WHAT?!?!? NO PICTURES?!?!?!? (LOL)

After reading Kisha's blog on MySpace, and reading her comment in my last entry, as well as the rest of y'alls, about why I haven't posted any pictures (even though I promised to MANY, MANY times), here is the reason:

I NEED A DIGITAL CAMERA!!!!!

I had taken some pictures of my family to post here with a DISPOSABLE CAMERA.........the pictures are, can you say, "blurry," "dark," and "hardly noticeable?" I was so disappointed!

My hubby and I are looking at some digital cameras.  I want to buy one for the holidays.  Radio Shack has a discontinued Optimus model, 5mp's, for about $100.  However, they only have 2 left; I am hoping that they will have one available at the end of this week.  I am also looking in Wal-Mart, Circuit City, Target, etc., and shopping online.

From what I've seen with other bloggers who have one, digital cameras take very CLEAR, BEAUTIFUL pictures.  And, if I'm not satisfied with some of my photos, I can delete them before having them developed!  I feel so.........outdated with my disposable cameras and traditional 35mm, which has been failing me as well.  I mean, I had taken some cute pictures of the girls, and the photos didn't even come out right! GRRRRRR!

We're getting it together, folks.  Once we get our camera, y'all will soon ask....Dang, she's posting ANOTHER picture?!? LOL

Adrian         

DRESSING LIKE A LADY

Today, I wore this dress, the purse,  these boots:

This watch and ring (I have the earrings, too, but opted not to wear them today):

And a pair of CZ stud earrings.  I was just TOO CUTE!!!! LOL

Of course, proper foundations pulled the look together.  I cannot live without a good bra, slip, and a girdle to hold everything together!!!! When I was young, I never understood why my mom wore a girdle every time she went out, but now I know why, and I am so glad that she taught that virtue to me.  Sorry folks; all of us don't have "buns and/or abs of steel", and no matter how much I exercised or how fit I was, some parts of me always "jiggled".  And there is nothing more unsightly than for a lady who is wearing a nice dress to be jiggling like Jello EVERYWHERE when she walks, and her dress is usually riding up her body, or holding onto her for dear life, or showing off more of what she is or isn't wearing underneath her dress than the dress itself! 

The dress, purse and jewelry are from AVON; the boots are from Payless.  I am surprised that I was able to get my fat calves in the things! LOL  I dressed this way because I had to leave straight from church to go to work.  What an excellent reason to get all "dolled up!" 

Adrian  

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME..........

Hello, all!  It has been a long time since I have posted here, hasn't it?  I have been busy with my new job, but it isn't anything that I have to complain about.  The job is very easy to do, and it isn't stressful at all.  I thought that it was a crime to be paid for what I was doing at Wal-Mart, but this is almost criminal! LOL  I get bored often, and there is only so much internet shopping that you can do to pass the time......so I am picking up on my reading again, something I haven't had the time to do in a while.  I am reading "Approval Addiction" by Joyce Meyer right now, and I am almost finished with it.  Anyone out there have any suggestions? 

The kids are adjusting to my new schedule very, very well.  I guess they were better prepared for the changes than I had expected.  And I am off every Tuesday and Wednesday, so that gives everyone some sense of stability.  I continue to cook meals for them during the week, do the laundry, and clean when I feel that it is necessary, while my husband has become more efficient in helping around the house and with their homework.  Everyone seems to be pulling together to get things done, which lifts a tremendous burden off my shoulders.  Of course, getting to this place of balance wasn't easy at all, but I am so glad that we are arriving here, and maintaining that balance isn't such a struggle.  We are beginning to operate as a cohesive family unit, which is what I had been trying to establish.   I am able to relax more, and enjoy peace and rest, and so is everyone else in the family.  Home has now become a place of rest, as it should be.

Of course, extra money isn't bad, either! LOL  I have begun to update ALL our wardrobes, especially the girls, because they were severely lacking in winter clothes.  They now have jackets and long skirts, and I will purchase some long-sleeved shirts and sweaters this week.  My years of shopping thrift stores and discount clothing stores help me save a LOT of money, and I receive the added benefit of obtaining top-quality merchandise for less!  I usually buy skirts, jeans and pants new, and buy sweaters, jackets and coats from discount outlets or thrift stores.  I always inspect the clothes for wear and tear, or holes, and I always make sure that the clothes are durable and machine-washable.  The other great thing about buying from thrift stores is that when we have a wave of "vintage resurrection" in the fashion world, I am always able to find some seventies, eighties, or nineties must-have (like a baby-doll dress to go on top of leggings) for a really good price.  Many people don't believe or can't tell that I shop at a thrift store for clothes!  I don't always indulge my secrets, but will share some ideas only if I feel that someone is getting ready to spend entirely too much money for an item that they can probably find at a thrift store, and in good condition, for less than $10!  

Speaking of fashion..........

I lost a favorite dress of mine in New Orleans, a two-piece jersey knit number that fit my curves to a tee!  While browsing through a co-worker's Newport News catalog, I ran across a similar dress, that is available in the same color I had, khaki, beige, or what they call Oatmeal:

It's $50, though.  I will either wait until my next pay period, or wait for the price to go down before buying it.  I have a fur cape that was given to me, and some gold sandals to go with the dress.  The only thing is, "where the heck am I going to wear all of that?!?" 

