Christmas Wrap Up...

How was your Christmas?

Mine was cool.  I didn't do A THING.  I ate too much.  Drank a lot of wine...Whew!  The wine was wonderful!  I picked up a bottle of Barefoot Riesling.  OK.  I bought two bottles and they were perfect.  Wonderful!  Mmm-mmm!  I also had a bottle of red in the fridge.  I am not a red fan, so I wasn't very excited.

Where was I?

We didn't go to bed until like 2:30 am on Christmas morning.  I stayed up watching all sorts of non-Holiday movies and....drinking wine...and eating cookies and truffles.

We slept in.  I made belgian waffles, bacon, and eggs.  We opened gifts.  We skyped with my sisters.  Then we watched a whole slew of Christmas movies and listened to music and drank more wine.   Dinner was excellent.  I made a lemon buttercreme cake which turned out really nice.

The next morning, I was a bit hung over.  My toes were huge...Too much wine and cookies.  Probably the ham.  I planned to go out and do a little bit of shopping.  Didn't happen.  It rained cats and dogs, so I had to partake in the bottle of red.

I had a great time.  Low-key and great.  I swear the holidays are better now that I don't have a bunch of obligations.

Ego...She Gotta Big Ego...

I probably haven't talked much about it, but I have accomplished quite a bit this year...I am slowly but surely chipping away at this facade and getting to the root of what really makes me happy.  I am really getting to the root of what is important to me and doing away with the stuff that isn't.  It kinda started last year when I cut off the relaxer.  At that point, I started thinking about who I really am as a person.

 

It started with the hair.   Then I started looking at my car.  I thought that driving luxury brand cars would make me happy.  They don't.  I am just as happy driving my Accord as I am the BMW.  Also, my savings account thanks me for a car with affordable service and higher fuel efficiency.

 

Then I looked in my closet.  At the very top was a collection of handbags.  I didn't carry them.  I didn't respect them.  They meant nothing to me.  I sold them to pay for my bed.  Now I carry whatever.  It doesn't matter.  But guess what?  I really enjoy sleeping in my bed. :-)

 

Today I completed the most significant act of this year.  For the last 10 years, I have carried an American Express Gold Card.  The annual fee is $150 and it is due in January.  I don't like it, but I pay it because there is perceived value in the card.  Perceived value?

• I like not holding balances
• I find it convenient
• Um.  The points
• The purchase protection
• Karl Malden.

Every year I say, "I am not going to go down to a Green card.  At least, I will save some money on the annual fees and still receive my points."  I never do.

 

Well, today I saw that now there is a Zync card o_O.  It's white.  I read over the benefits.  Not much difference between that and the gold card.  I decided that the fees are manageable ($25 a year) and reasonable.  So, I made the decision that TODAY is the day that I cancel my gold card.

 

Why was that hard?  Why did my heart palpitate? I'm talking about moments of self-doubt.

 

I know...I know...It isn't the black card.  Hell, it ain't even platinum.  Now you know that I am complaining about the gold card fees...You KNOW that I am not going to pay $450 in annual fees. LOL

 

I doubt that anyone really cares what type of card I am presenting.  I sincerely doubt that anyone is making any judgment on my credit purchases and what not.  This conflict is clearly me.  Why am I attaching so much value on this?  It means nothing to me, but why do I keep holding on to it?

 

I canceled the Gold card.  I got the Zync o_O card.  I am still alive.

Seven Year Anniversary

Today marks the seventh year anniversary of this blog. *blinking*

My. goodness. I always question my commitment to "things".

I guess I am able to commit.

For the record, I still freestyle. I spit hot fire especially after having a few cocktails.

Here's to another seven years?

Merry KISSmas!

Rooney told me to tell y'all "Merry KISSmas."

Last night he was two seconds from getting his first spanking.  Whew lawd!  He was in the way.  I was stressed out and tired.  I almost tripped over him.  So, I put him in his crate.  He whined and barked.  I took him out and told him to "go to bed".  He wouldn't sit on it.  He was underfoot trying to snarf up cookie crumbs.  I almost fell on him.  It was a mess!

Nevertheless, he is anxious for Santa.  Last night, he slept UNDER the Christmas tree.  He doesn't know this, but Santa is bringing him a blanket, a string thing, and a brand new Kong!  Whoo-hoo!

