Too Small...

Palm Beach County has the largest land area located in the state of Florida. As of 2007, the county had an estimated population of 1,351,236, making it the third most populous in the state of Florida and the twenty ninth most populous in the United States.

As of 2006, it was the 4th largest school district in Florida and the 11th largest school district in the United States.  Newsweek listed three Palm Beach County high schools in the top 50 schools in the list 1200 Top U.S. Schools - Atlantic Community High School, Suncoast High School and the Alexander Dreyfoos School of the Arts, all public magnet schools.

--------------------

So.....why in the hell do I constantly run into people I do not want to see?????????

Nail Lady

My family is Jamaican....I do not speak patois....blame M.Dot and her insistence that I have a proper mastery of the 'Queen's English' I do however have an uncanny ability to decipher/translate/comprehend and reciprocate the appropriate glare, based on what was said.

Anywho I'm in the nail shop and there are several levels of hilarity happening.  The Jamaican part will play a role shortly.....

So...My nail lady's name is Loan (Low-en). She is meticulous.  Your situation will be better than you've ever seen it.  She will find some knee pads, night goggles, and a grappling hook and will attack your feet until you are back to being on the right side of the social spectrum.  She seems like the type that didn't talk much in school, but knew everyone's business because she's a watcher.

This chick is good...but she takes forever.  I mean ooooo do not try to 'run over on your lunch break.' Nope, won't work.  You better clear your whole schedule.  Eat first, etc.

Ok no, I'm not talking hours per se....but it just drags on.  Sooooo.....I'm here getting my eternal pedi and in comes a woman...she clearly typed Jesus' birth certificate(she's that old).  Actually, in comes...would be a misstatement.  A woman is wheeled in by her nurse.  I didn't have to stare at the nurse...or even need her to open her mouth...I knew EXACTLY where she was from....the glorious JA!

So...apparently the older lady is a regular.  She is old....I mean the type of old where you can't really eat around her because she smells old(and it makes my tummy turn) and has older people oldness oozing from her.  Ok I digress! 

The older lady has an appointment to get a pedicure.  She is in the seat right next to me.  I'm trying to blog and not look at her because it just looks like she's going to die any minute. And/Or it looks like a complete liability to wheel her in a chair and get her into a pedi chair.  

So the nurse is moving her into position.   Talking to her softly to her face.  Talking about her in patois behind her back.

Dani loves a good laugh and where humor is concerned there is little room for tact.  So I'm dying...rolling laughing because this woman is steady talking about how much she hates old white people all the while she is giving "the california raisin, dusty looking old woman" the kindest and gentlest care.

The nurse soon realized that I knew exactly what she was saying...did that stop her?  Nope.  Also, she was on the phone using a bluetooth headset.  Neither the old woman nor her husband realized that the nurse was on the phone.  They would occasionally think she was talking to them....was she?  NOPE.

Anywho so Mother time put her foot into the pedi bowl and let out one yelp.  Let me explain to you the caliber of this yelp.  This was the yelp my sister would have whenever my mom used one of her classic lines like, "come here let me beat you."  It was the type of yelp that scared my curls straight.  It was the type of yelp I'd imagine that you'd have when your significant other tells you they want to include 'obey' in your wedding vows.  Possibly the type of yelp you'd have if you realized that the girl you were talking to used to be a man.

That type of yelp.

My heart stopped.  I damned near dropped my computer.  The nail shop went silent.  All you hear from stenographer of the book of Genesis was, "I want to put my right foot in first."

For real?  That's why you yelped?

Sigh....

Anywho, I realized that the nail shop owners have a hilarious habit of telling everyone that walks in that they have a 5 minute wait.  It doesn't matter if there are 20,000 people in the shop...your wait?  5 minutes.

So there were 4 people waiting to get a service done.  This man walks in and asks how long it will take to have someone get to his pedicure...the answer??? You guessed it....5 minutes.

So he sits down....15 minutes later a lady walks in...."How quickly can I see someone abt a manicure..."  Nail Lady says???? Yep 5 minutes.  People sit down and take it.  It's as though, saying 5 minutes, releases a magic elixir that wipes your memory clean.

Oh and if you say that 5 minutes is too long....they will seat you at a pedi chair and put your feet to soak in water.   You are less likely to leave once your feet are already wet and the massage chair has started its run.

Sigh....gotta love the nail adventures.

Broke Down....

I don't even know the back story of this sketch...frankly, I could care less what its abt...all you should know is that I'm the donkey and the finish line is friday.

This week has been so painfully long. I don't even know what made it seem longer than usual. I do however know that I'm tired. I want to walk away from economy news and just unwind. I need to sleep (past my normal wake up time of 4:55am) and I need to just sit still and get my mind together.

Have I done laundry recently? No clue.

Did I eat today? Probably not

I don't know the last time I opened my makeup bag. Hell, when was the last time I opened my gym bag? Accessories bag??? Where is that? I have been wearing the same jewelry since DC.....

