The Home Invaders

OK, so they aren't quite what you're thinking.  The Home Invaders are what I am now calling my niece, Destiny, and nephew, Boogie.  Aren't they something else?  Boogie is 14 and Destiny is 13.

Earlier in the summer, they realized I lived close to the Ben & Jerry Factory.  So began the questions about a visit.  Them leaving CT to come to NH to visit without their parents.  They got so excited.  Every time I visited, which is a lot, they say "We're ready when you are."  Some how they discovered when my vacation started and so did their plan.  Of course I fell for it.  It started like this:

Boogie: Titi (spanish for auntie), so your vacation starts tomorrow.  When are you coming to get me and Destiny?
Me:  How did you know my vacation was starting?
Boogie:  Ummmm, you told us O_o

And he knew I would be down that weekend.  I warned their parents.  Told them to get permission. And they did.  They were hoping to get a week but I was like two to three days MAX!   Their parents then became concerned for me.  Laury tells me Destiny does not stay anywhere overnight.  The two together are something else. But I knew they would be fine and I could handle it.... right?!?!

We get in the car, Destiny and Boogie are READY!  Their moms, Jojo and Laury, sad because this is the first time they are more than 30 mins away without them.  Their dads... "HAVE FUN!!!  SIS, you got this." The youngest, Yeilani, 3, and Kaliyah, 3, say bye with kisses.  Yaznese, 8, not so happy with me for leaving her behind.  Briana, 10, says "YES! Destiny is leaving."

The drive is only about two hours and the two of them are so anxious.  We get in and I give the rules:

• Don't wake me up
• Wash your hand before going in my kitchen
• Clean up behind yourself
• You are at home
• Check in with your parents

I give them all their needs for their stay, check on them constantly.  They find the exercise ball and they are having fun.  They check in and get the usual speech.  We discuss our plans for their stay, I go to bed.  

The next morning I wake up to this:

Do you think they were hungry?  I comply with the request.

We then go to the driving range and do mini golf and hit some golf balls.  They learned a little something.

          

Then we spent the evening just hanging out.  As the also took over my patio.

The next morning they put in their breakfast request but I had to wake them up.  They slept through the FedEx man banging on the door.  SMH!

We went to Cabot Cheese, where Destiny thought it was GREAT idea to try all the spicy cheeses at once.  Oh Destiny! I treated them to chocolate which must've been good because I just heard munching.  We then went to Cold Hollow Cider Mill but they ran out of apples, so we got donuts to go. Then to watch a little glass blowing, ornaments were the demo of the day and it was pretty cool.  Finally, to the place that was the goal of the trip the BEN & JERRY's ICE CREAM FACTORY!

We took the tour, got samples, got ice cream cones, visited the flavor graveyard, and had laughs and fun.

At the end of the day, this made it all worth it.  To see these two faces with their big happy smiles.

We returned home and they called their parents and had dinner on the patio. They were scared by the UPS guy knocking on the door. We all got a good laugh out of that.


The next day, I took them home.  They had so much fun. When I returned home, it was so quiet, the Home Invaders weren't here to banish me to my room and take over the whole place.  No giggles, no rolling on the exercise ball, no random pop ins to my room to say "Hi!" with a big smile, no requests for food. But they did leave me a message.

I sure do love them too.  And we all survived!  Happy and healthy!

Dating and your parents...

I'm at that age where my dating life is an hourly question. I'm sure many of you can relate. The comments and questions.

Who are you dating?

Can I hook you up?

Boy, do I have a good one for you.

You're getting up there. 





All of these make me chuckle regardless of who says it. But what I find funniest are the ways parents deal with their children dating regardless of age. The dynamics are different based on the parent and the sex of the child. I think about my whole family and laugh because it's all there.










Let's start with the father/son combo. It's a little easier. Men expect their sons to date, and do so frequently. No sweat. The pressure comes from the father making sure his son is weighing his options so to speak.