My Mother Is Cleaning Four Buckets of Chittlins

Someone mentioned that their mother is preparing four buckets (vats?  troughs?) of chittlins.  I do believe that was supposed to entice me to break down the doors of the house with a bib around my neck and a bottle of Louisiana hot sauce.

My response? 

*crickets*

lol

Don't get me wrong...I have had had the rooter to the tooter of a pig.  But um.  I haven't had the chitterlings in years.  By choice.

I don't want to hear no mess about me being "too good for the chittlins."  I respect the history.  I just don't like the smel.  The potatoes, onion and such...none of that really cuts the smell.  Just sayin'.

Also, adding green pepper to the chitterlings really ain't making it fancy.

:)

All I Want For Christmas...

I believe that Mariah Carey gets a bad rap...Nevertheless I love the song...  

So, what do I want for Christmas? Well, I got the iPad 2 and the pink cover that I asked for. :)

 I would also like:

- iTunes gift cards....I will admit it. I'm addicted!

 - Ugg Slippers!  I don't know why, but I really want a pair of these in the greenish blue.  Pwetty!

- A really slouchy, fly hat

- A Faux Fur Vest...I don't know why, but I love a faux fur anything.  I would never buy real fur because...it just feels weird.  LOL

- I also lurves me a Shih Tzu ornament

Shih Tzu #2

Cocktail Rings...

Quilted Echo Touch Gloves

Beats By Dr. Dre - The Lady Gaga ear buds. ;)

Peace on Earth!  Goodwill to men!

Christmas Song of the Day

I like the B.B. King version better. But this is Ms. Margaret's favorite version. Charles Brown - Merry Christmas Baby

Two and a Half Hours

I spent two and a half hours fooling with these darn draperies!  It wasn't actual work.  There was a lot of ciphering, head scratching, groaning, praying (yes, actual prayers), and just straight confusion.

What did I do?

I installed a bay window rod.

*crickets*

Bay windows are a bitch to decorate.  Expensive to decorate.  Hard to find hardware for them.  So, I purchased a rod system.  There were finals, three basic rods, rod holders and this corner joint thing.  I pulled out my screw driver, wall anchors, drill, drill bits, level, and pencil.  You really would have thought that I knew what I was doing. 

The rods and finals were easy, but the corner joint thing and the measurement aspects were what confused me.

I installed them.  The curtains were too long.  So, I ended up folding and pressing (a.k.a. The Non-Seamstress Solution) a casing at the top.  Yes ma'am.

Then I decided that using all silk panels made the room too dark.  Like I am trying to "hide something" or like I was a dirt dauber. So, I pulled out sheers.  Too long.  Too filmy.  Too much.

I screamed and went to bed.  LOL 

This is how it looked this morning.

Don't look too closely...Cricket (not crooked, cricket)

This morning I looked at the draperies and screamed.  I hated the affect.  It looked like I was trying to do the whole window with two panels - cheap.  I don't like the sheers I bought.  They are too sheer.  The whole thing screamed cheap. 

So, I spent another thirty minutes, thinking of "options."  I decided to buy more sheers or look for lightweight/semi-sheer drapery panels to fill in.

I dont' think that this was supposed to be stressful.

What I Did Today...

I worked. :-|

 I watched a Wayans Brothers marathon. I felt unproductive, so I cleaned my bedroom. Deep. Cleaned. 

Dusted. Polished wood. Organized the armoire. Changed sheets.

 I also decided to change my makeup case from a Train Case to regular ol' plastic containers. The train case has a black interior. I would lose things and forget what I have. Here's the end result:

I am definitely a fan of pinkish neutrals

After this, I put myself on a makeup moratorium.  There is no need when all of the colors look the same.

Next step...Hanging rods and draperies in my bedroom.

Christmas Song of the Day - Two Fer Saturday...

I forgot to post yesterday's song...How about I make it up with two songs?

Stevie Wonder - Someday At Christmas



The Muppets - Carol of the Bells


Don't you love The Muppets? LOL

Twelve Days of Christmas Songs

Song #11 - Soulful Christmas by James Brown

 

I am not really a traditionalist.  I love Christmas music, but I am not one for all tradition.

Twelve Days of Christmas Songs....