Ok that's it!!! I will not go down in flames. This week will not get the better of me....I'm launching operation 'Correct the Situation.' I'm squeezing a pedi and a mani in today (what color are my toes right now????). I have a brow appointment. I will just comb my hair. It's a recession after all...I can't go all out with the pressing and such.

Tonight...I will get cute....I will open the makeup bag....put on some different earrings....and Sweets and I will voyage to Miami to watch J. Legend and Estelle. We will be in gloriously good company with Ana and Drew...

Operation starts.....NOW!

Just stop...pls

Recession talk is just aggravating at this point.  I'm in the news industry by day and I work retail by night.  I'm recessioned out.  Seriously.  I won't even get into the debacle at job 2.  I'll let Sweets fill you in on that one.

***Sidenote***

I may or may not have mentioned to you that we work together.  Let me take a step back.  We work together.  Actually, we met at work and instantly hated each other.  He has A$$holish tendencies and I come off a "smidge" (I'll ask anyone who really knows me to kindly stop smirking) stuck up.  We actually both just like who we like and don't really invest much time in anyone else.

Sigh

Anywho...eventually....he became the work darling of all of my co-workers.  That just put him deeper on my disdain list.   Then we had a conversation and I realized that I might not have him  pegged properly.

Dani: "Are you in school?"

Sweets: "I was...I went to FullSail"

Dani: "Oh....so you're into music?  The production side or the artist side?"

Sweets: "Both actually and I write"

Dani: "Oh ok....so you're into hip-hop then?"

Sweets: "I like it, but I sing....and write R&B"

Dani: "Oh...."

According to sweets...he was just shocked that I descended from my 'high horse' to actually talk to him.  According to me...I was shocked that we had conversation and he turned down his 'cool' long enough to engage me.

Shortly thereafter he asked me to lunch....(he and I both assumed that I would say "no").  I was actually hungry so lunch sounded like a good idea.  We went out, had a great time and have been chugging along ever since.

We still work together, although that depends on how long  job 2 remains open.  

------------

Back to the regularly scheduled program.

-----------

The recession talk is so frustrating.  The news is filled with layoffs, budget cuts, legislation, etc.  It's enough to cause a panic attack.  Today one of my writers submitted an article about the skyrocketing calls to a mental health crisis line from people who want to commit suicide.

Not having money isn't new to me I suppose.  I'm not that far removed from undergrad, so the Ramen mentality is something I'm familiar with.  I know I expressed earlier that I was frustrated with the timing of the recession.  I really want to try to make some big moves this year.  I'm going to keep praying and believe that those things are attainable.

As well, I'm just putting the news on mute.   It's too much to be slammed with all of this every single day.

Foolishness...

So Sweets has joined the blogger world.  I'm too tired to really touch on the ridiculousness that happened at job 2.  So lets take care of two things at once.  Enjoy :)

Ranting

Brew bore the brunt of this rant...I'm sorry.

I'm now all caught up on the inauguration tv coverage that I missed while I was in DC.  Something has been rubbing me the wrong way about the first inaugural ball--namely Beyonce's participation.

  

When the Heart of the City Tour came to Miami, Jay-Z had an entire segment in the show dedicated to Obama and change.  That was March of 2008.  Well before that, and actually after that point, it was often brought up how Black America was always the last group to support someone from the black community.  It was as though the majority had to be supportive, in order for us to feel as though we could also back a black candidate.  It was also pointed out that the hip-hop(and the rest of the black music--exception Will.I.Am) community had been rather silent about the election and candidates etc.

Jay & Diddy started to get more vocal about Obama in 2007 and kicked it into high-gear in 2008.  50 backed Hillary ***sigh***(not sighing about his choice, but for his 'I do controversy' stance on everything).  (Note--50 Later switched back to Obama).  By the time the primaries came around Feb of 2008 it was clear that Obama had done the impossible, but it wasn't until Hillary conceded in June of 2008 that it made everything official.

Here's my issue.  Beyonce went from singing at Bush's inauguration in 2001, to "I don't discuss politics" in 2006, to being totally mum about her candidate pick in 2007, to sporting a random Obama shirt here and there in 2008, to making the statement that she flew back from Japan the night before the election to watch the event with her family, while donning a red, white, and blue outfit.  Once Obama won, she then stated she'd love to participate in the inauguration, which went from a possibility, to the inaugural concert, to VIP seating on inauguration day, to singing the first song dedicated to the couple at the first ball, which was broadcast on ABC.

For real???

I'm just curious....there have been die-hard supporters from Day 1 like Kerry Washington and Matt Damon that despite any flack they might receive career-wise supported Obama.  I understand the politics that surrounds Hollywood and the music industry, but aren't some things worth standing up for and not toe-ing the line about?  You mean to tell me there wasn't another R&B singer that supported Obama from day 1 that could have shouldered that honor?  Hmm...but I guess there isn't another Beyonce.  She did a wonderful performance (I'll keep my anger about the choice to remake 'At Last' to myself---somethings shouldn't be touched).  She is a superstar--I will concede there...But I'm just....just curious.....No one else came to mind?

