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*

Very good advice from Oprah...

On the 9/27/10 episode of "Oprah," here is what Ms. Winfrey said to Serena Williams:

Men

"Men want to feel that they are needed and they need to feel important, and it's very hard to do that with a powerful woman. It takes a very special guy to do that."

Love, love, love this statement! There is a great deal that comes with Sweet P. I have been living this fantabulous life with myself for so long and I have learned to do so much by and with myself...because I don't have a choice. When something is broken, I find a way to fix it. When a problem arises, I look to God to help me find a solution. When I need a good cry, I have Maxwell (my bed) to lean on. Having a man that is there with a lending hand takes some getting used to when you are a woman who is capable of so much. Like Oprah says, that special one for me will know that there is more than enough room for him in my life and he will understand (and be grateful) that I can take care of myself....thereby taking care of us. I, in turn, will learn to ask for help and honor his place "our world."

Love

"You cannot pretend to be less than what you are and you are so HUGE. You carry such a big light. You can't go around dimming your light just to be walking around with somebody else. What you really want is to be completely full of yourself, so your cup runneth over, so you can give it to other people. Not in an arrogant way, but that you absolutely own you own power."

Thank you for that Oprah! There is so much that I have to offer and if a man cannot take it all in, then he is not man enough for me. I refuse to settle or be someone I am not for the sake of having a man in my life. I really needed to hear that.

Now I will carry on...

*Sweet P*

The Chilean Miners: And these are the days of our lives....

Okay so here is an update that I just read on the cheating miners:

In addition to the one I mentioned, reportedly, "5 other miners had their lovers there and fighting and arguing went down (off camera of course) about who had a right to be there and a right to any of the fame/riches that came with this rescue." WOW!!! And this is what my homegirl was trying to avoid. Glad she was smart enough to stay home.

Now I am so happy to hear that not everything was full of drama on site:

"1 miner finally got to meet his baby girl who was born right before his rescue. Another met his fiance he proposed to while in the mine. And another got a marriage proposal from his girlfriend--after she turned him down weeks before." Awww! How sweet! That really warms my heart. I love happy endings, even if they are in divorce court.

Can't wait to see what else develops. This is better than Lifetime Movie Network.

I can't stand Russ Parr!!

There has been so much hype in the news about the 33 men trapped underground in Chile, but my main focus has been that they were able to survive this terrible ordeal. Now I just heard a radio personality make a comment that made me furious, and I can't tell him off, so I'm blasting him on here ;)

Okay so a few days after the men were trapped it came out that one of them had a mistress. Her dumb butt decided to come to the site and the wife confronted her. It's amazing how what you do comes to light at the most convenient, or in this case inconvenient, time. Anyway, as time went on a total of 5 men have been busted for cheating. Mistresses why couldn't you just sit home and play the part you were so willing to play for so long??? SMH!!

So the first wife who has been married to her husband for 28 years decided not to meet her husband when he was rescued since the mistress, who he invited, was going to be there as well. He wanted them both to be there when he got out. HUH??? So after 2 months, he is rescued and greeted with open arms by his mistress while his wife is home probably watching "Dancing with the Stars," since she decided not to be there or even watch it on TV. LOL!

Today Russ Parr makes the most ignorant comment that has me livid (and let me say I can't stand this show, but happened to be switching stations and heard this bullcrap). He said that the wife was wrong to not meet her husband at the rescue. WHAT?? WHY??? Why is she the wrong one? This bamma not only was cheating with his old tail, but he did not even show any remorse for it. That's straight up betrayal! She said that she was happy he was okay and that's all she needed to know and when he comes home he needs to make a decision. Clearly with the embrace I saw him give the mistress when he got out, his decision is made.

Now Mr. Parr...tell me again why this wife is wrong? Some women would have been there to push his behind back in the hole when he got out. In order to keep the peace, she made a wise choice to fall back. I applaud her for being a woman of honor because this here woman would have been at the rescue with my punching gloves.

Russ Parr, please just shut up!!

*Sweet P*

Miracles do happen

Well the 33 Chilean men are finally out. Oh happy day! To be underground for 2 months and survive is nothing but the work of God. One of the miners said in a letter, “There are actually 34 of us because God has never left us down here." GLOOOOOORY!!!

Life is short and I will not work it away

I just got a call that a woman I know died suddenly yesterday. I've known her for only a short time, but what I do know is that she was dedicated to the work that she did. She was ALWAYS at work, even when she was sick. If there was something that needed to be done, she was the one to do it and everyone knew her. I honestly have no idea how old she was. I believe that she appeared older than her true age. Working late hours in a stressful environment will do that to you. Another thing to mention, she was single and had no children. She lived alone. She died alone. She was found in her apartment on the floor and who knows how long she had been there. A friend was supposed to pick her up yesterday and she did not answer the door. Very sad...She had a good heart and a good spirit. She gave until her death, even when she had nothing left to give.