Mother/son and relationships are not quite as easy. Mothers love their baby boys and sons love their mamas. No one can ever add up. But moms know there is dating but they are very opinionated on the woman at hand. She's thinking about how this woman will treat her special boy, so there is a bit of toughness there. And let's be honest a man doesn't want his mama to know too much. Though your woman has a lot of work to get through mom.



Mother/daughter can vary. Mothers generally pick what would be a good man for them to match their daughter.  I wonder if that's why they say so many women marry their fathers?!?!?!  Moms have high standards because not only do they want you dating, they want you looking for a husband and to become a baby making machine so they can have grandbabies to spoil. Maybe that's just my mom. That's a lot, especially when you have your own plans. And yes, they try to hook you up, and if they are like my mom they are usually completely off.


Father/daughter is what I say is the toughest. Maybe because that's how my life goes.  Fathers want to see their little girls happy and successful and forever their little girls. Then comes the realization men, who are not relatives, will be a part of this process.  Dads do not like their little girls with men not them, though at times they will say things like "maybe someone will take her off my hands???!?!" He does not mean it. Dads throw temper tantrums at the thought of their daughters dating. No man will ever be good enough.  When a daughter brings a guy home all a dad thinks about is what he did or thought at that age when it came to girls.  At the same time dads want their baby girls to be with someone who can care for her equally or better than he ever could because he can't always be around. He fears being replaced as the hero in her life. Her innocence... and if you've had a great father, your expectations are high for the man you let in your life. This is a tough business.

While none of these are easy, they are consistent cycles. One not easier than the other, just different. Hopefully with the right person, it will all happen in a funny and somewhat peaceful way.

Happy dating and meeting the parents!!

I miss you

I miss you more than words can express. I'm searching for answers I may never get  all I know is God took a true Angel. You touched the hearts and lives of do many. Did more in 25 years than most do in 80. You made new proud. And I'm honored you are my little, baby brother in life and in death. You have broken my heart in ways I never thought anyone could. Finding joy its bout the same without you. I pray God brings you back to me and relieve ask this heart ache and pain. I'll never understand why though I want to. I'll just wait to see you in heaven when time is right. You are my Angel. I tried protecting you in life and I know you watch over me and protect me more. I love you, miss you and hurt at the thought of days on earth without you. Rest in paradise my baby brother.

New travel territories

With my wonderful new gig comes some new travel opportunities.

Last week I was in Little Rock, which was much like Georgia for me. My first time there. I love meeting students who want to leave the south.  It was a productive trip. On top of it I was able to meet some wonderful professionals and see old acquaintances.

This week is Michigan, another first time. My grandfather loved here pretty much my whole life and I had never been. Nonetheless I have a travel partner. Overall, it's going well. Great for a first visit to Michigan considering I've never traveled here before. He had a wealth of knowledge about the school systems. The Alumni base is great and uber excited. Amazing.

Next is the 100 black men event on Chicago. Another first. I'll have an intern with me which is great.

So many wonderful new opportunities and it's only my one month anniversary on the job.  Feels like I been there forever and it's the perfect fit for me. I've been blessed and couldn't ask for anything more.

TELL ME THIS WON'T HAPPEN TO US!!

It's Friday!  I'm tired.  My dad never sends forward but this one was FUNNY!  Enjoy and happy stormy weekend.  Be safe.

TELL ME THIS WON'T HAPPEN TO US !!  

(THIS IS FOR OLD FOLKS - NOT YOU)

                                                                                       
An elderly Floridian called 911 on her cell phone to report
that her car has been broken into. She is hysterical as she
explains her situation to the dispatcher: 'They've
stolen the stereo, the steering wheel, the brake pedal and
even the accelerator!' she cried. The dispatcher said,
'Stay calm. An officer is on the way.' A few minutes
later, the officer radios in 'Disregard.' He says.
'She got in the back-seat by mistake.'