You see...my biggest issue about Beyonce isn't a hating thing.  It's a "i don't like to feel like I'm getting played" thing.

She and Jay-Z dated for forever.   She denied it, he denied it--we all knew the truth.  They got married in April of 2008---she denied it.  Gave a standard "I don't talk about my personal life" answer.  She had an album to promote and all of a sudden information about the wedding and her happiness were dropped off like bread crumbs.  She and Papa Knowles are the best in the business at controlling her image and her status.  She is everywhere and then nowhere when it's convenient to her.

She is the only person that I know that can have a lackluster sophomore album and still make it fly off the shelves.  Am I the only one to realize that she's only had three solo albums?  Seems like way more.  Do you remember pre-Beyonce world?  Good Luck.  She is at every single awards show.  Music & movies---I have yet to see a good acting performance(maybe Obsessed?)  Anywho.  I don't like being played.  I feel like she is in the right place and the right time for everything.  Her career is a balancing act in which she toes the line through everything to be a part of everything. 

I'm done.

TV Round Up

Because I work in news, I try to lose myself in as many light tv shows as possible.  It's the only way to calm my mind down.

-----------------

Daddy's Girls--oozing corny....oozing! 

Loved Run's House....why didn't the spin off capture the same goodness?

The City--this show is still a bitter pill to swallow...although, did anyone else laugh when Olivia shut down Whitney's attempt to gossip?  (Life Lesson!)

Loved the Hills....why didn't the spin off capture the same goodness?

Jon & Kate Plus 8--the new house is monstrous.  How do you keep track of so many little people in such a large house and with more than an acre of land?

Things I just got caught up on....

The Game--still going strong...that last episode was crazy, BUT is it just me or did it seem like at least one of the writers went on vacation?  Tasha Mack's new haircut....not a fan.  The song that Melanie and Kelly were singing, while making fun of Tasha, was lame.  That entire scene could have been omitted. 

Grey's--Ok.....I have to be in the mood for Grey's...the show is emotionally draining!  There used to be a balance of emotionally trying moments with the funny moments.  Last week's episode did not have that balance(ok McSteamy's 'man-meat' being 'broken' was hilarious).  I was next to tears--partially because I felt Miranda's exhaustion (every episode she cries in, it's a wrap for me---excellent and underrated actress).  I was also tearing when Derrick went to get Christina for Meredith.  There are points in your life when only your best friend will do.  I can appreciate a man that realizes that sometimes the best thing he can do for you is to give you some time to unload with a bestie.

Also.....While I love Denny......I've had to sit through this muddled plot line the entire season just to hear the obvious....that Izzy is 'sick'?  Hell yea she's sick.  She's been having sex, talking to, yelling at an imaginary character.  For an entire season.  Thankfully this inexplicable train wreck of a plot line seems to be coming to an end.  Hearing Denny's voice narrating the episode was an indicator of the end.

Also....I can appreciate how George is slowly being worked out of the show.  You can go an entire episode and not even realize he was in the show.  Nice way to ease someone out of the show Shonda!

Good Morning All :)

The thing is.....

For job 1, I telecommute.  Most of the time I work from my bed.  I am able to balance nap time with work time and usually my 5am-1pm shift goes smoothly.  I have office calls routed to my cell and I have a home version of my office phone so I can make and receive calls.  Email is the primary method of communication and we also utilize a jabber system that is similar to AIM. 

I manage my employees and contractors in my jammies, from the hair salon, from the gym, in the car, etc.   It works well for me.

My boss likes to have face-to-face convos so he can get a better read of my nonchalance about the company's business plans etc.  I say video ichat.  He says, "come to the office twice a week."

Sigh....the office

Ok, so there is no dress code, but there also is no coffee machine or microwave.  I have my own office and tv, but closing the door would be rude.  There is also a large window that opens up to the receptionist area so I have to at least pretend to be alert.

The thing that I have a hard time getting my boss to understand is that I do less of my core job function when I'm at the office.  He engages me in these diatribes about office furniture, computer coding, business plans, employee relations, company growth etc.   While he's talking I am NOT editing and certainly NOT managing.  Which is my actual job function.

It's like a bad sitcom where the characters are getting further from the goal the harder they try.

All I want to do, is do my job and go home.

That is all.

Is it Friday yet?

At the beginning of every week, I try to find one gem or a bit of silver lining that will make the week seemingly fly by.

***Yes, its Monday and I'm thinking about Friday***

Don't judge me

This week's gem?

Sweets and I have a date with John & Estelle on Friday :)  

Just got to get through this Monday and I'll be on my way! Hmmm....maybe that's why it seems like last year flew by.  Every Monday I'm wishing for Friday....

Time to go....

Here is the reality: I need to move.

That's all.

Too Soon????

"A woman in lust wants chocolate. A woman in love wants diamonds."

