2009 Goals Review

Wow, I can't believe that we're days away for 2010.  I really do feel like this year has flown by.  So as I begin to work on my dream collage for the upcoming year, I wanted to take a moment and reflect on my 2009 goals.  Here are the results:

1.  Get closer to God (I think I should have been a bit more specific.  I mean, how can I really measure my closeness with God?  While I do feel closer in some ways, I also feel further away in others.)

2.  Help my little cousin graduate from high school

3.  Help my little cousin as she enters college

4.  Enroll my son in softball

5.  Save $3,000 (I didn't reach this goal.  However, I am happy that I was able to pay off about 3,000 in debt this year.  I guess technically that might count for something.)

6.  Maintain/sustain a loving relationship with manfriend (We're still together so kudos to me and my manfriend since we're still going strong.)

7.  No new debt (While I was paying stuff off, I feel off the wagon a few times and whipped out my credit card for a few purchases.)

8.  Create multiple streams of income (This one is huge.  I went from being unemployed to having to turn down jobs.  God is definitely soooooo good.)

9.  Eat Better (I think this one should have also been more specific.  Overall, I really can't say.  Some days are better than others but I don't think I accomplished my big goal in becoming a healthy eater.)

10.  Lose 15 lbs. (How about gain 15 lbs?  It's sad to say that I didn't even come close to this goal.)

5 out of 10...ummm, if this was a test, I would have no doubt failed.  However, since it's not a test. I can applaud myself for the goals accomplished and possibly revisit the missed goals in 2010.

My Early Christmas Present

Greetings from the wonderful world of contentment and never-ending smiles.  I come to you live and in full effect.  For the past year, I have been coveting a Kindle and most recently, the Barnes and Noble Nook.  Since I love to read and often wish I had a book while waiting in line or when I have a few extra minutes, an ereader would be the perfect solution.  However, as many of you know I am committed to getting out of debt ASAP and just can't rationalize spending over $200 bucks for an ereader.  I mean come on...think of how many books you could buy for $200.  I decided to do some research because surely there had to be a more "budget -friendly" ereader.  I'm happy to say that I found one.  It's called the Ebookwise -1150 and I LOVE it!   Now don't get me wrong it is not as sleek looking as the more expensive ereaders and you can't download books wirelessly.  However, I'm okay with having to download my books using a USB connection and a computer.  The biggest bonus is that the Ebookwise can read a variety of formats so now I can access FREE materials from my local library.  As Christmas quickly approaches, what present would add a never-ending smile to your face?

Happy Birthday to Me

On November 3rd, I turned 35 years old. I must admit that over the past few weeks, I've have a full wave of emotions surrounding this big milestone in my life. Since I'm a big birthday person, I knew I wanted it to be memorable. Three is my favorite number and I tend to do things in threes. So here are the 3 big things I did for my b-day:

1.) On my actual birthday, my son, manfriend, and I went to see MJ's This Is It movie. OMGoodness, I loved it. First, the music was awesome. It included all my favorites. Even though he didn't sing P.Y.T., I still enjoyed watching MJ do his thing. My son who is only 3 absolutely loves Michael Jackson and couldn't sit still. He just clapped and sang throughout the movie. Well, actually he did this for the first hour after that he fell asleep and missed his favorite MJ hit, Beat It. The movie taught me to give it your all, all the time because you never know it could be your last act.

2.) Cavalia, Cavalia, Cavalia (note I'm singing this in a high pitched, opera-like voice) For weeks, I'd been hinting well actually downright begging manfriend to take me to see this show for my birthday. After he watched the trailer showing some men in tights riding horses, he immediately responded as I expected. I think his exact words were HELL NO. However, I guess love got the best of him because not only did he get tickets he got the best tickets you could get. First, we attended a welcome session which consisted of wine, shrimp, and great desserts. We were the only Black people except for the people working the event. It only took a short time for the other attendees to realize that I couldn't direct them to the nearest restroom, that no manfriend did not play for the Atlanta Falcons and that actually we were just some plain ole' folks attending a live performance. The show was fabulous. It really was amazing seeing over 60 horses interact with humans and do some extraordinary things. Manfriend even enjoyed himself so it turned out to be a wonderful date night for us.

3.) Last but not least, I got to spend a few days with manfriend in one of my favorite places, LAS VEGAS. I like to gamble and wasn't quite sure if this trip would adversely affect my relationship with manfriend. It didn't. Instead, I think we were able to connect on a different level and get a clearer understanding of our long-term goals. We had so much fun!! There was a karaoke bar at our hotel, Imperial Palace and we even got a dvd of manfriend singing. I got an ice cream sundae pedicure at the Canyon Ranch Spa that was nothing less than perfect. It was a bit pricey but hey it was my birthday so I figured I would splurge. I did get to keep the polish I chose, I guess that's one of the perks you get when you pay 95 bucks for a pedicure. (Thankfully I had a gift card.) Finally, we gambled. We both did pretty good at the roulette table and even found some time to souvenir shop.

If I had to give my birthday celebration a grade it would be an A+++. What's your favorite birthday memory?