TELL ME THIS WON'T HAPPEN TO US !!
________________________________________________________________________

Three sisters, ages 92, 94 and 96, live in a house
together. One night the 96-year-old draws a bath. She puts
her foot in and pauses. She yells to the other sisters,
'Was I getting in or out of the bath?' The
94-year-old yells back, 'I don't know. I'll come
up and see.' She starts up the stairs and pauses
'Was I going up the stairs or down?' The 92-year-old was
sitting at the kitchen table having tea listening to her
sisters, she shakes her head and says, 'I sure hope I
never get that forgetful, knock on wood...' She then
yells, 'I'll come up and help both of you as soon as
I see who's at the door.'

TELL ME THIS WON'T HAPPEN TO US !!!!
________________________________________________________________________

'I CAN HEAR JUST FINE!'
Three retirees, each with a hearing loss, were playing golf
one fine March day. One remarked to the other, 'Windy,
isn't it?' 'No,' the second man replied,
'it's Thursday..' And the third man chimed in,
'So am I. Let's have a beer.'

TELL ME THIS WON'T HAPPEN TO US !!!!
_______________________________________________________________________
A little old lady was running up and down the halls in a
nursing home. As she walked, she would flip up the hem of
her nightgown and say 'Supersex...' She walked up to
an elderly man in a wheelchair. Flipping her gown at him,
she said, 'Supersex.' He sat silently for a moment
or two and finally answered, 'I'll take the
soup.'

TELL ME THIS WON'T HAPPEN TO US !!!!
____________________________________________________________________
Now this one is just too Precious...LOL!
Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over
the years, they had shared all kinds of activities and
adventures. Lately, their activities had been limited to
meeting a few times a week to play cards.
One day, they were playing cards when one looked at the
other and said, 'Now don't get mad at me ... I know
we've been friends for a long time, but I just can't
think of your name! I've thought and thought, but I
can't remember it. Please tell me what your name is..'
Her friend glared at her for at least three minutes she
just stared and glared at her. Finally she said, 'How
soon do you need to know?'

TELL ME THIS WON'T HAPPEN TO US !!!!
_____________________________________________________________________
SENIOR DRIVING
As a senior citizen was driving down the freeway, his cell
phone rang. Answering, he heard his wife's voice
urgently warning him, 'Herman, I just heard on the news
that there's a car going the wrong way on Interstate 77.
Please be careful!' 'Heck,' said Herman,
'It's not just one car.. It's hundreds of them!'

TELL ME THIS WON'T HAPPEN TO US !!!!
_________________________________________________________________

DRIVING
Two elderly women were out driving in a large car - both
could barely see over the dashboard. As they were cruising
along, they came to an intersection. The stoplight was red,
but they just went on through. The woman in the passenger
seat thought to herself 'I must be losing it. I could
have sworn we just went through a red light.'
After a few more minutes, they came to another intersection
and the light was red. Again, they went right through. The
woman in the passenger seat was almost sure that the light
had been red but was really concerned that she was losing
it. She was getting nervous.
At the next intersection, sure enough, the light was red
and they went on through. So she turned to the other woman
and said, 'Mildred, did you know that we just ran
through three red lights in a row? You could have killed us
both!'
Mildred turned to her and said, 'Oh, crap, am I driving?'

TELL ME THIS WON'T HAPPEN TO US !!!!

Too Old or Too Tired

Maybe both?!?!

When it comes down to going out am I the only one my age who just feels and old and/or tired to handle it anymore? It's time to go out and I find a movie or tv show to pre-occupy me. Once I just started cleaning....

Then when I do get there, I watch the clock to how much longer before closing. Yawning excessively. Oh boy. Please note I am known for take naps while out. Lol. And the noise boy, how am I not deaf?

When it's time to go home I'm ready. I move swifty to the car. Once home I greet my bed warmly.

Am I just tired or am I too old for this?

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Historically Black Greek Life...

I went a college that was well in the sticks.  That's right.  The Brooklyn girl, stepped out of her comfort zone and into amish country.  Culture shock 101, 102and 201.  HA!  I just knew that I was going to a historically black college and join a historically black sorority.  But I guess a higher power had a different plan for me. 