---How to lose a guy in 10 days

Sweets conceded to watch the movie...the line picked me.

Ironically, I was going to do this post anyway...the quote is just a perfect way to jump into this topic.

Do certain things in life take a specific amount of time??

Lets get specific.....

Does a certain amount of time have to pass for you to be sure about:

1. Wanting to share a place with your significant other?

2. Wanting to spend the rest of your life with that person?

3. Wanting a family with that person?

...Taking a line from the movie....How quickly can you move from wanting chocolate to wanting diamonds?

In my reality, nothing in the relationship feels rushed.  Everything seems totally natural...but there are unspoken timeframes that seem to be pervasive when you talk to anyone about love and relationships.

For instance: 

Love at first sight?  Seems rather sketchy....you'd have to know the person first to really love them...right??

Dating for 5 years (when you are over the age of 30 for some....over the age of 25 for others)?

When are you going to take the plunge?

Engagement that lasts less than a year? Hmmm what's the rush?

Engagement over 3 years? What's taking so long?

I've been googling relationship timeframes and according to Dr. John Van Epps (wrote a book called How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk: The Foolproof Way to Follow Your Heart Without Losing Your Mind), there is a 3-month rule(scroll to the Jerk section) when getting to know someone that is supposed to be foolproof. Hmmm...Is there anything in a relationship that is foolproof?

I stumbled on this video....it's worth the watch.  The site has a ton of relationship gems.
 

Ok...ok....I know what your brain is saying...."Don't listen to anyone just follow your own path..."  

Yea that's cute.  But its not realistic.  If I have a medical question/concern I stalk the internet until I self-diagnose.  If there is a song that I need the name/artist for, then I stalk the internet until I figure it out.  If I'm already asking myself the relationship 'hard questions,' then I'm all over the internet trying to figure it out.

I'm sure there will be more posts about this......

Color Spectrum

Job 2 just changed the dress code for the sales associates from all black to dark denim jeans, white tops and navy cardigans, blazers, etc.  The other versions of the dress code for women include navy dresses, dark denim/navy skirts, etc.  The dress code change is a breath of fresh air.  Now of course, those with their own levels of 'fresh' or 'pre-fresh' add scarves and their own sass to the dress code which makes for an interesting work environment.  

------------

Let me pause.....'pre-fresh' has been in my vocab since Jay-Z's performance at Glastonbury.  If you missed this interview.  Give yourself 2 minutes and watch the beginning as Jay walks into the room and makes the 'pre-fresh' statement.  I've been tickled about this for months.

Back to the regularly scheduled rant.......

Anywho, here is the problem.  There seems to be a loose interpretation of navy.  I've seen  (sigh) words can't even describe.....wait let me get a pic for you.......

↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑This is what I'm dealing with....

it's like everyone uses the crayon attache' case version of blue(s)........

Sigh...

I'm done.

Promise is a Promise

I mentioned something in the teaser post about an Obama mohawk.  Ok so...I couldn't get a picture of this chick's hair because she was moving too quickly.  However, here we go.....

A black woman gets on the train and starts to compare the layout to the trains in New York and Chicago.  She had on a full punk, 80's, Dirty Diana (my fav. Michael Jackson song) outfit.  However, I could not properly ascertain her outfit because her hair was so serious.

She had a mohawk....which in itself was pretty serious....but on one side of the mohawk was Obama's name....etched in to her brush cut fade.  The other side of the mohawk.......HIS FACE!!!!!!

Sweets asked the correct two questions because I could only sit there mouth agape....

#1 Who in the hell is that talented????

#2 How much does a cut like that cost?????

Writing on the Wall.....

Recession....Recession...Recession.....

The last few days of December forced me to take a long hard look at where I am in my life. I promised myself that I would not ring in another ye

ar here in Palm Beach, doing the same mediocrity routine that I've been doing for the last three years.

Sweets and I have a goal sheet...[Hmm...one of his goals might need to be FINDING his goal sheet :) ]

We are actively trying to move forward professionally and personally. Imagine my frustration (and the frustration of the rest of the 20 somethings that have the same goals for 2009) when the news actively touts how bad the job situation is globally, how tightly we should be holding on to money, how much the economy is going to t

ank over the next few months etc. Effectively, we are being spoon-fed complacency by the media and analysts.

-Don't make any sudden moves.

-Don't take on any major expenses.

-Hold on to your jobs.

-Don't take any major vacations (lest your compan

y realize that they can do without you)

-------------------------------

Dear Recession,

I'm trying to make moves and see some growth in my life and job. Get the hell out of my life Recession!!!!!!!

Dani

-------------------------------

Weekly, I have a conversation with the CEO of job 1 about how our clients are dropping like flies because they can't pay their bills. So far we haven't had to make any pay cuts, but I feel it coming.

So I've been holding on to job 2 (retail) for peace of mind...Except......
Sigh.....soooo what you're telling me is hours will be cut from my back up job.  Hours may be cut from my main job?  What in the hell is going on?????????????