Grey Skies in search of Rainbows

It's Friday night and I'm all alone. Well, not exactly. I'm actually home with my lil one and my cat but minus my manfriend. It's interesting that lately I've been feeling such a sense of melancholy about my life. I'm not exactly sad but I know that my happy moments don't seem as numerous lately. I can't quite figure out why I'm in such a grey area. I mean I absolutely love my job. The kids are great and the other teachers are becoming more friendly. My money situation is greatly improving. I feel like I'm getting closer to accomplishing my fitness goals (even though it's much slower than I anticipated.) Manfriend and I are cruising along and my son is well...wonderful. So as I sit here typing this post and listening to my son sing in the bathtub, I can't help wonder when will I be back in color. Right now, I feel like someone in a black and white movie. Things are just blah. I need some color in my life. I can't imagine that I'm the only one who has ever felt like this so please share. What are some things you do to get your color back?

All About Me

(I haven't read this book yet but I love the title so I have added it to my books to read list.)


First, I really appreciate everyone tuning in to the adventures of Ms. Lady last week. I hope you enjoyed meeting my alter-ego but now I would like to re-introduce myself as I feel like the Me 2.0 version now. Over the past few months, I have quit a job, got hit by an 18-wheeler, was unemployed for 3 months, gained about 15 pounds, and battled depression almost on a daily basis. I didn't realize that all of these events were helping shape the new me. Each event forced me to make a much needed change in my thinking thus positively affecting my actions. The first major change was embracing that God is really in control and worrying is absolutely pointless. I spent a lot of time just worrying myself about situations and circumstances that were completely out of my control. It took me months to see that worrying won't solve my problems any faster. So I decided to quit worrying or at least not worry as much and make the best of my situation. Here are 5 good things that have happened as a result of being in my "valley":


1.) I learned to really live on a budget and spend within my means.

2.) My son and I spend quality time together EVERYDAY. Even if it's only for 15 minutes,I stop and give him my undivided attention. (I must admit though Candy Land isn't as much fun when you're an adult.)

3.) I learned how to cook and I actually enjoy it.

4.) I get up at 4:30 a.m. to workout at least 4 days a week.

5.) I landed my dream job. I'm a technology teacher at an elementary school.

As I continue to reflect on the past few months in my life, I can't help but pause and just thank God for His Grace. As always, I must end with a question (that will hopefully move you to leave a comment), what bad has caused some good in your life?

Lifestyles of Ms. Lady, Part 3

Well, it's official. My adventures with my new BFF are coming to an end tomorrow morning. I spoke with someone from GM who was calling to arrange the pick-up. I asked if there was any chance I would be able to keep the car longer and continue my blog adventures. He told me, "Nope, because the car was scheduled to go to another blogger Friday evening." Of course, I was extremely hurt. I won't even front I think I might have shed a tear. Then the GM man said something that made my heart skip a beat. He said,"Oh, I might be able to put in a good word for you so that you can keep it permamently." WHAT..COULD THIS REALLY BE HAPPENING!!! MY BFF AND I WILL BE A TEAM FOREVER (or however long Buick's last). But then I realized what he was REALLY saying. In the words of the Great Whitney Houston (sidebar-I love her new album) HELL TO DA NAH!!!!!! Of course, being the good Christian woman that I am, I didn't actually say this aloud but I was thinking it. Are you kidding me? A car note? What would Dave think? What would my son think when he went to bed hungry a few nights each week because mommy had to use the food money to pay for her new BFF? I politely told the gentleman that I wouldn't be interested in "keeping my BFF permanently" and quickly got off the phone. When I hung up, I really began to rethink this BFF thing. I mean, I'm a simple gal with simple taste(except for when it come to engagement rings..I want a big rock that you can see sparkling even when my hand's not moving). So this luxury car thing is so not for me. I won't lie I have no doubt enjoyed the ride but at the end of the day, I'm holding out for my true love, the Toyota Prius. I hope you have enjoyed reading about Ms. Lady's adventures. Tune in next week for the return of ...me!

Lifestyles of Ms. Lady, Part 2

First, I would like to congratulate all the people who blog on a daily basis. How in the world do you find the time?

Well, today, I would like to focus on the things I like or shall I say LOVE about my BFF.

1.) XM Radio - OMGoodness, for all you music lovers XM radio is a must. I have been jamming to old school rap and r&b. I mean I've heard songs that I haven't heard in like 20 years. (Wow, I can't believe I'm old enough to say that.) This morning, I heard Girlfriend by Bobby Brown.

2.) ONSTAR - Forget about needing a GPS, now you can call and speak with a live operator who has the directions sent to your dash. Gone are the days of turning too soon, now you hear a ding then the sound of Mr. Automated Voice saying, "Turn right on Luxury Way now." In addition, to the navigation system, there is also handsfree calling. It's so fabo! You call someone using a keypad displayed on your dash and then your car speakers turn into the ultimate speakerphone.

3.) Keyless Ignition- You just press a button while your foot is on the brake and BAM the car starts. Every time I do this I feel a little James Bond-ish.

4.) Parking Brake - No more feeling like you're doing calf exercises when it's time to put on your parking brake. All you have to do is press a button and on it goes. Press this same button to turn it off. It's great!

5.) Last, but certainly not least, Her Look - I guess I'm kinda shallow because I really love my BFF because she's so attractive. I mean she turns heads wherever we go.

I'm sure gonna miss her when she leaves. I'm still hoping that maybe she'll get to stay a little longer. I hope you enjoyed Part 2 of my adventure. Tune in tomorrow for another episode of Lifestyles of Ms. Lady. As always, I would love to know what you think, so leave a comment and let me know.