As I went on to the prodominantly white institution (PWI as they call them now), I really had no idea the world I was stepping into, but luckily, it all worked out.  As I began to find my place at the school, myself and many other students of color realized, there was no greek organization of interest to us.  Particularly black students.  There was no historically black sorority or fraternity for us to join.  As a young black person growing up, especially, from the south, joining a historically black sorority or fraternity was expected.  It is embedded in all that we see.  As you watched A Different World, they were there was pledging.

And we see it continued in movies like Stomp the Yard.

Working for schools in the Northeast, and attending them, is hard for a student of color, because being in a historically black sorority or fraternity is important to many but it's not there.

For some reason, I decided tonight to take another look at the sororities to see where they are, as many of my aquaintances have joined post-grad.  It's amazing to see that there is a lack of presence in the northeast.  I will not say which sorority I considered joining then, but I will say it is on my mind to join as a post-grad to meet people and build a bond as I move forward in my life and career.

Does having this organizations at a PWI make it better for students of color or black students?  You are allowed to pledge on other campuses if it is not available at your institution but it may not be the easiest to get to.  Do students of color lose out by attending PWIs without these organizations?

Many students come to me asking about greek life regardless of their ethnicity or race. As an "independent," who attended a PWI, and attempted to bring two of these organizations to their campus, no.  The intent is not to negate the positive effects of having these organizations but you can survive withouth them.  What's most important is to remember that you are a student FIRST!  What makes me proud of the women that I attended school with who tried, they were not willing to sacrifice what they had going already.  They knew what they stood for, and made the decision based on their own needs. 

If you don't do it in college, you can still join post-grad.  If I can look now, so can you.  Historically black sororities and fraternities are important to our culture and our nation.  They each do great work for thier membership and communities.  You just need to know if it's right , which is right and the timing for yourself.  Keep historically black greek life going but also remember yourself in the process.

Life

Life..what a funny thing it is. It works you, tests you, and even just leaves you confused. When it feels like it has the best of you, you are expected to pick up, brush off, move on. Easier said than done.

Earlier today I was talking to a friend about Life and how it is treating us. She said something interesting."One day, we will look back and realize there was a reason for it all. We will find relevance in what may have felt like turmoil. Learned something because of it all. One day." I know my friends are smarter than smart.

Maybe we spend too much time fighting life instead of learning, living, and growing with it. Maybe life is telling us to take that risk that we are not quite certain on because it could lead to great things. For the Christian, maybe God has a bigger plan? Only time will tell.

Keep living, learning, loving and stop fighting. Remember the obstacles that don't kill us make us stronger. So they say, but only time will tell.

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Hiring push at Excel Academy

Hi team,

I'm writing to ask for your help to push us across the finish line with hiring.

As you know, we have been searching high and low over the past few months for the right candidates to staff our schools. We have hired a total of 17 new staff members thus far, which is an amazing accomplishment.  It's by far the most hiring we've ever done in a single hiring season.  Three cheers for Zoe, Steph and Komal for all the work they've done to help lead this process -- plus a quadruple boom-sizz to all of you who have chipped in by observing model lessons, doing interviews, talking to candidates about your experience, and more!

We still have 3 more hires to make and we're committed to filling those roles with high caliber folks.  I'm confident we will be able to do so in the next few weeks, particularly with your help.

The positions we are still looking to fill are:

• 5th grade math – Excel-Chelsea
• Art and Excel Fellow—Excel-East Boston

For those of you comfortable doing this, please reach out to anyone you can think of who might be interested or who might know someone who might be interested as soon as possible – you are all incredible at what you do, so it is probably safe to assume you have a great network of folks out there!  What we've found is that people you might not suspect are good sources of candidate referrals happen to know someone's friend's cousin who's in the market.  So let's cast as wide net as we can.

Thanks in advance for your help with this!

Dai

Treat Her Like A Lady

Since I'm doing this.... "dating" thing, I was sharing some of my stories with a friend.  She is a little younger than me.  And I am what many consider an "old soul."  In my "dating" adventures, I have come across a lot of men who just haven't lived up to what I feel a woman should be treated like. As the men start to treat me like less than I feel they should, I check out.  Some may see my approach as mean but it is more so to protect myself and let them know the respect I deserve is not there.