Ugh!!!!!!!!!

I need a Vacation......

I came back from DC with a cold (I'm sure madam McKenzie links it to the lack of a real jacket, I disagree).....

However, being cute when it's less than 30 degrees outside can become problematic(if you know that you'll be outside for a better portion of the day)......

For instance...we decided to visit the parade route and get some up close shots before the 2 million people descended on the area. We started out like this.....

                            

Then the wind  picked up......and the chill started and......we ended up like this.......

****sigh****

Anywho, so I'm on day 3 of a head cold.  It's getting way better, but I got back to job 2 and noticed Armageddon.

The shelves should be empty....

                The boxes should not be there(next to the ladder)  

Effectively, the entire spring line of merchandise came in during the 4-day period that we were out of town.  Everything that needed to be shipped out from the winter/fall line needed to be mailed out the day I got back.  Oh and here is the kicker.  Two weeks before we left for DC I was doing my best to rack up as many extra hours as possible.  I kept getting called off because the store was so slow that the associates were taking care of my stock duties to pass the time.  I leave for vacation and there are 4 days of nothing going on in the store and I come back and no one has touched ANYTHING.....I need to go back on vacation.....

Bring Me Something.....

So... souvenirs have never been my strong point.  Maybe because I always got the crap one from every trip.....Case in point my ex went to Spain...and I got a snow globe....(sigh)....anywho....so souvenirs have never really been my thing.

This DC trip yielded several 'bring me something' statements as we were getting ready leave.  Now, I knew the type of tom foolery that was going to engulf the city when it came to Obama paraphernalia.  DC never lets me down.  

And sure enough.....every single corner had Obama blankets, coins, plates, dime bags, silverware, plasticware, wrapping paper, crack viles, toilet covers, toothbrushes, mugs, flat irons, weave packs, cups, license plate holders, sippy cups, DNA tests, pregnancy tests, tshirts, jackets, buttons, blacks, cigarettes, pot holders, bedazzled skullies, wraps, scarves, socks, scrunchis, gum, candy, condoms, framed pictures, precious moments Obama Bibles....it was ridiculous.

What souvenir can you get in D.C. that you can't order anywhere else??????  What souvenir besides a seat at the swearing-in ceremony gives you that 'I was there' sentiment??????

Am I the only one that found the request insane?

Memories......

Thanks for putting up with my overly gleeful countdown to the DC trip and then my lack of posts when it really counted.  The trip was amazing....and while the inauguration was at the forefront of the experience....the real 'amazing-ness' happened while I was playing catch up with friends I haven't seen in ages and with some needed one-on-one time with sweets.

Here are some frat pics....oh let me explain...I'm in a frat....the frat is co-ed.

First and foremost we so couldn't have made the trip without Madam McKenzie's generosity to put us up...so THANKS!!!!! 

Ok so, we did almost everything on the 'to-do' list.  Some of the unplanned items involved walking the entire city....but we had things to discuss so the walk came in handy.  The sentiment in the city was memorable.  People were on some kind of surreal 'glee tip.'  There was an unnatural amount of friendliness (If you've been to DC, you'll know that friendliness isn't really the pervasive noun).

All in all it was a bit of fresh air to get away and to remember everything that I love and miss about city life....Oh yea....One other thing....

I love this man....Just wanted to put it out there....Traveling together will either yield homicide or you'll 'fall in love all over again.'

It was the latter :)

Teaser....

Ok so yes I abandoned you, but I had a good reason.  Actually, I had a great reason.  There are some things that you do, that brighten your day.  There are some things that you do, that will brighten your week.  Then, there are some things that you do that will makes you smile for a lifetime.

That's what I've been up to.  I'll have details and pics soon.  

Teaser....Sweets and I are still trying to figure out how long it took and how much money it cost to have an Obama mohawk--complete with Obama's face on one side and his name on the other side---HER mohawk was fierce!

1 Day To Go

I'm tired.  Sorry for the late post, but today has been a whirlwind and I'm just now getting to the hair dresser.....I'll post tomorrow during a layover.

Also....in terms of things that don't make you excited to fly....the news about the U.S. air flight making an emergency landing in the Hudson.....so uncool.

2 Days....and Worried

The trip is 2 days away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ummmm yea sooooo this is all that I can say:

The Culprit...

This thing tried to kill me yesterday. I don't know if I put too much coffee in the machine or if I just drank more than normal, but this is the reason for my 1.5 posts. I had the worst caffeine high and subsequent crash known to man. My brain then shut off and yesterday was a 'wrap'!!!!

I see you coffee pot! and I've got something coming for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Morning :)

Hell to the No.....

I'm watching cash cab...this man just won money and so they ask him, "do you want to take the money or risk it all to win double?"

The man's response....  

"Hell to the no, we'll take the money"

***FACE***

Testicles precludes your ability to use the phrase "hell to the no."

I'm done.