One of my favorites is Snowbound by Sarah Vaughan...It is a chillaxing in front of the Christmas tree song. :)

Santa Stopped By....

Black with Pink Cover  o_^ (raised brow)

No complaints.  I'm thankful.  LOL  Apparently the "White Ipads are prone to dirt in the scratches" and "videoes and the white background ..." or something or another. 

I opened the box, synced to iCloud and immediately started dancing to "That Way" (my favorite song).

The Worst Christmas Song Ever...

I just realized that there are THIRTEEN days between today and Christmas.  Duh!

I always focus on the best.  So, here is the song that I think qualifies as the worst Christmas song...

The Cat Carol.



I believe that a Christmas song should NOT make you cry.  I BAWLED the first time I heard this song and I don't even like cats.  When the reindeer cried, that's when I lost it.  Who thinks of that?

Also, I hate the cat owners!  How can you miss your cat when it is Christmas eve and snowing?  Why would anyone let their cat outside without adult supervision and a leash?
I made the mistake of going to the website.  I saw this and just lost it. 

I am reminded by my Rooney.  He curls up in a little donut when he sleeps.  I most certainly would ensure that he is not in the garage outside in a blizzard

The worst song ever. 

The Twelve Songs of Christmas

Last year I did the Christmas Song of the Day.

Of course, I am caught in the throes of the Project From Hell* :-/, so I am a bit late for that.  No fret, my pet...This year, I will do the Twelve Songs of Christmas.

 

What is that?

 

From December 13 throught the 25th, I will post videos (via Youtube, of course) of my favorite Christmas carols.  :-)

 

Yay!

 

So, check back!

 

In addition, I will finish my update/notes/critique from the Oh You event.  I will even post pictures and other multimedia aspects (Fancy!).

 

*Yep...I am STILL on this project.  I put together a project plan for the remaining activities (which will more than likely be nixed by the higher ups) that puts us with a February 2012 go live and me rolling off in March 2012.  THREE. FRICKEN. YEARS!  Can you believe that?

The Purpose

The purpose of this blog is to not display my Christmas decorations, troll for iPads, or even talk about my hair...I am here to talk about Martinis, Cupcakes and Workouts.  LOL

For now I want to talk about the workouts factor.

I. Joined. A. Health. Club!!!!!!

FINALLY!

And it meets my needs.  What are my needs?  LOL  The perfect health club for me is:

• a smaller, boutiquet type of health club.  I used to belong to Bally's.  Never. Again.
• have a clientele that is serious about working out.  Again.  Bally's...A meat market.
• modernized facilities
• be a friendly location
• have a variety of classes - body pump (do people still do this?), zumba, yoga, hip hop, and kettlebells
• NUTRITION counseling
• priced competitively

The best part is that this center is affliated with one of the medical centers/universities.  All of the fitness professionals are degreed and certified.

I am so excited!

A Work In Progress

I swear..It is getitng better as the days progress.

The Mantel

The Christmas Tree

Always look better at night

I need more!  I am going to run to one of the stores and pick up a 100 yard bolt of wired ribbon.  I also want to pick up 4 inch ornaments.

The $250 Million Dollar Man

In case you didn't know, Albert Pujols signed a contract with the Angels.  I wanna say that they are in Anaheim.

OK.  So, now I am a baseball fan.  After all of that sighing, fallling over, and straight dramatics, I discovered that I love baseball.  I am also a very loyal Cards fan.

For months we have heard rumors that Albert Pujols wants $200M over 10 years.  Surprisingly the Cards were willing to pay that.  THEN there was discussion about a bidding war.  The end result is that Albert Pujols signed with the Angels.

Bye.  Carry your behind on!

In case you didn't know, I am a Project Manager.  I manage teams.  I realize that the success of the team is not dependent on one person.  But let some shit go down and it is always the fault of one person - ME.   I am more concerned that one man could command almost half the salary budget for the organization.

I am pleased that the Cards didn't try to keep him.  In my opinion, they could have someone with potential and nurture and groom him...I know.  I know.  *They* don't have time for that in the big leagues.  But wouldn't that be a groundbreaking concept?

Oh yeah.  Albert was in at Nordstrom this week.  You know that my mother scoured the store looking for him so that she could hit him up for a picture or something.  She knows that would have made my day.  LOL

Did I just do a sports related post?