As I thought about what we talked about I thought of the song Treat Her Like A Lady.  Thank you to The Temptations.  Treat Her Like a Lady video 

These so called men would say things like "Would you come get me if I didn't feel like coming to you b/c I just didn't feel like getting up and driving?"  "So when are you going to make me dinner?"  "Oh yeah, by the way, I have no money to pay for this date." "Every woman I meet, inevitably falls in love with me." Among other inappropriate things.  Are you serious?  These are not men.

Don't get me wrong, I believe in meeting someone half way, being fair in a relationship, but I still deserve to be treated like the lady that I act like.  Amen?  AMEN!  Us, yes us, as women spend so much time now allowing certain, I will not say all, walk all over us, abuse us, and treat us less than.  Know that you deserve the best.  someone who will treasure and respect you in return.  Though they think they are being nice, they are not.  They are being disrespectful.  We must learn the difference.  If you do not stand up for what you deserve, he can only do what you allow him to do to you.

I, for one, will not be disrespected or settle for less.  I expect to be TREATED LIKE A LADY!

Driving towards sanity

It has been a long few weeks.  If it hasn't been one thing, it's been another.  Regardless, I still stand, not at my strongest by strong enough to fight the good fight.  This week, the disstress hit a new high.  To the point where I have to stop and say out loud "Lord, Sweet, Jesus, Give me strength.  Remember to breath." 

Just as I had hope that today would let up on me just a little, something else "pops" up.  Boy it took a lot for me to keep my cool.  All I could think was "Adria get in the car and go for a drive."  It had finally cooled off.. I got in my car, let down the windows and drove.  I found myself on the highway wind blowing my annoyance and stress away, if even for a moment.  When I completed the tasks I gave my self, I sat in the car with the windows down, secluded, with a cup of hot peppermint tea (my fav).  Found my inner peace for a moment and returned to the ridiculousness of my reality. 

After returning home, I tried not to let the stress creep back on me.  I sat down, turned on the fan, and reminded myself of that moment of peace. What helps you find your moment of peace?

Accessorize

I love accessories… earrings and necklaces mostly. I have gotten into watches as well lately thanks to my little brother, who collects the. I am even learning to adjust to rings and bracelets. None –the-less, I may wear basic outfits but it is the accessories that I choose that make the outfit stand out. Best complement ever came from a male co-worker “Boy, Adria! You sure do know how to accessorize. You always have something new going on.” I asked and he meant it in a positive way.

Having a nickel allergy makes it hard sometimes, but here’s a tip, CLEAR NAIL POLISH. A couple of coats over the jewelry keeps it off my skin and keeps me from reacting.

When I was in Vegas my friend put me on to Titanium jewelry, which is least likely of all medals to cause a reaction. If I didn’t react it’s all good. They have some AWESOME Titanium stuff. He took me to Teno. Check them out.. www.teno.com

Happy Accessorizing and remember, don’t over do it.

Smartphone Addict

If you had asked me a year ago to get a smart phone, I'd laugh. Now that I have caught up as my brother would say, it is fairly addictive. And I love. Especially, now that I have an android platform and there is an app for me to blog. Change can happen.

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What we want....

Isn't always what we. There is a reason for everything. If we work towards obtaining something, thd bettedr the chances we will obtain. Fight for what you want and deserve. I'm sure you earned it.

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EPIC Training and Program Intern Job Description

EPIC Training and Program Intern Job Description

EPIC Mission and Vision:
Empowering People for Inclusive Communities (EPIC) prepares young people with disabilities to become actively engaged community leaders through education, leadership development and community service.

EPIC’s vision is for young people with disabilities transitioning into adulthood to be empowered to embrace their abilities and leadership skills, in order to achieve their goals for gainful employment, higher education and to live healthy lifestyles.