3 Days?????!!???

I'm running out of time...so much to do....So I'm in bed....I just can't deal...Try me back tomorrow

p.s.  silver lining: sweets is keeping me company for the morning

God has a sense of humor....

(sigh)....So....(sigh)....ok...as I've been explaining to you over the last week or so I'm gearing up to traipse back to DC for some 'good times' this weekend.  I got an interesting phone call yesterday...

Brew: So have you seen what weather is doing this week?

Dani: Yes, I've been checking the forecast for the past month, it seems to be holding steady at 'cold'.

Brew: Oh, ok because here in Orlando the temp is going to be dropping toward to the end of the week.

Dani: Oh really?  Ok...I haven't checked in the last 2 days I'll take a look.

(sigh)

For the past month the temp in DC has been in the upper 30 range (sometimes even the lower 40s).....(sigh)

Please note what is happening to the temperature on Friday to herald my arrival.

The week is actually rather pleasant until.......

right about.....

<-----------here

SERIOUSLY?????

To give you something further to smile about...take a glance at the temperature here in Palm Beach.....

Hot

Hot

      Pleasant

   

So for real???? ------->

(In a Soliloquy facing heaven...)

"A 40 deg. difference? Was that really necessary?  Didn't I mention I'm under packing constraints?  Oh you're funny....oooooh hysterical.....That's fine....it's totally cool.  I'm just going to be thankful that I have a trip to take and clothes to pack.  Focus on the blessings...not the hypothermia."

(sigh)

4 Days And Counting....

We are here....

Trying to get here....

Idk why the cars are featured in both shots, but I find it amusing nonetheless.  These images might be less clear than some of the others.  The top pic is the Worth Ave. strip in Palm Beach. The bottom image is M street in Georgetown. Good Morning!

Language of Love

Thanks Ana!!!!!!

Ok so Adei posted this nugget of fabulousness forever ago and sweets and I finally got a chance to review it and discuss.  Funny thing...in discussing which love type applied to us...I inadvertently stumbled on what led to the undoing of my last relationship.

Her post started here: 

"Toni had this book that captured my attention with its cover. I don't know about you, but I judge books by them. The title was simple: The Five Love Languages."

1. Words of Affirmation.

Encouraging, kind, humble words. Love requests, love doesn't demand.

2. Quality Time
Undivided attention, genuine conversation of not just speaking, but hearing as well; togetherness

3. Receiving Gifts
Gifts and money or gift of self (physical presence)

4. Acts of Service
Doing things wouldn't neccesarily do as an act of love.

5. Physical Touch
Implicit or explicit

---------

Ok so sweets and I decided to tackle which of the 5 really spoke to us and the conclusion was #2.

Quality Time

Undivided attention, genuine conversation of not just speaking, but hearing as well; togetherness

-------

#5 was a close contender, but we realized that if #2 was done well then the Physical Touch happens naturally.

In one of our early conversations we discussed the fact that we are emotion-driven people.  He expresses himself in and through his music and I do the same with writing.  We feel first and need to have those feelings nurtured with genuine one-on-one time.  There can't be substitutes and it can't be half-hearted.  Since day 1 we've actively worked quality time into our day.  While we slip from time-to-time, for the most part things have been going really well.

Here's the doozy.....

I didn't know that I needed undivided attention and quality time until I didn't have it.  Point blank.  Looking at the list and thinking about how my last relationship ended, I can't help but to cringe.  It was sooo obvious and I couldn't verbalize what I needed to put the pieces back in place.  My ex and I were so 'comfortable' that we lived almost separate lives.  He was so focused on several side projects and the things that he enjoyed doing that I was rarely a part of any of those things.  Likewise on my end.  He had his friends that he interacted with and I had my own. So much so, that there was nothing left for us to do together.  Our conversations dwindled to 5-minute chats daily.  We'd maybe see each other for dinner, but for the most part the major portions of our lives happened outside of each other.

We did things together...but they were group things.  When it was just us, the distance between us became more and more obvious.

By the time I realized what was happening I couldn't figure out how to get back to the way things were and fix it.  I had gotten used to not talking to him.  I had gotten used to not being involved in aspects of his life.  It was so odd.  I did not love him any less.  We had so many happy moments.  Our families were close.  We had tons of mutual friends.  We talked about what was bothering me.  There was so much right....seemingly so.  But I could not shake the fact that I had absolutely gotten used to not having that quality time.  And leaned on my relationship with my friends to fill that void.  Once I got used to it...I couldn't undo it.  

So, I walked away.

Try telling someone that you still love them, things are good between you, they are an amazing man, but you aren't really being fulfilled.  Try breaking your own heart and being haunted by the years and time you invested in something that ultimately didn't work.  Try figuring out EXACTLY what was wrong as soon as you leave the relationship.

The healing process SUCKS. Losing friends and relationships with surrogate family members SUCKS!  But I promised myself that I would not knowingly walk in to a marriage that was based on convenience instead of happiness.