She worked until she died and died with no one. I know this sounds depressing, but for me it was a reminder to live life to its fullest. I tend to stress over things at work, work crazy hours, forget to eat lunch at times and never use up my vacation/sick leave. All for a place that when I am gone will send out a 2 sentence email to everyone saying that my work was exemplary and I will be missed by everyone. It's not worth it.

I am happy that this woman will finally rest in peace. This all comes at an interesting time. I believe God is working something amazing in my favor very soon and He is showing me the road that I must follow to live a purposeful life....the life I was destined to live.

Praising Him in advance!!!!!

*Sweet  P*

Introducing my boobies...Coco & Baps ;)

I have 2 very special beings in my life--my breasts. I call them Coco and Baps. They have been so good to me throughout the years and I give back to them by making sure they have the support they need at all times. They reward me by always being perky and happy. Every month, sometimes twice a month, I do a self breast exam to make sure that my girls are healthy. In our community, breast cancer is killing our women (and men) and we can catch the disease early. All it takes is a few minutes of your time to feel yourself up. Heck! I'm sure you do this during the month anyway. Why not make it more worthwhile?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! A breast self examination (BSE) is to be performed each month in addition to an annual mammogram or a clinical exam. Knowing your boobies,what is normal for you and what regular monthly changes in your breasts feel like, is the best way to keep an eye on your breast health.

Here is your recipe for healthy boobies. You can perform this task solo or with your partner, which may make it more fun, but please be sure to take this seriously because it can change your life for the better.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 15 minutes a month....more if you are doing it with your partner...I would hope ;-)

What You Need:

• A mirror which lets you see both breasts
• A pillow for your head and shoulders
• Privacy

1. Make a regular date for your breast self exam (BSE)

• If you are pre-menopausal: Set a regular time to examine your breasts a few days after your period ends, when hormone levels are relatively stable and breasts are less tender.
• If you are already menopausal (have not had a period for a year or more): Pick a particular day of the month to do the exam, and then repeat your BSE on that day each month.

2. Visual Exam - Hands on Hips

In the privacy of your bathroom, strip to the waist and stand before a mirror. You will need to see both breasts at the same time. Stand with your hands on your hips and check the appearance of your breasts. Look at size, shape, and contour. Note changes, if any, in the skin color or texture. Look at the nipples and areolas, to see how healthy they look.

3. Visual Exam - Arms Over Your Head

Still standing in front of the mirror, raise your arms over your head and see if your breasts move in the same way, and note any differences. Look at size, shape, and drape, checking for symmetry. Pay attention to your nipples and areolas, to see if you have any dimples, bumps, or retraction (indentation). Look up toward your armpits and note if there is any swelling where your lymph nodes are (lower armpit area).

4. Manual Exam - Stand and Stroke

Raise your left arm overhead, and use your right-hand fingers to apply gentle pressure to the left breast. Stroke from the top to the bottom of the breast, moving across from the inside of the breast all the way into your armpit area. You can also use a circular motion, being sure to cover the entire breast area. Take note of any changes in texture, color, or size. Switch sides and repeat. This is best done in the shower, as wet skin will have the least resistance to the friction of your fingers.

5. Manual Exam - Check Your Nipples

Still facing the mirror, lower both arms. With the index and middle fingers of your right hand, gently squeeze the left nipple and pull forward. Does the nipple spring back into place? Does it pull back into the breast? Note whether or not any fluid leaks out. Reverse your hands and check the right nipple in the same way.

6. Manual Exam - Recline and Stroke

This is best done in your bedroom, where you can lie down. Place a pillow on the bed so that you can lie with both your head and shoulders on the pillow. Lie down and put your left hand behind your head. Use your right hand to stroke the breast and underarm, as you did in step 4. Take note of any changes in texture, color, or size. Switch sides and repeat.

7. Tips For Doing Your BSE

1. Mark your calendar to remind yourself to do your BSE regularly. This is a good way to prevent worry if find a normal cyclic change.
2. Stay relaxed and breathe normally as you do your BSE. Becoming tense will produce some knots that you may mistake for something worrisome.
3. Report any changes or unusual pain to your doctor or nurse practitioner. Keep a log of changes, if that helps you remember.
4. Remember to have an annual clinical exam and a mammogram.
 
Now remember that healthy boobies are happy boobies. Take it from Coco and Baps ;-)
 
*Sweet P*
 
**Information taken from the National Cancer Institute.**

Random acts of kindness can hurt sometimes :-/

I was on metro this morning, minding my own business and once again being annoyed by all the men sitting down comfortably while a bunch of women and small children stand and try to hold on for dear life...*rolling my eyes*....when a man punched me really hard on my arm. I turned to look at him like WTF! and he pointed to the dead bug that he killed on me. It took me a moment to realize that he was trying to get the bug and not cause me any harm. He was so proud that he had saved me from this perilous situation, and I was in so much pain, but eventually I smiled and said, "Thank you." He said you are welcome like he was Superman and I was Lois Lane. He had performed his random act of kindness for the day.

THE MORAL OF THE STORY: Sometimes the good that you do for other people may hurt them for a moment, but at some point they will come to see that they are better off in the long-run.

Keeping it easy breezy,

*Sweet P*