooooosahhhhh!

*Sweet P*

My sister is ENGAGED!!!

I have wanted to blog on this for a while now, but controlled my excitement. My sister and her boyfriend of two years are officially engaged! It happened at midnight this morning on their 2 year anniversary. I stayed up like it was Christmas Day waiting for the word. That's when Brolaw texted me a pic of the the ring on her finger. It was finally done! Woo woo woo...I am so happy for them. It's a love that gives me hope. I'm glad that she didn't settle and that she got the love that she deserved.

A few years ago I had a year of a million weddings. That time is back around again. Between October and December of next year, I have several weddings...all close relatives...It's 27 Dresses Part Duex! After this sequel, I pray that my dress in Part 3 is white (or pale pink LOL).

Let the planning begin...

*Sweet P*

AG™: My cousin, my friend, my breath of fresh air

I had a conversation with my very distinguished cousin yesterday over BBM. He is the only male cousin I have that I actually like LOL! He was born and raised in London, yet we are so much alike, its freaky. Anyway, we are both still living the single life and occasionally check in with one another for support and laughter. He has no idea how much his presence in my life (although physically distant) means to me. Many times I have been in a funk and got a message from him that pulled me from the edge. His future wife will be soooo blessed to have him as a husband. The conversation started with him complimenting my updated profile pic of me and my sister and me in turn giving him props for the cute profile pic of him as a little boy...

AG™: Y'all are so pretty ...
AG™: Can u sing?
Sweet P : LMBO!!!
Sweet P : Thanks
Sweet P : And no we cannot
Sweet P : But I can dance ;;)
AG™: LOL
AG™: Shuck and jive?
Sweet P : Drop it low...
AG™:  :-O
Sweet P :  LOL
AG™: I can't wait to come over and see u in action ....
AG™: This gonna be fun !
Sweet P : The wedding last week I was on the floor all night
Sweet P : All night!!
Sweet P : That's a pic from the wedding
Sweet P : Yes you will see me work next year
Sweet P : By Gods grace
AG™: Ok...it make sense....y'all are 'Glowing !'
AG™: Amen
Sweet P : Glowing?
Sweet P : Wow
Sweet P : Nice
AG™: Yup
Sweet P : Now your pic.....I absolutely love
Sweet P : Love love love
Sweet P : It makes me smile big
AG™: Lol
Sweet P : Always had "swag"
Sweet P : Although I hate that word
Sweet P : You define it
Sweet P : LOL
AG™: LOL ..awww ...thanks..
AG™: Back when things were simple :)
AG™: Its all good though...now its Aaron's turn
Sweet P : And the swag gene has been passed down. Hopefully he can control the power of it better Hahah
AG™: LOL
AG™: Hmmm
AG™: U funny
Sweet P : LOL! Its a strong force and needs to be in the hands of someone who can control all that comes with it. Its taken you a while to drive straight
Sweet P : LOL
Sweet P : I'm cracking myself up
AG™: Hmmmm....
AG™: Keep going...
Sweet P : So you do see what I'm saying right?
Sweet P : We are given gifts and sometimes we don't know what to do with them
Sweet P : I'm right there with you
Sweet P : Now knowing what you know, save Aaron from himself
AG™: I HEAR you sis
AG™: I sooo hear that ....I'm already on that trust me ;)
Sweet P : Good! Because he's a cutie and I know some little girl is going to one day tell him so and make things so easy for him
Sweet P : Little does he know easy comes with a price
Sweet P : He needs to go for the one he has to work hard for
Sweet P : The one who pays him no mind
Sweet P : LOL
Sweet P : Tell him his Auntie P said so
AG™: LOL
AG™: I was literally telling him that today... Both of us have started praying together for his wife...and I explained to him why and why he needs to pray to God to be connected with 'his wife' ....
Sweet P : I love that
Sweet P : That's wonderful!
AG™: I don't want to ignore the truth and inevitable just because he is young...he is cognisant enough to know more than he should... And as you said ..'With power comes responsibility'
Sweet P : YESSSSS!
AG™: If these seeds are sewn now...when the need arises it will germinate and we shall see what God will complete
Sweet P : He is so lucky to have a Dad who is rooted in the right hand of God
Sweet P : What a precious gift you are giving him so early?
Sweet P : And I'm certain he will pass it down to his children too
AG™: We are both blessed
AG™: And I thank God for all around me ...those near and far ;)
AG™: And I have to tell him...when I go to meet my maker...I know I'll have to give account...and I don't want my 'lessons' to go in vain....
Sweet P : There will be mistakes along the way and lessons learned after the fact, but I'm sure he will be fine. I'm excited about his future!
AG™: Yes there will be...there are...in fact as we read the bible two days ago with him...I explained that I make mistakes and that we all do and that we need to repent... So we prayed together...I asked him his thoughts on it etc.. And then when I gave a talk at Church, I made reference to him and 'the chat' and he was so excited and grinning...so it has been tough but when I see God literally speaking through him... I am amazed and brought to tears..so I am excited for his future but for the future of ALL. OUR unborn children !
Sweet P : YESSS! My twins. Taylor Rose and Tyler Moses
AG™: Awwwww
Sweet P : But seriously in case you don't hear it every single day like you should....you are an amazing father
Sweet P : Thanks for the example
AG™: Awww...thanks so much...that means a lot because it is not easy and it has tested me like nothing else ever could...but I really thank God because if it were not for him, there is no way I would have stuck at it especially having to deal with his mom...it is literally God's Grace..and I thank him :D
Sweet P : Where would any of us be without Him? I don't even want to think about the answer to that. Thanks for the honesty cuz! You always have a way of making me think you are here on the sofa with me chatting and not an ocean away.
Sweet P : Matter of fact...I hope you don't mind but I'm gonna share this convo on my blog. Such a blessing!
AG™:  Awww.. Ditto everything.. Go for it ...

Woo woo woo...Now you know why he's my cousin, my friend and my breath of fresh air. Thank you BBM for keeping rthis relationship close for FREE!! LOL!

*Sweet P* (FYI: This "S" is my new symbol. I love it!)

Just Call Me Superwoman ;o)

Happy Monday Beloved!

Not sure why I'm in such a good mood, but it may have to do with my heroic start to the day....

I was walking to the metro this morning and noticed two small children in a running car. They had to be about 3 and 6. I looked around and could not see anyone that looked like they were with them. My thinking was that the irresponsible parent was in the 7-11 getting something really quick and didn't want to be bothered with them. I found 2 police officers and told them the situation. I must admit I was hesitant because I didn't want to get anyone in trouble. However, for the sake of the children I had no choice but to be a snitch.

When I got to the top of the metro platform I looked down to see the officers gone and I got angry thinking they didn't stay with the kids. I was about to go back down (I really need to shake this save the world mentality that I have LOL) then I saw the mother walking towards the car with the two little boys. The officers had taken them in the store to her. I was so relieved. I'm sure that she's done that a million times, but the world we live in is not safe. Anything can happen. Maybe I’ve watched one too many Lifetime movies or Law & Order: SVU episodes OR maybe I am just becoming my more and more like my mother. I hope that she learned a lesson this morning and this doesn't happen again.

Saving children everywhere with my “S” in my chest....

*Sweet P*