I've since found happiness.  But it was not a light-switch moment (like it is in the movies).  I still have residual sadness.  But I'm healing and I'm genuinely happy.  I don't have to quantify that that statement.  And that is a first.

So....I was blessed with another chance to give this relationship thing a go....I'm a #2....It's out there.  I know it....he knows it...we know it....and this time around I work damn hard(and we work even harder), EVERY day to make sure that what I/we need is being fulfilled. 

What is your number?  What do you need?  

5 Days And Counting....

We're here.....

Trying to get here....

Today is another work-filled day....so I'm not sure how much progress will be made.  However,  we will keep "pressin' on."

Love... In Proximity

At job 2 there is a 40-something-yr old couple that comes in @ least once a week to buy shoes, accessories, etc.  They are adorable.  Not a puppy love adorable.  But a/an 'in love', 'love', 'adore', 'mutual respect', 'married', 'compatible/complimentary on every level' and 'grown' sort of adorable.

Now my other half and I work together (because we have totally different jobs it keeps us from killing each other) and once we interacted with the older couple it was officially a 'wrap'.  They won't shop in the store unless sweets is there to help them.  Whenever they come in, we end up just sitting around talking and laughing.  It's great.

But something else happens....

Their closeness is infectious.  When they leave I'm instantly energized and I can see the same energy in sweets.  It's as though the bond we see in them is the same bond that we see forming in ourselves.  

Their love reminds us of our own.

I guess you never really know the impression that you can make on someone else.  I just hope that we can inspire a couple the way that they have inspired us.

6 Days And Counting......

I'm here.....

Trying to get here....

I've done my list......

Now he & I are working on his....

LOL I'm sure I'm driving him crazy.....but he's taking it like a champ.  Have a good weekend!

***NOTE*** While I am sporadically anal retentive, the packing for this trip has to be organized because we are shipping our luggage back.  So we need to keep the bags as light as possible and have as few bags as possible. :)

Countdown Begins

I'm 7 days away from.... 

And this is what I'm dealing with.....

Pray for me, insanity is right around the corner.

Mic Check

There are people that you know.  

There are people that you know of.  

But, there are also people that you know in certain settings.  

Ok, so I was born into my church.  Literally, mom was preggers when she started going to the church, so for 25+1 yrs I've been a member.  Even when I went away to school, during the holidays when I flew home, I was at that church.

I've seen the old building go, the interim building arrangements, the new building being built.  I've watched one minister leave, an interim minister keep everyone afloat, and helped to hire the current minister.  I know the church pretty well.

There are people that I've known my ENTIRE life thanks to Grace (the church).  Adei (for some of you, but she's Ana to me) is one of those people.  She can attest to the fact that while there was a youth group of sorts and we all grew up together, most of those relationships started at 10am on Sunday and ended at 11:30am the same day.

So one of our peers is getting married.  Not so much the...I met the love of my life, we have a blossoming life together, our careers are growing, we are looking for our first house together, lets embrace life as it comes...sort of love story.

More so, a real world...we have a daughter together, we get along, we are and will be struggling, not sure what the future holds-across the board, type of union.

Not judging...just stating.

I did not plan on going to the wedding.  Not that I have anything against the couple.  It just wasn't on my radar.  So I got a call yesterday and the bride-to-be is on the other line.  

B2B: Hey Girl

Dani: Heeeyy (thought process: how did you get this number???)

B2B: I was wondering if you'd be the emcee for our reception

Dani: (silence)

B2B: Yea I thought you'd be a good fit

Dani: (stammering) Y-y-your reception?  When is the wedding?  is it still set for Valentine's Day?

B2B: No girl, we had to push it back, its April 18.

Dani: Oh...umm...I don't think it's a problem right now, but I'm in the car at the moment so can I call you back when I have a chance to check my work schedule?

B2B: Work Schedule? Work or not now you know you'd have to be there anywhere.

Dani: (dry giggle) yea girl...I know

B2B: ok just call me back

Dani: Ok....

1. Are you trying to not pay an emcee and decided to put someone that you "know" to work?

2. What happened to a save the date card, rsvp, or even the introductory question of "are you planning to come to my wedding?"

3. How in the world did you get my number?

My gut tells me that this will be a 6 flower girl, 3 jr. bride, 8 bridesmaid, 4maid of honor type wedding.  Where at least one of the groomsmen will be wearing sun glasses and the tags will still be on the groomsmen's ties.  I'm poised for a smoke machine, red kool-aid fountain, clear plastic heels for the bridesmaid shoes.  Hair styles ranging from waterfalls--to banana peels-- to french rolls with the pearl pins up the back and drop curls everywhere.

Someone's auntie will have one white panty hose with the family crest embroidered and bedazzled up the back of the calf etc.  There will be at least one solo, where the soloist either forgets the words or is too 'moved' to complete the song or hit the right notes.

That's not the type of church I attend...but its my gut feeling about how I think this wedding will play out.

If that is how you get down then there is NOTHING wrong with that, its just not me.