Sometimes, I feel too "prissy" for the people that are in my life.  I always feel over dressed around them, but I hate feeling the way that I do when I don't wear what I like.  You know, I remember feeling that way once, and I told God about it.  That year, He wound up sending me to Chicago to represent my city and my police department, and I received awards and offers to go to dinners where the clothes I had in my closet were appropriate.  Perhaps He is preparing me for something in the near future?  Only time will tell...........

I have an Inspirational Blog that I update every Monday.  I am offering anyone who is interested the invitation to read it.  The entries are weekly devotions that I post to a women's group that I am a member of online.  Click HERE to access it, or click on "My Inspirational Blog" in my favorites section.

Finally, here's another one of those silly surveys from MyYearbook.Com.  Enjoy!

 

Adrian

 

                                          

How Old Is Your Soul?
Middle Age Soul You have a MIDDLE AGED SOUL! You're all responsibility and work. You're detail oriented and focused on the prize at the end of it. This can be good, but sometimes you miss things that are happening right now! Remember to slow down once in a while and enjoy the moment.
Take The Quiz Now!	Quizzes by myYearbook.com

HYPERMANIC MONDAY (LOL)

Today, Houston is experiencing inclement weather.  It has been raining all day, and the bad weather is expected to continue until Wednesday.  It has been flooding, roads have been closed, and it's just been plain ugly, y'all!  The rain was falling like sheets on my way to work; everyone had to drive at about 20 miles per hour on the freeway, because we could barely see our hands in front of our faces, let alone a car in front of us!  The girls didn't have school today.  Of course, bad weather doesn't mean a day off for a wife and mother!  Luckily and wisely for me, I started early and finished all my errands before 12 PM.

I even had time to..........get a PROFESSIONAL MANICURE AND PEDICURE (Kisha, don't scream........calm down, chile, LOL).  It has been more than a year since I had one, and I forgot how good they felt and looked!  I proudly walked out of that salon (even though the shop itself was a bit....raggedy.....) with neat feet and pretty tips!  And yes, I did tip the attendant generously; doing feet is a VERY HUMBLE service occupation, especially when they're MY feet! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL I'll be honest with ya; I think I would RUN from Jesus for sheer embarrassment if He EVER offered to wash mine!!!!!!!!  LOL A sistah gotta show her gratitude! I will DEFINITELY do this more often!

After a rough weekend with the hubby, keeping it real with him and opening up his eyes to understanding some things, he finally accepts an offer to take a part-time job with Apex.  The schedule is perfect; it doesn't conflict with mine, and he will be available for the girls like he wants tobe. That was his main concern (at least, that seemed to be; okay, I promised myself I was going to be good here, LOL).  Plus, it pays $10 an hour to start. Hey, that's not bad.  It's WAY more than what I started with at Wal-Mart, and its income coming in!  Its money he needs to pay his bills. Matthew is carried on my health insurance, so he doesn't have to worry about benefits right now.  After being out of work for a year, he needs to cultivate some work experience, so that when the job he wants comes along, he will have a solid reference to add to his resume.  It used to be the case that a person could just walk in off the street, apply for a job, and be hired.  Now, companies want references.  They want proof that you have worked, and they want to know how well you interact with other people.  So, that's a load off my shoulders, for now, anyway.  However, he's giving me the silent treatment.  That's fine.  You know, truly loving someone doesn't always feel good.  Sometimes, the truth just plain hurts, on both ends!  But if I didn't love or care about Matthew, I wouldn't challenge him the way that I do.  I would tell him everything that he wants to hear, and enable his penchant to be a bit slothful (here I go, trying to be good, LOL), too comfortable, and a bit irresponsible.  I would stunt his growth and development.  And I would make my load even heavier than it already is.  It's easier to assume responsibility for everything yourself, and not bother with compelling everyone else (your husband, in-laws, parents, etc.), to bear some responsibility for the well-being of the family.  But taking it all on yourself will kill you!  I learned that the hard way, when I was severely depressed and near death (malnourished; literally starving myself to death from sheer exhaustion), and I ain't going that route again! Let's face it.  Some men just need more work than others do.  But it is my job to nurture and care for my family, and this includes my husband.  I am not a neglectful stuart; I care about what I do, and who is in my charge.  It's a tough role, but somebody's gotta do it!   

Along with this series of personal drama....SMH.......today has been a REALLY busy day at work, because the weather has delayed many flights.  Hundreds of people are stranded here in the airport, and they are tired, hungry, impatient, and frustrated.  Some flights have been rescheduled for the next morning!  The phone has been ringing non-stop since I got here.  Ironically, for me, it's a welcome change of pace to the otherwise super-quiet, super-slow days I have been having these past few weeks, where you could just DIE from boredom! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL This day is passing by relatively quickly.  Besides, I am OFF tomorrow and Wednesday!  SEE YA, DON'T WANNA BE YA!!!!!! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL

Adrian     

 

REFLECTIONS

I picked up my final check from Wal-Mart today.  Today is a Thursday, and there were hardly any customers, at 5:00 IN THE AFTERNOON.  They are eliminating layaway effective November 9, 2006.  I read in the media that they are attempting to move a substantial amount of its employees from full-time to part-time.  The last time I remember witnessing so many changes taking place in a company in such a short period of time, the company was either:

1) Downsizing,

2) Filing for bankruptcy; or

3) Going out of business.