EPIC Training and Program Intern Overview:
The EPIC Training and Program Intern position is to assist the Director of EPIC in executing the programs of EPIC in direct service, development and capacity building. This position is for a young person between the ages of 18-24 with a disability who is looking to gain first hand experience in non profit start up, program development and program directing.

This position requires roughly 10 hours a month of development and program planning work and as EPIC’s programs launch an additional 2-10 hours a month at program events. Interns are expected to be punctual, dependable, professional and effectively manage the following responsibilities:
*Assist in presenting EPIC Community Trainings.
*Assist with community outreach to potential program participants, volunteers and partners.
*Proficient with email and knowledge of/willingness to learn other computer programs and skills.
*Available to attend monthly staff meeting and program events as necessary.
*Provide feedback in a timely manner
*Ability to represent EPIC’s mission and values within the community.
*Other responsibilities may be assessed over time to meet the needs of EPIC’s programs and development.

This internship is unpaid, however the Intern will receive the following:
*Training and experience in facilitation, public speaking, teaching techniques, event planning, fundraising and capacity building among many other skills.
*Customized career guidance by Pitch. Including assistance with resume building, interviewing and networking skills. For more information on Pitch please go to thewindup.tumblr.com
*Experience in all aspects of non profit start-up, program development, marketing and training and development.

For more information on EPIC please visit us at epicleaders.tumblr.com

To apply please send your resume and cover letter to inclusiveservice@gmail.com

2011 Summer Teen Fellowship, and May 21st YAWP

Applications are now open for
the 2011 Summer Teen Fellowship!

Also: the next YAWP is May 21st, featuring Fiction, Poetry, and "Impossible Fiction"

Hello YAWPers!
We're now accepting applications for the 2011 Summer Teen Fellowship! Applications are due Friday, June 3rd. The fellowship will take place here at Grub Street HQ July 18th to August 4th. For more information, and to apply, go here.

Next Saturday, May 21st, we'll have another excellent line-up of YAWP classes. Click here to register! (Don't worry, it's still free.)

This month we're offering Fiction, taught by Becky Tuch; Poetry, taught by Regie Gibson (note that Poetry will ONLY take place in the morning this month!! Sorry!!); and Impossible Fiction, taught by Drew Jameson. After class, there will be a volunteer open-mic reading from 3 to 3:30 PM.

As ever, the Saturday YAWP session will be located at 160 Boylston Street, Boston, and is FREE for all young writers ages 13-18. You'll get a YAWP notebook, writing exercises, feedback from brilliant teachers, and snacks. All you need to bring is your imagination.
Here's the schedule:
• 10 AM to 12 PM: AM Workshops in Fiction, Poetry, and Impossible Fiction
• 12 PM to 1 PM: Social hour and lunch (we encourage you to bring your own lunch)
• 1 PM to 3 PM: PM Workshops in Fiction and Impossible Fiction
• 3 PM to 3:30 PM: Open Mic Reading
Email me at chip@grubstreet.org if you have any questions -- and we'll see you on the 21st!

Chip Cheek
Administrative Coordinator
YAWP (Young Adult Writers Program) is now entering its fifth year and is hosted by Grub Street, Boston's only non-profit creative writing center. YAWP has been recognized by Boston Globe as the city's hub for young writers. For more information visit grubstreet.org or contact us at 617.695.0075 or email Chip Cheek at chip@grubstreet.org.

I too am not a bit tamed-I too am untranslatable;
I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world!
-Walt Whitman from Leaves of Grass

Out with the old

It's so funny how calming it is to just let something go. Especially when it's not good to you or for you. Whether it is, no matter the not so positive effect it has on your life, letting go feels GREAT! I think today, I reached a breaking point on somethings, and I'm letting them go. Am I scared? Out of my mind, you have no idea. But I know there is better and more out there, and I do deserve it.

So whatever it is that is holding you back, weighing you down, treating your wrong, or just plain old no good, let it go and see what other wonderful things come into your life.