Are You There Santa? It's Me, Michelle.

Santa,

 

I have been a good girl this year.  I don't ask for much.  I am sure that you agree that I am an individual that deserves nice things *blush*.  Therefore, if it is not too much trouble, I would really like to receive a White iPad 2.

 

My team member from France has one.  It is really quite nice.

 

:)

 

In addition, I would really like a red Smart Cover.

 

 

 

 

Mickism....

First - If you call to say that you "had words" with your husband's ex-wife (or as you call her, Baby Mama)...I am going to automatically side with the "Baby Mama".

Second - Having your husband's back does not mean getting involved and completely take over in matters related to his ex-wife and children.  Having his back means that you offer moral support in those matters and help him to determine the best way forward..  Again...I am going to side with the "Baby Mama".

Third - A strong man wouldn't allow you to get into beef with his ex.  He most certainly would not allow you to be a sitting duck for the verbal assault.  Perhaps he believes that you deserve it.  #TeamBabyMama

Fourth - As the new chick, you are NOT to discipline (i.e. HIT) their children.  I wouldn't blame the "Baby Mama" if she knocked on your door and knocked on your head.  Just sayin'.

Fifth - Know your place.  Stay out of all matters related to child support, discipline, etc...You shouldn't be initiating any conversation about what he pays, what he should do and what he shouldn't do.

I don't get this...I don't understand these women that completely insert themselves into child support matters and beef with the ex.  You knew before you married that so-and-so has to pay out the nostrils for child support and that his ex could lead him by those same nostrils.

As long as the ex calls my home with some sense ("Hello Michelle.  May I speak with *bleep*?") and calls at reasonable hours, then we are good.

Oh. Christmas Tree!

I am in the process of putting together a Christmas Tree.

Rewind...Last year I made a vow that this year's tree will be "non-traditional".  I envisioned pinks, purples, zany ornaments, hot pink ribbons and feathers o__O.

Well, last night I put together the Christmas Tree. I pulled out my Christmas stuff and immediately went for my gigantic bow. I decided that it was the perfect topper. After placing the bow at the top of the tree, I lead the chorus of Oh Christmas Tree...



The Tree...No Ornaments

So, this morning, I woke up to place the ornaments on the tree.  My first instinct was to leave it without the ornaments.

I looked at the zany ornaments and decided that I don't like them!  So, I pulled out the tried and true.

Tilt Your Head to the Right

At that point, I decided that I didn't want to do anything "new".  I want to use my favorite flocked red ornaments, my glittery bulbs, and my gold hangers.

Here's the second phase....

Needs Something...

I am going to run to the store and pick up gold ribbon for bows, acorns (for some reason, I need acorns), and garland...Lots of garland for the fireplace.

Quick question...Where can I find old school tinsel?  The kind that you just throw on the tree? 

Have you started decorating for the holidays?  Please share links to your photos.  :)

Little Rock - Central High

My nose is buried in a book.

Elizabeth and Hazel:  Two Women of Little Rock

The book is about this picture....

courtesy of the New York Times

The black girl is Elizabeth Eckford.  The jeering white girl is Hazel Bryan Massery.

This is clearly one second in the lives of the women, but this one second has transformed their lives and linked them forever.

I have seen this picture hundreds of times.  I knew about the fifteen year old Elizabeth Eckford.  I don't know why, but I am surprised that these are fifteen year old girls.  They seem so much older.

But I never really gave much thought into what happened after this snapshot.  I knew that the "Little Rock Nine" (as they are called) were able to attend the school.  I never took time to research the Little Rock Nine's experiences as pioneers.

The book  answers the following questions:
Who are they?  What are their educational backgrounds?  Their upbringing?
What were their thoughts during this event?
Why Elizabeth?  Was she the "Rosa Parks" for this cause?  Was she determined to be the person to symbolize this movement?  Did she attend workshops on civil disobedience?
What happened in the hours after this photo?  What about the next day?  The next year?  Forty years later?
How were their lives impacted by this one incident?  What about the "spectators"?
Why did her parents allow her to go back to this school?
What are Oprah's thoughts?  LOL

Another view - courtesy of Commercial Appeal

A must read!