So...would I attend?  

Yes because I love weddings...good or bad....I like to take notes.

If I missed the wedding would I feel bad? 

No.

Ugh!  I don't want to commit/lock myself in to the event.  But these are church folks.  Meaning every Sunday, from now until the wedding and thereafter (until sweets and i relocate), I will see these people.  So is it worth it to burn that bridge?

Feedback?

Tired

I'm exhausted.  Truly....just....exhausted.  One week after my 1.5 week vacation and one week from my next 1.5 week vacation I have no steam left.  

My brain is filled with thoughts abt the upcoming DC trip, working out my budget, co-workers I don't care for, and work items that seem never-ending.  I can't shake the feeling of being in a rut of sorts.  When vacation no longer brings zest back to your life, what does that truly say about the life you are living?

Prayerfully, I'll just keep moving...left foot, right foot....focusing on the destination not the journey, but I need a change.  The monotony of the day-to-day, worrying about the same things, feeling the same way without a sign of change is wearing me thin.

Question...Pls Answer

Blame Last Nights Espisode of  'Daddy's Girls' For This One.....

Girl and Boy Date 

During Relationship Boy Gifts Girl With Jewelry

At Breakup, Girl Offers To Return Jewelry

Boy Refuses......

Girl Meets New Guy....

Loves The Old Jewelry, Not For What It Symbolizes But Because It's Pretty

Is Wrong To Still Wear The Jewelry From The Past Relationship?

NOTE: By Jewelry...I mean a necklace and a bracelet...Not A Ring

Confessions of an overplanner

Did I mention that I'll be back in DC next week?

Ok so I need a game plan....I know in the back of my mind the places that I want to visit, but I'm not sure what my actual game plan is day-by-day and its killing me.

More importantly...there is a bit of a problem. See we are leaving Tuesday ( I know hectic day to leave) but the flight cost was too fantastic to pass up. So the ideal step will be to mail the luggage back home so that we can freely roam the city on our final day without our stuff.

1. Can't do early check-in.
2. No lockers in the vicinity of DCA

So I'm checking out luggage shipping companies and trying to figure out the logistics vs. cost. Pray for me.

Outside of that I'm so excited about being in the city and traipsing around. I just hope that I get to give the other half a good overview of all of the things that I love and miss about 'Chocolate City.'

If you have any suggestions about Tuesday I'm open.

Do You 'Poo' In Public?

So i know this is dangerously close to lunch time.  I'm sorry.  Seriously it was not my intent to give you something gross to think about but.....ok.....

So every day that I traipse to the office I know that I need to get there either before 8:45am or a hr after. There is someone on this floor ( i think its our secretary) that 'blows up' the ladies' room @ 9am. Without fail.

Now the bathroom doesn't have an AC vent or a window it just has a piss poor air freshener that releases puffs of faux flowers on 10 minute increments.

(Sigh)

I don't get it! I don't poo in public if it can be helped...If Dani is blowing something up that means that there was a "is that sweat on the back of my kneecap" moment. I wait until I do home or go before I leave home...but public bathrooms are for #1's (in my opinion!)

Now....most men that I talk to go at will...whenever and wherever...so maybe its a gender thing?

I've got no clue...

Things that I hate....

#1 Do not come in to the bathroom and drop a quick brick and leave before I can run out...it's rude! I may suffocate! Most importantly....I don't want to look like the culprit!

#2 Reread #1

Yes...fine...its natural....but so is breast milk and so if nursing women have been relegated to "not so public areas." Then your poo should stay at home.

I'm done.

Blessed

My mother is a blessing....point blank....she is just shy of being able to turn water to wine. She has been a provider and a visionary for the family since I met her 25+1 yrs ago. We often times bump heads....I suppose its because we are so similar....but that's a different post

I was sitting in the midst of a family meeting last night and listening to the arguments with my brother and I just wished that he could see how different his life would be if she just stopped caring about him.

I can't really get on him though...My mom got married at 24 and had me at 25(and then had my sister& brother in 3 yr increments).

When I turned 25 the thought of being in a place to not only take care of a household, but to have a child, was overwhelming.

I started to think about how often my siblings and I had trips, got sick, needed school things, had recitals, practices, etc.....HOW IN THE HELL DID SHE MAKE IT ALL HAPPEN?

I started to think about me trying to make my PTO work just for me, the cost of my own co-pay, how much I love sleeping in on Saturday mornings, groceries and bills for just 1.... and everything started to fall into place.

I didn't want for anything....In fact, I often thought I had everything.

As I get older I start to grapple with and appreciate my blessings in my mom.

I hope that anyone reading this can take a sec. to appreciate the people (or person) that got you to the place that you are now.

I do look forward to having a family. I can only imagine that she had no clue how she was going to get through the stresses of taking care of our family and prayed her way through it....and I'm sure I'll be doing the same.

Afternoon Musing....

"...And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."

-When Harry Met Sally

How appropriate.

Happy New Year!