Breaking Point

This past week, I was talking to a young man about his future. He has people in his life that make him feel like he is limited to what he can do in life because of his major. Ill-advised in so many areas of his like, he looked at me and said "Where were you six years ago?!?" At the school down the street :-) Due to choices made from the advise of people who were not as concerned about his future, his plan has taken a new path. I was so happy that he ran into me. If there is nothing else I know, that's how to help a young person figure out or feel more comfortable about their life choices.

At the ages of 16-18, we ask young people to make a decision for life. HELLO! They are teenagers, what do they know about life? As he continued to talk, his plan included "if that doesn't happen, then I'll..." I reminded him to stop and be more positive and confident. He can do so much with his life. In typical Adria-fashion, I ran down the list of things. Took his real dream and helped him see it was still attainable.


He asked what if I get there, and I don't like it. How will I know when you make a change? I told him about breaking points. We all have this line that we acknowledge subconsciously that determines when we have reached our peak of tolerance. He still couldn't get it, and I let him him, when you reach it, you will know. He has plenty of time to realize his breaking points.


The point I was getting to, was for him to follow his instinct, know what he wants and needs out of life. Be in control and ask "What are ALL of my options?"

Having reached many of my breaking points in several parts of my life, I know they hit you like a brick wall. It's what you do at these breaking points that define you, that make you stronger. Hopefully he has a lot more time between now and his breaking points.

MSN video: Celebrities Without Makeup

I start up my computer and come across this...... Check out this great MSN video: Celebrities Without Makeup Now, why is it so important for celebrities to wear make-up all the time? I think they are all still beautiful without the over doing it. Sometimes we forget, they are human just like you and I. Why does the media make such a big fuss over celebrities having an average day? I have actually only worn make up twice in my whole like and that was because my mother thought they were important for my high school and undergrad graduation pictures. I actually used the same make-up for both times. What I did learn from the women in my family is that beauty isn't in the make-up but the woman herself. Getting done up means lip stick, lip liner and lip gloss. That's it. LOL. To the celebrities MSN puts out in this video, your beauty is yours not in the make-up you wear.

My parents' house

Oh, how I forgot how entertaining it is to be at my parents' house alone. How quiet it is, and how I can nosey through things without a fuss.

Of course, I come across something that I must mention and I get fussed at for being nosey in their stuff and then, I remind them that what is theirs is my inheritance. :-) At which point they just shake their heads.

It seems like my parents never throw away anything. EVER! The reason I'm here is so that I can do my laundry for free. Yup you heard me. I will forever come with laundry until they tell me I can no more.

While in the basement waiting on what seems to be the longest wash cycle of my life, I start wandering and laughing. I found so much stuff, and thought "if they just give me 2 days, I'll clear this baby out." I'm serious, though my dad complains it's my mom, he is as much to blame. TRUST ME!

First, how many fans does my mom need so many fans in so many sizes?

Second, is the typewriter still needed? Apparently just in case they can't do something with the computer.

Third, 12... YES 12 Cake plates (at least 2 were mine that I thought were trashed). She still needs them all... FOR WHAT?

Fourth, the drum set that my bro hasn't touched in 20 years. Donation.







Fifth, the 20+ year old fire engine truck. Little ones don't even visit that much.











Sixth, one of the lamps from one of my college residence hall rooms. The Walmart one. We all had one.










Seventh, why do they still have my cane and two sets of crutches from 2002-2003? The cane ok. But the crutches and the walker?!?!?

Eighth, the two giant a/c units.

Is that my $13 Goodwill purchased table from 2003?

How many suitcases do two people who've lived in the same house since the 70's need?

I did have fun playing in the rain boots. I tried to swipe mom's but she wasn't having it. Dad's well.. yellow just isn't my color.

I love the Cher exercise VHS and the 10 others down there with the VCR that my mom still doesn't know how to use.










My favorite piece of all in the basement... the Sagittarius/Pisces love match picture from their dating days back in the early days. That's something a picture just cannot do justice for. I love it.

I guess this will just continue. Good thing the washer stopped who knows what else I would have found down there.  WHEW!