Also, many of their discontinued clothing items are being found at discount clothing stores.  I was able to buy a pair of velvet dress pants, that were selling for $30 at Wal-Mart, for $8, at Fallas Paredes.  I hope that my observations are just assumptions, and not facts.  Wal-Mart is good for hiring people who wouldn't otherwise be able to work anywhere else, but need to, and they did give me a chance.  They did help my family and I, and many others impacted by the hurricanes.  I will never forget my experience there, whether good or bad.  Wherever I am, I am always grateful for the opportunity to work.  I would hate to see my former co-workers lose their jobs.

I will start working the evening shift on Saturday.  My training period will end October 28th, and I will be a full-fledged employee, able to volunteer for overtime and everything! LOL  I am planning on going to the Houston Community College next week, on my day off, to obtain course information and costs, locations, etc.  I also want to find out if I have the option of starting over from scratch, or using my existing credits to help me get my degree quicker.  I am going for the Associate's Degree in Business Administration, folks.  I think that with a family, that will be enough of a workload to add on to my already full plate!  Hopefully, I will try to continue my education later, when I will have more time!

My husband is still outofwork.  It has been over a year, and he still hasn't found a job.  Normally, it wouldn't bother me much, but Matthew isn't even trying, and I am growing more frustrated with him by the day.  I am helping him as much as I can.  The Work Source is trying to assist him, but he hasn't returned their phone calls, nor has he made himself available to take them.  I am not expecting him to work a full-time job; Matthew has worked part-time most of his life.  I just want him to bring some income in to help with bills, and pay his own debts.  I don't think that I am asking for much, am I?  Don't get me wrong.  I appreciate his help with the girls, and I know that he is going to school.  It's just that I know that he can do MORE, but is hell-bent on doing just enough to get by.  The assistance we are receiving will run out soon, and I know that the funds that he has in his bank account is running low.  I always feel safe and secure when I know that we did all that we could possibly do to prepare for the future.  I feel like preparation is only my concern in this family.  Please forgive me y'all for being so personal.  I just had to say something.  I mean, I am not walking in the clouds here.  I have issues, too, I just don't try to reveal them here, because I want this to be a place where people can come and be encouraged.  Today, I could use some encouragement, or some empathy.

Nicolette is in puberty, and she is becoming more difficult to deal with by the day.  She is very moody.  I am not so old that I don't remember what it was like, but I don't like it when she challenges my authority and throws a tantrum when she doesn't get her way, or when I have to discipline her.  She's young enough now that I am able to "reign her in", but she is one that I have to watch, because she is "sneaky."  Plus, she is still struggling in school, but is doing much better than she was last year. 

I did help Maya with her project, and she earned 400 points!  Angela had gotten five stars in her homework folder, and her teacher awarded her with a Power Puff Girl doll, her favorite.  I try not to focus on the little ones too much, or showtoo much favoritism, but they are more like me, and I relate to them better.  Still, I love Nicolette VERY MUCH, and I will continue to do everything in my power to help her succeed.

Gotta go feed my family, folks.  Herbed rice, pork chops, roasted chicken, and broccoli, cauliflower and carrots in cheese sauce.  YUMMY! LOL

 

Adrian              

OKAY........WTH?

Mark Foley, ladies and gentlemen!

What the heck is up with that?!?  I mean, what are our politicians and political leaders being paid to do in Washington?!?  Apparently, this man has time to solicit sex with teenagers, and engage in cyber sex, while serving his country!  And we have heard the countless excuses for his behavior.......he is gay, he was molested by a priest when he was a kid, he is an alcoholic (now in rehab), I mean....come on?!?  Don't we have character anymore?!?  Is it too much to expect honesty and responsibility for one's actions these days?!?  It is EVERYONE'S fault but his!!!! 

The chilling thing about this man is that he SERVED as a member of a national committee for the protection of America's children from sexual predators!!!  He was even featured on that Dateline NBC program with Chris Hansen TWICE , advocating and supporting his investigative reporting!!!!!

The ONLY good things to come out of this is that:

1) He got caught, and

2) Those pages were too "grossed out", shocked or just plain disinterested in this old geezer to actually be molested by him.  Still, I am sure that all of this is a shock to the parents who sent their kids to what they thought was a safe, informative, educational environment.

And speaking of a safe educational environment..............

WTH is up with these psychos running onto school campuses and killing innocent kids and themselves?!?  In most of these incidences, the children who had attended these schools had NOTHING TO DO with these people, and were not connected to any reasons for their tirades.  Even the guy who killed those children in the Amish community; he wasn't a member of their society!!!!! 

OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH........my head is reeling from all the violence, madness, and chaos that has happened this week.  God help us all!

 

Adrian